Document Document Title
US09483253B1 Methods for customization of default applications on a mobile communication device
A method of provisioning a dynamically customized default application installation to a user equipment (UE). The method comprises detecting that a Mobile Directory Number (MDN) is being assigned to a UE, and querying, in response to the detecting, at least one data store to identify demographic data and usage data associated with a subscriber account to which the MDN has been assigned. The method further comprises identifying areas of subscriber interest based on an analysis of the demographic data and usage data, ranking at least one application according to priority of inclusion in a customized interface pack, assembling the customized interface pack, wherein assembling the customized interface pack comprises including one or more applications in the customized interface pack based on priority of inclusion, and sending the customized interface pack to the UE, wherein the customized interface pack is installed on the UE.
US09483250B2 Systems management based on semantic models and low-level runtime state
Various embodiments manage deployable computing environments. In one embodiment, a semantic model of a computing environment is analyzed. The computing environment is deployed based on the analysis of the semantic model. The deployment of the computing environment includes executing one or more automation scripts. One or more changes in a state of the computing environment are identified, for each automation script executed during the deployment of the computing environment, based on executing the automation script. The semantic model is updated based on the one or more changes in state identified for each automation script.
US09483248B2 Automatic generation and execution of server update processes
A method of updating a plurality of servers may include receiving a plurality of patch requests, receiving a selection of a computing environment from a plurality of computing environments, and selecting patch requests from the plurality of patch requests that are associated with the selected computing environment. The method may also include accessing a configuration for the selected computing environment, and generating patch command scripts for each of the selected patch requests. The patch command scripts may be generated based on the configuration of the selected computing environment and a respective selected patch request. The method may additionally include executing each of the patch command scripts to update the plurality of servers.
US09483242B2 Wholesale replacement of specialized classes in a runtime environments
Wholesale replacement of specialized classes may involve the ability to replace the auto specialization of a generic class may not be used at all and instead, a completely different, hand-written, class when the class is specialized for particular type parameterizations, according to some embodiments. The replacement class may have the same interface as the generic or auto specialized version, but it may have a completely different representation and/or implementation. A runtime environment may load the alternate version of the class, based on information identifying the alternate version, whenever the particular specialization is instantiated. The runtime may not have to load the generic or auto specialized version of the class when using the alternate version of the class.
US09483239B2 User interface design framework
Disclosed herein are technologies for a WYSIWYG user interface (UI) design tool that enables runtime behaviors (e.g., content update and user interaction) with UI controls during design time of such controls. That is, using a UI design tool in accordance with the technology described herein, the human designer can see and experience the runtime behavior of the UI controls while designing those controls. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US09483230B1 Wearable device zone group control
Examples disclosed and described herein facilitate zone grouping and adjustment of zone representation dependent upon a zone's grouping status. An example method includes affecting, via a computing device, display and control of a user interface configured for a display of a wearable device, the user interface arranged to display at least a first item and a second item. The first item is displayed using a first graphical characteristic, and the second item is displayed using a second graphical characteristic. Each item corresponds to a zone and selectable to cause the corresponding zone to be added to a zone group. The example method includes triggering, via the computing device based on a selection, a joining of a second zone with a selected first zone group including a first zone represented by the first item.
US09483221B2 Information processing apparatus, control method, and storage medium for on-demand printing
An information processing apparatus generates, in a case where first component data and second component data for forming a product are received, one composite job based on the first component data and the second component data, a first component job based on the first component data, and a second component job based on the second component data.
US09483214B2 Information processing apparatus, cooperation system and computer readable medium
An information processing apparatus configured to control a cooperation operation that is to be executed by a first apparatus and a second apparatus, executes: reception processing of receiving the target data from the first apparatus; first determination processing of determining whether the information processing apparatus can communicating with the second apparatus; storing control processing of storing the received target data in a storage unit when it is determined in the first determination processing that the communication unit is in a non-communicable state with the second apparatus; second determination processing of determining whether the information processing apparatus cannot communicate with the second apparatus, after executing the storing control processing; and transmission processing of wirelessly transmitting the target data stored in the storage unit to the second apparatus through the communication unit when the information processing apparatus can communicate with the second apparatus.
US09483209B2 Interface system and method
An interface system has a first media access controller having a first MAC buffer for storing at least one first-type frame in a first frame format according to a first communication protocol. A time synchronization module is arranged to, upon detecting the start of the first-type frame, determine a first timestamp from a master clock signal and latch the first timestamp into a first timestamp register. A processor is arranged to: retrieve the first timestamp from the first timestamp register, and transfer a first-type frame between the first MAC buffer and a first local memory in a block-wise manner as a plurality of blocks. The processor is arranged to process the plurality of blocks of the first-type frame using the first timestamp as retrieved from the first timestamp register.
US09483207B1 Methods and systems for efficient caching using an intelligent storage adapter
Systems and methods for caching information are provided. A method includes receiving an input/output (I/O) request for writing data at a storage device, the I/O request including a logical unit number (LUN) identifier, a logical block address (LBA) associated with storage space at the storage device and a data payload; determining a hash value using the data payload; using the hash value to determine if the data payload already has been cached by an adapter; updating a reference count at a hash data structure indicating that the cached data payload is referenced by more than one I/O request, when the data payload has been cached by the adapter; and updating the hash data structure, when the data payload does not exist at a cache managed by the adapter.
US09483205B2 Writing to a storage platform including a plurality of storage clusters
An administrator provisions a virtual disk in a remote storage platform and defines policies for that virtual disk. A virtual machine writes to and reads from the storage platform using any storage protocol. Virtual disk data within a failed storage pool is migrated to different storage pools while still respecting the policies of each virtual disk. Snapshot and revert commands are given for a virtual disk at a particular point in time and overhead is minimal. A virtual disk is cloned utilizing snapshot information and no data need be copied. Any number of Zookeeper clusters are executing in a coordinated fashion within the storage platform, thus increasing overall throughput. A timestamp is generated that guarantees a monotonically increasing counter, even upon a crash of a virtual machine. Any virtual disk has a “hybrid cloud aware” policy in which one replica of the virtual disk is stored in a public cloud.
US09483203B2 Temporary mirroring, logical segregation, and redundant programming or addressing for solid state drive operation
The present disclosure includes methods and devices for operating a solid state drive. One method embodiment includes mirroring programming operations such that data associated with a programming operation is programmed to two or more locations in memory of the solid state drive. The method also includes ceasing to mirror programming operations upon an occurrence of a particular event.
US09483190B2 Average response time improvement from a file system for a tape library
A mechanism is provided for improving the average response time of a tape library. Prior to receiving a next access request for data from one of a set of tape mediums, a determination is made as to whether a number of tape drives that are unoccupied is less than a predetermined minimum open tape drive threshold (N). Responsive to the number of tape drives that are unoccupied being less than the predetermined minimum open tape drive threshold (N), a least recently used idle tape medium is unmounted and unloaded from an associated tape drive.
US09483183B2 Snapshotting of a performance storage system in a system for performance improvement of a capacity optimized storage system
A system for storing data comprises a performance storage system for storing one or more data items. A data item of the one or more data items comprises a data file or a data block. The system further comprises a segment storage system for storing a snapshot of a stored data item of the one or more data items in the performance storage system. The taking of the snapshot of the stored data item enables recall of the stored data item as stored at a time of the snapshot. At least one newly stored segment is stored as a reference to a previously stored segment.
US09483182B2 Management of memory pages
In a method for managing memory pages, responsive to determining that a server is experiencing memory pressure, one or more processors identifying a first memory page in a listing of memory pages in the server. The method further includes determining whether the first memory page corresponds to a logical partition (LPAR) of the server that is scheduled to undergo an operation to migrate data stored on memory pages of the LPAR to another server. The method further includes, responsive to determining that the first memory page does correspond to a LPAR of the server that is scheduled to undergo an operation to migrate data, determining whether to evict the first memory page based on a memory page state associated with the first memory page. The method further includes, responsive to determining to evict the first memory page, evicting data stored in the first memory page to a paging space.
US09483181B2 Data storage device and operating method thereof
An operating method of a data storage device includes receiving a read request from a host device, and selectively collecting position information of read-requested data.
US09483180B2 Memory-area property storage including data fetch width indicator
Embodiments relate to memory-area property storage including a data fetch width indicator. An aspect includes allocating a memory page in a main memory to an application that is executed by a processor of a computer. Another aspect includes determining the data fetch width indicator for the allocated memory page. Another aspect includes setting the data fetch width indicator in the at least one memory-area property storage in the allocated memory page. Another aspect includes, based on a cache miss in the cache memory corresponding to an address that is located in the allocated memory page: determining the data fetch width indicator in the memory-area property storage associated with the location of the address; and fetching an amount of data from the memory page based on the data fetch width indicator.
US09483178B2 Information processing apparatus, method for controlling information processing apparatus, and storage medium
The present invention enables a user to perform an operation of closing a software keyboard displayed on a display unit by an operation to a predetermined input item with use of a hardware keyboard. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus includes receiving an input to a predetermined input item via a software keyboard displayed on a display unit, receiving an input to the predetermined input item via a hardware keyboard connected to the information processing apparatus, inputting a character to the predetermined input item according to the key input received via the software keyboard or the hardware keyboard, and closing a display of the software keyboard displayed on the display unit if the input to the predetermined input item which is received via the hardware keyboard satisfies a predetermined condition during the display of the software keyboard.
US09483170B2 Method and apparatus of error correction in resistive touch panels
A method and apparatus of generating display data based on at least one input display value received from a touch screen device is disclosed. According to one example method of operation the method may include receiving an input display value in a predefined enclosed area of an input domain, and calculating a parametric representation of the received input display value based on the boundaries of the predefined enclosed area in the input domain. The predefined enclosed area may be a triangle. The operations may also include mapping the parametric representation of the input display value to a corresponding output display value in an output domain. The operations may also include displaying the at least one output display value via the display device.
US09483164B2 User-centric widgets and dashboards
User-centric widgets and dashboards are automatically modified to reflect a user's goals and needs.
US09483149B2 Conductive film, display device and touch panel comprising same, and conductive film pattern determination method
This conductive film has a difference of over 3 cycles/mm between a peak spatial frequency for a plurality of spectral peaks in a two dimensional Fourier spectrum for transmittance image data for a wiring pattern and a peak spatial frequency for spectral peaks up to the second term in a two dimensional Fourier spectrum for transmittance image data for a microprism array pattern for a prism sheet on the display unit side of a backlight unit, for a first moire obtained by interference between a wiring pattern for a conductive section and the microprism array pattern. As a result, this conductive film is capable of suppressing the occurrence of moire and can greatly improve visibility, even when arranged upon a display unit having a backlight unit using a prism sheet.
US09483144B1 Method and apparatus of position tracking and detection of user input information
A method and apparatus of detecting user initiated movement by an input element handled by a user is disclosed. The method may include performing a calibration procedure that is initiated by the user via a physical movement performed by the user. The method may also include positioning at least one sensor to dynamically adjust a size of an effective workspace range capable of detecting the user's movement of the input element.
US09483138B2 Natural media painting using a realistic brush and tablet stylus gestures
Systems and methods for providing a natural media painting application may receive user inputs through tablet stylus gestures. A user interface may detect stylus gestures that mimic real-world actions of artists based on information collected during user manipulation of the stylus, and may map the gestures to various digital painting and image editing tasks that may be invoked and/or controlled using the gesture-based inputs. The collected information may include spatial and/or directional information, acceleration data, an initial and/or ending position of the stylus, an initial and/or ending orientation of the stylus, and/or pressure data. The stylus gestures may include translations, rotations, twisting motions, mashing gestures, or jerking motions. The application may perform appropriate painting and image editing actions in response to detecting and recognizing the stylus gestures, and the actions taken may be dependent on the work mode and/or context of the graphics application in which stylus gesture was performed.
US09483134B2 Systems and methods for actively resisting touch-induced motion
A system for actively resisting touch-induced motion includes a touchscreen device and a processing circuit. The touchscreen device includes one or more sensors configured to generate motion data based on a motion of a touchscreen display of the touchscreen device, where the motion is induced by a touch on the display. The touchscreen device further includes one or more motion control devices configured to apply a force to the display. The processing circuit is configured to determine, based on the motion data, a force to counteract the motion. The processing circuit is further configured to cause the motion control devices to apply a force to the display to counteract the motion of the display.
US09483131B2 Liquid crystal display and method of driving the same
An LCD device and a method of driving the same are provided. The LCD device includes a panel, one or more gate driver IC, a timing controller, and a source driver IC. The gate driver IC sequentially drives a plurality of gate lines formed in the panel. The timing controller controls the gate driver IC. The source driver IC simultaneously transfers image data from a first latch to a second latch according to a latch signal, converts the image data transferred from the second latch into data voltages, and outputs the data voltages to the panel at a falling time of a source output enable signal.
US09483130B2 Touch device
A touch device comprises a touch module and a front frame element. The touch module includes a surface having a touch display zone. The front frame element is disposed at an outer edge of the touch module and includes a covering portion located on the surface of the touch module. The thickness of an outer edge of the covering portion adjacent to the touch display zone is between 0.1 mm and 1.6 mm, and the minimum distance from the outer edge of the covering portion to the touch display zone is between 2 mm and 8 mm.
US09483117B2 Apparatus, method and computer program for controlling a near-eye display
An apparatus, method and computer program where the apparatus comprises: at least one memory configured to store a computer program comprising computer program instructions; and at least one processor configured to execute the computer program instructions to cause the apparatus at least to perform: obtaining, from at least one detector, a detection of at least one bio-signal from at least one user where the user is using a user output device; determining from the at least one obtained bio-signal that movement of the user's head is about to occur; and in response to determining that movement of the user's head is about to occur, enabling the processor to control the output provided by the user output device to coordinate with the movement of the user's head.
US09483109B2 Methods and systems for displaying text using RSVP
The disclosure describes systems and methods related to moving object content that is enhanced with textual content presented using rapid serial visual presentation (“RSVP”). In one embodiment, video content is enhanced with RSPV content. Related embodiments provide systems and methods for displaying, creating, and editing such content. A particular embodiment provides for RSPV enhanced video previews. In another embodiment, augmented reality content is enhanced with RSVP content. In some embodiments, RSPV enhanced moving object content is provided on various end user electronic devices including smart phones, smart watches, and head mounted displays. These and other embodiments are disclosed further herein.
US09483107B2 Adaptive idle timeout for storage devices
In embodiments of adaptive idle timeout for storage devices, a computing device includes a storage device that stores data for read and write access on a rotating media. An operating system of the computing device maintains a device cycle number as an accounting of each time the storage device is powered on-off. The computing device implements a storage device driver that is implemented to obtain the device cycle number of the storage device from the operating system, and determine a projected cycle number over a duration of operational time of the storage device based on the device cycle number. The storage device driver can then determine whether the projected cycle number exceeds a maximum of power on-off cycles within a warranty period of the storage device, and control a frequency of the storage device being powered-off if the projected cycle number exceeds the maximum of power on-off cycles.
US09483103B2 Process state of a computing machine
A computing machine to power a memory to retain a process state of the computing machine if the computing machine is in a sleep state and transfer the process state from the memory to a non-volatile storage device, where the computing machine remains in the sleep state as the process state is transferred from the memory to the non-volatile storage device.
US09483100B2 Method and apparatus for power gating hardware components in a chip device
According to at least one example embodiment, a semiconductor device is configured to gate power supply to a hardware component through a transistor coupled to the hardware component. The transistor is operated by a controller in a manner to limit electric current dissipated to the hardware component during a transition period. The controller is configured to gradually turn on, or off, the hardware component during a transition period by controlling at least one input signal to the transistor. Gradual turning on, or off, of the hardware component reduces electric current leakage through the hardware component and diminishes any potential disturbance to a ground reference coupled to the hardware component.
US09483095B2 Apparatus and method for providing a modular power supply with multiple adjustable output voltages
An apparatus and method for supplying operating voltages to a plurality of electronic devices is disclosed. A plurality of power supply modules of a modular power supply may output voltages to at least two electronic devices. The apparatus may identify a failure of one of the power supply modules. The electronic device may be disconnected from the failed power supply module, and then reconnected to a functional power supply module of the modular power supply. A supplied voltage of the functional power supply module of the modular power supply may be varied, such as wherein the supplied voltage matches the set output voltage of the failed power supply module.
US09483090B1 Self-contained power and cooling domains
A method for providing for conditioning of a computer data center includes supplying a working fluid from a common fluid plane to a plurality of power/cooling units distributed across a data center facility in proximity to electronic equipment that is distributed across the data center facility; converting the working fluid into electric power and cooling capacity at each of the plurality of power/cooling units; and supplying the electric power to a common electric power plane serving a plurality of racks of the electronic equipment in the data center facility and being served by a plurality of the power/cooling units in the data center facility, wherein the common fluid plane serves at least 10 percent of the power/cooling units in the data center facility and the common electric power plane serves at most 5 percent of the electronic equipment in the data center facility.
US09483085B2 Portable electronic device including touch-sensitive display and method of controlling same
A method of controlling a portable electronic device includes displaying a portion of information on a touch-sensitive display; detecting a touch on the touch-sensitive display at a touch location associated with the information; detecting a tilt of the portable electronic device; and in response to detecting the tilt, scrolling the information.
US09483079B2 Frame structure for fixing panels with different sizes and panel device therewith
A frame structure includes a holding plate, a first supporting member, a first driving member, a second supporting member and a second driving member. The holding plate is for holding a first panel. The first supporting member is slidably disposed on the holding plate. The first driving member connects the holding plate and the first supporting member and drives the first supporting member to slide relative to the holding plate along a first direction, so as to clamp a first corner of the first panel. The second supporting member is slidably disposed on the holding plate and opposite to the first supporting member. The second driving member connects the holding plate and the second supporting member and drives the second supporting member to slide relative to the holding plate along a second direction, so as to clamp a second corner of the first panel.
US09483076B2 External electronic device and related computer system
An external electronic device for connecting to a portable electronic device is disclosed in the present invention. The external electronic device includes a base, a sliding component, a holder and a first hinge mechanism. The sliding component is slidably disposed on the base. The holder includes a body, an accommodating portion, an attractive component and a pushing portion. The body supports the portable electronic device. The accommodating portion whereinside the magnetic is movably disposed is formed on the body. The holder utilizes a magnetic force to attract a magnetic of the portable electronic device, so as to connect the portable electronic device with the holder. The pushing portion is disposed on an outer surface of the body for contacting an inclined guiding structure of the sliding component, so as to move the sliding component relative to the base. The first hinge mechanism is disposed between the base and the holder.
US09483075B2 Handheld mount and stand assembly for portable electronic devices
A handheld mount assembly for portable electronic device includes a pistol style grip and suction cup assembly. The mount assembly functions as a gripping device for handheld use, a hands free stand, and a recharging station. The mount can be secured anywhere on the back of the electronic device, making the angle adjustable for stand use, and also allowing the user to position the device differently to accommodate his/her own needs. The mount can be secured to any planar, smooth surface including plates or trays providing a more stable and maneuverable option for eating without a table or carrying large trays.
US09483074B2 Watch type mobile terminal and mobile terminal system having the same
Disclosed is a watch-type mobile terminal, and a watch-type mobile terminal system having the same. The watch-type mobile terminal includes: a terminal body configured to be mountable to a mounting device having a contact pin, and having a first case and a second case which form an inner space of the terminal body by being coupled to each other; a printed circuit board disposed at the inner space; and a coupling member configured to couple the first case and the second case to each other by passing through the printed circuit board, and electrically connected to the printed circuit board, wherein when the terminal body is mounted to the mounting device, the coupling member contacts the contact pin to thus electrically-connect the printed circuit board and the mounting device to each other.
US09483069B2 Circuit for generating bias current
A circuit for generating a bias current is provided, including: a loop unit, which includes a first current mirror structure constituted by a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor, and a second current mirror structure constituted by a first NMOS transistor and a second NMOS transistor, where the first and second NMOS transistors operate in a sub-threshold region; an output unit, adapted to output the bias current; and an amplifying unit, which includes a first input terminal and an output terminal, where the first input terminal is connected with a source of the first NMOS transistor or a source of the second NMOS transistor, and the output terminal is connected with gates of both the first and the second PMOS transistors. The bias current output from the circuit may be not sensitive to temperatures.
US09483068B2 Estimating and monitoring the effects of transistor aging
One embodiment of the present invention sets for a method for monitoring the aging of a circuit. The method includes operating an aging unit included in the circuit beginning at a first time. The method also includes in response to a trigger event, operating a non-aging unit also included in the circuit beginning at a second time wherein the second time is subsequent to the first time. The method further includes detecting a frequency difference between a first frequency generated by the aging unit and a second frequency generated by the non-aging unit. The method also includes generating a modified power supply voltage based on the frequency difference. The method also includes applying the modified power supply voltage to the non-aging unit.
US09483062B2 Climate control system
The invention relates to an improved climate control system in which a climate controlling equipment (1) has a control line (2) arranged to be connected to climate influenced impedance means (3). According to the invention, relay means (4) are arranged to disconnect the climate influenced impedance means from the control line under influence from an output (5) of a control unit (6) and to instead connect substituting means (7) providing an impedance controlled by a second output (8) of the control unit. The latter is connected to a processor (9) arranged to receive information from a plurality of climate influenced information means (10, 11, 12) and to process the same in a mathematical model for controlling the impedance of the substituting means via the control unit.
US09483058B2 Aircraft control method
A computer-implemented method of controlling an aircraft including, determining whether a change in altitude at a predetermined thrust-setting can be performed, the determination including: determining a climb-requirement including initial and final altitudes and a required range of airspeeds at the final altitude; determining aircraft performance data including a thrust at the final altitude at the thrust-setting, an initial airspeed at the initial altitude and an aircraft total mass at the initial altitude; using the aircraft performance data to determine a final airspeed and drag at the final altitude if a change in altitude at the predetermined setting were performed; determining whether thrust at the final altitude at the thrust-settings and airspeed is greater than drag; and providing a signal indicating whether the calculated final airspeed falls within the required range of airspeeds, and whether the thrust at the final altitude and airspeed at the cruise thrust-setting is greater than drag.
US09483057B2 Function-monitored guidance system for adjusting at least one system component and method for monitoring the function of such a guidance system
A function-monitored guidance system for adjusting at least one system component, the guidance system including a guiding mechanism having at least one adjustment component for guiding adjustment movements of the system component to be adjusted, of which at least one adjustment component includes a sensor device for detecting a load state of the adjustment component, and a monitoring device connected functionally to the adjustment component. The monitoring device provides detection time periods for detecting sensor signals of the at least sensor device, provides a threshold value, with which the number of overshoots thereof by the sensor signals within detection time periods is determined, and determines, from the number of overshoots in each case within the detection time periods, a value for the operating state. A method for monitoring the function of a guidance system for adjusting at least one system component is also disclosed.
US09483045B2 Numerical controller
In a numerical controller, alarm mask information is preset. The alarm mask information is compared with alarm factor information generated by any of control circuits, and depending on a comparison result, an alarm is masked so as not to be delivered to a central processing unit. Thus, depending on the type of the alarm factor information, delivery of an alarm to the central processing unit is omitted when processing need not be stopped.
US09483040B2 Program and device which automatically generate operation program
An automatically generating program and device are provided which can easily and accurately create an operation program with no need of providing an image data input device. The program, causes a work head to move relative to a work object and to carry out desired work, includes the steps of displaying a reference data input window which allows input of shape data of the work object or a work region (STEP 201), taking in image data of the work object or the work region (STEP 202), compensating for distortion in the taken-in image data (STEP 203), displaying a movement path input window which allows designation of a movement path with the compensated image data displayed as a background (STEP 204), and automatically generating the operation program based on the movement path that is designated on the movement path input window (STEP 205).
US09483036B2 Motor control apparatus having part for phase compensation
This disclosure discloses a motor control apparatus including a current conversion part, a voltage control part, a current detection part, and a phase compensation part. The current conversion part generates a voltage command on the basis of a current deviation between a current command and an estimated current. The voltage control part controls an output voltage to a motor. The current detection part detects a motor current. The phase compensation part inputs the detected motor current and the voltage command and outputs, as the estimated current, the motor current in which a delay in phase of the motor current relative to the current command has been compensated.
US09483033B2 Alternator controller and system and method for communicating with an alternator controller
According to various examples, alternator controllers, systems for communicating with an alternator controller and methods for communicating with an alternator regulator are described herein. As an example, the alternator controller includes an input terminal configured to be coupled to a coil of a stator of an alternator and an interface circuit coupled to the input terminal and configured to convert a multi-valued signal at the input terminal into parallel signals. According to another example, a system for communicating with an alternator controller is described herein. This example includes a device and an alternator controller. The device includes an encoder. The alternator controller includes a decoder and at least one phase terminal. The encoder and the decoder are coupled via the at least one phase terminal of the alternator controller.
US09483032B2 Multi-channel protection logic
A multi-channel controller uses multiple logic gates and multiple control channels to provide fault tolerant protection against undesired events.
US09483029B2 Timepiece and electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece includes a measured time display region, a reception state display region, and one indicating hand that indicates the measured time display region and the reception state display region. In addition, a scale indicating measured time measured by using a time measurement function is disposed in the measured time display region, and a scale indicating a reception state of a satellite signal is disposed in the reception state display region. The one indicating hand indicates the scale in the measured time display region when the time measurement function is executed, and indicates the scale in the reception state display region when the reception function is executed.
US09483025B2 Watch with multi-coloured components
Method for forming an assembly of elementary timepiece components, each available in different colored variants, wherein at least some of said different elementary components are the same color as each other, characterized in that a random selection of each said elementary component is made until said complete assembly is obtained, so that at least two elementary components are of different colors.
US09483022B1 Reverse clock face with moving dial
A clock face that creatively displays the current time includes an analog clock face having hour markers arranged in a counter-clockwise numerical sequence. An hour hand and a minute hand travel in a counter-clockwise direction around the dial, corresponding to the counter-clockwise hour markers. The dial moves in a clockwise direction to display an hour marker corresponding to the current month at the top of the clock face. The hour hand and the minute hand both move counter-clockwise corresponding to the hour markers while the dial moves in a clockwise direction, enabling the clock face to show the current time and current month at the same time.
US09483018B2 Cooling device and image forming apparatus including same
A recording-material cooling device includes a first belt, a first cooling unit, and a second cooling unit. The first belt is disposed at a first face side of a recording material. The first cooling unit has a first heat absorbing surface to contact the first belt to absorb heat of the recording material. The second cooling unit has a second heat absorbing surface to directly or indirectly contact the recording material to absorb heat of the recording material. The second cooling unit is disposed at a second face side of the recording material. The first and second cooling units are offset from each other in a transport direction of the recording material. Each of the first and second surfaces has a shape in which an inner area protrudes beyond opposed ends in the transport direction. The first and second surfaces overlap each other in a direction crossing the transport direction.
US09483014B2 Image forming apparatus having panel unit
An image forming apparatus which is provided with a casing, a panel unit provided with at least one of an operation unit acquiring an operation to control the image forming apparatus and a display unit, a discharge tray configured to receive a recording medium discharged from the casing. The casing has a first cover arranged above an image forming unit and constituted at least a part of an upper surface of the casing. The first cover includes a tray part which is at least a part of the discharge tray, a surrounding part configured to surround the tray part. The panel unit is arranged to be inserted in the surrounding part.
US09482996B1 Transfer roller, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A transfer roller includes a support, a foamed elastic layer disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the support, and a surface resin layer that covers the outer peripheral surface of the foamed elastic layer and contains polyimide or polyamide-imide. Bubbles contained in a central portion in the roller axial direction have a shape crushed in the thickness direction of the foamed elastic layer as compared with bubbles at both ends in the roller axial direction.
US09482989B1 Replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device having positioning features for electrical contacts
A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes an electrical contact positioned on a first side of a housing of the replaceable unit for contacting an electrical contact in the image forming device. A guide on the first side of the housing is positioned closer to a front of the housing than the electrical contact and leads rearward toward the electrical contact. The guide includes an inside surface that faces inward sideways toward a second side of the housing. At least a portion of the inside surface is angled inward sideways from front to rear permitting contact between the inside surface and an electrical connector in the image forming device to draw the electrical connector in the image forming device inward sideways relative to the replaceable unit during insertion of the replaceable unit into the image forming device.
US09482985B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming method, and recording medium storing an image forming program
An image forming apparatus includes multiple exposure units each including multiple light emitting elements, a reading unit that reads data to be used for exposure by each one of the exposure units, one at a time from the exposure unit by the time the exposure units starts exposure, a storing unit that stores the data read by the reading unit, and a transfer unit that transfers the data stored in the storing unit to the exposure unit by the time the exposure unit starts exposure.
US09482978B2 Liquid developer, developer cartridge, and image forming apparatus
A liquid developer includes a carrier liquid, and a toner particle which contains a resin having an unsaturated double bond, a compound represented by the formula (I) and a photopolymerization initiator and whose surface is treated by a polyamine, wherein m and n each independently represent an integer of 1 to 10,000; m+n represents an integer of 10 to 10,000; and R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent a single bond or a divalent aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.
US09482975B2 Toner, developer, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
Provided is a toner including a crystalline resin and a non-crystalline resin. In a reflected electron image of a cross-section of the toner stained by ruthenium tetroxide captured by a scanning electron microscope, the ratio of regions stained by ruthenium tetroxide is from 50 area % to 80 area %. In a reflected electron image of the surface of the toner stained by ruthenium tetroxide captured by a scanning electron microscope, the ratio of regions stained by ruthenium tetroxide is from 10 area % to 40 area %.
US09482971B2 White toner, and image forming method and image forming apparatus using the white toner
A white toner has a first temperature range not less than 25° C. in which 60° glossiness is 10 or less between a fixable minimum temperature and a fixable maximum temperature thereof. The white toner has a second temperature range not less than 25° C. in which 60° glossiness is from 30 to 60 therebetween.
US09482969B2 Imaging members having electrically and mechanically tuned imaging layers
An electrophotographic imaging member which has improved imaging layer(s) formulated to comprise a charge transport compound and a polymer blended binder to render photoelectrical stability, tune-ability, and surface contact friction reduction for providing service life extension. The polymer blended binder used in the imaging layer(s) is a binary polymer blend binder consisting of: (1) an A-B diblock copolymer and a bisphenol polycarbonate and a low surface energy polysiloxane/polycarbonate random copolymer and (2) an A-B diblock copolymer and a low surface energy graft polysiloxane/polycarbonate copolymer.
US09482964B2 Overlap mark set and method for selecting recipe of measuring overlap error
An overlap mark set is provided to have at least a first and a second overlap marks both of which are located at the same pattern layer. The first overlap mark includes at least two sets of X-directional linear patterns, having a preset offset a1 therebetween; and at least two sets of Y-directional linear patterns, having the preset offset a1 therebetween. The second overlap mark includes at least two sets of X-directional linear patterns, having a preset offset b1 therebetween; and at least two sets of Y-directional linear patterns, having the preset offset b1 therebetween. The preset offsets a1 and b1 are not equal.
US09482956B2 Processing liquid and processing method for lithographic printing plate precursor
Disclosed are a processing liquid and a processing method that can favorably perform plate inspection of an on-press development-type lithographic printing plate precursor and image quality control, by using a processing liquid of a lithographic printing plate precursor having an image recording layer formable of an image by removing an unexposed region with at least one of printing ink and dampening water, the processing liquid containing a basic coloring dye expressed by General Formula (I) below and an anionic surfactant having an aromatic ring: wherein each of R1 to R14 independently represents a hydrogen atom and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R10 and R14 may be bonded to each other to form a single bond, Ar1 represents a phenylene group or a naphthylene group, Ar2 represents an aryl group, and X− represents SO3− or COO−.
US09482955B2 Lithographic printing plate precursor and plate making method thereof
A lithographic printing plate precursor which is excellent in both the on-press development property and the printing durability and which is excellent particularly in the on-press development property after preservation for a long period of time, wherein the lithographic printing plate precursor includes an intermediate layer containing a polymer compound including a repeating unit (a1) having a support-adsorbing group and a repeating unit (a2) having a polyoxyalkylene group having a repeating number of oxyalkylene units from 8 to 120 between a support and a polymerizable image-recording layer, and contains a compound having a molecular weight of 1,500 or less and having an oxyalkylene group in at least any of the intermediate layer and the polymerizable image-recording layer.
US09482948B2 Photoresist compositions and methods of forming photolithographic patterns
Provided are photoresist compositions useful in forming photolithographic patterns by a negative tone development process. Also provided are methods of forming photolithographic patterns by a negative tone development process and substrates coated with the photoresist compositions. The compositions, methods and coated substrates find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US09482947B2 Pattern forming method, actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition, resist film, manufacturing method of electronic device and electronic device
A pattern forming method, includes: (i) a step of forming a film from an actinic ray-sensitive or radiation-sensitive resin composition containing (P) a resin having (a1) a repeating unit capable of decomposing by an action of an acid to produce a carboxyl group, represented by the following formula (I) as defined in the specification and (B) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray or radiation; (ii) a step of exposing the film; and (iii) a step of performing a development by using a developer containing an organic solvent to form a negative pattern.
US09482946B2 Photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive element using same, method for forming partition wall of image display device, and method for manufacturing image display device
The present invention provides a photosensitive resin composition which can form an excellently light-resistant partition wall of an image display device and has excellent patterning properties. One embodiment of the present invention is a photosensitive resin composition for forming a partition wall of an image display device, comprising: (A) a binder polymer; (B) a photopolymerizable compound; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) an inorganic black pigment; (E) a surfactant; and (F) a mercapto group-containing compound, wherein the (B) photopolymerizable compound contains a photopolymerizable compound having at least one unsaturated group and an isocyanuric ring structure in a molecule.
US09482945B2 Photoresist compositions and methods of forming photolithographic patterns
Provided are photoresist compositions useful in forming photolithographic patterns by a negative tone development process. Also provided are methods of forming photolithographic patterns by a negative tone development process and substrates coated with the photoresist compositions. The photoresist compositions include one or more polymer additive that contains a basic moiety and which is substantially non-miscible with a resin component of the resist. The compositions, methods and coated substrates find particular applicability in the manufacture of semiconductor devices.
US09482944B2 Copolymers, polymeric particles comprising said copolymers and copolymeric binders for radiation-sensitive coating compositions for negative-working radiation-sensitive lithographic printing plates
There is provided a copolymer and polymeric particle comprising the copolymer, a method of producing a polymeric particle, a copolymeric binder, a method of producing a copolymeric binder, a near infrared radiation-sensitive coating composition, a negative working lithographic offset printing plate, a method of producing a negative working lithographic offset printing plate and methods of imaging the plate and printing with the imaged plate.
US09482940B2 Blankmask and photomask
Provided is a photomask having a high-resolution pattern of a half-pitch of 32 nm or less (particularly, a half-pitch of 22 nm or less), which is manufactured by forming a blankmask in which a light-proof film and a hard film having a small thickness and high etch selectivity with respect to the light-proof film are formed on a transparent substrate. The photomask may have a high quality by adjusting a composition ratio of a metal, silicon (Si), and light elements that constitute the light-proof film to suppress damage to the pattern caused by an XeF2 gas in an electron-beam repair process.
US09482938B2 Laser beam projection apparatus and projector having light source module for combination
A laser beam projection apparatus includes a first light source module including a red color laser light source, a green color laser light source, and a blue color laser light source, and a light source module for combination configured to be capable of emitting a laser beam and be used in combination with the first light source module according to use. The first light source module includes a first casing, and the light source module for combination includes a second casing. The first casing and the second casing have a common casing configuration including at least light source fitting portions.
US09482935B2 Projection apparatus, method for controlling projection apparatus, and program therefor
A projection apparatus for projecting an image of a display unit by emitting light from a light source includes a detection unit configured to detect flicker information indicating how easily flicker occurs based on input image information, and a control unit configured to control the number of light emissions of the light source in a time period during which an image in one frame is displayed by the display unit based on the flicker information detected by the detection unit.
US09482929B2 Subaquatic monopod for photographic equipment
A subaquatic monopod for photographic equipment is disclosed. The subaquatic monopod is adapted from a standard telescoping monopod. A photographer affixes anchoring weights to a base of the monopod and affixes flotation devices to an upper end of the monopod. The photographer affixes anchoring weights of sufficient mass to hold the base on a bottom surface of a body of water. The underwater photographer affixes flotation devices of sufficient buoyancy to steady the monopod in a vertical position, without lifting the monopod and attached photographic equipment from the bottom surface. The photographer places or “throws” the subaquatic monopod into position on the bottom surface. The photographer can then record photographic images without manually steadying the photographic equipment. The subaquatic monopod optionally includes a ring for attachment of a retrieval line. The retrieval line allows deployment and retrieval from a distance (including by a photographer who is not underwater).
US09482928B2 Apparatus for facilitating micro-rotational calibration for an NLO crystal enabled laser system
The invention pertains to an apparatus and a method for tuning and then locking a nonlinear crystal to the angle at which phase-matching occurs. It is particularly advantageous to conduct tuning automatically and in the field.
US09482926B2 Lens structure and 3D display device having the same
A lens structure and a 3D display device having the same are provided. The lens structure has unit regions. Each unit region includes upper and lower substrates, an anisotropic birefringence medium, center electrodes, edge electrodes and at least one set of side electrodes. The upper and the lower substrates are disposed oppositely to each other. The anisotropic birefringence medium is located between the upper and lower substrates. The center electrodes, the edge electrodes and the at least one set of side electrodes are located on the upper and lower substrates. The edge electrodes are disposed corresponding to the center electrodes. The at least one set of side electrodes are disposed between the center electrodes and the edge electrodes. An electric field distribution is formed between the center electrodes, the edge electrodes and the at least one set of side electrodes, so that the anisotropic birefringence medium constitutes a Fresnel lens.
US09482923B2 Colored composition and image display structure
A colored composition including a non-polar solvent and a methine dye represented by the following Formula (1) and having a solubility in n-hexane of 1% by mass or higher at 25° C. and 0.1 MPa: wherein, in Formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group, —COOR11, or —CONR11R12; Ar represents an aromatic ring; each of R9 and R10 independently represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group; each of R11 and R12 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or an aryl group, and R11 and R12 may be linked to each other to form a 5-membered, 6-membered, or 7-membered ring; n represents an integer from 0 to 2; and none of R1, R9, R10 and Ar has a dissociable group different from NH.
US09482922B2 Multipurpose controller for multistate windows
“Smart” controllers for windows having controllable optical transitions are described. Controllers with multiple features can sense and adapt to local environmental conditions. Controllers described herein can be integrated with a building management system (BMS) to greatly enhance the BMS's effectiveness at managing local environments in a building. The controllers may have one, two, three or more functions such as powering a smart window, determining the percent transmittance, size, and/or temperature of a smart window, providing wireless communication between the controller and a separate communication node, etc.
US09482919B2 Display device and electronic device with improved driver circuit
Transistors each include a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer over the gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer, and a source electrode and a drain electrode over the oxide semiconductor layer. A driver circuit portion includes first to third wirings formed in the same step as the gate electrode, fourth to sixth wirings formed in the same step as the source electrode and the drain electrode, a seventh wiring formed in the same step as a pixel electrode, a first region where the second wiring intersects with the fifth wiring, and a second region where the third wiring intersects with the sixth wiring. The first wiring is connected to the fourth wiring through the seventh wiring. A distance between the wirings in the second region is longer than that in the first region.
US09482916B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a liquid crystal module defining an opening, the liquid crystal module including a printed circuit board having a pad portion exposed to the opening; a set printed circuit board disposed adjacent a surface of the liquid crystal module; and a connector disposed between the liquid crystal module and the set printed circuit board through the opening to electrically connect the liquid crystal module and the pad portion.
US09482912B2 Circuit board, display device, and liquid crystal display device
A circuit board includes a driver circuit for driving a pixel and an external connection terminal, on a substrate. The circuit board includes a wiring that is arranged just below the external connection terminal, and in a layer lower than the external connection terminal to overlap therewith.
US09482907B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a display substrate, an opposite substrate coupled to and facing the display substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the display substrate and the opposite substrate. The display substrate includes a gate line extending in a first direction, a data line extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a shielding electrode disposed along the data line covering the data line, a protruding electrode extending from the shielding electrode partially covering the gate line, and a pixel electrode electrically insulated from the shielding electrode and configured to receive a signal from the gate and data lines.
US09482904B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A technique for attaining both improvement of edge rectilinearity of an alignment film and reduction of unevenness is provided. A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate on which a first alignment film is formed, a second substrate on which a second alignment film is formed, and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first and second substrates. A material forming a frame arranged to surround the first alignment film inside a seal member with which the first and second substrates are bonded to each other is a highly water repellent organic material having a low solubility in an application liquid for forming the first alignment film.
US09482903B2 Display device having a moisture barrier layer and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes a lower display panel, an upper display panel facing the lower display panel, a metal oxide layer surrounding outermost surfaces of the upper display panel and the lower display panel, and a barrier layer surrounding the metal oxide layer. The barrier layer includes a self-assembled monolayer.
US09482896B2 Acrylic adhesive composition
The invention relates to an acrylic adhesive composition, more particularly, to an adhesive composition which: specifies the contents of a (meth)acrylic ester-based monomer and an aromatic group-containing monomer of an acrylic copolymer as a composition having little or no difference of birefringence; has excellent durability; and can reduce light leakage due to flexure by mixing a crosslinkable functional group-containing acrylic copolymer (A) and an acrylic copolymer (B) which does not contain the crosslinkable functional group, in a ratio of 1:9 to 5:5.
US09482893B2 Liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display panel and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method comprises: coating a photoresist layer; exposing the photoresist layer through a first mask and a second mask such that the black matrices with different widths are formed, wherein, along a direction extended from a middle area to a two-side area of the liquid crystal display panel, transmittances of the second transparent regions of the second mask are successively increased such that the width of the black matrices are successively increased. By doing so, the present invention makes the brightness displayed by the liquid crystal display panel be uniform such that the two-side whitening occurred while displaying on the liquid crystal display panel can be reduced or eliminated.
US09482891B2 Liquid crystal display unit
A liquid crystal display unit includes: an insulating substrate; a counter insulating substrate; a liquid crystal put between the insulating substrate and the counter insulating substrate; a pixel matrix including plural pixels; and a peripheral circuit including a control section and an output section, for driving a gate line of a pixel TFT in each of the pixels. The pixel matrix and the peripheral circuit are integrally formed above the insulating substrate such that the output section is located closer to the pixel matrix than the control section. The liquid crystal display unit further comprises a light shielding metal disposed at an insulating-substrate side of the pixel TFT in each pixel, and a light shielding metal disposed at an insulating-substrate side of each TFT at least in the output section among TFTs in the peripheral circuit.
US09482889B2 Display room mirror
Provided is a display room mirror which is configured such that a display module, which includes: one or more light emitting units formed on a printed circuit board; a resin layer is formed on the light emitting units so that the light emitting units are embedded in the resin layer; a liquid crystal panel formed on the resin layer, is disposed on a rear surface the room mirror, thereby reducing an entire thickness and improving a degree of freedom in design.
US09482884B2 Method of determining an ophthalmic lens
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining an ophthalmic lens. In one implementation, three-dimensional coordinates of a center of rotation of the wearer's eye measured on the wearer in binocular vision are received. At least one direction of gaze measured in a natural posture and a determined position of the ophthalmic lens are received. Characteristics of the ophthalmic lens are calculated by using the coordinates measured for the center of rotation of the eye, the determined position of the lens, and the at least one direction of gaze measured in a natural posture. The characteristics of the ophthalmic lens are calculated by positioning a starting ophthalmic lens in the determined position and modifying the starting ophthalmic lens by wavefront analysis and/or optimizing using ray tracing dependent on the coordinates measured for the center of rotation of the eye and the determined position of the lens.
US09482878B2 Elastic hinge for spectacles
An elastic hinge for spectacles includes a first hinge component having two chip elements connected together by means of being partially overlapped, and a second hinge component having two chip elements superimposed together. One chip element in the first hinge component is connected with the chip element of the second hinge component. A gap is disposed at the joint of one chip element of the first hinge component and one chip element of the second hinge component. Movable space is formed between the first hinge component and the second hinge component, so that the hinge elastically moves inwards or outwards. The elastic hinge is installed after the trim and the arm of the spectacles. Relying on the mutually smart cooperation of the components, the arm of the spectacles can have functions of bounding inwards and outwards without the help of any slingshot element, and has good durability.
US09482864B2 Optical scanner, actuator, image display device, and head-mounted display
An optical scanner includes: a movable member having a light reflection portion and being configured to swing around a first axis; a frame body configured to swing around a second axis intersecting the first axis; a first shaft connecting the movable member and the frame body; a fixing member; a second shaft connecting the frame body and the fixing member; a first strain detection element disposed at the second shaft and detecting deformation of the second shaft; and a first signal processing unit to which a detection signal of the first strain detection element is input and which outputs a signal based on bending deformation of the second shaft.
US09482862B2 Adjustable grid tracking transmitters and receivers
Optical telecommunication receivers and transmitters are described comprising dispersive elements and adjustable beam steering elements that are combined to provide optical grid tracking to adjust with very low power consumption to variations in the optical grid due to various changes, such as temperature fluctuations, age or other environmental or design changes. Thus, high bandwidth transmitters or receivers can be provides with low power consumption and/or low cost designs.
US09482859B2 Dye composition for electrowetting display, method for manufacturing same and electrowetting display device
A method for manufacturing a dye composition for electrowetting display, the method including a processing step of processing a mixture liquid containing a nonpolar solvent and a dye, using an ion exchange resin, to obtain a dye composition for electrowetting display.
US09482858B2 Pixel wall configuration for directing fluid flow for fabricating electrowetting displays
An apparatus for fabricating electronic displays comprises a glass substrate that includes pixel arrays formed on the glass substrate. Individual pixels of the pixel arrays include pixel walls to retain a first fluid, such as oil. The pixel arrays may include an edge seal to retain a second fluid, such as an electrolyte solution, that overlays the pixel walls and the first fluid. A fluid dispenser includes slits that are configured to dispense the first fluid and the second fluid onto the glass substrate at a non-orthogonal angle with respect to the pixel arrays. First portions of the pixel walls extend above second portions of the pixel walls to impart a flow of the first fluid and the second fluid in a direction that the first fluid and the second fluid are dispensed by the fluid dispenser.
US09482852B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus having the same
The zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens unit having a positive refractive power that does not move for zooming; a second lens unit having a negative refractive power that moves during zooming; at least one lens unit that moves during zooming; and a rear lens group including an aperture stop, wherein the rear lens group has a zooming rear lens unit that moves during zooming, and a refractive power of the rear lens group at a wide-angle end, a refractive power of the zooming rear lens unit, and a lateral magnification of the lens unit in the image side from the zooming rear lens unit, which is set at the wide-angle end and focuses on infinity, are appropriately set.
US09482850B2 Monocentric imaging
Methods and systems are provided to enable the capture of large (e.g., Gigapixel) images with high image quality using optical imaging systems that have a small form factor. The disclosed systems can be manufactured in a cost effective fashion, and can be readily assembled, aligned, tested and utilized. One such system comprises a monocentric primary optics section that includes one or more surfaces adapted to form a symmetrical arrangement around a common point of origin. The system also includes a secondary optics section that includes a plurality of secondary optics subsections, where each secondary optics subsection can intercept at least a portion of the light collected by the monocentric primary optics section. The combination of the primary optics section and the secondary optics section is adapted to form an image.
US09482842B2 Optical assembly comprising a mount having thermally dependent force compensation
Thermally compensated optical assembly comprising a monolithic mount which is divided by slits into a mounting ring and at least three elastic links which are connected to an optical element. The elastic links compensate the thermal expansion differences between the mounting ring and the optical element through deformation. The temperature-dependent reaction forces brought about by the deformation are compensated. For this purpose, the quantity of compensation elements is equal to the quantity of links. The compensation elements comprise in each instance an expansion body and a spring element.
US09482841B2 Cable installation device
A method and apparatus for installing optical fiber cable. The apparatus comprises a cable installation device that includes a structure having a central axis with a length having a left and right end permitting a hole and a left and right slot with chamfered edges, capable of being inserted into a rotary tool and used to remove a ripcord from an optical fiber cable.
US09482840B2 Port mapping for series connected fiber optic terminals
Fiber optic cable assemblies and fiber optic terminals supporting port mapping for series connected fiber optic terminals are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic cable assembly is provided. The fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable having a plurality of optical fibers disposed therein between a first end and a second end of the fiber optic cable. The plurality of optical fibers on the first end of the fiber optic cable are provided according to a first mapping. The plurality of optical fibers on the second end of the fiber optic cable are provided according to a second mapping. In this regard, the fiber optic cable assembly provides port mapping of optical fibers to allow multiple fiber optic terminals having the same internal fiber mapping to be connected in series in any order, while providing the same connectivity to each of the terminals in the series.
US09482834B2 Semiconductor optical device and method for producing semiconductor optical device
A semiconductor optical device includes a substrate including first and second regions arranged in a first direction, a photodiode disposed on the first region, an optical waveguide disposed on the second region, and a buried layer disposed on a side surface of the photodiode. The side surface of the photodiode extends in the first direction. The photodiode has a first end surface intersecting with the first direction, and the optical waveguide is in direct contact with the first end surface. The buried layer is composed of a III-V compound semiconductor doped with a transition metal. The photodiode includes a stacked semiconductor layer including a first cladding layer, a light-absorbing layer and a second cladding layer stacked in that order on the substrate. The light-absorbing layer has a side surface having at least a portion recessed with respect to a side surface of the first cladding layer.
US09482832B2 Optical coupling component with metal positioning rods and optical-electrical converting module having same
An optical coupling component includes a main body, first and second converging lenses, and positioning rods. The main body includes a first optical surface and a second optical surface substantially parallel to the first optical surface, and defines positioning holes adjacent to the second optical surface. The first converging lenses are formed on the first optical surface. The second converging lenses are formed on the second optical surface and correspond to the first converging lenses one-to-one. The positioning rods are made of metal and are received in the positioning holes by interference fit. The positioning rods include connecting ends extending out of the positioning holes.
US09482827B2 Optical connector
Optical connectors are provided for connecting sets of optical waveguides (104), such as optical fiber ribbons to each other, to printed circuit boards, or to backplanes. The provided connectors (100) include a housing (110) that has an attachment area (102) for receiving and permanently attaching a plurality of optical waveguides. Additionally, the provided connectors include a light coupling unit (120) disposed in and configured to move with the housing. The provided connectors also include a second attachment area (108) for receiving and permanently attaching to the plurality of optical waveguides that causes each optical waveguide to be bent between the two attachment areas. The provided connectors utilize expanded beam optics with non-contact optical mating resulting in relaxed mechanical precision requirements. The provided connectors can have low optical loss, are easily scalable to high channel count (optical fibers per connector) and can be compatible with low insertion force blind mating.
US09482823B1 Fiber attenuator based on MPO loopback assembly having angled ferrules
An apparatus comprises a first array of angled ferrules and a second array of angled ferrules, a plurality of angled fibers, wherein first ends of the plurality of angled fibers are held in the first array of angled ferrules and second ends of the plurality of angled fibers are held in the second array of angled ferrules, a first array of non-angled ferrules and a second array of non-angled ferrules, a first plurality of non-angled fibers held in the first array of non-angled ferrules, a second plurality of non-angled fibers held in the second array of non-angled ferrules, wherein the first array of angled ferrules is aligned and connected with the first array of non-angled ferrules and the second array of angled ferrules is aligned and connected with the second array of non-angled ferrules.
US09482819B2 WDM Mux/DeMux on cable and methods of making the same
Techniques for WDM Mux/DeMux on cable and methods of making the same are described According to one aspect of the present invention, a unit designed to provide multiplexing or demultiplexing (Mux/Demux) functions is implemented on cable. In other words, the Mux/Demux unit is coupled by a multi-fiber cable to a system (e.g., a system rack for router or switch that has multiple pluggable transceiver slots).
US09482816B2 Radiation coupler
Semiconductor photonics devices for coupling radiation to a semiconductor waveguide are described. An example photonics device comprises a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate comprising a semiconductor substrate, a buried oxide layer positioned on top of the semiconductor substrate, and the semiconductor waveguide on top of the buried oxide layer to which radiation is to be coupled. The example device also comprises a grating coupler positioned on top of the buried oxide layer and configured for coupling incident radiation to the semiconductor waveguide. The semiconductor substrate has a recessed portion at the backside of the semiconductor substrate for receiving incident radiation to be coupled to the semiconductor waveguide via the backside of the semiconductor substrate and the grating coupler.
US09482810B2 Circuit board and lighting device having the circuit board
Provided is a circuit board including: a supporting substrate; light emitting elements mounted to the supporting substrate; a through hole passing through the supporting substrate; and a connector inserted into the through hole and for supplying an electric current to the light emitting elements.
US09482808B2 Display device with backlight module having white and monochromatic LEDs
A backlight module includes a light guide plate and a light bar disposed on the light guide plate, with white light sources and monochromatic light sources having at least one color of N primary colors wherein N is greater than or equal to 3. A display device includes the backlight module, and a plurality of sub-pixels of different colors, with the width of sub-pixels of the at least one color being less than the width of sub-pixels of other colors.
US09482799B2 Solar-control glazing unit
The present invention relates to a substrate bearing a solar-control multilayer stack, and to a multiple glazing unit and to a laminated glazing unit incorporating at least one such substrate bearing a solar-control stack.The multilayer stack comprises three functional films, each film, starting from the substrate, being thicker than the preceding one, and four transparent dielectric coatings. The ratio of the optical thickness of the third dielectric coating, to the optical thickness of the final dielectric coating, lies between 2 and 3.2, and the ratio of the optical thickness of the third dielectric coating, to the optical thickness of the second dielectric coating, is either between 0.6 and 0.91 or between 1.15 and 1.7.The invention is applicable, in particular, to production of high-selectivity solar-control glazing units.
US09482794B2 Magnifying imaging optical unit and metrology system including same
A magnifying imaging optical unit has at least four mirrors to image an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane. An absolute value of the Petzval radius of the image field is greater than 500 mm. The imaging optical unit can be used to inspect with sufficient imaging quality relatively large mask sections of lithography masks used during projection exposure to produce large scale integrated semiconductor components.
US09482793B2 Liquid lens image capture device
An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.
US09482792B2 Security device for projecting a collection of synthetic images
A security device for projecting a collection of synthetic images as well as a computer-implemented method for producing such a security device are provided. The synthetic images may represent different viewpoints of a target object or image that change from one viewpoint image to another viewpoint image as the location of the observer changes relative to the device. The nature of each synthetic image can, however, be completely arbitrary, much like the images that are provided by a display device such as a television or computer monitor. In an exemplary embodiment, a special symmetry is used to generate the synthetic images, which allows the device to be manufactured without regard for registration.
US09482789B2 Anti-reflective coating film
The present invention relates to an anti-reflective coating film. This anti-reflective coating film shows more improved interface adhesion and scratch resistance, which can be manufactured by a simple process.
US09482786B2 Bird deterrent glass coatings
This invention pertains to UV-absorbing coatings that may optionally be covered with an anti-reflective layer and that are applied to exterior-facing surfaces such as a window or other glass surface that are transparent or translucent. Such coatings are visible to various species of birds, but are generally transparent to humans. The UV absorbing coatings have a silane- or silane-derived chromophore or a combination of a silane- or siloxane-based material and a chromophore, which chromophores absorb UV light at about 300 to about 400 nm. More particularly, the silane- or siloxane-based chromophore is 2-hydroxy-4-(3-triethoxysilylpropoxy)diphenylketone or a derivative thereof.
US09482783B2 Systems and methods for reducing marine fouling
Systems and methods are provided for a marine seismic streamer usable underwater for marine seismic surveys. The marine seismic streamer includes: a lead-in section; at least one bird section; at least one data acquisition module; and at least one vibration module configured to vibrate the marine seismic streamer, wherein the lead-in section, the at least one bird section, the at least one data acquisition module and the at least one vibration module are connected together to form the marine seismic streamer.
US09482779B2 Device and methods for detecting a camera
A camera detector device for detecting the presence of an illegal camera inside a room. A camera takes multiple pictures of a room and identifies reflections in each still image. If a reflection with similar properties appears repeatedly overtime than the reflection is identified as an illegal camera positioned towards the camera detector device.
US09482775B2 Real-time formation anisotropy and dip evaluation using tri-axial induction measurements
The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a formation property of a subsurface formation. A downhole logging tool having two or more tri-axial antennas is provided and used to obtain azimuthally sensitive data. Borehole correction is performed on the obtained data and a ZD-inversion is performed on the borehole corrected data for all antenna spacing groups. A formation indicator flag is determined and, depending on the determined formation indicator flag, a 1D-axial inversion and/or a 1D-radial inversion is performed over selected zones, or neither is performed. The best ZD-inversion results are selected and the 1D-axial inversion results and/or the 1D-radial inversion results, if any, are combined with the selected best ZD-inversion results to form a composite inversion result. The formation property of the subsurface formation is determined using the composite inversion result.
US09482770B2 Residual moveout estimation through least squares inversion
Method for estimating residual moveout in common image gathers (51) of seismic data for use in velocity tomography (57). The method iteratively (56) flattens (55) the common image gathers against a specified reference trace through the application of conjugate-gradient least-squares inversion (53). Different from other picking methods which need to identify and track strong amplitudes, the inventive method automatically inverts for the depth residual for every grid point in the image gather. There is no need to identify and track events.
US09482767B2 Ocean bottom seismic station
Methods and apparatus for cable termination and sensor integration at a sensor station within an ocean bottom seismic (OBS) cable array are disclosed. The sensor stations include a housing for various sensor components. Additionally, the sensor stations can accommodate an excess length of any data transmission members which may not be cut at the sensor station while enabling connection of one or more cut data transmission members with the sensor components. The sensor stations further manage any strength elements of the cable array.
US09482766B2 Time-efficient tests to detect air gun faults
Techniques are disclosed relating to testing of seismic air guns, for example via bubble tests. According to some embodiments of these techniques, a firing sequence for testing the air guns may be determined that reduces the amount of interaction between firings. Further, firing time delays may also be determined in order to further reduce the interactions. Accordingly, a test of an array of air guns may be completed relatively quickly.
US09482761B2 GPS gate system
A GPS gate system is described for triggering transmission of a message. The system may include a GPS receiver determining a location of the GPS receiver based upon signals received from a GPS satellite system. The GPS receiver determines if the GPS receiver has passed through a GPS gate based upon the received signals. The GPS system may further include a communications system to connect the GPS receiver with a GPS gate communications system to receiver a message generated by the GPS receiver based upon the crossed GPS gate.
US09482760B2 Receiver for simultaneous reception of signals from multiple GNSS satellite systems
A method, receiver, and mobile terminal for simultaneously receiving and processing signals of multiple satellites from a plurality of navigational satellite system constellations are described. In the method, satellite signals from a plurality of navigational satellite systems are translated into an intermediate frequency and converted from analog to digital together, but then are separated out according to each navigational satellite system in the digital domain.
US09482759B2 Apparatus and method for use in global position measurements
A receiver receiving global positioning data from one or more satellites above the Earth's surface detects a change in at least one parameter associated with the receiver and determines if the change is to be treated as erroneous. As a result of determining if the change in the at least one parameter is to be treated as erroneous, a further action may be performed. Determining if the change is to be treated as erroneous may include, for example, detecting changes in more than one parameter and determining if the changes are coincident. Detecting the change may also enable the receiver to predict the presence and magnitude of multipath components of signals, predict changes in an environment local to the receiver, predict large errors in position estimates determined by the receiver and modify an acquisition and tracking strategy used by the receiver.
US09482758B2 System and method for using data phase to reduce position ambiguities
A geographic tracking system with minimal power and size required at the mobile terminal collects observation data at the mobile terminal and forwards the data to a processor, which calculates the position. The mobile terminal is configured to measure both code phase and data phase of a GPS satellite signal. The code phase and data phase information enables the processor to reduce the number of candidate points to be considered.
US09482751B2 Collision detection system and method of operation
A system for detecting driver vehicle travelling in an unsafe manner comprising a radar system configured to generate a sequence of frames of radar data. A target trajectory system configured to receive the sequence of frames of radar data and to generate target trajectory data for a vehicle. An alarm system configured to receive the target trajectory data and to generate an alarm as a function of the target trajectory data, a probability of collision, a degree of erratic driving or other suitable data.
US09482746B2 Six degree-of-freedom laser tracker that cooperates with a remote sensor
A method of measuring with a coordinate measurement device and a target sensor a sense characteristic and a surface set associated with the sense characteristic, the method including the steps of: providing the target sensor having a body, a first retroreflector, a sensor, and a sensor processor, providing the coordinate measurement device, sending the first beam of light from the coordinate measurement device to the first retroreflector; receiving the second beam of light from the first retroreflector; measuring the orientational set and the translational set, the translational set based at least in part on the second beam of light; determining the surface set; sensing the sense characteristic; and saving the surface set and the sense characteristic.
US09482744B1 Staggered pulse repetition frequency doppler processing
A method of operating a pulse-Doppler radar system includes the steps of generating a plurality waveforms, with each waveform comprising a plurality of pulses generated with a staggered pulse repetition frequency (PRF) from pulse to pulse. Received reflected return signals from the generated plurality of waveforms are filtered by a plurality of Doppler filters that span an entire required Doppler visibility range.
US09482735B2 Microwave radio direction finding system
The microwave radio direction finding system includes two six-port (SP) circuits and 2×2 printed patch antennas, each of the SP circuits having a pair of the patch antennas connected to their inputs, one pair being separated horizontally in a Cartesian plane, the other pair being separated vertically. The output ports are connected to differential amplifiers that produce in-phase and quadrature signals, which are digitized and input to a digital signal processor, which computes the difference in phase for the signals received at each pair of antennas. The processor uses the differences in phase angles to compute both the azimuth and elevation of the received signals, and may do so simultaneously for signals in multiple bands in the microwave region.
US09482733B2 Magnetic resonance elastography
A magnetic resonance elastography method includes application of mechanical oscillations with an oscillation period (T) to an object to be examined to generate mechanical waves in the object. A motion sensitive magnetic resonance acquisition sequence with repetition time TR issued to acquire magnetic resonance signals from the object. This acquisition sequence including application of one or more phase encoding steps within an individual repetition time. The repetition time times the number of phase encodings within one repetition time is not equal to an integer multiple of the oscillation period. Thus a magnetic resonance image of the wave pattern is reconstructed from the magnetic resonance signals assembled in a sample space spanned by the phase of the mechanical oscillation and the phase encoding.
US09482732B2 MRI reconstruction with motion-dependent regularization
A method of image reconstruction for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes obtaining k-space scan data captured by the MRI system, the k-space scan data being representative of an undersampled region over time, iteratively reconstructing preliminary dynamic images for the undersampled region from the k-space scan data via optimization of a first instance of a minimization problem, the minimization problem including a regularization term weighted by a weighting parameter array, generating a motion determination indicative of an extent to which each location of the undersampled region exhibits motion over time based on the preliminary dynamic images, and iteratively reconstructing motion-compensated dynamic images for the region from the k-space scan data via optimization of a second instance of the minimization problem, the second instance having the weighting parameter array altered as a function of the motion determination.
US09482729B2 NMR measuring configuration with temperature control device for a sample vial
An NMR measuring configuration has a temperature control device for a sample vial (1). The temperature control device has a temperature sensor with supply wires which are both surrounded by a sensor tube (15). The sensor tube (15) is connected to a measurement space via a sensor flow inlet (26) in such a way that a partial flow of a temperature-control fluid flows as a temperature-control flow (16) into a free space (17) between the temperature sensor and the inner wall of the sensor tube along the supply wires and flows out of the sensor tube via a sensor flow outlet (18) at the opposite end of the sensor tube. This minimizes both the temperature penetration factor and the difference between the sensor and sample temperatures (ΔTp).
US09482722B2 State of charge estimation device and method of estimating state of charge
A state of charge estimation device for estimating a state of charge of an electric storage device includes a voltage measurement component, a current measurement component, and a controller component. The controller component is configured to, when estimation of state of charge of the electric storage device based on an accumulated amount of currents measured by the current measurement component is defined as a current accumulation method and the estimation based on an open circuit voltage (OCV) of the electric storage device measured by the voltage measurement component is defined as an OCV method, permit estimation of state of charge by the OCV method when a condition that an error in estimation of state of charge of the electric storage device by the current accumulation method exceeds an error in estimation of state of charge of the electric storage device by the OCV method is satisfied.
US09482720B2 Non-invasive pre-bond TSV test using ring oscillators and multiple voltage levels
A design for test (DfT) architecture is provided that enables pre-bond parametric testing of through-silicon vias (TSVs). A grouping of N number of input/output (I/O) segments are configured to receive a test signal in a feedback loop, where each I/O segment includes one or more buffers (or inverters) and a TSV connected at one end to the one or more buffers. The TSV acts as a shunt-connected capacitor—when defect free—and includes a load resistance when the TSV contains a defect. Each I/O segment can also include one or two multiplexers to control whether the I/O segment receives a test or functional signal and, optionally, whether the I/O segment is bypassed or included in the ring oscillator. The varying loads caused by the defects cause variations in the delay across the buffers (or inverters) of an I/O segment that can be detected in the output signal.
US09482709B2 Method and device for assigning individual phase conductors in a polyphase energy distribution network
A method for assigning individual phase conductors at a first point to those at at least one further point in a polyphase energy distribution network, in particular in a three-phase network. In the case of mains operation, wherein a common reference time is determined for these points, and the time difference and/or phase difference of the phase voltage or the line-to-line voltage between the reference time of a zero crossing of the phase voltage are determined for these points. By a comparison of the time and/or phase differences at two different points the phase conductor of one point is assigned to a phase conductor of the further point which has the same to time and/or phase difference with respect to the common reference time. An additional loading of the energy supply network or an interruption of the mains operation is avoided by the method.
US09482707B2 Occupancy detection for automated recliner furniture
A system and method for incorporating occupancy-detecting technology into furniture is provided. More particularly, the invention relates to detecting occupancy in a recliner using a sinuous wire detection array incorporated into a seat. Further embodiments of the invention are directed to a system and method for incorporating capacitance detection technology with one or more conductive features of a recliner mechanism. In some aspects, a sensor is provided based on coupling one or more conductive features to a control component of the capacitance detector control component. A controller may determine the corresponding response based on occupancy detection and/or presence detection. A processor may receive information regarding changes in capacitance and determines when a change in voltage satisfies a threshold. Based on a determination of occupancy and/or presence, a variety of corresponding features of the adjustable recliner may be activated.
US09482705B2 Measurement of voltage standing wave ratio of antenna system
The present invention provides methods and apparatus to detect the presence of interferers in a wideband digital VSWR measurement signal. Interferers cause power differences over different intervals of time and frequency, and may be detected by comparing the measured signals in both time and frequency domains with the original signal. Frequency components in the measured signals may be discarded if the interference is deemed too large. The remaining frequency components can then be used to compute the VSWR.
US09482701B2 Detection device and method, and program
A detection device for detecting a state of electric power has a first current transformer that measures a first current on a first power line side of a connecting point between a first power line derived from a commercial power supply and a second power line derived from a power generation device which supplies electric power equal in frequency to the commercial power supply, a second current transformer that measures a second current on a second power line side of the connecting point, a first calculation unit that calculates a decision value based on a product of a measured value of the first current and a measured value of the second current, and a detection unit that detects a power flow direction of electric power of the first power line based on the decision value.
US09482693B2 Capacitive sensor sheet and production method thereof
A production method of a capacitive sensor sheet, comprising: a film forming step forming of a optically-transparent electroconductive film 11 on the surface of a substrate 2 having optical transparency; a supplemental electrode forming step of setting an electrode region 3a which functions as the transparent electrode 3 at least in part of the film 11, and laminating a supplemental electrode 4a which has a lower electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the film 11 to cover at least part of a periphery of the electrode region 3a; a wire forming step of laminating a wire 4b in which one end thereof is connected to the supplemental electrode 4a on the film 11; a resist laminating step of laminating a resist 12 to cover all of the electrode region 3a and at least part of the supplemental electrode 4a; and a conductive film removing step of removing a part of the film 11 formed on the substrate 2 having optical transparency placed at a position not overlapping with the resist 12, the supplemental electrode 4a, or the wire 4b.
US09482688B2 NBT-BT crystal piezoelectric film and piezoelectric stacking structure comprising the same
The present invention provides an NBT-BT film having a higher polarization-disappearance temperature. The present invention is a [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film. The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has a (001) orientation only. The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has a-axis length of not less than 0.390 nanometers and not more than 0.395 nanometers. The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has c-axis length of not less than 0.399 nanometers and not more than 0.423 nanometers (where x represents a value of not less than 0 and not more than 1). The [(Na,Bi)1-xBax]TiO3 crystal piezoelectric film has a polarization-disappearance temperature of not less than 389 degrees Celsius.
US09482682B2 Reagent preparation apparatus and sample processing apparatus
The present invention is a reagent preparation apparatus, comprising: a reagent preparation unit configured to prepare a reagent for processing a sample; a measuring unit configured to measure a property of the reagent prepared by the reagent preparation unit; a waste section configured to discard the prepared reagent when a measurement result by the measuring unit does not meet a predetermined condition; and a controller configured to control a reagent preparation operation of the reagent preparation unit, wherein the controller controls the reagent preparation unit to stop the reagent preparation operation when a number of times of discarding a reagent has reached a predetermined plurality of times.
US09482675B1 Methods and systems for prognosis and diagnosis of brain damage
The presently-disclosed subject matter includes methods and devices for diagnosing, prognosing, and treating brain damage in a subject, including brain damage caused by stroke or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The methods can comprise providing a sample obtained from the subject, exposing the sample to an antibody selective for a visinin-like protein, detecting the presence of a complex that includes the antibody and the visinin-like protein, and diagnosing and/or prognosing the subject as having brain damage if there is the presence of the complex. Embodied methods can also comprise administering a treatment for brain damage if the subject includes the presence of the visinin-like protein.
US09482673B2 Method for simultaneously determining multiple coagulation proteases
The present invention relates to a chromogenic method for simultaneously determining the activity of multiple coagulation proteases or for simultaneously determining the inhibition of multiple coagulation proteases in a single test reaction. For this purpose, use is made of two chromogenic substrates which have different absorption maxima and whose color signals can be separated spectrally.
US09482669B2 Crystal structure of the NanR and ManNAc-6P complex, and uses thereof
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional structure of a complex explored by crystallization of the complex of NanR which is a key pathogenic regulatory protein of Vibrio vulnificus and ManNA6P which is a NanR regulator. Further, the present invention relates to a modified NanR protein, a polynucleotide encoding the protein, a vector including the polynucleotide, and a transformant including the vector. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for screening a substance regulating interaction between NanR and the transcriptional control region of nan operon which is a gene cluster regulated by NanR, or a substance regulating interaction between NanR and ManNAc-6P, by designing three-dimensional structure of the complex, and to an antibacterial composition including the screened substance.
US09482666B2 High throughput selection of specific cell binding and lytic polypeptides
The invention provides methods for identifying cell binding and/or lytic polypeptides that permit production of specific polypeptide therapeutics in a high throughput manner.
US09482664B2 Detection devices and related methods of use
Disclosed are devices and methods for detecting analytes from a sample.
US09482660B2 Compositions comprising human embryonic stem cells and their derivatives, methods of use, and methods of preparation
The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising of preparations of human embryonic stem (hES) cells and their derivatives and methods for their transplantation into the human body, wherein transplantation results in the clinical reversal of symptoms, cure, stabilization or arrest of degeneration of a wide variety of presently incurable and terminal medical conditions, diseases and disorders. The invention further relates to novel processes of preparing novel stem cell lines which are free of animal products, feeder cells, growth factors, leukaemia inhibitory factor, supplementary mineral combinations, amino acid supplements, vitamin supplements, fibroblast growth factor, membrane associated steel factor, soluble steel factor and conditioned media. This invention further relates to the isolation, culture, maintenance, expansion, differentiation, storage, and preservation of such stem cells.
US09482652B2 Method of automated calibration and diagnosis of laboratory instruments
Method and system providing an automated workflow for installing and/or calibrating laboratory equipment. The workflow empowers an end user to perform installation and calibration thereby reducing the costs associated with such activities. The automated workflow taught herein, can greatly reduce the incidence of calibration error by providing for verification of certain events during the calibration process.
US09482650B2 Static and dynamic seals
Described are techniques for use with a sealing member forming a static seal or a dynamic seal at a surface thereof. The sealing member has at least the surface thereof formed from one of VESPEL® SCP 5000 material or VESPEL® SCP 50094 material.
US09482649B2 Fitting for elastically-biasing a capillary for a fluid-tight connection to a fluidic conduit
A fitting (200) for providing a fluid connection between a capillary (202) and a fluidic conduit (204) of a fluidic component (30), the fitting (200) comprising a male piece (240) and a female piece (250) for connection with the male piece (240), wherein the male piece (240) comprises a housing (252) with a capillary reception (212) configured for receiving the capillary (202), wherein a part of the capillary (202) being received in the capillary reception (212) is circumferentially covered by a sleeve (214), an elastic biasing mechanism (206) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252), being configured for biasing the capillary (202) against the female piece (250) and being supported by the sleeve (214), and a locking mechanism (208) being arranged at least partially within the housing (252) and being configured for locking the capillary (202) to the fitting (200).
US09482644B2 Methods and apparatus for high-resolution continuous scan imaging using vold-kalman filtering
A method of imaging a test subject includes providing one or more moveable sensors to sense an attribute of the test subject (e.g., acoustic pressure), wherein the attribute has a tonal noise component and a broadband noise component. A rotational sensor is provided to sense a rotational velocity of a rotational element of the test subject. Each of the moveable sensors are moved along a path while continuously acquiring test data that is indicative of the rotational velocity of the rotational element, the sensed attribute, the position, and the orientation of each of the moveable sensors. A set of transfer functions corresponding to points in space that have been visited by the moveable sensors are constructed, each of the transfer functions relating the test data of the moveable sensors to the test data of the rotational sensor. A visual representation of the tonal noise component of the attribute in a region adjacent the test subject is produced using the set of transfer functions.
US09482642B2 Fast method for measuring collision cross section of ions utilizing ion mobility spectrometry
The collision cross section (CCS) of a sample ion may be calculated by measuring a total drift time taken by the sample ion to travel through an ion mobility spectrometry drift cell to an ion detector. The CCS may be calculated based on the total drift time measured, and on a proportionality coefficient that defines the time taken by the sample ion to travel through a mobility dominated region between the drift cell and the detector. The proportionality coefficient may be determined from measuring the total drift times of reference ions. Calculation of the CCS of the sample ion may also be based on a proportionality coefficient that defines the time taken by the sample ion to travel through a mobility-independent region where the velocity of the ion depends on the electrostatic field strength, mass and the charge state of the ion.
US09482637B2 Sensor
A sensor including: a detection element; terminal members; and a separator, wherein at least one specific first electrode terminal portion and an other first electrode terminal portion are formed on a first main surface of the detection element, wherein a second electrode terminal portion formed on a second main surface of the detection element is disposed so as to be offset from the specific first electrode terminal portion and to overlap with the other first electrode terminal portion in the axial direction, and in a thickness direction, a distance between the detection element and a specific first frame body portion brought into electrical connection with the specific first electrode terminal portion is larger than a distance between the detection element and the other first frame body portion brought into electrical connection with the other first electrode portion.
US09482633B2 Capacitive measurement multiplexing circuit and method
A capacitance measuring system, including: a calibration capacitor; first circuitry for sensing an input current at an input thereof and generating an output signal that is based upon a capacitance appearing at the input of the first circuitry; and multiplexer circuitry, coupled between the input of the first circuitry and a terminal of each of the capacitor to be measured and the calibration capacitor, for selectively coupling the terminal of each, one at a time, to the input of the first circuitry while the terminal not coupled to the input of the conversion circuitry is coupled to a ground reference; and controller circuitry for calculating a capacitance of the capacitor to be measured based upon the output signal of the first circuitry when the capacitor to be measured is coupled to the input thereof and upon the output signal of the first circuitry when the calibration capacitor is coupled to the input thereof.
US09482632B2 Abnormality detection device
An estimating unit 51 estimates the upper limit of possible temperatures in a predetermined position of ICT equipment when the quantity of intake air into the ICT equipment is appropriate, based on the result of detection by an operational status detecting unit that detects the operational status of the ICT equipment and the result of detection by an intake-air temperature sensor 62 that detects the temperature of intake air of the ICT equipment. A determining unit 52 determines that an abnormality is occurring when the result of detection by a temperature sensor 63 that detects the temperature in the predetermined position is beyond the upper limit estimated by the estimating unit.
US09482630B2 Multiple-layered energy-integrating detector in a hybrid computed tomography scanner
A CT scanner apparatus includes an X-ray source mounted on a gantry of the CT scanner apparatus. The CT scanner apparatus also includes a first X-ray detector mounted on the gantry opposite to the X-ray source, and configured to detect X-rays emitted from the X-ray source and transmitted through an object. The CT scanner apparatus also includes a fixed, sparse array of second X-ray detectors. Each of the second X-ray detectors includes a plurality of stacked scintillators and a photosensor adjacent to a sidewall of the stacked scintillators in a side-readout configuration.
US09482623B2 Test device and method
A connection assembly for a test device comprises a carriage for receiving at least a portion of a test device and a receptacle for co-operation with the carriage. The carriage is longitudinally movable with respect to the receptacle and is latchable to the receptacle at a predetermined position.
US09482619B2 Metallic nanoparticles and methods for their preparation and use
Provided herein are Raman active particles and methods for their preparation and use. The particles can include a SERS-active material that is at least partially encased within a spherical porous hollow casing. In some embodiments, this can be especially advantageous when employed for water analysis and/or being employed in combination with silica particles.
US09482612B2 Photon emitter characterization using photoluminescence quenching in nitrogen vacancy color centers
A crystal film with nitrogen vacancy centers is placed in close proximity to a photon emitter. Excitation illumination is produced to cause the nitrogen vacancy centers to produce photoluminescence. Illumination is produced by the photon emitter, which may be near field or far field and which quenches the photoluminescence intensity using an effect known as Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED). The quenching caused by the photon emitter is detected and analyzed to determine characteristics of the photon emitter. The analysis takes into account the characteristic dependence of the STED on the depletion light power, i.e. the photon source, and a spatial distribution of the light intensity. The analysis may be applied to spatially resolved measurements or an integral value of the photoluminescence quenching. The analysis may determine characteristics such as peak power, power scaling factor, and FWHM of the illumination profile of the photon emitter.
US09482577B2 Segmented chirped-pulse fourier transform spectroscopy
An emission can be obtained from a sample in response to excitation using a specified range of excitation frequencies. Such excitation can include generating a specified chirped waveform and a specified downconversion local oscillator (LO) frequency using a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), upconverting the chirped waveform via mixing the chirped waveform with a specified upconversion LO frequency, frequency multiplying the upconverted chirped waveform to provide a chirped excitation signal for exciting the sample, receiving an emission from sample, the emission elicited at least in part by the chirped excitation signal, and downconverting the received emission via mixing the received emission with a signal based on the specified downconversion LO signal to provide a downconverted emission signal within the bandwidth of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The specified chirped waveform can include a first chirped waveform during a first duration, and a second chirped waveform during a second duration.
US09482571B2 Device for measuring a fuel flow and calibrating device therefor
A device for measuring a fuel flow in a test stand comprises a measuring module (10) for measuring a fuel flow guided through the measuring module (10) as well as a conditioning module (11) arranged downstream of the measuring module (10) for conditioning the fuel. Moreover, a verification module (19) is provided downstream of the measuring module (10) for checking the measuring precision of the measuring module (10). The fuel may be guided optionally to the conditioning module (11) or to the verification module (19). The verification module (19) is an integral part of the device may have an injector (26) as a dosing unit for extracting an exactly defined reference fuel quantity.
US09482566B2 Method and device for localization of data loggers on supply lines with a readout device
A method for the deployment and retrieval of data loggers, which are deployed in a first step at separate locations on a supply network having numerous branching pipelines, e.g. for drinking water, which record, in a second step, at least the flow sounds of the medium flowing at the deployed locations, and which, in a third step, are read out by a vehicle driving past, having a readout device disposed therein, wherein the reading device is allocated a GPS module, and that when the data loggers are deployed at the locations assigned to them on the pipeline, the current GPS locations of the data loggers at said locations are stored in the readout device.
US09482564B2 Magnetic-inductive flow meter device having a plurality of flowmeter units, power supply and evaluation units provided in a common housing
A magnetic-inductive flowmeter, having a plurality of functional units and a housing common to all the functional units, wherein each functional unit has a measuring tube, a magnetic field generating device, and two measuring electrodes, and wherein a virtual connecting line of the two measuring electrodes extends at least substantially at right angles to the direction of the magnetic field penetrating the measuring tube at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the measuring tube. In the housing, there is a common medium feed connection for the measuring tubes of all the functional units, a common power supply for the magnetic field generating device of all the functional units, and a common evaluation unit for the measuring electrodes of all the functional units. The magnetic field generating device has a field coil adjoined on both sides by a magnetic field guide part extending at right angles to the coil axis.
US09482562B2 Shielded radiation detector heads
A radiation detector head assembly is provided that includes a detector housing and a detector unit. The detector housing defines a cavity therein. The detector housing includes a shell and a shielding body. The shell defines at least a portion of a perimeter surrounding the shielding body, and includes an extrusion defining the at least a portion of a perimeter. The extrusion is formed from a first material that is configured for rigidity. The shielding body includes a second material configured to shield radiation. The detector unit is disposed within the cavity, and includes an absorption member and associated processing circuitry.
US09482541B2 Navigation system
A required time calculator calculates a virtual required time period when a first movable body is assumed to travel a second route different from a first route the first movable body actually travels and arrive at a second point. The required time calculator preferentially acquires position information from a second movable body having information indicating a movement characteristic similar to information indicating the movement characteristic of the first movable body from among one or more of second movable bodies. The required time calculator calculates the virtual required time period using the acquired position information.
US09482534B2 Gyroscope shock and disturbance detection circuit
The invention relates to integrated circuits, and more particularly, to systems, devices and methods of integrating a gyro sensing circuit with a gyroscope to detect a shock or a disturbance, and accurately differentiate rotation-based sense signals from noises introduced by the shock or disturbance. The gyro sensing circuit may be implemented in a differential or non-differential demodulation scheme, and comprises at least one demodulation unit and a peak detector. The at least one demodulation unit demodulates a gyro output signal provided by the gyroscope with a reference signal. In a demodulated gyro output signal, a shock signal or a gyro disturbance signal is substantially isolated out from interested gyro sense signals that are used to sense a rate of rotation. A peak detector samples the modulated gyro output signal, determines whether the signal exceeds a threshold level VTH and outputs a shock flag indicating a corresponding determination result.
US09482533B2 Vibrating reed, angular velocity sensor, electronic device, and moving object
The vibrating reed includes a first main surface and a second main surface that face each other in the thickness direction of a piezoelectric body and a detection unit that vibrates along the thickness direction when detecting. The detection unit includes a groove of which a groove bottom is positioned at a position beyond a midline between the first main surface and the second main surface in the depth direction from an opening formed in the first main surface, an inside surface electrode that is formed on an inside surface facing the inside of the groove, an outside surface electrode that is formed on an outside surface which is opposite the inside surface with the piezoelectric body interposed there between, and a pair of groove bottom electrodes that is provided further on the groove bottom at an interval than the midline and face inside the groove.
US09482526B2 Method for representing the surface of an object
In an improved method for the representation of the surface of an object, the actual 3D data (7) of the surface of the object are determined. The desired 3D data of the surface of the object are modified on the basis of the actual 3D data (7) of the surface of the object. The desired 3D data (5) of the surface of the object and the modified desired 3D data (5) of the surface of the object are used as the 3D representation data (FIG. 2).
US09482525B2 Apparatus to compensate bearing runout in a three-dimensional coordinate measuring system
A device measures three-dimensional coordinates of a target by sending a beam of light to the target and measuring the distance and angles from the device to the target. It further bases the three-dimensional coordinates on bearing compensation values that depend on a number of bearing rotations and a bearing angle.
US09482520B2 Method for measuring flatness of sheet, device for measuring flatness of sheet, and production method for steel sheet
A method for measuring flatness of a sheet includes acquiring a pattern image by projecting a light and dark pattern composed of light portions and dark portions onto a surface of the sheet, which is traveling between adjacent rolling stands, from a projection unit situated between the rolling stands, and capturing an image of the light and dark pattern with an image capture unit situated between the rolling stands, and measuring the flatness by analyzing the acquired pattern image. Arrangement parameters L0, α, β, hc and hp satisfy the following mathematical expression (1). 0.75 ⁢ L 0 ≤ tan ⁢ ⁢ α + tan ⁢ ⁢ β 1 / h C - 1 / h P ≤ 1.5 ⁢ L 0 ( 1 )
US09482517B2 Optical position-measuring device
An optical position-measuring device includes a measuring standard as well as a scanning unit movable relative to it along at least one measuring direction, a scanning beam path being formed between the measuring standard and scanning unit and being used to generate displacement-dependent signals. A protective cap is disposed in a manner allowing movement along an axis perpendicular to the measuring-standard plane such that in at least one operating mode, the protective cap for the most part surrounds the scanning beam path between the scanning unit and measuring standard.
US09482510B2 Noise measurement for measured displacement
An apparatus including a first plurality of electrodes and a second plurality of electrodes is disclosed. Each electrode of the first plurality of electrodes is configured to measure an electric field associated with a position of a moving object. The second plurality of electrodes is disposed further away from the moving object in comparison to the first plurality of electrodes. The second plurality of electrodes is configured to measure a signal associated with ambient noise.
US09482502B2 Beveled end pieces for an arrow
Example nocks, arrowheads and/or arrowhead inserts include a tapered annular flange axially engaging a correspondingly tapered edge on a tubular arrow shaft. The tapered flange and edge help prevent the end of tubular arrow shaft from deforming radially outward when substantial axial force is applied to the nock, arrowhead and/or arrowhead insert.
US09482500B1 Maritime emergency cable cutter
A marine cable cutter is provided for wirelessly severing wire responsive to an electromagnetic command signal. The cutter includes an explosive package for wrapping around the wire, and a clamshell case for containing the package around the wire. The package includes a wireless receiver to receive the command signal, an electric pulse generator triggered by the receiver, an explosive initiated by the generator, and a platform for containing the receiver, generator and explosive. The clamshell case includes a pair of envelopes connected along mutual first edges by a hinge and mutual second edges by respective clamps. The envelopes pivot on the hinge to open and receive the package with disposal of the wire therein, and subsequently to close and secure by the clamps. The envelopes can be composed of sheet metal with the clamps being flanges with aligned holes for receiving bolt fasteners.
US09482497B2 Corner-mounted target
A target for receiving projectiles is configured for mounting in a corner of a room. The target includes a front target wall including a pair of spaced apart edges having a target area located between the edges and at least one side area extending from the front wall adapted for engagement with one of the walls defining the corner.
US09482496B1 Wall-mounted nonlethal device for defending against intruders
A system for defending against an intruder includes a building having a wall dividing first and second spaces and a nonlethal device selectively operable through the wall. The nonlethal device includes an enclosure mounted to the wall and having an access door for selectively accessing an interior compartment of the enclosure from the first space, a container of a nonlethal chemical weapon, such as a lachrymatory agent, having an outlet and located within the enclosure, a conduit extending from the container to the second space through the wall and having an inlet in fluid flow communication with the outlet of the container of nonlethal chemical weapon, and a valve operable to selectively release the nonlethal chemical weapon from the container and through the conduit to the second space to form a cloud of the nonlethal chemical weapon within the second space.
US09482491B1 Detachable armor hold down
Methods and apparatus are provided for an armor mounting device capable of securely and detachably holding an armor panel to a floor. In one exemplary embodiment the armor mounting device consists of a base having a flat plate portion and a raised central portion, and a detachable clamp that includes a hold down plate and a spring loaded latch disposed within hold down plate. The spring loaded latch is connectable to the raised central portion of the base through a hole in the armor panel when the detachable clamp is juxtaposed with the base, to thereby trap the armor panel between the hold down plate and the flat plate portion of the base. A bonding agent secures the base to the floor.
US09482489B2 Ranging methods for inclined shooting of projectile weapon
A method for shooting a projectile weapon involves determining the inclination of a line of sight from a vantage point to a target and a line-of-sight range to the target, then predicting a trajectory parameter at the line-of-sight range, for a preselected projectile. Using the trajectory parameter, an equivalent horizontal range may then be determined, wherein the equivalent horizontal range is the range at which the trajectory parameter would be expected to occur if the projectile were shot from the vantage point toward a theoretical target located in a horizontal plane intersecting the vantage point. The equivalent horizontal range may be utilized to compensate for ballistic drop when shooting the projectile weapon. The method may be embodied in a handheld laser rangefinder including a memory for storing ballistic data. Systems for automatic hold over adjustment in a weapon aiming device are also disclosed.
US09482484B2 Firearm suppressor
A firearm suppressor can comprise a central longitudinal chamber adapted to facilitate passage of a projectile fired from a firearm through the central longitudinal chamber. The firearm suppressor can also comprise an outer chamber disposed radially outward of the central longitudinal chamber, the outer chamber being in fluid communication with the central longitudinal chamber via an opening. The firearm suppressor can further comprise a baffle disposed in the outer chamber and defining a forward portion of the outer chamber and a rearward portion of the outer chamber. The forward portion of the outer chamber can contain the opening such that discharge gases associated with the projectile enter the forward portion of the chamber and are directed backward past the baffle to the rearward portion of the outer chamber where the discharge gases are at least temporarily trapped behind the projectile to reduce or prevent alteration of a trajectory or a speed of the projectile by the discharge gases.
US09482482B1 Safe and secure firearm mount
An apparatus for mounting and locking on a wall a firearm such as a rifle or shotgun comprising a housing assembly for supporting a firearm, a trigger and receiver guard assembly for preventing access to the trigger and receiver of the firearm, and a means for pinning the trigger and receiver guard assembly and firearm within the housing assembly while in a locked position.
US09482474B2 Radiative transfer and power control with fractal metamaterial and plasmonics
Systems according to the present disclosure provide one or more surfaces that function as heat or power radiating surfaces for which at least a portion of the radiating surface includes or is composed of “fractal cells” placed sufficiently closed close together to one another so that a surface (plasmonic) wave causes near replication of current present in one fractal cell in an adjacent fractal cell. A fractal of such a fractal cell can be of any suitable fractal shape and may have two or more iterations. The fractal cells may lie on a flat or curved sheet or layer and be composed in layers for wide bandwidth or multibandwidth transmission. The area of a surface and its number of fractals determines the gain relative to a single fractal cell. The boundary edges of the surface may be terminated resistively so as to not degrade the cell performance at the edges.
US09482471B2 Melt metallurgical installation comprising a charging element
A melt metallurgical installation has a melting furnace for melting scrap metal and a charging region for the melting furnace which is located above the melting furnace. The installation further has a charging element, which has been filled with scrap metal intended for the melting furnace and can be moved in a movement direction into the charging region where it can be emptied and then moved again, in the empty state, against the movement direction out of the charging region. The charging region is enclosed by a hood such that the charging region, including the charging element which has been placed in the charging region, is closed at the top and on the sides. The hood has at least one upper extraction opening through which the waste gases and dust developing in the hood can be extracted out of the hood.
US09482466B2 Method for drying bulk material
The invention relates to a method for drying bulk goods, in particular solids, such as granular materials, powders, grains, films, shreds, or the like, preferably plastic granular material, in a drying silo (9) by means of an air flow. The exhaust air flow (5) that is discharged from the drying silo (9) is dried in a wheel dryer (1). The adsorbent is regenerated and cooled in the wheel dryer. A rotatable drum (2) of the wheel dryer (1) is divided into at least three wheel segments, wherein the region of a wheel segment is used for drying or dehumidifying the exhaust air flow, the region of the second wheel segment is used for heating the adsorbent, and the region of the third wheel segment is used for cooling the adsorbent. The drying or dehumidifying phase (14) for the exhaust air flow (5) and preferably the adsorbent cooling occur in parallel, in particular in a continuous manner during the operation. The regenerating phase (15) with the adsorbent heating is carried out at intervals during the operation. The drum (2) of the wheel dryer is stopped in the cooling (16) or regenerating phase (15) and advanced to a selectable region, preferably the cooling region, after the cooling (16) or regenerating phase (15) finishes.
US09482463B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator may prevent an internal door from being opened together by an inertial force when an external door is opened, and may also prevent the external door from being opened together by an inertial force when the internal door is opened. The refrigerator includes a main body, a storage chamber provided in the main body so that a front surface thereof is opened, an internal door rotatably provided at a front surface of the main body so as to open and close the storage chamber and having an opening part in which a plurality of door guards are provided, an external door rotatably provided at a front surface of the internal door so as to open and close the opening part, and an internal door opening prevention device allowing or preventing opening of the internal door according to whether the external door is opened or closed.
US09482462B2 Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater
Systems and methods for providing two energy level settings for a refrigerator hot water heater are provided. An exemplary refrigerator includes a refrigeration system that includes an evaporator. The refrigerator includes a defrost assembly for defrosting one or more of the evaporator or a freezer compartment. The refrigerator includes a water dispensing assembly that includes a heating element for heating a volume of water. The refrigerator includes a controller configured to operate the heating element at a first energy level when the defrost assembly is not operating and to operate the heating element at a second energy level when the defrost assembly is operating. An exemplary method includes detecting that the refrigerator is performing an energy critical task. The method includes enabling a reduced consumption of electrical power by a heating element included in a water dispensing assembly of the refrigerator when the refrigerator is performing the energy critical task.
US09482457B2 Ice shaving machine
An ice shaving machine includes a base, a main body mounted on the base and having a platform provided with a shaving blade, a limit module mounted on the platform, and a rotation disk mounted in the main body. The limit module has an inner periphery provided with a receiving space. Thus, the ice block is limited by the limit module so that the ice block will not produce vibration during rotation to keep the stability and safety of the ice shaving machine during operation. In addition, the limit module has a central point the same as that of the platform so that when the ice block is received in the receiving space of the limit module and is shaved by the shaving blade, the force from the ice block is distributed evenly and smoothly on the shaving blade.
US09482455B2 Systems and methods for harvesting ice from an icemaker tray
A system comprising a gear having at least one slot, wherein the gear is connected to an icetray and a motor so that when the motor rotates the gear, the icetray twists, and an optical sensor that detects when the gear has rotated the slot over the optical sensor. The icetray twists while the gear is rotated in a first direction away from a home position to a reverse twist position. The rotation of gear then reverses to twist the icetray to a harvest position in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction until ice in the icetray is dislodged.
US09482451B2 Adaptive trans-critical CO2 cooling systems for aerospace applications
A cooling system includes a heat exchanger through which a refrigerant flows, and which rejects heat to a fluid, an evaporator, a first circuit having an expansion device, a second circuit having an expansion machine coupled to a compressor, and a set of valves arranged to direct the refrigerant through the first circuit, the second circuit, or both the first and second circuits based on ambient conditions.
US09482448B2 Solar thermal collector, solar thermal heater and method of manufacturing the same
A solar thermal collector including a carrier, channels and a solar selective coating is provided. The channels are embedded in the carrier for a heat transfer fluid flowing therein. The solar selective coating is deposited on an outer surface of the carrier. The solar selective coating includes a damping layer, an absorbing layer and an anti-reflecting layer. The damping layer is deposited on the outer surface of the carrier. The absorbing layer is deposited on the damping layer, wherein the absorbing layer has a transition region including plural sub-layers and located adjacent to the damping layer. The anti-reflecting layer is deposited on the absorbing layer, wherein a light beam is adapted to enter the absorbing layer through the anti-reflecting layer, and irradiation energy of the light beam is transformed by the collector into thermal energy, which is then transmitted to the heat transfer fluid in the channels.
US09482441B2 Composite molded body and method for manufacturing same
A composite molded body includes a main portion formed of resin, a ventilation channel configured within the main portion, a gas permeable membrane, and two inserted members embedded in the main portion. The ventilation channel has a first ventilation path P1 extending in a direction intersecting the gas permeable membrane and has an opening end leading to the external air, and a second ventilation path extending in a direction different from the direction in which the first ventilation path extends and having an opening end leading to the internal space of the casing. The inserted member forms a portion of the second ventilation path and has a membrane supporting portion formed with a through hole. The through hole constitutes a portion of the first ventilation path, and communicates with the internal space of the casing via the second ventilation path.
US09482421B2 Lamp with LED array and thermal coupling medium
A lamp with an LED array is disclosed. The centralized nature of the LEDs allows the LEDs to be configured in a filament-like way using a supporting power structure, near the central portion of the optical envelope of the lamp. In example embodiments, the LEDs are cooled by a fluid medium to enable the LEDs to maintain appropriate mechanical stability and operating temperature. In some embodiments, the lamp operates at a power of at least 5 watts. Since the LED array can be centralized to form a filament-like structure, the light pattern from the lamp is not adversely affected by the presence of a heat sink or mechanical supporting parts. In some embodiments, phosphor is used provide wavelength conversion. The phosphor can be suspended within the optically transmissive fluid medium, placed remotely in the lamp structure, or applied to un-encapsulated LED die.
US09482419B2 Electric light bulb type light source apparatus
An electric light bulb type light source apparatus includes a light source unit, a power source substrate, a drive substrate, a base, and a casing. On the power source substrate, a power source circuit is mounted, and the power source substrate has one of a through hole and a cutout. On the drive substrate, a drive circuit of at least the light source unit is mounted, and the drive substrate includes a part disposed in the one of the through hole and the cutout of the power source substrate. The base is used to supply power to the power source substrate. The casing is configured to contain the light source unit, the power source substrate, and the drive substrate, and the casing has a translucent cover.
US09482415B1 Submersible floating light
A submersible floating light (1) having a bulb that (3) that floats under that surface of a body of water, thereby illuminating the water and attracting fish and other aquatic life at night. A weighted base (8) locks onto an electrical power cord (7) that passes through apertures (15, 16) located on a housing (9) of the weighted base. The electrical power cord extends from an electrical power source through the weighted base and to the bulb. Clamps (17) allow the weighted base to be positioned at a predetermined distance from the bulb on the electrical power cord.
US09482413B2 Colour sequential lighting device
Lighting device (1) comprising a plurality of LEDs (2a-2h) and a movable member (3) comprising a plurality of translucent segments (S1-S8) arranged such that the light from the LEDs (2a-2h) is transmitted therethrough. At least one of the translucent segments (S1-S8) comprises a wavelength conversion material. The lighting device (1) further comprises a control unit (5) for adjusting the color of the light emitted from the lighting device by controlling the power supplied to each one of the LEDs (2a-2h) in correspondence to the movable member (3), and by controlling the total power supplied to the lighting device (1) independently from the power supplied to each one of the plurality of LEDs (2a-2h).
US09482412B2 Lighting device
A lighting device may include a laser light source arrangement; an optical unit; at least one pivotable mirror; and at least one light wavelength conversion element. The optical unit and the at least one pivotable mirror are embodied in such a way that laser light generated by the laser light source arrangement is directed via the optical unit and the at least one pivotable mirror to the light wavelength conversion element. The lighting device may further include a unit configured to compensate for a lengthening or shortening—caused by the pivoting movement of the at least one pivotable mirror—of the optical path of the laser light generated by the laser light source arrangement and directed onto the at least one light wavelength conversion element via the optical unit and the at least one pivotable mirror.
US09482408B2 Light source for uniform illumination of an area
A light source (e.g., a linear LED array or other light-emitting devices) may be coupled with multiple reflectors for providing uniform illumination on a target surface.
US09482402B2 Automotive lamp
An automotive lamp includes an LED, a substrate that mounts the LED, a reflector that reflects the light emitted from the LED, and an projection lens having an incident surface, which receives the light reflected by the reflector, and an emission surface that emits the light toward a front area of the automotive lamp. A fine asperity structure is formed on the incident surface of the projection lens. The fine asperity structure includes recesses or raised portions formed with the pitch less than or equal to the visible light wavelength.
US09482397B2 Light sources adapted to spectral sensitivity of diurnal avians and humans
Various apparatus and associated methods involve a light source that provides light at wavelengths that substantially correlate to local maxima in the spectral sensitivity of a diurnal avian. In an illustrative example, the light source may output light primarily in wavelength bands that are not substantially absorbed by colored oil droplets and/or visual pigment in at least one type of cone in the eye of a diurnal avian. In some embodiments, the light source may include a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. Exemplary light sources may output spectral components to illuminate diurnal avians with local maxima of intensity at wavelengths that substantially correspond to local maxima in a spectral sensitivity visual response characteristic of the diurnal avians.
US09482396B2 Integrated linear light engine
This disclosure relates to light engines for use in lighting fixtures, such as troffer-style lighting fixtures. Light engines according to the present disclosure have integrated features that eliminate the need for additional components such as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), a heat sink, a cover portion, a lens and/or a reflective element. Devices according to this disclosure can comprise a rigid body, conductive elements arranged into electrical pathways and light sources such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Devices according to this disclosure can further comprise integrated cover, lens and/or reflective element features. Methods for the manufacture of such devices are also disclosed.
US09482395B2 LED luminaire
An LED luminaire includes a thermal management system and features minimal glare while allowing for use of traditional luminaire housing. The luminaire of the depicted embodiments includes a luminaire housing, an LED light module, an LED driver, a diffuser, and reflectors. The LED light module includes at least one LED array, a primary thermal interface, and a secondary thermal interface. These thermal interfaces, particularly when used in conjunction with a conductive housing, allow for optimal thermal management by utilizing both natural convection and conduction to remove the heat from inside the luminaire into the surrounding air. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the position of the LED arrays within the housing in combination with the reflector design creates an optical path resulting in an indirect light source that minimizes glare, while providing a uniform distribution of light, unlike traditional LED luminaires.
US09482382B2 Holding device for a tablet computer
A holding device for a tablet computer has a lower part spanning a setting-up surface for setting it up on a tabletop and an upper part which can be rotated with respect to the lower part about a rotation axis extending substantially perpendicularly to the setting-up surface, which upper part has a first and a second bearing surface for the tablet computer, wherein each of the bearing surfaces defines a position of the tablet computer in which it is inclined at an acute angle to the setting-up surface, and wherein the tablet computer in the position defined by the first bearing surface is inclined at a greater angle to the setting-up surface than in the position defined by the second bearing surface.
US09482376B2 Pipe arrangement
A pipe arrangement includes a pipe and a pipe coupling having on a front face a peripheral groove with a groove bottom. The pipe is insertable within the groove and weldable to the pipe coupling. At least one through opening structured and arranged to connect the groove to the surroundings of the pipe coupling.
US09482374B2 Seal having projections and coupling having pockets
A ring-shaped seal has projections on an outwardly facing surface in the form of tubes which have a longitudinal axis oriented perpendicular to a plane containing the ring. The seal is received within a channel defined by segments attached end to end forming a coupling for coupling pipe elements in end to end relation. The segments have pockets which receive the projections. The projections support the segments in spaced apart relation to allow the pipe elements to be inserted into the coupling without loosening or disassembling it. The projections deform when the segments are drawn toward one another by adjustably tightenable fasteners and allow the segments to engage and capture the pipe elements in end to end relation.
US09482373B2 Unbonded flexible pipe
The invention relates to an unbonded flexible pipe with a length and a longitudinal axis. The pipe comprises an inner sealing sheath defining a bore, a pressure armor layer, an intermediate sealing sheath and a tensile armor. The pressure armor layer comprises at least one elongate metal element arranged with pressure armor gaps and is arranged in an annulus provided between the inner sealing sheath and the intermediate sealing sheath. The tensile armor is arranged on the outer side of the intermediate sealing sheath. Either the intermediate sealing sheath forms a drainage layer or the unbonded flexible pipe further comprises a drainage layer arranged in the annulus. The drainage layer comprises at least one drainage path arranged along the length of the pipe, wherein the drainage path is in fluid communication with the pressure armor gaps. The drainage layer optionally comprises a perforated tube.
US09482372B2 Flexible unbonded pipe
The invention relates to a flexible unbonded pipe for sub sea fluid transfer. The pipe comprises an inner sealing sheath defining a bore and a center axis. Inside the inner sealing sheath the pipe comprises a carcass. The pipe further comprises a pair of reinforcement layers consisting essentially of helically wound elongate armoring elements of fiber reinforced polymer material. The elongate armoring elements of the innermost of the pair of reinforcement layers are wound in a first winding direction with an angle α to the center axis, and the elongate armoring elements of the outermost of the pair of reinforcement layers are wound in a second winding direction with an angle β to the center axis, wherein α≧βfπ/2, α is about 65° or less. The pipe preferably comprises an anti-creep layer placed between the inner sealing sheath and the innermost of the pair of reinforcement layers.
US09482371B2 Systems and methods for insulating a pipe
A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a laminate. The core includes a cylindrical outer surface; a cylindrical inner surface; and a wall extending between the cylindrical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface. The laminate includes a metallized polymeric film sheet layer forming an inner layer, a scrim, a porous media sheet layer, and a polymeric film sheet layer forming an outer exposed layer bonded together via an adhesive. The laminate is coextensive with and bonded to the cylindrical outer surface of the core and the laminate and core are flexible so that the core and laminate can be opened, placed about a pipe, and closed without degrading the laminate.
US09482361B2 Magnetically actuated valve
This invention relates to a magnetically actuated valve (60), in particular for a mixing apparatus, comprising mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) for opening and closing the valve (60), at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) mobile between a rest position and an operating position, and at least one activation magnet (61) mobile between a first position and a second position, said mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) being capable to interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) for opening and closing the valve (60), said at least one activation magnet (61) being capable to magnetically interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52), the valve (60) being characterized in that it comprises sliding mechanical means (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) comprising a slide (63) integrally coupled to said at least one activation magnet (61) and mobile between an initial position and a final position. This invention further relates to an apparatus for mixing a liquid comprising such magnetically actuated valve (60).
US09482353B2 Automatic draining back flow prevention device
A double check valve is provided that includes an in-line inlet check valve and an outlet check valve that cooperate to prevent back flow of fluid through the valve. The check valve also includes at least one vent that allows for fluid trapped within the check valve to drain, thereby preventing freezing of the check valve and hydrant to which it is interconnected. The check valve provided omits many superfluous components and thus is smaller and easier to install than check valves of the prior art.
US09482349B2 Air valve for electronics enclosures
An air valve includes a frame and a sheet of thin material. The frame may have an outlet-side member configured mounted on a fan housing and an inlet-side member rotatably coupled to the outlet-side member. The material may have top and bottom edges, and a plurality of folds perpendicular to the top and bottom side edges that divide the sheet into a plurality of sections. The material may be attached to the outlet-side member and the inlet-side member, and configurable between folded and expanded positions. An attraction between a magnetic component on the inlet-side member and a magnetic component on a rotating fan blade may cause the inlet-side member to rotate, moving the material into the folded configuration. When the fan blade is not rotating, a spring attached at a pivot point may cause the inlet-side member to rotate in an opposite direction, moving the material into the expanded position.
US09482347B2 Control valve
Provided is a valve, including an in-line flow passage, a shut-off mechanism, and a multi-stage throttling section disposed in the in-line flow passage. Further provided is an in-line valve, including a flow control component and a sealing component, wherein the flow control component and the sealing component are separate from one another.
US09482342B2 Radially deflectable piston bushings
A piston assembly, including: a piston for a clutch in a torque converter including: first and second radial surfaces; and a radially inner-most end connecting the first and second radial surfaces. The piston assembly includes a radially displaceable bushing assembly: arranged to engage an input shaft for a transmission and form a first seal against the input shaft; including a first radial wall disposed parallel to the first radial surface and forming a second seal against the first radial surface; and including a second wall facing the second radial surface. The bushing assembly is radially displaceable with respect to the piston while maintaining the first seal between the first radial wall and the first radial surface and the second seal between the bushing assembly and the input shaft.
US09482337B2 Controller for continuously variable transmission
A controller for a continuously variable transmission includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit reduces a change in a target speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission when a sensitivity coefficient is large as compared to when the sensitivity coefficient is small. When the sensitivity coefficient is large, a change in speed ratio is suppressed, so the stability of the speed ratio is improved. When the sensitivity coefficient is small, the response of a shift is improved. The controller changes a degree of suppressing a shift of the continuously variable transmission in response to the sensitivity coefficient, so it is possible to suppress a shift where necessary. Thus, it is possible to achieve both improvement in the stability of the speed ratio and improvement in the response of a shift in automatic vehicle speed control. This suppresses a feeling of strangeness experienced by a driver.
US09482333B2 Sprocket assembly including teeth having an enlarged profile
A chain and sprocket drive system that includes an inverted tooth chain assembly configured to mesh with a laminated sprocket assembly is provided. The inverted tooth chain assembly includes a plurality of rows of links. The laminated sprocket assembly includes a plurality of plates, each of the plates including a plurality of teeth that are aligned with adjacent teeth. Each tooth has an engaging flank and a disengaging flank. The engaging flank of the teeth on one of the plurality of plates has an enlarged profile in a radially outwardly extending direction in comparison to corresponding ones of the teeth of an adjacent one of the plates, such that a first contact position with a link of the chain assembly carried thereon is located radially outward from a second contact position of the link with the corresponding teeth of the adjacent one of the plurality of plates.
US09482326B2 Electromechanical actuator
An electromechanical actuator (“EMA”) may comprise a ball screw having at least one tab extending from an inner surface thereof and/or an actuator drive unit (“ADU”) housing that interfaces with the at least one tab. The bail screw may include three tabs extending from the inner surface thereof. An outer surface of the ball screw may be threaded to mate with a threaded portion of an inner surface of the ADU housing, and/or the ADU housing may interface with the at least one tab, and the ball screw may be rotated to translate a ball nut situated concentrically over ball screw axially. The ADU housing may include a gear train assembly having a carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate includes at least one receptacle.
US09482324B2 Taper lock apparatus
A taper lock apparatus, including a screw defining a longitudinal axis and having a tapered end at one end thereof, the tapered end including a threaded bore extending partially along the longitudinal axis; a compression fitting having expansions, the fitting defining an internal space having an internal taper, the internal space configured to mate at least partially with the tapered end of the screw; and a retaining screw configured to mate with the threaded bore, wherein tightening of the retaining screw into the bore engages the taper end of the screw with the internal taper of the fitting forcing the expansions radially outward.
US09482315B1 Stud end link
A stud end link comprises a main body having first and second openings and a swivel ball bushing. The first opening and swivel ball each have truncated spherical surfaces to allow the swivel ball to be seated within the first opening, while permitting the swivel ball to pivot a limited amount about a lateral axis within the first opening. The first opening includes a slot to facilitate installation and removal of the swivel ball. In some implementations, the swivel ball includes a tab which matingly fits within the slot to prevent rotation of the swivel ball about an axis perpendicular to the main body.
US09482314B2 Bearing roller chain
A bearing roller chain includes a tubular bush configured to interconnect link plates facing each other, a tubular metal-made roller through which the bush is inserted, a plurality of metal-made anti-friction rollers arranged between an inner circumferential surface of the roller and an outer circumferential surface of the bush, and annular nonmetallic restraint members fitted into openings at the opposite ends of the roller in an axial direction, with the bush inserted through the restraint members, the restraint members configured to restrain axial direction movement of the plurality of anti-friction rollers.
US09482313B2 Engagement chain unit
Provided is an interlocking chain unit configured such that chains reliably and firmly engage with each other and that the buckling and twisting of a rigidified chain portion are avoided. An interlocking chain unit is configured such that the outer edges of a plate overlap region (P) are defined by contact portion faces and flat buckling restricting end faces, and that the plate overlap region (P) is constructed from the outlines of two plate overlap portions (Pa, Pa) which are point-point-symmetric about the point (C) of intersection between hook-shaped interlocking end faces and the buckling restricting end faces.
US09482295B2 Gear-shifting device for means of transport
A gear-shifting device (1) for means of transport including a pair of shafts (20-30) each including a plurality of transmission units (200) wherein each transmission unit (200) of a shaft (30) is rotated by a respective transmission unit (200) of the other shaft (20) wherein the shaft (30) is an activation shaft. The activation shaft (30) includes activation means (40) configured in such a way as to selectively rotate in an integral fashion a transmission unit (200) of the shaft (20) with a transmission unit (200) of the activation shaft (30) by generating a transient difference in speed of rotation between the slowing disk (45) operatively connected to the transmission unit (200) of the shaft (30) and the transmission unit (200) of the shaft (30). The transmission units (200) of the activation shaft (30) rotate freely relative to the activation shaft (30) in a selected configuration of the transmission unit (200).
US09482293B2 Electromagnetic clutch
An electromagnetic clutch is provided with: a rotor which has a friction plate; a stator which has an electromagnetic coil; and an armature which is attracted to the friction plate by electromagnetic attraction force generated by the conduction of electricity to the electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil includes electromagnetic coils. The electromagnetic clutch is also provided with a circuit switching section which is configured in such a manner that, when a switch-on command is outputted, the circuit switching section allows an electric current to flow in parallel into the electromagnetic coils, and then, after the armature is attracted to the friction plate, the circuit switching section switches a circuit for conducting electricity to the electromagnetic coil, from a parallel circuit to a series circuit so that an electric current flows in series into the electromagnetic coils.
US09482288B2 Clutch system for a transmission
A clutch system for a transmission having a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The clutch system includes a clutch assembly and a brake assembly coupled to a planetary gear set, engine and two electric motors to reduce transmission complexity, costs, and efficiency losses. The clutch assembly also includes a wear compensation mechanism and a clutch separator mechanism.
US09482277B2 Air bearing shaft chrome plating
An air bearing shaft for a cabin air compressor includes a first edge and a second edge, a surface extending between the first edge and the second edge, and chrome plating on the surface between the first edge and the second edge. L1 is a first distance from the first edge of the air bearing shaft to a first end of the chrome plating. L2 is a second distance from the first edge of the air bearing shaft to a second end of the chrome plating.
US09482270B2 Bearing wear detection device
Devices to measure bearing wear are known for bearings such as rod-ends, wherein the rod-end must either be removed completely from its installed position or relocated relative to the device each time wear in a different axis is to be measured. Such devices also tend to be relatively large and cumbersome. The present invention provides a device 10 which is a fully portable light-weight apparatus that precisely measures bearings in two axes. When employed for the purpose of assessing bearing wear, the invention is capable of obtaining the measurement in confined spaces, without the need to remove the bearing from its fully installed position or reorient the bearing housing to facilitate both measurements. By using the disclosed apparatus, a user may ascertain the serviceability of a bearing by detecting the level of wear in the bearing allowing timely replacement and/or repair.
US09482267B1 Omni-directional connection assembly
An omni-directional connection assembly broadly includes a hinge pin and one or more connection brackets. The hinge pin comprises a base section, a pair of primary walls, and a pair of opposed projections. The primary walls form a primary slot therebetween for receiving an engagement portion of a first panel therein. The opposed projections are spaced from the primary walls and form elongated passageways for allowing the primary walls to bend slightly outward for receiving the engagement portion of the first panel. The connection brackets are U-shaped for being positioned over the hinge pin and including flanges for attaching the connection brackets to a second panel. The first and second panels are then connected together at angles of between 0 and 180 degrees or more.
US09482263B2 Guide apparatuses for use with fasteners
A variety of fasteners and guide assembly devices are disclosed. The fasteners in various forms include a guide member that protrudes from the fastener to facilitate guiding of the fastener into a hole, passage, opening, etc. or corresponding fastener component such as a nut. The guide member may be substantially rigid or substantially flexible. The guide member may be permanently or temporarily attached to the fastener.
US09482262B2 Tapered flange nut with locking insert
Disclosed herein is a tapered flange nut which has a tapered end portion which interoperates with the shape of a non-circular opening in a pipe hanger saddle or equivalent structure.
US09482259B2 Fixing unit, fastening device and motor vehicle
A fixing unit for a fastening device to fix a first vehicle component to a second vehicle component is disclosed. The fastening device includes a plate element fixed to a coupling section on an essentially flat surface of the first vehicle component. A threaded stud extends from the plate element and is configured to be arranged in a receptacle of a second vehicle component.
US09482256B2 Mechanism for rapid de-coupling of load bearing structures
A de-coupling mechanism includes a link slidably received in a link aperture of a bracket. A pin is slidably received in a pin bore of the link and a receiving bore of the bracket. A first block is connected to the bracket and includes an initiator receiving passage in communication with the pin bore. An initiator is positioned in the initiator receiving passage and retained against a connecting passage edge and oppositely contacts an end face of a cap connected to the first block. A second block connected to the bracket includes a longitudinal channel having a channel diameter larger than a pin diameter so the pin is freely displaceable into the longitudinal channel. An end face of a retaining cap is connected to a second block end wall. The retaining cap includes a stepped portion having a step diameter smaller than the channel diameter and the pin diameter.
US09482244B2 Pneumatic membrane actuator and method of assembly
A pneumatic actuator is operable between an extended condition and a collapsed condition, and is capable of displacing a workpiece during movement between the extended and collapsed conditions. The pneumatic actuator can include a flex member (202) and a mounting base (204). The flex member can include a flexible wall (208) with a mounting bead (222). The mounting base can include a base portion (266) and a bead portion (268), and can be operatively connected along the flex member such the mounting bead is at least partially captured between the bead portion and the base portion. In this manner, a substantially fluid-tight seal can be formed and an actuator chamber can be at least partially defined between the flex member and the mounting base. An actuator support pad can receive and abuttingly engage at least a portion of the pneumatic actuator. A method of assembly is also included.
US09482243B2 Reciprocating servo control device for mainshaft of honing machine
A reciprocating servo control device for a mainshaft of a honing machine includes a bed body, a mainshaft mechanism, a driving system for hydraulic reversing and a control system, the driving system includes a mainshaft hydraulic cylinder and a mechanical-hydraulic servo valve, a valve body of the mechanical-hydraulic servo valve is connected to a piston rod of the mainshaft hydraulic cylinder via a connecting mechanism, a spool of the mechanical-hydraulic servo valve is connected to one end of a first connecting member, and the other end of the first connecting member is connected to a pilot displacement mechanism controlled by a servo driving and control system. The reciprocating servo control device adopts a mechanical position closed-loop and a hydraulic position closed-loop, to achieve numerical control of speed, position and reversing of the mainshaft hydraulic cylinder, thus a simple structure, reliable control, low price and easy adjustment can be realized.
US09482238B2 Pump and protector for pump
The invention relates to a pump, in particular a centrifugal pump (1), with a pump housing (2), wherein a motor shaft (5), which is connected to a pump impeller (6) arranged in the pump housing (2), extends through a shaft passage (4) in a rear wall (3) of the pump housing (2) and is mounted in the rear wall (3) by a mechanical seal arrangement (8).
US09482236B2 Modulated cooling flow scheduling for both SFC improvement and stall margin increase
A turbine engine includes a compressor, and high and low pressure turbines. The configuration includes a mid-compression station which can be, in the case of a single compressor in the middle of that compressor, or at the exit of the first compressor in the case of two compressors. Also, there is an exit pressure station at the exit of the compression system. A first gas flow line is interposed between the mid-compression station of the compressor and the low pressure turbine, and a second gas flow line is interposed between the exit pressure station of the compression system and the high pressure turbine. A first valve is coupled to the first gas flow line and modulates a low pressure flow rate of coolant in the first gas flow line, and a second valve is coupled to the second gas flow line and modulates a high pressure flow rate of coolant in the second coolant flow line. A controller is configured to operate the first and second valves based on an operating condition of the turbine engine so as to improve the specific fuel consumption while ensuring acceptable stall margin.
US09482230B2 Screw compressor
A screw compressor includes a housing having an inlet for receiving gas to be compressed by the compressor and an outlet for discharging pressurized compressed gas. A pair of meshing threaded rotors, each rotor having an axis and being rotatably received in the housing, each rotor having a first end near the inlet and a second end near the outlet. A bearing rotatably carrying each rotor about its axis and positioned near the first end and the second end of each rotor. A conduit formed in the housing in selectable fluid communication with at least one bearing and a force generating source from a pressurized fluid source, the force generating source selectably providing a force in a radial direction relative to the axis of the at least one bearing.
US09482225B2 Gear pump, pumping apparatus including the same, and aircraft fuel system including gear pump
A pumping apparatus includes a gear pump in fluid communication with a boost pump. The gear pump includes a pump housing, a first gear, and a second gear. The first and second gear have gear teeth and trunnions on opposite sides thereof, and are disposed in the pump housing. The gear teeth of the first and second gear are meshed in a mesh region. An inlet cavity is defined adjacent to the first and second gear, on one side of the mesh region. A pump outlet is defined on an opposite side of the mesh region from the inlet cavity. A bearing is configured to support at least one trunnion of the first gear and/or the second gear. A bearing interface is defined between the bearing and the at least one trunnion. A flow path is defined between the bearing interface and the inlet cavity.
US09482217B2 Fluid control device
A fluid control device includes a vibrating plate unit, a driver, and a flexible plate. The vibrating plate unit includes a vibrating plate with first and second main surfaces, a frame plate surrounding the vibrating plate, and a link portion linking the vibrating plate and the frame plate and elastically supporting the vibrating plate against the frame plate. The driver is on the first main surface of the vibrating plate, and vibrates the vibrating plate. The flexible plate having a hole faces the second main surface of the vibrating plate, being fixed to the frame plate. At least a portion of the vibrating plate and the link portion are thinner than the thickness of the frame plate so that the surface of the portion of the vibrating plate and the link portion, on the side of the flexible plate, can separate from the flexible plate.
US09482210B2 Solar thermal power generation facility and method of starting up same
A solar thermal power generation facility is provided with turbine bypass piping (74) which makes some of compressed air from a compressor (10) bypass a turbine (20), a turbine bypass valve (75) which adjusts the flow rate of the compressed air flowing through the turbine bypass piping (74), and a control device (80) which controls the rotational torque of a turbine rotor (21) by opening the turbine bypass valve (75) before a rotor rotational speed reaches a rated rotational speed in a speeding-up process of the rotor rotational speed by a start-up device (60) and adjusting the flow rate of the compressed air that is made to bypass, by the turbine bypass valve (75). The control device (80) instantaneously fully closes the turbine bypass valve (75) at the time of incorporation in which a power generator (50) is connected to an electric power system (S).
US09482195B2 Fuel supply system for internal combustion engine and methods of using the same
A number of variations of the invention may include a fuel supply system for an internal combustion engine and/or method, wherein heat is exchanged from gaseous fuel in a gaseous fuel line and at least one of a liquid fuel in a liquid fuel feed line or a liquid fuel return line which are connected to an injection fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. In a number of variations, a regulator or throttling valve is provided in the gaseous fuel line to expand gas flowing therein and reduce the temperature of the gas to further cool the liquid fuel flowing in the liquid fuel feed line or the liquid fuel return line. Another variation may include a method comprising exchanging heat from gaseous fuel in a gaseous fuel line and a liquid fuel in a liquid fuel feed line or a liquid fuel return line which are connected to an injection fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. Another variation may further include throttling the flow through the gaseous fuel line to adiabatically expand the gas flowing and reduce the temperature of the gas to further cool the liquid fuel flowing in the liquid fuel feed line or the liquid fuel return line.
US09482187B2 Exhaust gas recirculation device for a motor vehicle
An exhaust gas recirculation device for a motor vehicle is disclosed with includes an unburnt gas line for guiding an unburnt gas flow and at least one exhaust gas feed line for supplying exhaust gas into the unburnt gas line. At least two discharge openings offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction of the unburnt gas line are provided in the unburnt gas line, by way of which the exhaust gas can be or is supplied to the unburnt gas line.
US09482186B2 Leaf spring type variable valve
A leaf spring type variable valve may include a housing wherein a hinge support part may be formed at a side thereof and an opening may be formed at another side thereof, a valve cover which may be rotatably secured to the hinge support part of the housing to thereby open or close the opening of the housing, and a leaf spring which may be interposed between a leaf spring support part fixedly secured to the hinge support part of the housing and the valve cover to thereby elastically pressurize the valve cover, wherein the leaf spring has an area in contact with the valve cover.
US09482185B1 Thermal rocket initiator mechanism and rocket system incorporating same
A thermal rocket initiator mechanism, including a housing; a primer carriage translatable within the housing; a percussion primer disposed within the primer carriage; and a pair of actuator rods disposed within the housing where one of the pair of actuator rods is coupled to the primer carriage and the other pair of actuator rods is coupled to the housing. The mechanism further includes a rocker arm coupling the pair of actuator rods to one another where the pair of actuator rods are manufactured from a shape memory alloy that changes dimensions upon heating, translating the primer carriage within the housing and correspondingly actuating the percussion primer. The pair of actuator rods includes a long actuator rod and a short actuator rod. The percussion primer is actuated through a ramp structure coupled to the primer carriage and a spring structure coupled to the housing.
US09482183B2 Thrust reverser control system
A control system for a thrust reverser with a movable cowl includes an electromechanical actuator to actuate the movable cowl, an electric drive unit (M) driving the actuator, and a power control unit capable of controlling the electric drive unit (M). The power control unit moves the movable cowl to a closed position and/or to a deployed position. In particular, the control system includes an electronic circuit for electric braking capable of braking the electric drive unit (M), in case of overspeed of the drive unit when the movable cowl is moved to the closed position and/or to the deployed position.
US09482182B2 Actuating device for moving a thrust reverser
The invention concerns an actuating device (1) for moving a mobile cover of a thrust reverser, comprising: an actuator (5) comprising a first element (10), such as a screw, and a second element (12), such as a nut, mounted mobile device relative to the first element (10) such that the rotation of the first element (10) results in a translational movement of the second element (12) relative to the first element (10), and a locking device (31) comprising a rotating part (34) linked in rotation with the first element (10), and a locking part (35) that is mobile relative to the rotating part (34) between a locked position in which the locking part (35) is engaged with the rotating part (34) to prevent the first element (10) from rotating and an unlocked position in which the locking part (35) is disengaged from the rotating part to allow the rotation of the first element (10), and an electromagnet (39) for moving the locking part (35) to the unlocked position.
US09482179B2 Cylinder head gaskets with push-rod eyelets
A multi-layer cylinder head gasket is provided. The cylinder head gasket includes a plurality of layers of material, each of the layers has a plurality of openings including at least one cylinder bore opening and at least one pushrod opening. Each of the layers has an edge which surrounds the at least one pushrod opening, and the pushrod openings of the layers are aligned axially with one another. An eyelet extends axially in each of the pushrod openings and covers the edges of the layers for protecting a pushrod extending through the respective pushrod opening. The eyelet is made of a material that is softer than the material of the plurality of layers.
US09482173B2 Fuel control systems and methods for cold starts
An indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) module determines IMEPs for combustion cycles of cylinders of an engine, respectively. A coldstart indication module indicates whether the engine is in a cold state after a startup of the engine. A fueling correction module, when the engine is in the cold state, selectively increases a fueling correction for one of the cylinders based on the IMEP of the one of the cylinders. An equivalence ratio (EQR) module selectively increases an EQR of the one of the cylinders based on the fueling correction for the one of the cylinders.
US09482171B2 Cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio controller for internal combustion engine
An ECU executes a cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio control in which an air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder is estimated based on a detection value of an air-fuel-ratio sensor to adjust the air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder. Further, the ECU computes a learning value of a correction quantity for each cylinder, which is obtained by executing the cylinder-by-cylinder air-fuel-ratio control. Then, the ECU determines whether the estimated air-fuel-ratio has converged according to whether the estimated air-fuel-ratio of each cylinder has been closer to a target value than a specified value for not less than a specified time period. A computation of the learning value is prohibited until the estimated air-fuel-ratio has converged. Therefore, it can be avoided to compute the learning value based on the fuel correction quantity that is obtained when the estimated air-fuel-ratio has not converged yet.
US09482169B2 Optimization-based controls for diesel engine air-handling systems
System, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for a computing a first set of parameters based on operational states of an internal combustion engine and an air handling system, a second set of parameters based on a linear time varying model, and one or more control commands based upon a minimization or maximization of a cost function over a prediction horizon, the second set of parameters, and at least one physical constraint of the internal combustion engine, and controlling one or more operations based at least in part upon the one or more control commands. The acts of determining the first and second set of parameters and computing the one or more control commands are repeated over a plurality of time periods over which the first set of parameters and the second set of parameters are time variant.
US09482165B2 Dual fuel common rail depressurization during engine shutdown and machine using same
A machine includes a compression ignition engine fueled from common rail fuel injectors that predominately inject natural gas fuel that is compression ignited with a small pilot injection of liquid diesel fuel. When an engine shutdown command is communicated to an electronic controller, the supply of gaseous fuel to the gas rail is stopped and the gaseous fuel common rail is depressurized by continuing to run the engine and inject gaseous and liquid fuels while commanding a liquid pressure greater than the gas pressure. After the gas rail pressure has achieved an acceptable shutdown pressure, the engine is stopped. The gas rail pressure is then reduced to atmospheric pressure followed by the liquid fuel common rail being reduced to atmosphere pressure after stopping the engine.
US09482162B2 Controller and control method for homogeneous charge compression ignition engine
Provided are a controller and a control method for a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine, which are capable of obtaining a highly efficient and stable combustion state over a wide range of load condition. A correction factor computing section executes combustion control with an excess air ratio smaller than approximately 3 when a predetermined condition is satisfied and computes a correction factor for correcting deviations between execution values of valve-opening timings and valve-opening periods of an intake valve and an exhaust valve and basic valve-opening timings and basic valve-opening periods of the intake valve and the exhaust valve which are previously determined for each operation condition, based on a timing at which an ion current becomes maximum detected by a combustion-timing detection section, in the combustion control with the excess air ratio smaller than approximately 3.
US09482153B2 Oil retention in the bore/piston interfaces of ported cylinders in opposed-piston engines
An opposed piston engine includes at least one cylinder with a bore surface and longitudinally-spaced exhaust and intake ports that open through the sidewall of the cylinder. A pair of opposed pistons is disposed in the cylinder for sliding movement along the bore surface. An oil-retaining surface texture pattern in an interface between the pistons and the bore surface extends in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, aligned with bridges of at least one port. The surface texture pattern includes a plurality of separate recesses on an outside surface of a skirt of each piston. Alternatively, or in addition, the surface texture pattern includes a plurality of separate recesses extending in a longitudinal direction of the cylinder, aligned with bridges of at least one port.
US09482151B2 Direct circular rotary internal-combustion engine with toroidal expansion chamber and rotor without moving parts
Direct circular rotary internal-combustion engine with toroidal expansion chamber and rotor without moving parts, which directly converts the combustion expansion into a rotary movement of the shaft thereof, receives the compressed oxidizing agent at high pressure, does not require inertia in order to function, and in which combustion can take place in a static combustion chamber.
US09482144B2 Air-actuated fan clutch
An air-actuated fan clutch having a translatable piston in communication with a pressure chamber and moveable between a piston neutral position and a piston activated position in response to air pressure. A clutch spring biases a clutch housing into engagement with a clutch element that is coupled for rotation with a drive shaft when the piston is in the piston neutral position. Movement of the piston to the piston activated position moves the clutch housing away from the clutch element to inhibit transmission of rotary power through the fan clutch. A valve and an actuator are provided to prevent movement of the piston from the piston neutral position when air pressure acting on the piston would be below a predetermined threshold.
US09482143B2 Motorcycle
A water pump is disposed so as to be mounted on a cylinder head cover of an engine. An electric motor is disposed continuously from the water pump. The water pump sends cooling water to a water jacket of a cylinder block via a cooling water pipe disposed so as pass in front of the cylinder head cover and a cylinder head. In an upper end portion of a radiator, an inlet through which the cooling water is led from the engine is disposed on the left and an outlet through which the cooling water is supplied to the water pump is disposed on the right. The inlet is connected to the cylinder block via a cooling water pipe, and the outlet is connected to the water pump via a cooling water pipe.
US09482129B2 Vehicular control device and vehicular control method
In a vehicle including an engine, an electrically heatable catalyst device (EHC), and a first motor generator that generates electric power in accordance with the engine's motive power with the vehicle in a substantially stopped state with a vehicular speed lower than a threshold vehicular speed, an ECU determines, based on an amount A by which an accelerator pedal is operated and a vehicular speed V, whether a large accelerator operation has been performed with the vehicle in the substantially stopped state. If the ECU determines that the large accelerator operation has been performed with the vehicle in the substantially stopped state, the ECU activates an energization timer, and before the energization timer reaches a reference energization period of time α, the ECU energizes the EHC, and once the energization timer has reached the reference energization period of time α, the ECU ceases energizing the EHC.
US09482128B2 Method for regenerating NOx storage catalytic converters of diesel engines with low-pressure EGR
The invention relates to a method for regenerating nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters and to a correspondingly adapted exhaust-gas purification system for lean-burn engines. In particular, the present invention relates to the regeneration of nitrogen oxide storage catalytic converters during special driving situations of the vehicle.
US09482126B2 Method for operating an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle, and exhaust gas system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle
A method for operating an exhaust gas system of a motor vehicle involves performing regeneration of the particle filter as a function of at least one aging value characterizing an aging condition of the oxidation catalytic converter.
US09482125B2 Particulate filter and hydrocarbon adsorber bypass systems
A regeneration system includes a first comparison module that at least one of (i) compares a first temperature of an adsorber to an adsorber release temperature and (ii) compares a second temperature of an engine to a predetermined temperature, and generates a first comparison signal. A second comparison module that compares a particulate matter output of the engine with a predetermined output and generates a second comparison signal. A mode selection module that selects a mode and generates a mode signal based on the first comparison signal and the second comparison signal. A bypass valve control module that adjusts position of a bypass valve to bypass at least one of a particulate matter (PM) filter and the adsorber based on the mode signal.
US09482114B2 Compressor case lining
A lining for a compressor case in use with a gas turbine engine compressor is provided. The compressor includes a compressor casing, which is generally comprised of a first and second half. Inside the casing is a plurality of vanes attached to a plurality of vane bands. The vane bands are affixed to the interior of the compressor casing. A lining, comprising a carbon fiber reinforced-type material is applied to the interior of the compressor casing over the vane bands. The lining allows a minimal clearance to be between the lining and wheel blade tips spinning within the compressor casing. The carbon fiber in the lining allows the lining to withstand a high number of temperature cycles due to the use of the compressor and the gas turbine engine.
US09482111B2 Fan containment case with thermally conforming liner
A fan section of a gas turbine engine includes a fan containment case assembly includes an outer case of an aluminum alloy. The outer case extends circumferentially around an axial centerline. A thermally conforming liner assembly is located inwardly of the outer case. The thermally conforming liner assembly includes a circumferential liner of an aluminum alloy. A ballistic liner is located between the outer case and the thermally conforming liner assembly.
US09482107B2 Gas turbine nozzle arrangement and gas turbine
A sealing element is provided for sealing a leak path between a radial outer platform of a turbine nozzle and a carrier ring for carrying said radial outer platform. The carrier ring has an axially facing carrier ring surface and the radial outer platform has an axially facing platform surface. The carrier ring surface forms a first sealing surface and the platform surface forming a second sealing surface. The first and second sealing surfaces is aligned in a plane with a radial gap between them. The sealing element includes a leaf seal adapted to cover the gap between the first and second sealing surfaces, and an impingement plate for allowing impingement cooling of a radial outer surface of the radial outer platform. The impingement plate is adapted to be fixed to the turbine nozzle. The sealing element may be part of a nozzle arrangement of a gas turbine.
US09482105B1 Erosion and corrosion resistant protective coating for turbomachinery methods of making the same and applications thereof
A wear resistant coating protects against corrosion and erosion of the thin metal protective sheath on turbomachinery applications. The coating has a metal layer overlaid by a ceramic layer. Multiple metal and ceramic layers can make up the coating with the layers varying in thickness allowing the layers nearer the substrate to remain more malleable to bend with the sheath and those layers nearer the top of the coating to be more brittle and resistant to wear. A cold spray metallic layer applied to the substrate provides a lightweight, flexible layer beneath the corrosion and erosion resistant protective multilayer coating.
US09482102B2 Method of reinforcing a mechanical part
A method of reinforcing a mechanical part, for example a turbine engine part, the part being made by assembling together two portions, the method including: inserting reinforcing mechanisms of elongate shape at least in part in at least one recess formed in one of the portions and opening out into a junction surface between the portions; and assembling the two portions together.
US09482089B2 Receiving and measuring expelled gas from a core sample
An example system for receiving gas expelled from a core sample of a formation may include a tubular element. A core chamber may be disposed within the first tubular element. A gas and drilling fluid separator may be in fluid communication with the core chamber. The tubular element may be an inner barrel assembly of a core sample assembly that is disposed within a borehole. A core sample may be contained within the inner barrel assembly and may be retrieved at the surface. Gas may be expelled from the core sample as it is retrieved, and the gas and drilling fluid separator may separate the expelled gas from suspension with a drilling fluid for analysis.
US09482088B2 Mean regression function for permeability
A method having obtaining one or more porosity data of a subsurface of the Earth using a data acquisition tool; computing one or more permeability data from the porosity data using a transformation function; computing a first quantile regression function and a second quantile regression function of the one or more permeability data; producing a combined mean regression function of the one or more permeability data by summing the first quantile regression function and the second quantile regression function, wherein the first quantile regression function is multiplied by a first coefficient and the second quantile regression function is multiplied by a second coefficient; and using the combined mean regression function to predict a mean permeability of the subsurface.
US09482083B2 Controlling vibrations in a drilling system
A method for controlling vibrations in a drilling system, the drilling system including an elongate body extending from surface into a borehole formed in an earth formation, and an associated drive system for driving the elongate body, the drive system comprising a torque controller, the method comprising obtaining a model of the drilling system; obtaining at least one input parameter for the model that relates to an uphole parameter of the drilling system; operating the drive system to provide a drive torque to the elongated body; obtaining at least one output parameter from applying the model using the at least one input parameter, the at least one output parameter including at least one modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion; using the modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion in the torque controller for determining an adjustment to the drive torque, so as to control vibrations; as well as a drilling system comprising a torque controller, which torque controller is adapted to use the modelled downhole parameter of rotational motion for determining an adjustment to the drive torque.
US09482081B2 Method for preheating an oil-saturated formation
Method for preheating an oil reservoir comprises injecting saturated or superheated steam at an initial injection pressure into a tubing placed inside a well drilled in the oil reservoir. Steam temperature at an outlet of the tubing is measured and a heat flow from the well to the oil reservoir is calculated. An optimal steam injection rate when steam quality of the injected steam at the tubing outlet becomes greater than zero, is calculated, the optimal steam injection rate ensuring compensation of the heat flow from the well to the oil reservoir with the heat of steam condensation. A steam injection rate is decreased to the calculated optimal steam injection rate value by decreasing the initial injection pressure providing constant temperature at the outlet of the tubing.
US09482076B2 Multi-stage valve actuator
An actuator assembly for effective interventionless activation of a valve in wells of multilateral architecture. The assembly may be pressure actuated from an oilfield surface even in certain circumstances where another valve in another leg of the well has been opened in a manner compromising pressure control of the well. Due to the multi-stage nature of the actuator, pressure based activation remains viable as a result of supplemental and/or fail-safe modes of actuation, for example, where such pressure control becomes compromised.
US09482072B2 Selective electrical activation of downhole tools
A method of activating a tool can include displacing a device in the tool, the device transmitting energy to a receiver of the tool, thereby activating the tool, and the transmitting including a control circuitry increasing electrical current flow between an electrical power source and a transmitter in response to a sensor detecting a predetermined stimulus downhole. A system can include a tool including a receiver and an electrical load, and a device which displaces relative to the tool, the device including a transmitter, a sensor and an electrical power source. Another method can include displacing a device in a tubular string including multiple downhole tools, each including a receiver and an electrical load, and the device including a transmitter and a sensor. The transmitter transmits energy to at least one of the receivers in response to sensor detection of a predetermined number of the tools traversed by the device.
US09482067B2 Hydraulic anchor for downhole packer
A hydraulic anchor is coupled to a packer subassembly of a tool string. The hydraulic anchor, when actuated by fluid pressure, engages the surrounding wellbore, holding the tool string in place within the wellbore. A packer may then be actuated, held in position within the wellbore by the hydraulic anchor. In some embodiments, an inflatable packer may be held in the desired location by the hydraulic anchor. In some embodiments, a straddle packer assembly may be held in place by the hydraulic anchor. In some embodiments, a swellable packer may be held in place during the swelling process by the hydraulic anchor.
US09482065B1 Method and apparatus for disposal of cuttings
A method and apparatus for disposing of drill cuttings 500 from an oil and/or gas well drilling platform 510, comprising (a) transporting the drill cuttings 520 to a cuttings collection area 530 on the platform 510; (b) providing a barge 10, the barge 10 having at least one storage area 30, a cover 100 operably connected to the at least one storage area 30, and covering the at least one storage area 30; (c) placing the cover 100 in a first open state so that cuttings 500 can be placed in the at least one storage area 30; (d) transporting the drill cuttings 500 from the cuttings collection area 530 to the at least one storage area of the barge 10; (e) placing the cover 100 in a closed state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 of the barge 10 are contained; (f) transporting the barge 10 from the drilling platform 510 to a collection site 540; (g) placing the cover 100 in a second open state so that the cuttings 520 in the storage area 30 can be removed; and (h) removing the cuttings 520 from the storage area 30.
US09482063B2 Pipe handling system, apparatus and method
In one aspect the invention provides a tubular handling system for use with a catwalk and a plurality of tubulars arranged in at least one tier and positioned substantially parallel adjacent the catwalk. The system comprises a tiering assembly positioned between said at least one tier and the catwalk and pipe rolling means adapted to move one or more of said tubular between said at least one tier and the tiering assembly in a sequential bi-directional manner. Preferably, the pipe rolling means comprises an auger, auger drive means and an auger positioning assembly.
US09482061B2 Subsea connector assembly
A subsea connector assembly is provided for automatically coupling a movable subsea structure to a tubular fixed subsea structure. The connector assembly comprises a male connector assembly, removably mountable to the movable subsea structure, and further comprising a throughbore, at least one first actuator member and at least one second actuator member. The connector assembly further comprises an adapter assembly, removably mountable to an end-fitting of a string of tubulars, comprising at least one first engagement member and at least one second engagement member, each of said at least one first and second engagement member are operable to be acted upon by said first and/or second actuator member so as to selectively release a locked engagement with said male connector assembly, allowing said adapter assembly to be moved through said throughbore of said male connector assembly.
US09482060B2 Adjustable conduit
An apparatus includes a fluid conduit including a plurality of segments having a substantially flexible segment. The substantially flexible segment has substantially concentric inner and outer sidewalls and includes an adjustable pressure device configured to vary an internal annular pressure of the substantially flexible segment to counteract external pressure from a surrounding environment.
US09482052B2 Safety gate with a rewindable, flexible barrier
Provided is a retractable safety gate and locking mechanism for a retractable safety gate that employs a flexible barrier windable around a rotating spool, a lever or time release cap, a spline lock, meshing teeth, a spline geometry for extending and retracting the barrier.
US09482044B2 Forced entry resistance system for wooden doors and method for manufacturing doors with such system
A forced entry resistance system for a wooden door built with a lock-stile and a hinge-stile includes one or more metal mounts pre-installed inside the door stiles and concealed by door panels. A doorframe mount may be pre-installed inside the lock-jamb at the lock-strike-plate and multiple doorframe mounts may be installed inside the hinge-jamb in the vicinity where door-stile fracture-resistant mounts and hinge reinforcement latch bolts are installed. A method for manufacturing a door and a doorframe with the forced entry resistance system is also disclosed.
US09482037B2 Exterior locking module for a lock
The invention relates to a module for locking a motor vehicle lock. The aim of the invention is to design an easy-to-make and compact locking module for a lock. Said aim is achieved by a locking module comprising a housing, a switching nut that can be connected to a locking cylinder so as to rotate the switching nut by means of a key, and mechanism for converting a rotary movement of the switching nut into a linear movement to lock and unlock a lock. The mechanism comprises a dog which is linearly moved by a rotary movement of the switching nut. In the mounted state of the locking module, the linear movement of the dog actuates a mechanism that causes the lock to unlock or lock. In order to minimize the number of parts, the switching nut is rotatably mounted by the module housing.
US09482031B2 Cylinder lock including multiple cooperating sidebars for controlling the lock
A cylinder lock includes a side bar assembly comprising a binding bar and a testing bar and code pins, each comprising a key projection, a code hole, and binding features. Partial rotation of the cylinder causes the binding bar to engage the binding features of the code pins to prevent radial movement of the pins. If the code holes of the code pins are aligned with code points of the testing bar, the testing bar is able to move inwardly with the binding bar and out of the slot so as to permit the cylinder to rotate within the bore. If one or more code holes is not aligned with a code point of the testing bar, the code point will contact the body of the code pin and thereby be prevented from moving radially inwardly out of a locking slot, thus blocking rotation of the cylinder.
US09482029B2 Paddle latch
A paddle latch having a pan with a well, a paddle handle, a handle pivot, a rotary latch portion, and a trigger arm arrangement. The paddle handle pivot has a pin that non-rotatably engages with the paddle handle to pivotally attach the paddle handle in the well of the pan and has a pin trigger. The rotary latch portion has a housing containing a rotary hook with a mouth, a rotary trigger, and pin trigger cam. The rotary trigger retains the rotary hook in either an open position where the mouth of the rotary hook is accessible from outside of the housing, or semi-closed or completely closed positions, where the mouth is blocked by the housing. The trigger arm arrangement is adapted to transfer of pivotal movement of the paddle handle to the rotary trigger to release the rotary hook from the semi-closed position or the completely closed position to its open position. Only when the rotary hook is in the semi-closed position will the paddle handle be automatically partially tilted out from the well of the pan.
US09482027B2 Mechanisms for shelter attachments
A shelter includes a number of vertical support legs, and a mounting member coupled to vertical support legs. A collapsible truss section interconnects the vertical support legs to support a canopy. At least one buckle mechanism comprising a first releasably engageable body and a second releasably engageable body. The first releasably engageable body is attached to the collapsible truss section and is configured to receive the second releasably engageable body attached to the canopy thereby coupling the canopy to the collapsible truss section. Additional examples include a cable that spans between an adjacent pair of vertical support legs around a periphery of the shelter. The cable is seated within the channel of the mounting member. At least one curtain coupled to the cable by a releasably engageable fastener. The fastener is slidable along the cable to facilitate movement of the curtain.
US09482018B2 Device for levelling and aligning surface covering parts
A device used in the installation of a surface of ceramic parts that are levelled and aligned using a securing product. The device includes: a base, with an orthogonal cross-shaped structure formed of four arms, having an undulating surface; and at least two flexible planar attachments projecting up from the base and positioned symmetrically along the length of the base. The opposing planar surfaces of each of the flexible attachments including side ribs for slidably mounting and guiding upper bodies which, by applying pressure, contact with the upper surface of multiple covering parts (P), thereby being levelled.
US09482016B2 Shipment and installation of pre-hung doors device and method
Embodiments include a door stabilization device. The door stabilization device can include a clip component, a first fastener portion, and a second fastener portion. The clip component can be configured to fit onto an edge of a door using a compression fit between the first side portion and the second side portion. The first fastener portion is configured to extend through a clip aperture defined by the clip component and at least partially into a latchbolt aperture defined by the door. The second fastener portion configured to mate with the first fastener portion and configured to fit at least partially within the latchbolt aperture and a door knob bore defined by the door. Other embodiments are also included herein.
US09482015B2 Panel forming
Building panels, especially laminated floor panels are shown, which are provided with a locking system and several core grooves at the rear side in order to save material and decrease weight. Building panels, each having a surface layer on a front side, a backing layer on a rear side and an intermediate core, wherein the intermediate core and the surface and the backing layer all comprise wood fibers and thermosetting resins, said building panels are provided with a locking system for vertical and horizontal locking of a first edge of a first building panel to an adjacent second edge of a second building panel.
US09482011B2 Panel siding product
A siding product may include a panel having a substantially rectangular structure with a simulated pattern on a front face thereof. The panel may be formed from a polymer and may include color variegation. The panel may have a hollow back and be a single shake configuration that does not simulate more than one shake or more than one course of siding. The siding product may include a panel having a front face with a simulated pattern. The panel can include a hollow back, a longitudinal length extending in an x-direction, a lateral width extending in a y-direction, and a transverse depth extending in a z-direction. The panel can have a plurality of reinforcement ribs on the hollow back that extend longitudinally in the x-direction and transversely in the z-direction. In a version, none of the reinforcement ribs extend laterally in the y-direction.
US09482009B2 Connector element for use in a flashing assembly for roof windows mounted side-by-side and a method for mounting a flashing assembly
The invention relates to a connector element for use in a flashing assembly for roof windows mounted side-by-side comprising at least two flashing members. The exterior side of the connector element having an exterior side intended for facing the exterior in the mounted state comprises a gutter with two longitudinal edges each being adapted for engagement with an engagement section of a flashing member. At least two flanges projecting from the interior side, which is intended for facing the roof in the mounted state, and in parallel with the longitudinal edges of the gutter are adapted for coming into engagement with a mounting bracket arrangement including at least two mounting brackets associated with two different roof windows and adapted for a locking engagement with the mounting bracket arrangement thereby fixating the connector element in relation to the mounting bracket arrangement in at least one direction. Each of the at least two flanges are intended for coming into abutment with a surface of one of the two mounting brackets and each flange is provided with two or more curved recesses, each recess being adapted for riding on intermediate members of the mounting bracket arrangement. The invention also relates to method for mounting a flashing assembly.
US09482005B2 H-Section steel
There is provided an H-section steel in which a number density of oxide particles having an equivalent circle diameter of 0.005 μm to 2.0 μm per unit area is 100 pieces/mm2 to 5000 pieces/mm2, the oxide particles includes Ca, Al, and O as a composition, the amount of Ca is 5% or more, the amount of Al is 5% or more, and a total amount of Ca and Al is 50% or more by mass ratio excluding O in the oxide particles, a thickness of the flange is 100 mm to 150 mm, a bainite fraction in a metallographic structure of the flange is 80% or more at a strength evaluation position, and an average prior austenite grain size in the metallographic structure of the flange is 200 μm or less at a toughness evaluation position.
US09481999B2 Method of building and installation of an interstitial seismic resistant support for an acoustic ceiling grid
A method for building and installing a ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.
US09481998B2 Fire-rated wall and ceiling system
The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.
US09481993B2 Formwork for use in the construction of arched structures and a method of constructing arched structures
A formwork for constructing an arched structure comprises a first end panel and a second end panel. A plurality of longitudinal members extends between the first end panel and the second end panel. The longitudinal members are arranged in an arced formation and the longitudinal members slope between the first end panel and the second end panel. The formwork may have rollers disposed along lengths of the longitudinal members.
US09481992B2 Freestanding toilet with cast-on toilet tank
Free-standing toilet with cast-on toilet tank, comprising a ceramic toilet body and a ceramic toilet tank, wherein the pressure cast toilet body (2) has an annular flange (11) located on the upper rim of its bowl section (10), which annular flange continues circumferentially around and extends substantially horizontally toward the inside of the bowl section (10) and serves as a border for flushing water that is introduced below the annular flange (11) by means of an introduction unit (14), and in that the toilet tank (3), which is also pressure cast, is fixedly joined to the toilet body (2) by means of a ceramic bonding.
US09481990B2 Toilet air filtration system
A filtration system to filter air from a toilet bowl includes: a fan assembly having a fan and an air flow channel in fluid communication with the toilet bowl to draw air from the toilet bowl; a housing interposing the toilet bowl and the fan assembly, the housing having a filter receptacle to receive a filter unit therein, the received filter unit being in fluid communication with the air flow channel wherein the fan assembly draws air through the filter unit to exhaust the air out of the air flow channel; an activator to activate the fan assembly; and, a decimator for killing or eliminating particulate matter in the air flow.
US09481982B1 Method and control system for surveying and mapping a terrain while operating a bulldozer
A Method for generating scaled terrain information while operating a bulldozer. The bulldozer may include a driving unit comprising a set of drive wheels, a motor connected to at least one of the drive wheels, a blade for altering the surface of the terrain, at least one camera for capturing images of the environment, the camera being positioned and aligned in a known manner relative to the bulldozer, and a controlling and processing unit. A method may include moving the bulldozer while concurrently generating a set of image data by capturing an image series of terrain sections with the at least one camera so that at least two images of the image series cover an amount of identical points in the terrain, and either applying a simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) algorithm or a stereo photogrammetry algorithm to the set of image data and thereby deriving terrain data.
US09481978B2 Thumb with detachable body
A thumb for an excavator includes a base with an inner end adapted to be connected to an excavator arm and an outer end, wherein the outer end of the base includes a body mount structure. A thumb body is releasably connected to the base. The body includes an outer working portion, an inner tail portion, and a coupling or pivot portion located between the working portion and the tail portion. The coupling portion of the body is engaged with the body mount structure of the base, and the tail portion of the body is releasably secured or captured to the base so that the body is located in an operative position for use of its working portion. The tail portion of the body includes first and second spaced-apart tail members. The tail portion of the body and the base include respective mating portions that are engaged with each other when the body is installed in its operative position on the base, and forces are transferred from the body to the base through these mating portions to minimize shear forces acting on the fasteners.
US09481965B2 System for absorbing impact load in a machine
A system associated with a machine is provided. The system is configured to engage with a vehicle. The system includes a first frame and a second frame to support a first roller and a second roller, respectively. The first roller and the second roller are configured to abut a first and a second set of ground engaging members, respectively, of the vehicle. The system further includes a pin member to couple the first frame and the second frame. The first frame and the second frame are moveable relative to each other about a rotating axis defined by the pin member. The system further includes an actuating member coupled between the first frame and the second frame. The actuating member is configured to move the first frame and the second frame about the pin member.
US09481958B2 Washing machine
A washing machine which is improved so as to firmly support a clutch. The washing machine includes a main body, a tub disposed within the main body, a drum rotatably disposed within the tub, a motor provided under the tub to provide driving force to rotate the drum, a clutch connected to the motor to transmit driving force of the motor to the drum, and a mounting plate to fix the clutch and the motor to connect the clutch and the motor to the lower surface of the tub. A first flange unit connected to the clutch is provided on the lower surface of the tub, and a second flange unit connected to the outer circumferential surface of the first flange unit is provided on the mounting plate.
US09481956B2 Pretreatment cup for treating durable and delicate fabrics
A pretreatment cup comprising elongated protrusions, having a length to width ratio of greater than 2, which are spaced so that the distance between the elongated protrusions is less than the height of the elongated protrusions, can be used for pretreating both durable and delicate fabrics.
US09481944B2 Gas injectors including a funnel- or wedge-shaped channel for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems and CVD systems with the same
The present invention provides improved gas injectors for use with CVD (chemical vapor deposition) systems that thermalize gases prior to injection into a CVD chamber. The provided injectors are configured to increase gas flow times through heated zones and include gas-conducting conduits that lengthen gas residency times in the heated zones. The provided injectors also have outlet ports sized, shaped, and arranged to inject gases in selected flow patterns. The invention also provides CVD systems using the provided thermalizing gas injectors. The present invention has particular application to high-volume manufacturing of GaN substrates.
US09481942B2 Geometry and process optimization for ultra-high RPM plating
Various embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for electroplating metal onto substrates. The apparatus used to practice electroplating may be designed to have a geometric configuration that makes it difficult for air to travel and become trapped under the substrate. By using such apparatus, electroplating can occur at higher rates of substrate rotation than would otherwise be acceptable. The higher rate of substrate rotation allows electroplating to occur at higher limiting currents, which in turn increases throughput. The disclosed embodiments are particularly useful in the context of electrolytes that otherwise exhibit a relatively low limiting current (e.g., electrolytes having a low concentration of metal ions), though the embodiments are not so limited.
US09481941B2 Method for the treatment, by percolation, of a felt element by means of electrode-position
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for methods for manufacturing a metallized or metallizable felt by percolation of at least one felt element by electrodeposition.
US09481940B2 Electrodeposition system and method incorporating an anode having a back side capacitive element
Disclosed are an electrodeposition system and method with an anode assembly comprising a capacitor comprising a first conductive plate (i.e., an anode) with a frontside having a surface exposed to a plating solution, a second conductive plate on a backside of the first conductive plate, and a dielectric layer between the two conductive plates. During a non-plating mode, a power source, having positive and negative terminals connected to the first and second conductive plates, respectively, is turned on, thereby polarizing the first conductive plate (i.e., the anode) relative to the second conductive plate to prevent degradation of the anode and/or plating solution. During an active plating mode, another power source, having positive and negative terminals connected to the first conductive plate (i.e., the anode) and a cathode, respectively, is turned on, thereby polarizing the anode relative to the cathode in order to deposit a plated layer on a workpiece.
US09481934B2 Method of removing work-affected layer
A method of removing a work-affected layer formed on the worked surface of a TiAl-based alloy (base material) by machining work, without exerting any adverse effect on the base material. The method of removing the work-affected layer includes a step of dipping a TiAl-based alloy, having a work-affected layer formed on the surface thereof by machining, in an etchant containing predetermined concentrations of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid. Within the etchant, the concentration of the hydrofluoric acid is not less than 5 g/L and not more than 56 g/L, and the concentration of the nitric acid is selected from within a range from not less than 50 g/L to not more than 260 g/L in accordance with a combination of the concentration of the hydrofluoric acid within the etchant and the etching treatment temperature.
US09481932B2 Method and apparatus for progressively forging a hard disk drive base plate
A method and apparatus for forming a hard disk drive base plate with a sequence of progressive forging operations is described. The method may include advancing an initial hard disk drive base plate cut from an extruded sheet through a plurality of stations of a transfer die assembly. The method may also include performing a sequence of forgings on the initial hard disk drive base plate to progressively form parts on a hard disk drive base plate.
US09481927B2 Method of making inorganic or inorganic/organic hybrid barrier films
A method for forming an inorganic or hybrid organic/inorganic barrier layer on a substrate, comprising condensing a vaporized metal alkoxide to form a layer atop the substrate, and contacting the condensed metal alkoxide layer with water to cure the layer is provided.
US09481926B2 Vanadium oxide thermo-sensitive film material with high temperature coefficient of resistance and a preparing method thereof
A vanadium oxide thermo-sensitive film material with a high temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) contains a rare earth element of Yttrium serving as a dopant in a preparation process. The vanadium oxide thermo-sensitive film material includes a substrate and a yttrium-doped vanadium oxide film layer. The yttrium-doped vanadium oxide film layer includes three elements of vanadium, oxygen and yttrium, wherein the atomic concentration of yttrium is at a range of 1%-8%, the atomic concentration of vanadium is at a range of 20-40% and the residue is oxygen. The method for preparing the vanadium oxide thermo-sensitive film material with high TCR includes a reactive magnetron sputtering method using a low-concentration yttrium-vanadium alloy target as a sputtering source or a reactive magnetron co-sputtering method using dual targets including a high-concentration yttrium-vanadium alloy target and a pure vanadium target as a co-sputtering source.
US09481925B2 Titanium diboride target
A titanium diboride target contains fractions of one or more metals from the group including iron, nickel, cobalt and chromium as well as carbon. The mean grain size of TiB2 grains is between 1 μm and 20 μm, the carbon content is in a range of 0.1 to 5% by weight and the total content of Fe, Ni, Co and/or Cr is in a range of 500 to 3,000 μg/g. The carbon is distributed in free form at the grain boundaries of the TiB2 grains in such a way that mean distances between individual carbon particles are less than 20 μm. The porosity is less than 5% by volume.
US09481922B2 Process for forming porous metal coating on surfaces
Embodiments of the invention provide a thermal spray method of forming a protective and porous coating over desired surfaces. Further, embodiments provide a thermal arc spray method, such as twin wire arc spray, to coat the surfaces. The invention may refer to using Aluminum and Silicon alloy in a twin wire arc spray method, to create sacrificial and protective coatings on the surfaces, such as substrates and machine parts. Machine parts may be, for example, of sputtering system. The method may utilize a predefined range of Silicon to be alloyed with Aluminum to improve the physical properties of the Aluminum, and further avoid damages to the coated surface, such as de-lamination and flaking of the coatings and coated surfaces. Additionally, generation of defects during a sputtering process may be efficiently reduced.
US09481918B2 Impact resistant scrap submergence device
A metal scrap submergence device having an open top chamber including side and base walls of a heat resistant material. An inlet is included in a side or base wall of the chamber for receiving molten metal. An outlet is included in the base of the chamber. A ramp extends from the side wall of the chamber to an inner column defining the outlet. The ramp includes a first edge adjacent the side wall and second interior edge adjacent the inner column. The working surface of the ramp between the first and second edges is concave. The inner column includes an end wall disposed opposite the chamber base, the end wall includes rounded inner and outer edges.
US09481917B2 Gaseous based desulfurization of alloys
A method for desulfurizing a metal alloy comprises heating the metal alloy to a molten state. A gaseous desulfurizing compound is bubbled through the molten alloy to form a solid sulfur-containing waste phase and a molten reduced-sulfur alloy phase. The solid waste phase and the molten reduced-sulfur alloy phase are separated. The gaseous desulfurizing compound includes a constituent element selected from the group: alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, and rare earth metals.
US09481914B2 Methods for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis
The present invention relates to methods for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis based on an analysis of a patient sample. For example, patient test samples are analyzed for the presence or absence of one or more lactobacilli and two or more pathogenic organisms. The presence or absence of one or more lactobacilli and two or more pathogenic organisms may be detected using PCR analysis of nucleic acid segments corresponding to each target organism. The quantity of the target organisms can then be used to determine a score which is indicative of a diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis.
US09481913B2 Sequences and their use for detection and characterization of E. coli O157:H7
This invention relates to a rapid method for detection and characterization of Escherichia coli bacteria serotype O157:H7 based on the presence of nucleic acid sequences, in particular, to a PCR-based method for detection, and to oligonucleotide molecules and reagents and kits useful therefore. This method is preferably employed to detect E. coli O157:H7 in a food or water sample, such as a beef enrichment. The present invention further relates to replication compositions and kits for carrying out the method of the present invention.
US09481912B2 Compositions and methods for detecting and identifying nucleic acid sequences in biological samples
The invention is directed to compositions and methods for isolating, detecting, amplifying, and quantitating pathogen-specific nucleic acids in a biological sample. The invention also provides diagnostic kits containing specific amplification primers, and labeled detection probes that specifically bind to the amplification products obtained therefrom. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for the isolation and characterization of nucleic acids that are specific to one or more pathogens, including for example Influenza virus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, from a wide variety of samples including those of biological, environmental, clinical and/or veterinary origin.
US09481910B2 Methods and compositions for the detection of drug resistant BRAF isoforms
The present invention provides methods and compositions for the detection of novel BRAF splice variants that mediate resistance to BRAF and/or pan-RAF inhibitors. In particular, the invention provides PCR primer(s) to be used in the disclosed methods of detection. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods of the present invention are used to predict resistance to BRAF and/or pan-RAF inhibitors in a subject suffering from or suspected of having cancer and further provides alternative treatment strategy(ies) for a subject predicted to be resistant to BRAF and/or pan-RAF inhibitors. In a further embodiment, methods and composition for the identification of novel agents useful to overcome resistance to BRAF and/or pan-RAF inhibitors are disclosed. The present invention also provides isolated polynucleotide sequences of novel 5′ BRAF splice variant(s) and proteins produced from such polynucleotide sequences as well as cell line(s) that endogenously or exogenously express the splice variant(s).
US09481909B2 Multiplex compositions and methods for quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA and detection of PCR inhibitors
The invention relates to a method for simultaneous quantification of human nuclear DNA and human male DNA in a biological sample while also detecting the presence of PCR inhibitors in a single reaction. The multiplex quantification method also provides a ratio of human nuclear and male DNA present in a biological sample. Such sample characterization is useful for achieving efficient and accurate results in downstream molecular techniques such as genotyping.
US09481908B2 Compositions, devices, systems, and methods for using a nanopore
The invention herein disclosed provides for devices and methods that can detect and control an individual polymer in a mixture is acted upon by another compound, for example, an enzyme, in a nanopore in the absence of requiring a terminating nucleotide. The devices and methods are also used to determine rapidly (˜>50 Hz) the nucleotide base sequence of a polynucleotide under feedback control or using signals generated by the interactions between the polynucleotide and the nanopore. The invention is of particular use in the fields of drug discovery, molecular biology, structural biology, cell biology, molecular switches, molecular circuits, and molecular computational devices, and the manufacture thereof.
US09481906B2 Automatic light measurement device with a movable mount for coupling with multiple reaction containers
The invention relates to an automatic response/light measurement device and a method therefor, and the purpose is to effectively and quickly perform an optical measurement relating to a reaction with high reliability without increasing a device size. The device is configured to have: a container group in which a plurality of reaction containers are arranged; a measurement mount provided with a plurality of coupling ends that are joinable with apertures of the reaction containers, and have light guide portions that optically connect with the interior of the joined reaction containers; a mount transfer mechanism; a measuring device having a measuring end having at least one light guide portion that is optically connectable to the light guide portions of the coupling ends, that is able to receive light based on an optical state within the reaction containers; an on-mount measuring end transfer mechanism; and a measurement control portion.
US09481898B2 Electro-autotrophic synthesis of higher alcohols
The disclosure provides a process that converts CO2 to higher alcohols (e.g. isobutanol) using electricity as the energy source. This process stores electricity (e.g. from solar energy, nuclear energy, and the like) in liquid fuels that can be used as high octane number gasoline substitutes. Instead of deriving reducing power from photosynthesis, this process derives reducing power from electrically generated mediators, either H2 or formate. H2 can be derived from electrolysis of water. Formate can be generated by electrochemical reduction of CO2. After delivering the reducing power in the cell, formate becomes CO2 and recycles back. Therefore, the biological CO2 fixation process can occur in the dark.
US09481886B2 RNA silencing in animals as an antiviral defense
The present invention provides recombinant DNA constructs for inactivation of viral or endogenous genes in a cell, wherein the construct comprises viral sequence sufficient to activate RNA silencing. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for identifying RNA silencing suppressors by sequence analysis and functional tests. In yet another aspect, the invention provides a method for identifying inhibitors of RNA silencing suppressors. In still other aspects, the invention comprises methods for identifying genes in the antiviral RNA silencing pathway, enhancers of the antiviral pathway, and methods of treating or preventing viral infections using enhancers of the pathway.
US09481879B2 Preparation of stabilized catalase enzymes with a surfactant
There is provided a method of producing a stabilized microcrystalline cellulose powder containing catalase enzyme. In the method, cellulose is thoroughly mixed with phosphate borate and catalase, rinsed with water and a surfactant added. The stabilized powder may be mixed with various skin solutions (lotions, ointments and the like). The catalase enzyme can catalyze the reaction of peroxide to oxygen.
US09481865B2 Serum-free freezing medium used in adipose-derived stem cells and establishment of adipose-derived stem cell library
Disclosed is a serum-free freezing medium used in adipose-derived stem cells and a method for establishing an adipose-derived stem cell library. The serum-free freezing medium comprises a serum-free culture medium, dimethyl sulfoxide and a serum substitution component KSR; the defects of unstable freezing quality of the adipose-derived stem cells and influence of harmful factors in serum on the adipose-derived stem cells are solved, and the adipose-derived stem cells stored have the advantages of high survival percentage, well adherence growth and strong differentiation capacity.
US09481862B2 Delivery agent
A composition and method for delivering a peptide or protein into a cell comprising a polycationic agent and a polyanionic agent, wherein the polyanionic agent comprises an inorganic polyphosphate or a polyoxometalate and/or the polycationic agent comprises a polyalkyleneimine.
US09481847B2 Ultraviolet curable resin composition, sliding member, and method for producing sliding member
There is provided a resin composition for a machinable liner of a sliding member. An ultraviolet curable resin composition for a self-lubricating liner contains a (meth)acrylate compound having an isocyanuric acid ring represented by the following formula and PTFE as a solid lubricant. In the formula (1), X is a group which contains an acryloyl group and is composed only of C, H, and O. Y and Z are groups each composed only of C, H, and O. PTFE is contained in an amount of 10 to 50% by weight with respect to a total amount of the ultraviolet curable resin composition. The ultraviolet curable resin composition is suitable for a self-lubricating liner 24 of a spherical bearing 20 having an outer race 22 and an inner race 26.
US09481843B2 Apparatus for sweetening and/or dehydrating a hydrocarbon gas, in particular a natural gas
An apparatus for actuating method for removing acidity and/or moisture from a hydrocarbon gas, by absorption into a sweetening liquid and into a dehydration liquid, that are adapted to extract acid compounds or water from the gas, respectively. The apparatus includes at least such a container and a gas convey selective convey means, for actuating the treatment modes, in particular responsive to a flowrate of the gas. The apparatus according to the invention allows to maintain the sweetening and/or dehydration efficiency, in particular in the case of a progressive reduction of the flowrate of natural gas that can be obtained from a well or gasfield.
US09481842B2 Systems and processes for production of fuel and fuel blends
Systems and processes for the production of fuel and fuel blends involve the production of fuels for blending with one or more alcohols such as ethanol and/or butanol. A method for producing a fuel blend includes blending a light distillate product from an oil refinery with butanol. The fuel blending can be at the oil refinery.
US09481838B2 Capture and storage of emissions from a gasifier
A system includes a capture system, a storage system, and a return system. The capture system is configured to receive an outlet gas from a gasification system and to extract a component gas of the outlet gas using a regenerable material during a start-up operation of the gasification system. The storage system is coupled to the capture system and is configured to store the component gas extracted by the capture system. The return system is configured to return the component gas from the storage system to the gasification system during a normal operation of the gasification system.
US09481837B2 Chemical looping processes for partial oxidation of carbonaceous fuels
Processes, systems and equipment can be used to convert carbonaceous fuel to an output gas stream that includes CO as a primary C-containing product. In some embodiments, the processes and systems also can produce H2 in a separate reaction, with the H2 advantageously being capable of being combined with the CO from a partial oxidation process to provide syngas which, in turn, can be used to produce fuels and chemicals. The processes and systems can be tuned so as to not produce significant amounts of CO2 and do not require an air separation unit.
US09481832B2 Flame retardant composition for flammable plastic materials comprising 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine and process for producing the same
A flame retardant composition for flammable plastic materials and a method for producing the same are disclosed. The flame retardant composition comprises 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine that contains 1 to 1000 ppm of a metal species of a water-insoluble polyvalent metal compound selected from the group consisting of oxide, hydroxide, carbonate, phosphate, sulfate and silicate present in the particles of 2,4,6-tris(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-1,3,5-triazine. The flame retardant composition is produced by reacting an alkali metal salt of 2,4,6-tribromophenol and cyanuric chloride in the presence of said water-insoluble polyvalent metal compound.
US09481827B2 Core-shell nanoparticle and method of generating an optical signal using the same
A core-shell nanoparticle is provided. The core-shell nanoparticle has a core comprising a metal fluoride doped with a first sensitizer and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell comprises a first layer comprising the metal fluoride doped with a second sensitizer and a first activator, and a second layer comprising the metal fluoride doped with a third sensitizer and a second activator, wherein the first activator and the second activator are different, and each is independently selected from the group consisting of Tm3+, Ho3+, and combinations thereof. A method of generating an optical signal using the core-shell nanoparticle and a method of preparing the core-shell nanoparticle is also provided.
US09481820B2 Method of selecting refrigerant-lubricant combinations
The present invention provides methods for selecting refrigerant and lubricant combinations for use in heat transfer cycle systems and provides methods for operating said heat transfer systems. More particularly, the invention provides methods to select lubricant and refrigerant combinations for a heat transfer cycle system wherein at the lower temperatures of the heat transfer cycle the refrigerant and lubricant are miscible and at the upper temperatures of the heat transfer cycle the refrigerant and lubricant are phase separated and such that the density phase inversion temperature of the combination is below the upper operating temperature of the heat transfer cycle.
US09481818B2 Thermally conductive silicone composition and a cured product of same
Thermally-conductive silicone composition, a cured material of which does not impose stress to integrated-circuit packages even upon standing at high temperature, and semi-conductor device provided with cured material obtained by curing the composition, the composition comprising(A) 100 parts by mass of an organopolysiloxane having ≧2 alkenyl groups per molecule and a dynamic viscosity at 25° C. of 10-100,000 mm2/s,(B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane of formula (1): (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane of formula (2): (D) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane of formula (3): (E) 400-3000 parts by mass of thermally conductive filler,(F) a catalytic amount of platinum group metal catalyst, and(G) 0.01-1 part by mass of reaction retardant,wherein the variables in formulas (1)-(3) are as defined in the specification and the amounts of components (B)-(D) enable satisfaction of the relationships regarding Si—H groups and alkenyl groups in components (A)-(D) are as defined in the specification.
US09481816B2 Hot melt adhesive
The present invention provides a hot melt adhesive being highly environmentally-friendly, and as well having sufficient pressure-sensitive adhesiveness, adhesion, thermal stability and the like. The present invention relates to a hot melt adhesive comprising (A) a polar functional group-modified polymer, (B) an aliphatic polyester-based resin, (C) a tackifier resin and (D) a thermoplastic elastomer.
US09481815B2 Hot melt adhesive
The present invention provides a hot melt adhesive being highly environmentally-friendly, and as well having sufficient tackiness, adhesion, thermal stability and the like. The present invention relates to a hot melt adhesive comprising (A) a polar functional group-modified conjugated diene-based polymer, (B) an aliphatic polyester-based resin, and (C) a tackifier resin.
US09481813B2 Bonding material composition, aluminum nitride bonded body, and method for producing the same
A first bonding material composition according to the present invention is a bonding material composition used when aluminum nitride sintered bodies containing a rare-earth metal oxide are bonded to each other, in which the bonding immaterial composition contains, in addition, to an O element-containing aluminum nitride raw material, (a) as a fluorine compound, at least one of a fluorine compound of an alkaline-earth metal and a fluorine compound of a rare-earth metal, or (b) as a fluorine compound, at least one of a fluorine compound of an alkaline-earth metal and a fluorine compound of a rare-earth metal, and a rare-earth metal oxide.
US09481800B2 Polymeric materials with antifouling, biocidal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties; elaboration method and its uses
The present invention is related to polymeric materials, in particular thermoplastic or resins, with antifouling, biocidal, antiviral and antimicrobial properties. In particular, the present invention comprises a polymeric material with antimicrobial properties, wherein said antimicrobial property is given by the controlled and maintained in time release of elements or compounds with antimicrobial properties. The present invention also relates to the preparation method and products generated from said polymeric materials with antimicrobial properties.
US09481798B1 Nanostructured compositions containing nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods for production thereof
Nanostructured compositions containing carbon nanotubes and at least one other type of nanoparticle can display the beneficial properties of both substances. Nanostructured compositions can contain a plurality of carbon nanotubes, a plurality of nanoparticles, and a plurality of linker moieties, where at least a portion of the linker moieties connect at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes to the nanoparticles. The nanostructured compositions can form a substrate coating. The nanostructured compositions can contain two or more different types or sizes of nanoparticles. Methods for forming a nanostructured composition can include forming a non-covalent bond between a linker moiety and a carbon nanotube, forming a covalent bond between a linker moiety and a nanoparticle or a surfactant coating thereon, and applying a plurality of carbon nanotubes to a substrate. The linker moiety can be non-covalently bonded to the carbon nanotube before or after applying the carbon nanotubes to the substrate.
US09481795B2 Underwater pelletizing method for low viscosity hydrocarbon resins
An underwater pelletizing method for pelletizing brittle hydrocarbon resins with low melt viscosity. A feed material comprising the hydrocarbon resin is formed into a melt, extruded through a die into a water bath below the Tg of the hydrocarbon resin to form a plurality of extrudates and cut adjacent the die surface to form a slurry of resin pellets. A graft monomer and/or other reactants, such as a hydrosilylation agent, may be introduced into the resin melt to chemically modify the hydrocarbon resin.
US09481792B2 Dynamically crosslinked thermoplastic material process
A method for making a thermoplastic material includes: (a) partially crosslinking an elastomer composition at a first crosslinking temperature to form a thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition; (b) mixing a thermoplastic polymer composition with the thermoplastic, partially crosslinked elastomer composition and heating the mixture to a second crosslinking temperature higher than the first crosslinking temperature, wherein the thermoplastic polymer composition is liquid at the second crosslinking temperature; and (c) continuously mixing the mixture while further crosslinking the elastomer composition to form a thermoplastic material having a dispersed phase of crosslinked elastomer composition in the thermoplastic polymer composition. The elastomer composition may include an elastomer compounded with a curing agent and optionally additional components. A thermoplastic material resulting from this process may be molded or shaped by any method used for forming thermoplastic materials into articles, such as molding, extrusion, or thermoforming.
US09481783B2 Rubber composition for tires and pneumatic tire
The present invention provides rubber compositions for tires which are capable of improving handling stability, fuel efficiency, and processability while sufficiently reducing the dependence on petroleum resources, and pneumatic tires including tire components (e.g. bead apex) formed from the rubber compositions for tires. The present invention relates to rubber compositions for tires, containing a rubber component and a naturally derived phenolic resin.
US09481778B2 Initiator-tightened compositions
Disclosed herein are gel and plastic compositions comprising tightened layers of polymerized vinyl monomers, as well as methods of making the same, where the layers are tightened in having smaller pores. The tightened layers comprise tightened inner layers and exterior layers, and the compositions comprise polymer-attached (pendant) initiator or helper residues.
US09481774B2 Methods for altering the impact strength of noncellular thermoplastic materials
Methods for reducing the density of thermoplastic materials and the articles made therefrom having similar or improved mechanical properties to the solid or noncellular material. Also disclosed are improvements to foaming methods and the cellular structures of the foams made therefrom, and methods for altering the impact strength of solid or noncellular thermoplastic materials and the shaping of the materials into useful articles.
US09481772B2 Film composition
Film formed from a polyethylene composition having a density of 948-956 kg/m3, a high load melt index HLMI of 7-15 and a melt storage modulus G′ at a dynamic frequency where the loss modulus G″=3000 Pa. G′(G″=3000) of 1400-1800 Pa. The composition has a value of Mz/G′(G″=3000) of at least 900 DA/PA, where Mz is z-average molecular weight.
US09481769B2 Direct crosslinking process for preparing perfluoroalkyl-cross-linked fluoropolymer having perfluoroether pendant groups
This invention pertains to a novel thermal process for converting a fluoropolymer having cyano-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups into a novel perfluoroalkyl-crosslinked fluoropolymer having perfluoroether pendant groups. The process comprises heating the fluoropolymer having cyano-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups in the presence of Cl—F to a temperature in the range of 200 to 300° C. The fluoropolymer having cyano-functionalized perfluoroether pendant groups can first be formed into a shaped article, and the shaped article then subject to treatment in situ with Cl—F.
US09481760B2 High recycle content polyols from thermoplastic polyesters and lignin or tannin
Polyester polyols, processes for making them, and applications for the polyols are disclosed. In some aspects, the polyols comprise recurring units from a thermoplastic polyester or an aromatic polyacid source, a glycol, and a lignin, tannin, or mixture thereof. Optionally, the polyols incorporate recurring units of a hydrophobe. The polyols are made in one or multiple steps; in some aspects, the thermoplastic polyester or aromatic polyacid source and the glycol are reacted first, followed by reaction with the lignin, tannin, or mixture thereof. High-recycle-content polyols having desirable properties and attributes for formulating polyurethane products, including two-component polyurethane coatings, can be made. The polyols provide a sustainable alternative to bio- or petrochemical-based polyols.
US09481751B2 Curable resin, method of producing the same, and cured product
A curable resin including a repeating unit of hydroxystyrene substituted with an alkoxymethyl group, the repeating unit represented by the following general formula (1): where Ra represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; Rb represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; m is 1 to 3; and n is 1 to 3.
US09481746B2 Modified high-cis isoprene polymer, method for producing the same, and tire containing aforementioned polymer
A modified high-cis isoprene polymer, a method for producing the same, and a tire containing the aforementioned polymer are provided. A polymerization reaction is performed on isoprene monomers in an organometallic catalyst system to form a high-cis isoprene polymer having an organometallic active site, wherein the organometallic active site is formed by an organometallic catalyst system. The high-cis isoprene polymer having the organometallic active site is reacted with a modifier mixture including a first modifier and a second modifier via the organometallic active site. The first modifier and the second modifier are compounds represented by formula 1 and formula 2, respectively: X—R1-Si(R2)3  formula 1, and R3-Si(R4)3  formula 2, wherein X, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined in the specification.
US09481743B2 Polyelectrolyte polymers, their manufacture and use
A method of forming a polyelectrolyte polymer by photopolymerizing a monomer having an ionic group covalently linked to a photocurable group. The ionic group can be borate and/or phosphonium ion. The polymer can be cross-linked as by diacrylate.
US09481736B2 IL-17 binding proteins
Proteins that bind IL-17 and/or IL-17F are described along with their use in composition and methods for treating, preventing, and diagnosing IL-17 related diseases and for detecting IL-17 in cells, tissues, samples, and compositions.
US09481733B2 Anti-FGFR2 antibodies and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
The present invention provides an antibody which binds to a fibroblast growth factor receptor.
US09481712B2 Peptidomimetics possessing photo-controlled biological activity
The present invention relates to pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compounds, in particular peptide analogs (peptidomimetics), which can be reversibly controlled between an active and an inactive state by irradiation with light of different wavelengths. The present invention further relates to an intermediate compound usable in the manufacture of such pharmaceutically and/or diagnostically active compounds, as well as a manufacturing method thereof.
US09481708B2 Process for producing Sovaprevir
The disclosure includes novel processes for producing Sovaprevir comprising adding compound E to F-1 to provide Sovaprevir. The disclosure further includes intermediates useful for producing Sovaprevir. The disclosure also include a novel crystalline form of Sovaprevir, Form F, and a method for preparing spray-dried amorphous Sovaprevir from crystalline Form F.
US09481706B2 Purification of non-glycosylated polypeptides
The current invention reports a method for the purification of a not-glycosylated, heterologous polypeptide, which has been recombinantly produced in a prokaryotic cell, wherein the method comprises three chromatography steps of which the first chromatography step selected from i) hydrophobic charge induction chromatography, or ii) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, or iii) affinity chromatography, or iv) ion exchange chromatography, the second chromatography step is selected from i) anion exchange chromatography, or ii) cation exchange chromatography, or iii) hydroxylapatite chromatography, or iv) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, and the a third chromatography step is selected from i) hydrophobic charge induction chromatography, or ii) anion exchange chromatography, or iii) cation exchange chromatography, or iv) hydrophobic interaction chromatography, whereby the first chromatography step is an affinity chromatography in case of polypeptides capable of interacting with metal ligands, the second chromatography step is not a hydroxylapatite chromatography step in case of polypeptides with an isoelectric point below 6.0, and the third chromatography step can be performed in flow-through mode with polypeptides having a low or high isoelectric point.
US09481702B2 Glycoside compound, method for producing thioether, ether, method for producing ether, method for producing glycoside compound, method for producing nucleic acid
The invention provides a glucoside compound, which is capable of providing a phosphoramidite, which can be produced at low cost and can produce a nucleic acid in high yield and with high purity. The glycoside compound has the formula wherein B, R1, and R2 are as described herein, R3 is —OCH2(OCH2)n—O-L1-[D1], in which L1 is an ethylene group, wherein hydrogen atoms besides a hydrogen atom bonded to the α-position relative to [D1] are optionally substituted by a straight chain or branched alkyl group, n is a positive integer, and [D1] is an electron-withdrawing group.
US09481696B1 Thiophosphates and thiophosphate derivatives as lubricant additives
The present invention provides thiophosphates and thiophosphate derivatives useful as antiwear additive components, lubricant additive compositions and lubricant compositions each comprising such compounds, and methods for making and using the same. In one aspect, the invention relates to a compound of formula (I): or a tribologically acceptable salt thereof.
US09481693B1 Mixed ligand gold(III) complexes as anti-cancer agents
Gold(III) complexes with mixed ligands as anticancer agents. The gold(III) cations are coordinated to bidentate ligands having diamino functional groups: a diaminocyclohexane ligand and a 1,3-propylenediamine ligand. The diaminocyclohexane ligand can exist in both cis- and trans-configurations, resulting in isomeric gold(III) complexes. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the gold(III) complexes, methods of synthesis, methods of treating cancer and methods of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing cancer cell apoptosis.
US09481681B2 Dihydroetorphines and their preparation
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (VI), or a salt or derivative thereof, wherein R1 and R2 are independently C1-8 alkyl and * represents a stereocentre.
US09481674B1 Dihydropyrrolopyridine inhibitors of ROR-gamma
Provided are novel compounds of Formula (I): pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, which are useful in the treatment of diseases and disorders mediated by RORγ. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the novel compounds of Formula (I) and methods for their use in treating one or more inflammatory, metabolic, autoimmune and other diseases or disorders.
US09481670B2 Triazine compounds
The present invention relates to novel triazine compounds of formula (1), methods of their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and the use of these compounds to treat proliferative disorders such as tumors and cancers and also other conditions and disorders related to or associated with dysregulation of PI3 Kinases, PI3 Kinase pathway, mTOR and/or the mTOR pathway.
US09481668B2 Quinoline inhibitor of the macrophage stimulating 1 receptor MSTR1
The compound N-(4-((6,7-dimethoxyquinolin-4-yl)oxy)-3-fluorophenyl)-5-ethyl-1 -(pyrimidin-5-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamide and pharmaceutically usable salts, tautomers and stereoisomers thereof, including mixtures thereof in all ratios, is an inhibitor of RON and can be employed, for the treatment of cancer.
US09481656B2 3,3′-dinitro-5,5′-bis-triazole-1,1′-diol
The invention relates to 3,3′-dinitro-5,5′-bis-triazole-1,1′-diol and to salts thereof, and to an energetic active mass comprising said salts.
US09481653B2 Benzoimidazol-1,2-yl amides as Kv7 channel activators
Optionally substituted benzoimidazol-1,2-yl amides, such as compounds of Formula 1 or Formula 2, can be used to treat disorders associated with a Kv7 potassium channel activator. Compositions, medicaments, and dosage forms related to the treatment are also disclosed herein.
US09481642B2 Biguanide compositions and methods of treating metabolic disorders
Provided herein are methods for treating certain conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic diseases, disorders or conditions by administrating a composition comprising a biguanide or related heterocyclic compound, e.g., metformin. Also provided herein are biguanide or related heterocyclic compound compositions, and methods for the preparation thereof for use in the methods of the present invention. Also provided herein are compositions comprising metformin and salts thereof and methods of use.
US09481641B2 Process for the purification of a polycarbodiimide
A process for purifying a polycarbodiimide comprising (a) providing a mixture comprising a polycarbodiimide and a carbodiimidization catalyst; (b) separating carbodiimidization catalyst from the polycarbodiimide by subjecting the mixture according to (a) to a first distillation, (c) adding an entrainer to the first bottom product obtained from (b) to obtain a mixture; (d) further separating carbodiimidization catalyst from the polycarbodiimide by subjecting the mixture obtained from (c) to a second distillation.
US09481639B2 Substituted tetracycline compounds for treatment of inflammatory skin disorders
Methods and compositions for the treatment of skin disorders (e.g., acne, rosacea) are described.
US09481625B2 Process for producing cyclohexanone compound
The invention has an object of providing an economical and highly efficient process for producing a cyclohexanone compound such as cyclohexanone. An aspect of the invention resides in a process for producing a cyclohexanone compound by performing hydrogenation reaction of a phenol compound in a gas phase in the presence of a palladium catalyst supported on a carrier to produce the corresponding cyclohexanone compound, wherein the hydrogenation reaction is carried out in the presence of at least one nitrogen compound selected from ammonia, amine compounds and heteroaromatic compounds.
US09481624B2 Process for the production of dimethyl ether
A process for the production of dimethyl ether from a methanol reactor effluent is disclosed. The process may include: contacting an aqueous extractant comprising water and an effluent from a methanol synthesis reactor comprising methanol and one or more of methane, water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen. At least a portion of the methanol partitions into the aqueous extractant; recovering an extract fraction comprising the aqueous extractant and methanol. The extract fraction is fed to a catalytic distillation reactor system for concurrently: contacting the methanol with catalyst in a reaction zone thereby catalytically reacting at least a portion of the methanol to form dimethyl ether and water; and fractionating the resulting dimethyl ether and the water to recover a first overheads fraction comprising dimethyl ether and a first bottoms fraction comprising water.
US09481620B2 Process and apparatus for heat recovery in vinyl chloride monomer plants or in integrated vinyl chloride monomer or polyvinyl chloride plants
Disclosed is a process and apparatus for heat recovery in vinyl chloride monomer manufacturing plants or in integrated vinyl chloride monomer/polyvinyl chloride manufacturing plants. A process for capture and use of excess heat recovered in the production of vinyl chloride includes distillatively purifying DCE in a high-boilers column, using a heat exchanger to capture thermal energy from a purified DCE vapor stream from the high-boilers column, generating low pressure steam from the captured thermal energy, returning condensed DCE vapors to the high-boilers column, and heating parts of the plant with the generated low pressure steam.
US09481619B2 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl halide, method for producing the same, and method for producing 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate
Provided is a simple, selective and efficient method for producing 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate and the like. More specifically, provided is, for example, a method for producing 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate, comprising the steps of: subjecting a nucleophile represented by Formula (1) and an electrophile represented by Formula (2) to a coupling reaction to obtain a 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl halide represented by Formula (3), and subjecting the 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl halide (3) to propionyloxylation to obtain the 7-methyl-3-methylene-7-octenyl propionate represented by Formula (4).
US09481617B2 Catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons, process of making and process of using thereof—Ge zeolite
In an embodiment a catalyst comprises a medium or large pore zeolite having germanium incorporated into the zeolite framework. The zeolite can have a pore structure that is one dimensional, two dimensional or three dimensional. A metal selected from Group 10 can be deposited on the zeolite. In an embodiment, a process for synthesizing the zeolite comprises preparing a medium pore zeolite containing germanium in the framework of the zeolite and calcining the zeolite. In an embodiment, the catalyst can be used in a process for the conversion of hydrocarbons comprising contacting a hydrocarbon stream containing alkanes, olefins, or mixtures thereof having 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule with the catalyst and recovering the product.
US09481614B2 Energetic materials and methods of tailoring electrostatic discharge sensitivity of energetic materials
An energetic material comprising an elemental fuel, an oxidizer or other element, and a carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods, where the carbon nanofiller or carbon fiber rods are substantially homogeneously dispersed in the energetic material. Methods of tailoring the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of an energetic material are also disclosed.
US09481607B2 System, method and apparatus for manufacturing stable cement slurry for downhole injection
A method for manufacturing stable lightweight cement slurry in a continuous manner for downhole injection comprising the steps of manufacturing a foamed gas having desired density ranging from about 2.15 to about 2.35 lb/cubic ft. and utilizing foam stabilizing nonionic surfactant. And, an apparatus for carrying out the method.
US09481602B2 Method for preparing the surface of a lens including an anti-soiling coating for edging the same
The invention relates to a method for treating an optical lens coated onto at least one of the main surfaces thereof with an outer hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating, and for making it capable of undergoing an edging process, comprising a step of treating the peripheral area of said coated main surface which results in the removal of the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating and/or in the modification of said coating that lowers the hydrophobic character thereof, and a step of depositing a temporary polymeric coating onto said main surface of the lens so as to cover at least partially the hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating and the peripheral area treated during the previous step, in order to provide an optical lens having onto at least one of the main surfaces thereof an outer hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating and, in direct contact with said hydrophobic and/or oleophobic coating, a temporary polymeric coating adhering to the surface of the coated lens. The invention also relates to an edging method and to a lens capable of undergoing an edging process.
US09481600B2 Optical glass, glass material for press molding, optical element, method for producing glass material for press molding, and method for producing optical element
Provided are an optical fluorophosphate glass having excellent optical characteristics and also excellent processability, a glass material for press molding and an optical element each including the glass, and methods for producing the glass material and the optical element. The optical glass includes P5+ as a cationic component and O2− and F− as anionic components, wherein the optical glass has a content of F− of 40 anionic % or less, an abrasion factor FA of 420 or higher, and a fragility index value B of 4500 μm−1/2 or lower.
US09481599B2 Method of making a multimode optical fiber
A method of making a multimode optical fiber is disclosed. In one embodiment the method includes calculating a core radius that maximizes the bandwidth of the multimode optical fiber wherein the effect of draw tension is accounted for. The embodiments herein illustrate how core radius can be tuned so the time delay of the outermost guided mode group is reduced. The resultant core radius may be targeted for a value off-nominal from what would be expected for a particular commercial optical fiber type.
US09481593B2 Methods of using a submerged combustion melter to produce glass products
A method comprises flowing an oxidant and a fuel into a submerged combustion burner in a glass tank furnace, the glass tank furnace receiving a feed of glass forming material and producing molten glass, the burner and furnace comprising a melting system. The melting system has a variable system vibration and/or oscillation due to the nature of submerged combustion. One method includes predicting a value of at least one property, such as viscosity, of the molten glass using the variable system vibration and/or oscillation.
US09481592B2 Submerged combustion glass manufacturing system and method
Submerged combustion glass manufacturing systems include a melter having a floor, a roof, a wall structure connecting the floor and roof, and an exhaust passage through the roof. One or more submerged combustion burners are mounted in the floor and/or wall structure discharging combustion products under a level of material being melted in the melter and create turbulent conditions in the material. The melter exhausts through an exhaust structure connecting the exhaust passage with an exhaust stack. The exhaust structure includes a barrier defining an exhaust chamber having an interior surface, the exhaust chamber having a cross-sectional area greater than that of the exhaust stack but less than the melter. The barrier maintains temperature and pressure in the exhaust structure at values sufficient to substantially prevent condensation of exhaust material on the interior surface.
US09481590B2 Poly(zwitterion-alt-sulfur dioxide) copolymer
The poly(zwitterion-alt-sulfur dioxide) copolymer includes a structural unit having the structural formula: wherein “n” is the number of repeating units. The copolymer is made by cocyclopolymerizing 3-(N,N-diallyl,N-carboethoxymethylammonio)propanesulfonate with sulfur dioxide to obtain an intermediate polyzwitterion (PZ) copolymer, which is hydrolyzed to form the copolymer. The copolymer may be converted to a poly(electrolyte-zwitterion) by treatment with a base, such as sodium hydroxide.
US09481589B2 System and method for improved anaerobic digestion
A method for improved anaerobic digestion is presented. The method includes mixing a volume of waste material with water to form a feedstock mixture. The volume of waste material includes an initial amount of biomass and the feedstock mixture includes methanogenic bacteria either naturally present in the waste material or introduced artificially. The method also includes introducing one or more promoter substances to the feedstock mixture. The one or more promoter substances are capable of modifying the methanogenic bacteria. Modifying includes stimulating novel enzyme production in the methanogenic bacteria.
US09481581B2 Process for the production of a storage-stable barium sulphate having good dispersibility
The invention concerns a process for the production of a storage-stable barium sulphate, the barium sulphate produced thereby and the use thereof as an additive.
US09481568B2 Integration of active devices with passive components and MEMS devices
Integration of active devices with passive components and MEMS devices is disclosed. An integrated semiconductor structure includes an active device having a device top electrode connected to a conductive jumper by a device-side via/interconnect metal stack. The integrated semiconductor structure also includes a passive component having a component bottom plate connected to the conductive jumper by a component-side via/interconnect metal stack. The component bottom plate is situated at an intermediate metal level higher than the device top electrode, and the conductive jumper is situated at a connecting metal level higher than the component bottom plate. The conductive jumper reduces undesirable charge flow into the active device during fabrication of the passive component. The passive component can be, for example, a MEMS device.
US09481565B2 Encapsulated component comprising a MEMS component and method for the production thereof
A component comprising a carrier, a chip component and a MEMS component is proposed, wherein the mechanically sensitive MEMS component is mounted below a half-shell on the carrier. The component is encapsulated with a molding compound in a transfer molding process.
US09481560B2 Tubular bag with metering device
The device (1) consists of a second connection piece (4), which can be welded via its flange (41) onto an aseptically closed tubular bag (2). A first connection piece (33) can be screwed into the second connection piece (4) and is provided at the end with opening means (34). The first connection piece (33) forms the intake piece of a metering pump (3). Securing means (5) hold the metering pump (3) in the correct position relative to the second connection piece (4) before the first use, and further means hold the metering pump (3) in the correct position relative to the second connection piece (4) in the use position.
US09481550B2 System having multiple cabs in an elevator shaft
An elevator system which utilizes four or more independently moving cabs in each elevator shaft. The lower cabs are connected to four spatially separated counterweights at four different counterweight connection points. The connection points are horizontally shifted on different cabs in order to prevent interference between cables, pulleys and counterweights. The top cab may be connected to one or two counterweights by connection points on the roof of the cab. The cabs are mounted on two tracks, each track on one side of the elevator shaft. The system includes a motor attached to each of the cabs by lift cables to facilitate the independent movement of all cabs. Existing buildings can be retrofit for compatibility with the present invention.
US09481543B2 Variable cutoff folding device and printer comprising variable cutoff folding device
A variable cutoff folding device 1 comprising a folding cylinder 40 and a jaw cylinder 50, the folding cylinder 40 comprising: a paper edge holding mechanism 41 configured capable of holding a front edge portion in a conveying direction of an individual sheet FP and capable of changing a timing for releasing holding of the individual sheet FP based on a length in the conveying direction of the individual sheet FP; and a thrust blade mechanism 43 configured capable of thrusting the individual sheet FP to an outer side in a radial direction of the folding cylinder and capable of changing a position in a circumferential direction in the folding cylinder 40 based on the length in the conveying direction of the individual sheet FP.
US09481542B2 Foil processing device
A foil processing device comprises at least two supply units for supplying at least two foils for processing, a processing unit for processing the at least two foils to each other and a transport unit for transporting the foils from the supply unit to the processing unit. At least one of the foils is segmented comprising mechanically weak zones separating subsequent foil segments for enabling real-time correction of a relative position between the foils. The transport unit includes at least two support members for supporting at least two subsequent segments of the segmented foil.
US09481541B2 Non-stop rack device for a converting machine
A non-stop rack device for temporary receipt of the flat elements in the form of sheets in a converting machine, the device comprising a plurality of parallel bars which are integral with a mobile support which can be displaced between a receipt position, in which the bars can support temporarily the flat elements which are being stacked, and a released position, in which the said bars are placed spaced from any stack of flat elements. Each non-stop bar is mounted so as to be mobile in transverse displacement relative to the mobile support, and the non-stop rack device also comprises a blocking arrangement, which can block the transverse mobility of each non-stop bar.
US09481531B2 Monitoring vehicle restraints over a continuous range of positions
Example vehicle restraint apparatus and methods of operating the same are disclosed herein. An example vehicle restraint includes a main body proximate a dock, a vehicle restraint drive unit, and a barrier coupled to the vehicle restraint drive unit and the main body. The barrier is movable relative to the main body between an extended position, a retracted position, and a plurality of intermediate positions between the extended position and the retracted position. A sensor provides a plurality of position feedback signals corresponding to a plurality of sensed positions of the barrier when the barrier moves along the plurality of intermediate positions. A controller receives the plurality of position feedback signals, performs a plurality of comparisons of the plurality of position feedback signals with a stored reference, and generates an output signal based on the compared value.
US09481510B2 Container having multiple layers of tracks including at least one non-linear track
A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposed sides, linear and non-linear tracks, and a plurality of dunnage supports extending between the tracks. At least one of the tracks on each side may be non-linear in the shape of a “C” or “U” or “J”. One type of dunnage support comprises end members and a tubular middle member, the end members being movable along the tracks. The dunnage supports support dunnage, such as pouches.
US09481508B2 Beverage brewing system
A beverage cartridge system is adapted to brew a beverage through a brewer having a holder adapted to receive the cartridge system. The holder may have a deep well with one or more needles therewithin to pierce through the bottom of the cartridge system when inserted into the well. The cartridge system may include a short cup and a tall cup, where the tall cup is taller than the short cup to pack more beverage grind. The cartridge system may include a filter within an outer cup. The bottom of the filter may be deep enough to be juxtaposed to the bottom of the cup. The filter may be formed from a material that is substantially resistant to piercing by the needle within the holder such that when the outlet needle pierces through the bottom of the cup, the outlet needle raises the filter at a point of contact, and the filter substantially resists the outlet needle from piercing through the filter during a brewing process.
US09481504B2 Pet toy dispenser and method
A pet toy dispenser and method are provided. The dispenser has a housing, a dispenser mechanism, a drive mechanism, an electronic tag reader, and a controller. The drive mechanism is operable to move one or more of the plurality of compartments of the dispenser mechanism from a load location to an exit location. The electronic tag reader is capable of reading an electronic tag embedded in an animal toy within at least one compartment. The controller having an authentication function configured to determine whether a code of an electronic tag within the at least one compartment received from the tag reader corresponds to an authorized code and to allow the load completion of the compartment if the code is an authorized code.
US09481502B2 Biodegradable one-way venting valve for an airtight container
The present invention concerns a venting valve for a container (1) adapted to contain gas-releasing products comprising a valve body (2A) and a one-way valve member (4) movable between a first configuration and a second configuration, said valve member (4) being associated with said valve body (2A). Particularly the valve body (2A) is formed from a biodegradable material and said movable valve member (4) is a combination of at least one biodegradable material and at least one non biodegradable material.
US09481496B2 Child resistant container
The object of the present invention is to provide a child resistant container for nicotine products. The container comprises latching elements (8, 25) adapted to interlock with cooperating latching elements (9, 27) when said lid (3) is pushed onto a said base (2) to retain said lid (3) to said base (2). The latching elements (8, 25) are further adapted to disengage from said cooperating latching elements (9, 27) when a simultaneous force is exerted on all releasable latching arrangements (6, 7, 12, 13) by two hands of a user or the like.
US09481493B2 Interlock-able fingered closure clips
A multi-closure strip of clips with one or more openings to hold the neck of a bag, which include a male and a female interlocking portion to hold the clips together in a series. Each clip includes a set of male and female slots at a first edge, and a set of male and female slots at a second edge. Neighboring clips can interlock or mate-ably attach to the respective sets of slots and fingers without the need for adhesive, and without fracture of the clip material. The clips can be made of a resilient plastic or biodegradable material, or any recyclable products.
US09481486B2 Container with secure audible closure
A re-closeable folded container includes a hexahedral base including a front panel and a rear panel, a cover pivotally connected with an upper edge of a rear panel for movement between an open position and a closed position, and a locking panel hingedly connected with an upper edge of the front panel. The front panel includes a tear-away portion defined by a score line. The locking panel includes a first tab, a second tab, and a tear-away portion defined by score lines. The tear-away portion of the locking panel is fixedly attached to both the front portion of the cover and the tear-away portion of the front panel such that initial movement of the cover from the closed position toward the open position causes the locking panel and the front panel to tear along the score lines and causes both tear-away portions to pivotally move with the cover.
US09481480B2 Packaging machine with sealing station for gas flushing a package
The invention relates to a packaging machine including a sealing station which is used for sealing a package comprising a trough and a cover film, and which has at least two sides, the sealing station including a sealing tool provided with at least one evacuation aperture for discharging the atmosphere and at least one gas flushing aperture for supplying a gas volume flow.
US09481479B2 Container sealing apparatus
A container sealing apparatus is provided, comprising a sealing tool having a lower tool half and an upper tool half; a feed lane for transferring one or more containers to and away from means for transferring containers on to the lower tool half of the sealing tool; and a lifting mechanism for moving the lower tool half towards the upper tool half. The container sealing apparatus also comprises an elongate container guide extending along the feed lane and sealing tool to laterally locate containers as they are transported along the teed lane and sealing tool, and control apparatus adapted to adjust the lateral position of at least the part of said container guide extending along said feed lane.
US09481477B2 Fluid manifold system with rotatable port assembly
A fluid manifold system includes a manifold port assembly having a housing with an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports formed thereon and a carousel having a plurality of spaced apart fluid paths that extend therethrough from a first end to an opposing second end. The carousel is rotatably coupled with the housing so that when the first end of each fluid path is aligned with the inlet port on the housing, the second end of each fluid path is aligned with a corresponding different one of the plurality of outlet ports. A container is fluid coupled to each outlet port by a fluid line. The inlet port can be selectively coupled with a fluid source while a motor can control rotation of the carousel relative to the housing.
US09481459B2 Apparatus and method employing autonomous vehicles to reduce risk
Apparatus and method for employing autonomous air vehicles to perform high risk observation, interaction, and interrogation with individuals. Invention comprises an autonomously controlled air vehicle with mounting and transporting means being attachable to automobiles and other first responder vehicle types. Mounting and transporting means serves also as a base station for commanding autonomous air vehicle and relaying communications to and from autonomous air vehicle to and from remote data base sources. Autonomously controlled air vehicle is equipped with a variety of sensors which air in observation and detection of suspects, their vehicles and possessions therein, and any documentation produced during the interrogation.
US09481451B2 Rigid tipped riblets
A multilayer construction for aerodynamic riblets includes a first layer composed of a material with protuberances, the first layer material exhibiting a first characteristic having long-term durability and a second layer composed of a material, exhibiting a second characteristic with capability for adherence to a surface.
US09481448B2 Aerodynamic fairings secondarily attached to nosecone
An aerodynamic fan nosecone for a gas turbine engine is provided and includes a fan nosecone that may be made of composite material. To improve airflow transition to the blade members, aerodynamic fairings are provided and are secured to an exterior surface of the nosecone which enhances fuel economy. The fairings may be secured to the nosecone by various methods, including providing for the fairings to be changed out and replaced with other fairings on the same nosecone assembly.
US09481440B2 Watercraft propeller propulsion system having a hydraulic thrust bearing assembly
A thrust system for a watercraft including a propeller shaft, a propeller shaft housing and a hydraulic thrust bearing assembly. The propeller shaft has an enlarged diameter shoulder, and the housing is positioned around and allows axial movement of the propeller shaft. The hydraulic thrust bearing assembly is axially constrained between the propeller shaft shoulder and the housing. The hydraulic thrust bearing assembly includes an annular cylinder, an annular piston, at least one oil feed passage and at least one oil bleed port. The annular cylinder surrounds the propeller shaft and has a circular groove. The annular piston surrounds the propeller shaft and is movably positioned within the circular groove of the annular cylinder forming a pressurized chamber. Each oil feed passage and oil bleed port allows oil to be communicated relative to the pressurized chamber. The hydraulic pressure developed in the pressurized chamber is proportional to thrust.
US09481436B2 Shift control device of outboard motor, shift control method of outboard motor and program
A shift control device of an outboard motor having an electrical shift device for switching a propulsion direction has a rotation switching unit electrically switching whether to drive the outboard motor for regular rotation or for counter rotation, and a rotation determination unit determining whether the outboard motor drives for regular rotation or for counter rotation. Desired performances can be obtained by the outboard motor for regular rotation and the outboard motor for counter rotation without complicating the operation even when the propulsion unit for regular rotation and the propulsion unit for counter rotation are made as a common unit.
US09481431B2 Structure for supporting and guiding a hoistable mast of a submarine vehicle
The support and guidance structure includes a support (14) equipped with means of guidance (16) of the mast (12) in a raising direction (Z), including a wall (32) extending in this direction (Z), and delimiting a housing (33) for the mast (12). The guidance means (16) include two guide rails (18), borne by the support (14), and two additional guidance elements (20), borne by the mast (12), each operating in tandem with a respective rail (18). Each rail (18) forms stops (18A) immobilizing the related guidance element (20) in a second direction (Y) perpendicular to the raising direction (Z) and the wall (32). The guidance means (16) include another guide rail (18), borne by the support (14), and another additional guidance element (20), borne by the mast (12), and operating in tandem with the other rail (18). The other rail (18) forms stops (18A) immobilizing the other guidance element (20) in a third direction (X) perpendicular to the raising direction (Z) and the second direction (Y). The housing (33) is open on substantially all planes perpendicular to the raising direction (Z).
US09481427B2 Bicycle kickstand
A bicycle kickstand may include a crank arm to mount a pedal to a bicycle frame, which has a slot formed in a longitudinal direction thereof, a pedal coupled perpendicular to the slot of the crank arm and configured to rotate in the longitudinal direction of the crank arm, a middle arm received in the slot of the crank arm and having both end portions which are respectively connected to the crank arm and the pedal in order to allow the pedal to be inclined with respect to the crank arm, and a safety pin configured to be inserted through the slot of the crank arm and the pedal in order to support the pedal in a perpendicular state or an inclined state with respect to the crank arm.
US09481421B2 Backlight for bicycles
The invention relates to a rear bicycle light having a socket to be fastened on the frame of the bicycle, a lighting unit being received in said socket, and a luminous body for emitting the light emitted to the surroundings by the lighting unit during operation. According to the invention, the luminous body is an optical fiber emitting the light emitted by the lighting unit during through at least part of the peripheral surface thereof operation to the surroundings.
US09481417B2 Modular trailer assembly
A modular trailer assembly for attachment to a frame of a vehicle includes an elongate support member, a first connector rigidly mountable to the frame of the vehicle, a rear loop, and a second connector. The proximal end of the support member is pivotally connected to the first connector and selectively detachable therefrom. At least one wheel is rotatably connected to the distal end of the rear loop. The second connector includes a first frame member and a second frame member rotatably coupled to one another. The distal end of the first frame is configured to engage the proximal end of the rear loop. The proximal end of the second frame member is configured to engage the distal end of the support member. The first frame member is rotatably moveable to allow cargo to track with the vehicle independently of a change in orientation of the at least one wheel.
US09481415B2 Vehicle fuel economy by optimizing effective rolling tire resistance
The subject matter of the present invention relates generally to a vehicle that has axles with tires mounted thereon with at least one axle that is a lift axle, and more specifically, to a method that optimizes the effective tire rolling resistance by adjusting the load on the tires, resulting in an improvement in the fuel economy of the vehicle. According to one embodiment, the method takes into consideration the rolling resistance characteristics of the tires placed onto the axles of the vehicle and provides an algorithm for optimizing their rolling resistance by raising or lowering the lift axle.
US09481411B2 Roller for a machine undercarriage
A roller for a machine undercarriage may include a roller body constructed from a single, unitary piece of parent material. The roller may also include a first roller tread disposed between a first end of the roller body and a second end of the roller body. Additionally, the roller may include a second roller tread disposed between the first and second ends of the roller body.
US09481408B2 Variable deflector apparatus for side step of vehicle
A variable deflector apparatus for a side step of a vehicle may include a slide plate receiving power from a drive device to be received in and drawn out from the side step, and a side-step deflector comprising a plurality of joints connected to each other in a row to be coupled with the slide plate and folded or unfolded with respect to a junction of each of the joints, in which the side-step deflector is configured to be received together with the slide plate when it is received in the side step and to be drawn out together with the slide plate and simultaneously separated therefrom when the slide plate is drawn out from the side step, and a drawn-out portion of the side-step deflector separated from the slide plate is configured to be perpendicularly deployed downwards from the side step, thus improving aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.
US09481407B2 Drag reduction system
A method of reducing drag on the underside and rear wheels of a commercial vehicle which is a drag reduction system including an airfoil designed to mount on the underside or slider assembly of a commercial vehicle that would reduce the air drag forces and improve fuel economy for the vehicle, a hydraulic system that operates to adjust the angle of the airfoil, and at least two sets of controllers, one controller that operates automatically in conjunction with the speed of the vehicle and a second controller that allows the operator to manually adjust the angle of the airfoil from within the driver's compartment. The purpose of the drag reduction system is to provide a more fuel efficient design for commercial vehicle applications, resulting in fuel cost savings for the vehicle operation.
US09481398B2 Damper housing structure body and damper housing structure body fabrication method
In a damper housing structure body, an upper edge of a damper housing and a damper base are bonded by spot welding. The damper housing has a U-shape with an opening on a vehicle outer side in plan view, and includes a planar part in a corner between a front wall and an inner wall. The planer part includes plural welding spots arranged in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. Adjacent weld spots have mutually overlapping welding margins or an interval between two adjoining welding points is shorter than an outer diameter of the welding margins. One of the welding spots is welded while a current is applied to another welding spot that has been already welded. A current value for welding the one of the welding spots is higher than another current value for another one of the welding spots that has been already welded.
US09481396B2 Motor vehicle with an adjustable sill
A motor vehicle (1) has a body (4) and a sill (3) arranged between the wheel houses (5) on a longitudinal side of the vehicle. The sill (3) has a sill element (6) that is adjustable in the lateral direction between a first end position and a second end position. At least one protruding air guiding element (7,8) is arranged on the sill element (6).
US09481394B2 Angle detection apparatus, motor having the angle detection apparatus, torque sensor, electric power steering apparatus, and vehicle
There are provided an angle detection apparatus configured to correct an error included in angle information output from a multipolar angle detector, a motor having the angle detection apparatus, a torque sensor, an electric power steering apparatus, and a vehicle. A multiplication circuit (12) generates digital electrical angle information (θed) from analog angle information output from a multipolar optical encoder (11), a first differentiator 30 differentiates the electrical angle information (θed) to operate an electrical angular velocity (ωed), a first discontinuity correction circuit (31) carries out processing of correcting a discontinuity of an angular velocity in a temporal change for the electrical angular velocity (ωed), and a digital filter (32) carries out correction processing of reducing a high-frequency noise component for an electrical angular velocity (ωedc) corrected by the first discontinuity correction circuit (31).
US09481392B2 Electric power steering device
An electric power steering device includes a basic return command value calculation unit configured to calculate a basic return command value in a direction returning the steering wheel to a neutral position, on the basis of detection results of a steering angle detector detecting a steering angle of the steering wheel, a first correction gain calculation unit configured to calculate a first correction gain correcting the basic return command value, on the basis of detection results of a vehicle speed detector detecting vehicle speed, and a second correction gain calculation unit configured to calculate a second correction gain correcting the basic return command value, on the basis of a change amount of the steering torque detected by the torque sensor. The basic return command value is corrected by the first and second correction gains so as to calculate a return command value. The return command value is added to the assist command value so as to drive the electric motor.
US09481388B2 Luggage sliders
The luggage sliders include various embodiments for permanent or removable installation upon the underside of a roll-around suitcase, wheeled cart, or similar article to facilitate movement of the article up a flight of stairs or other stepped inclined surface. Some of the sliders are pivotally extendible and retractable. Others are telescopically extendible and retractable. Still others are pivotally attached to one edge of the article, and pivotally fold against a surface of the article for storage. Still others may be adjustably clamped about the base of the article. Still others are pivotally attached about a wheel axle to rotate and lie beneath the wheel for operation. Still others may be removably attached directly to the wheels of the luggage, cart, or other wheeled article. Still others are pivotally attached to a point on the luggage and telescopically extend to project below the wheel for use.
US09481382B2 Handbrake with a double-sided gear box
A handbrake for a railroad car includes a handbrake body having one or more gear train components therein and a drive shaft operatively connected to the one or more gear train components. An intermediate pinion shaft is operatively connected to the drive shaft through one or more gears. A shaft alignment link is adapted for maintaining a relative spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft during rotation of the drive shaft. A gear box housing is provided to enclose at least a portion of the drive shaft, the intermediate pinion shaft, and the shaft alignment link. The shaft alignment link is movable relative to the gear box housing due to any eccentric movement of the drive shaft to maintain the proper spacing between the drive shaft and the intermediate pinion shaft, thereby eliminating a possibility of gear binding. A method for aligning internal gear components within a handbrake and an alignment system for use with a railway vehicle handbrake is also provided.
US09481377B2 Vehicle head
A superstructure module of a front-end section of a vehicle is supported on a chassis and includes a flow guiding device. The front-end section forms a leading, free vehicle end during normal operation of the vehicle. The flow guiding device is mounted on a lower side of the superstructure in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle between the free vehicle end and a leading end of a chassis. The flow guiding device influences air flow that flows during operation of the vehicle along the lower side of the superstructure from the free vehicle end to the chassis section. The flow guiding device via a deflection area confers on the air flow, in the region of a flow separation edge at the leading end of the chassis section, a downwardly directed direction of flow.
US09481365B2 Collision prevention control apparatus
According to one aspect of the disclosure, a collision prevention control apparatus is provided which includes an image sensor that detects an object near the vehicle; a radar sensor that detects the object near the vehicle; and a controller that, if only one of the sensors, among the image sensor and the radar sensor, detects the object, determines reliability of the other sensor, and changes, based on the determined reliability, a way of performing a collision prevention control for preventing a collision with the object detected by the one of the sensors.
US09481364B2 Drive assist device
A drive assist device includes an object detection unit that is configured to detect an object in front of a host vehicle, a curve detection unit that is configured to detect a curved path in front of the host vehicle, a collision determination unit that is configured to determine a collision between the host vehicle and the object, and in a case where the curved path is detected, makes it difficult to determine the object detected in the direction opposite to the curving direction as an obstacle compared to an object detected in the curving direction, and a collision determination unit that is configured to perform a collision avoidance assist on the host vehicle in a case where it is determined that the host vehicle and the obstacle may collide with each other.
US09481363B2 Method for operating a hybrid vehicle
In a method for operating a hybrid vehicle, a total wheel drive torque is composed of a wheel drive torque of an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and a wheel drive torque of an electric machine of the vehicle, and the total wheel drive torque is selectively increased or decreased by the wheel drive torque of the electric machine in one of a motor mode or a generator mode of the electric machine. The electric machine is operated such that (i) the sum of the wheel drive torques of the electric machine and a wheel-drive-torque-reducing safety measure carried out remains constant in the generator mode, or (ii) the sum of the wheel drive torques of the electric machine and a wheel drive torque-increasing safety measure carried out remains constant in the motor mode.
US09481352B2 Wheel torque disturbance suppression control for vehicle hold before/during engine startup
A vehicle-hold control method is used to hold an engine-powered vehicle from rolling backward on a road gradient during an engine start. The engine shuts down when the vehicle is stopped following operation of the vehicle under engine power. The engine is re-started during an engine cranking interval as vehicle wheel brakes are applied. The brakes are released in response to detection of pre-calibrated engine speed characteristics.
US09481342B2 Reinforced wiper element
The invention relates to a wiper element comprising a wiper blade made of an elastomeric material and reinforced with at least one elongated element (30). The elongated element (30) comprises a core (32) and a coating system (36). The coating system comprises a zinc alloy coating and a polyester coating on top of the zinc alloy coating. Using this coating system, the elongated element (30) is made corrosion resistant.
US09481336B2 Vehicle steering arrangement and a vehicle comprising such a steering arrangement
The disclosure relates to a vehicle steering arrangement comprising a steering wheel and a torque transmitting steering column arrangement arranged to connect the steering wheel with front wheels of a vehicle. The steering arrangement comprises at least a first steering column part connected to the steering wheel and a second steering column part connected to the front wheels. The first and second steering column parts are connected to each other by a decoupling device adapted to decouple the first and second steering column parts from each other when an accident is detected so that the second steering column part can rotate in relation to the first column part. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle comprising such a steering arrangement.
US09481321B2 Corner assembly for vehicle interiors
A corner assembly comprising an elongated main portion including a central section opposed by first and second lip sections, with the first and second lip sections extending laterally from the central section. The corner assembly additionally comprises first and second flange sections extending generally laterally from the central section, with the first flange section extending generally parallel with the first lip section and the second flange section extending generally parallel with the second lip section. The first flange section is separated from the first lip section so as to present a first receiving channel and the second flange section is separated from the second lip section so as to present a second receiving channel. The corner assembly further comprises an elongated cap section operable to be securely positioned over the elongated main portion.
US09481320B2 Front pillar exterior garnish for a vehicle body
A vehicle body assembly includes a front pillar extending at an incline rearwards and upwards to form a part of a door opening. The front pillar includes a tubular structural member. The structural member defines a vehicle exterior-side wall section and a passenger compartment-side wall section. A windshield is adhered to the vehicle exterior-side wall section of the structural member. A pillar outer cover is disposed outwardly of the front pillar and is secured to the exterior-side wall section of the structural member. The pillar outer cover includes an edge section overlapping and sealingly engaged to the windshield.
US09481317B2 Elastically deformable clip and method
An elastically deformable clip includes a first and second outer wall arranged substantially parallel to each other, each of the first outer wall and the second outer wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first edge and a second edge arranged substantially parallel, and a third edge and a fourth edge arranged substantially parallel. The clip also includes at least one inner wall extending between the inner surfaces of the first and second outer walls, the at least one inner wall having at least one slot, wherein the first outer wall, the second outer wall and the at least one inner wall are formed of an elastically deformable material. The clip further includes a rib protruding from the outer surface of at least one of the first and second outer walls, the rib arranged substantially parallel to the first edge and the second edge.
US09481309B2 Vehicle seat item retention system
A vehicle seat retention system includes a vehicle seating assembly having a seat, which includes a seating surface and a seatback having seatback surface. A continuous peripheral rim is disposed on a first side, a second side, and a front of the vehicle seat, below the seating surface of the vehicle seating assembly. A first telescoping extension is disposed at a forward corner defined between the first side and the front of the vehicle seat. A second telescoping extension is disposed at a forward corner defined between the second side and the front of the vehicle seat. A deployable net is disposed between the seat and the peripheral rim. The deployable net is configured to be concealed within a seat base disposed below the seating surface.
US09481303B2 Method of making a mirror substrate for an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle
A method of making a mirror substrate for an interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes providing a glass substrate having a generally planar front surface, a generally planar rear surface and a circumferential perimeter edge about a periphery of said glass substrate and extending between the front and rear surfaces. A grinding wheel is moved around the periphery of a front perimeter portion of the glass substrate while rotating the grinding wheel to establish a ground generally rounded surface about and around the glass substrate periphery. A polishing wheel is moved around the glass substrate periphery while rotating the polishing wheel to establish a polished generally rounded surface about and around the glass substrate periphery. The polished generally rounded surface provides a smooth transition between the generally planar front surface of the glass substrate and a rear portion of the circumferential perimeter edge of the glass substrate.
US09481293B2 LED light
It is provided a LED light (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising several LED fields (14), wherein each LED field (14) comprises at least one LED (L1, L2, L3, L4), a housing (34) for supporting the LED fields (14) and a circuit board (12) comprising a driving electronics for operating the LED fields (14), wherein the LED fields (14) are connected in series by the driving electronics and the driving electronics is adapted to switch on and off each LED field (14) according to its position in the series in dependence of a signal, wherein the circuit board (12) is connectable to an outside of the LED light (10) located current source (16) for applying an electrical current to the LED fields (14), and wherein the circuit board (12) is integrated into the housing (34). Since complicated and/or changing switching orders of the LED fields (14) are not intended the necessary circuit board (12) for providing the corresponding driving electronics may be so small that it may be integrated into the housing (34) of the LED light (10) without significantly increasing the building space. Particularly a lot of wires between a central control unit and the different LED fields (14) are omitted as well as the central control unit itself so that the LED light (10) only requires a small building space.
US09481287B2 Roadway projection system
A roadway projection system integrated into a vehicle is configured to identify a specific driving scenario encountered by a driver of the vehicle, and to then project an image onto a roadway along which the vehicle travels based on that scenario. The image is intended to provide guidance to the driver in negotiating the identified scenario and/or to visualize potential driving actions of the driver for the benefit of others. The image could be, for example, and without limitation, an indicator that the driver should follow to perform a specific driving or navigation action, or a preference that the driver wishes to share with other drivers. In addition, the roadway projection system may detect images projected by other roadway projection systems in other vehicles and to determine mutual preferences shared between drivers. When a shared preference is violated, the roadway projection system may alert the driver of the vehicle.
US09481281B2 Transport assembly locking system
The present disclosure is directed to a system for controlling dispersal of a granular material from a transport assembly. In an implementation, a system includes a transport assembly including a transport storage receptacle configured to receive granular material, and a payload deposit assembly coupled to transport storage receptacle. The payload assembly configured to disperse the granular material. A location-determining device coupled to the transport assembly. The location-determining device is configured to determine a position of the transport assembly with respect to a storage receptacle. A control mechanism is coupled to the transport storage receptacle, and the control mechanism is configured to control dispersal of the granular material. An electronic device is operatively coupled to the control mechanism. The electronic device is configured to allow dispersal of the granular material from the transport storage receptacle when the transport assembly is correctly positioned with respect to the storage receptacle.
US09481278B2 Frame structures for vehicle seats
Embodiments of the present invention may include a frame structure for a vehicle seat having two frames, a pile portion, and a section modulus reducing configuration. The two frames extend in a specific direction. At the pile portion, the two frames abut each other in a direction perpendicular to the specific direction and connected to each other. The section modulus reducing configuration is formed at an edge portion in the specific direction of the pile portion, and is configured to achieve a reduction in section modulus.
US09481277B1 Adjustable headrest
A headrest assembly includes a centrally disposed headrest bun having an upper portion and an adjustable lower portion. The adjustable lower portion is configured to move between extended and retracted positions relative to the upper portion. First and second side supports are operably coupled to the headrest bun on opposite sides of the headrest bun. The first and second side supports are operable between upright and deployed positions relative to the headrest bun. The adjustable components of the headrest assembly make for a headrest assembly that is operable between neutral and surround configurations.
US09481275B2 Armrest device for a vehicle interior
Armrest device having an armrest part swivellably movable between an armrest position and a not-in-use position, having a base part arranged fixed in the vehicle and on which the armrest part is mounted swivellably movable about a swivel axis, and having a locking device for supporting the armrest part in at least one swivel position relative to the base part. The swivel axis is axially split into a base axis section and an armrest axis section, and the locking device includes a wrap spring brake which interacts with the base axis section and the armrest axis section in order to release the armrest part during a swivel movement in the direction of the not-in-use position and to lock it during a reverse swivel movement.
US09481274B2 Vehicle armrest with structural fabric substrate
A vehicle armrest includes an inner armrest substrate having at least one buckling member extending to an outer armrest substrate. A gap is defined by the inner and outer armrest substrates and the at least one buckling member. A fabric member extends across the gap and is attached to the inner and outer armrest substrates. A cover member extends over and is vertically supported by the fabric member.
US09481265B2 Convertible golf cart seat assembly
A convertible golf cart seat assembly is disclosed. The convertible golf cart seat assembly includes a main seat frame attached to the existing golf cart structure, a plastic stationary cargo board supported by the main seat frame, a plastic flip board rotatably hinged to the main seat frame, and a seat with a plastic backer board attached to the flip board. The hinge between the flip board and the main seat frame includes flip board flanges on the flip board and cargo board flanges on the stationary cargo board that abut each other and provide strength to the cargo bed created by the stationary cargo board and the flip board.
US09481264B2 Suspension apparatus and method for contact wire at the trough and crest of a track vertical curve
A device and method for suspending or holding down an overhead contact wire used for supplying power to electrical railway vehicles and trolley buses at the crest or trough of a vertical curve where the contact wire has an abrupt change in line angle. The device smoothes out the abrupt angle into a curve; parabolic in form and of a radius that is smooth for trouble-free operation of current collectors while maintaining elastic suspension. Contact wire uplift continues while passing through the device so that there is an avoidance of hard spots which cause uneven and accelerated contact wire wear. The device can further be used at the crest and/or trough of a vertical curve to maintain contact wire alignment where a horizontal curve with curve pull is encountered concurrently.
US09481256B2 Onboard generator drive system for electric vehicles
An electric vehicle utilizes an internal combustion engine to drive the vehicle's main electric drive system in the regeneration mode and to charge the battery when the vehicle is stopped. The electric vehicle's main drive controller and motor are used as the generator to recharge the battery when the vehicle is stopped via a clutch mechanism allowing the motor to act as a generator while the vehicle is at rest. As the vehicle proceeds throughout the drive cycle, the vehicle is powered by the electric motor from the battery. The battery is recharged to a specified state of charge when the vehicle is parked. The internal combustion engine only operates to charge the battery, and the electric motor is used to propel the vehicle.
US09481249B2 Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle equipped with an automotive battery. The automotive battery has a charging unit on the left side surface, discharging units on the right side surface, and a battery-side power supply terminal on the lower surface. The automotive battery drives an electric motor when the vehicle is moving, supplies power to external electrical products when the vehicle is not moving, and is configured so as to be usable at all times.
US09481247B2 Vehicular display apparatus
A vehicular display apparatus includes a meter main body, and a translucent window held in the meter main body. The translucent window has a translucent glass main body portion, a first extension portion extending in a display direction from an outer edge portion of the main body portion, a second extension portion extending in a backward direction from a leading end portion of the first extension portion, and an engaging tab extending in the backward direction from the second extension portion to be engaged with a catch portion. In the configuration, a warp length that is required for the engaging tab can be ensured by cooperation between the engaging tab and the second extension portion. Therefore, even when the position of the engaging tab is moved in the display direction to ensure a space between a vehicle component and an attachment structure, the attachment structure can be implemented.
US09481245B2 Vehicle sobriety interlock systems and methods with vehicle warm-up support
A vehicle sobriety interlock system including a sobriety testing apparatus for testing a driver of a vehicle for intoxication and an interlock system responsive to test results from the sobriety testing apparatus for controlling ignition of an engine of the vehicle. The interlock system, in response to a test result indicating that the driver is sober, allows the driver to start the engine of the vehicle. During a vehicle warm-up time period of a predetermined length following start of the engine and before a transmission of the vehicle has been engaged for putting the vehicle in motion, the interlock system delays a retest of the driver with the sobriety testing system for intoxication.
US09481244B1 Friction drive system for a utility machine
A utility machine including a frame, a prime mover supported by the frame, a pair of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame, a drive disk coupled to the prime mover to be driven by the prime mover, and a friction disk assembly. The friction disk assembly includes a friction disk in engagement with the drive disk for transmitting rotation of the drive disk to the pair of wheels, and a carrier disk coupled to the friction disk for rotation therewith. The utility machine also includes a shifter mechanism including a bearing disposed directly between the friction disk and the carrier disk. The shifter mechanism is operable to move the friction disk assembly with respect to the drive disk to selectively vary a drive speed of the pair of wheels.
US09481243B2 Traction control system for 4WD/AWD vehicles equipped with onboard camera
A method controls a powertrain that directs power from an engine and a transmission to all four wheels or to just front wheels or to just rear wheels. The method includes monitoring information transmitted over a communications network. The method determines whether one or more components of the powertrain are in an active condition or in an inactive condition. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the inactive condition when not connected to the transmission and not connected to the front wheels or the rear wheels. The one or more components of the powertrain are in the active condition when connected to the transmission and connected to the front wheels and the rear wheels. The method switches the one or more components of the powertrain between the inactive condition and the active condition based at least in part on visual data provided by an on-board camera system.
US09481242B2 Zero-turn radius lawnmower with suspension system
Some embodiments of the invention provide a suspension system coupled to a main frame of ride-on equipment including a subframe coupled to the main frame with a pivot including a pivot axis. Some embodiments include a transaxle assembly supported on the subframe coupled to a drive wheel, and a power source supported on the main frame coupled to the transaxle assembly. A rider can control the transaxle assembly with a compensated control linkage assembly that can compensate for movement of the subframe. Some embodiments include driven pulleys, idler pulleys and backside idler pulleys supported by the subframe coupled to the power source not supported by the subframe. In some embodiments, the pivot axis resides between the power source and the transaxle assembly. In some embodiments, the drive wheel can be driven by an electric motor supported by the subframe and the power source can be a battery.
US09481231B2 Automotive glass channel bracket and method
A method includes providing a vehicle door having an inner panel, an outer panel, and a bracket assembly. The inner panel and the outer panel cooperate to define a door cavity and a window opening. The bracket assembly is mounted with respect to the inner panel inside the door cavity. The method further includes inserting the division post into the door cavity through the window opening, and engaging the division post with the bracket assembly such that the bracket assembly secures the division post to the inner panel. A corresponding door assembly is also provided.
US09481230B2 Sunvisor for vehicles
A sunvisor with for a vehicle, including a sunvisor body having a front surface and a rear surface, a hinging arrangement for hinging the sunvisor body to a roof structure of a vehicle body, the hinging arrangement including a hook member located above an upper side portion of the sunvisor body, an upper rod unrotatably connected to the sunvisor body, a detent member rotatably coupled to a lateral end portion of the upper rod outside the sunvisor body and to the roof structure and includes pivot means to swing the sunvisor body between a first screening position and a second screening position.
US09481229B2 Protection device for a vehicle interior
A protection device for a vehicle interior having a flexible planar formation movable between stored rest and tensioned protection positions. The formation is provided at a front end region in a tensioning direction with a dimensionally stable draw-out profile member guided between the rest and protection positions by at least one guide arrangement. The draw-out profile member includes a longitudinal compensator to compensate for deviations between movement directions of the guide arrangement and the draw-out profile member. The guide arrangement has at least one linearly guided carrier element, and the draw-out profile member includes an undercut compensation groove which extends in the longitudinal direction of the draw-out profile member and which is open towards the carrier. The carrier comprises a longitudinally displaceable sliding or rolling element which is retained in a positive-locking manner in the receiving groove in the opening direction of the compensation groove.
US09481227B2 Air conditioning apparatus for vehicles
An air conditioning apparatus includes an air conditioning housing and a mode door. The air conditioning housing has a discharge chamber through which conditioned air is discharged out of the air conditioning housing. The discharge chamber includes a defrost vent, a main vent, floor vents and a rear seat vent. The floor vents are formed on opposite sides of a rear portion of the air conditioning housing. The rear seat vent is formed between the floor vents. The mode door has a front opening hole which is formed in a front portion of the mode door, a pair of main opening holes which are formed in a rear portion of the mode door at positions spaced apart from each other, and a rear-end opening hole which is formed behind a first portion provided between the main opening holes.
US09481226B2 Vehicular air-conditioning system including a temperature-dependent control cycle
A vehicular air-conditioning system includes: a vehicle interior air-conditioning apparatus which includes a device cooling circuit of a heat generating device mounted in a vehicle, and a refrigeration cycle circuit; and an intermediate heat exchanger for heat exchange between a device cooling medium of the device cooling circuit and an air-conditioning cooling medium of the refrigeration cycle circuit. A vehicle control apparatus is configured to determine a temperature of the cooling medium, and select a shorter control cycle timing of the vehicular air-conditioning system when the temperature of the cooling medium is greater than a predetermined temperature.
US09481219B2 Vehicle assembly for propulsion over water and land
A vehicle (20) consisting of a frame (22) with a pair of paddles (72) extending longitudinally and rotatably supported by the frame (22) in pendulum fashion for swinging movement between an extended position engaging the surface and a retracted position moved vertically out of engagement with the surface. A pair of foot platforms (74) are operatively connected to the paddles (72). A pair of depressors (84) interconnects the foot platforms (74) and the paddles (72) to rotate the paddles (72) between the extended position and the retracted position. The paddles (72) include a propulsion bar (86) and an oar (88) connected by a lost-motion connection to slide relative to one another between the extended position and the retracted position. The oars (88) have a fin-shape to propel the vehicle (20) over water and include a striker (90) to propel the vehicle (20) over land. The vehicle (20) allows movement over a surface of water and land using an elliptical motion similar to the natural motion of walking.
US09481218B2 Dual trailer system and convertible trailer adaptable thereto
The dual trailer system adapted to be towed by a pick-up truck having a fifth wheel on a bed thereof, the dual trailer system comprising: a lead trailer having a wheeled frame with a gooseneck-mounted kingpin at a front end thereof, for coupling to the fifth wheel of the pick-up truck, and a lead trailer fifth wheel at the rear of the lead trailer; a tail trailer having a wheeled frame with a tail trailer kingpin at a front end thereof, the primary trailer hitch having a kingpin matching the lead trailer fifth wheel for attachment thereto. The lead trailer can have an extendible portion at the rear to allow selectively extending and retracting the fifth wheel for use together with or independently from the tail trailer, and the tail trailer can also be usable independently from the lead trailer such as by way of an additional coupler which can also be provided on an extendible frame.
US09481216B2 Tire pressure sensor module
The tire pressure sensor module contains a casing, a nozzle, a sleeve element, a fastening element, and a two-way tire information transmission and sensory system inside the casing. The casing has a trough and an air opening. The nozzle contains a nozzle mouth and a nozzle base. The nozzle base is joined to the casing, and the mouth is threaded through the sleeve element. The nozzle and the sleeve element are secured to the casing by the fastening element through the trough. The two-way tire information transmission and sensory system contains a battery, a micro-controller circuit, a low-power-consumption Bluetooth wireless transceiver circuit, a boosting/regulating circuit, a pressure sensor, an operation amplifier, a gravity sensor, a temperature sensor, and an antenna.
US09481212B2 Pneumatic tire
On the tread surface, land portions are defined by a pair of circumferential main grooves and divided, by circumferential narrow grooves 3 and multiple lateral grooves 4 connecting between the circumferential main groove and the circumferential narrow groove or between the circumferential narrow grooves, into block rows L each of which including polygonal blocks arranged in a tire circumferential direction, wherein a block arrangement having the polygonal blocks 5 arranged in a line-symmetric manner with respect to the tire equator as an axis of symmetry includes side regions R1, R2 facing each other across the tire equator C and displaced from each other in the tire circumferential direction by a phase difference of 0.2 to 0.4 times of a repetition pitch of a pattern of the block row.
US09481211B2 Pneumatic tire
A pneumatic tire according to the present invention includes, one or more main grooves extending in the tire circumferential direction, and a plurality of lateral grooves extending in the tire width direction, the main grooves and the lateral grooves defining a block row formed by a plurality of blocks, at least one sipe being disposed in each block. Each block has a first cutaway groove with one end opening into a lateral groove located on one side of the block and the other end terminating within the block, a second cutaway groove with one end opening into a lateral groove located on the other side of the block and the other end terminating within the block, and a connecting narrow groove having a groove width narrower than that of the first and the second cutaway groove and connecting the first and the second cutaway groove.
US09481209B2 Pneumatic vehicle tire
A pneumatic vehicle tire includes a carcass, a tire belt configured radially outside of the carcass and a profiled tread. The tire belt is formed of a plurality of tire belt plies, of which at least two tire belt plies are configured as working plies having parallel reinforcements made of steel and embedded in rubber, and having an angle of 10° to 24° with respect to the circumferential direction (U). The reinforcements of the one working ply have an axial direction of inclination opposite with respect to the reinforcements of the other working ply. The reinforcements of the first of the two working plies have an extendability D of D<0.2% at 10% of the breaking force, and the reinforcements of the second of the two working plies have an extendability D of D>0.2% at 10% of the breaking force.
US09481208B2 Tire
A tire according to an embodiment of the present invention specifically has the annular inner ring band and the annular outer ring band separated from and concentric with the inner ring band, on the outer peripheral side of the wheel, and includes an air bag between the inner ring band and the outer ring band, the air bag including the air intake/discharge mechanism that communicates with the outside. A support body for coupling the inner ring band and the outer ring band is included. A plurality of the air bags is present in a peripheral direction of the tire. Furthermore, the outer ring band, is formed of a rubber composition for a tire. An air discharge hole of the air bag communicates with an outer most layer of the outer ring band. With this configuration, the tire that has advantages of both of a non-pneumatic tire and a pneumatic tire is realized.
US09481201B2 Spoke with enhanced fatigue resistance
A spoke includes a spoke body that has two ends respectively forming a terminal section and the threaded section and includes a neck section arranged below the terminal section; a first flattened section set at a location below the neck section; and a second flattened section set at a location below the first flattened section in such a way that the second flattened section and the first flattened section are at different horizontal plane. In assembling the spoke body to a wheel hub and a wheel rim, the combination of the first flattened section and the second flattened section helps set the spoke body at a correct position and direction for assembly and force taking, whereby the first flattened section may absorb torsion and the second flattened section helps transfer tension and allows for change of the angle of bending.
US09481185B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus includes: a printing plate having a recessed portion formed therein shaped corresponding to a pattern to be formed on a substrate; an inking unit including an inkjet head that performs an inking process of ejecting a liquid into the recessed portion, the liquid having particles as a material of the pattern dispersed therein; a laminating unit that performs a laminating process of laminating the substrate on a surface having the recessed portion formed therein after the inking process; a post-drying unit that performs a drying process on the liquid inside the recessed portion in a state in which the substrate is laminated on the surface having the recessed portion formed therein, thereby to reduce the fluidity of the liquid; and a peeling unit that peels off the substrate from the printing plate after the drying process by the post-drying unit.
US09481173B2 Nozzle plate, method of manufacturing nozzle plate, inkjet head, and inkjet printing apparatus
A nozzle plate having a nozzle hole that penetrates through the nozzle plate in a thickness direction is disclosed. The nozzle plate includes a discharge outlet that is formed at the nozzle hole, and provided curvatures of four corner portions of an opening shape of the discharge outlet are denoted as R1, R2, R3, and R4, the opening shape of the discharge outlet is configured to approximate the equation R1=R2≧R3=R4≈0.
US09481172B2 Liquid ejection apparatus and a method for producing liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus comprising: a nozzle; a first channeled structure defining a first liquid channel, the first liquid channel communicating with the nozzle; a second liquid channel; a communication opening connecting the first liquid channel and the second liquid channel; a laminated body including a piezoelectric element and a metal layer, the laminated body having a first portion supported by the first channeled structure and a second portion extending over the first liquid channel and not supported by the first channeled structure, the communication opening extending through the second portion of the laminated body such that the second portion surrounds the communication opening; wherein the second portion of the laminated body includes the metal layer surrounding the communication opening.
US09481171B2 Element substrate and liquid discharge head
An element substrate includes a discharge port that discharges a liquid, an energy-generating element that generates energy that discharges the liquid from the discharge port, an acting chamber that makes the energy of the energy-generating element act on the liquid, and a heating element including at least two heat generating surfaces that are exposed to the liquid inside the acting chamber, the heating element disposed inside the acting chamber. The element substrate further includes a substrate in which a supply port that supplies liquid to the acting chambers is formed. The heating element may be disposed such that the heat generating surfaces are spaced apart from the substrate.
US09481164B2 Release agent composition for tandem solid inkjet imaging systems having improved wettability
Functional amine release agents displaying improved wetting as compared to standard silicone oils comprise a polydimethylsiloxane oil and a functional amine selected from the group consisting of pendant propylamines and pendant N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl, in which the concentration of functional amine to polydimethylsiloxane oil is approximately less than 0.0006 meq/g and the release agents have a viscosity of 20 cSt and 10 cSt. In an in-line tandem print system, the 20 cSt release agent is used in the upstream print engine while the 10 cSt release agent is used in the downstream print engine.
US09481163B2 Variable cutoff alignment apparatus and method of aligning printing cylinders during a cutoff change
A variable cutoff cylinder alignment apparatus is provided. The variable cutoff cylinder alignment apparatus includes a plate cylinder support box for supporting an exchangeable variable cutoff plate cylinder, a blanket cylinder support box for supporting an exchangeable variable cutoff blanket cylinder and an alignment stop adapted to align the blanket cylinder support box and the plate cylinder support box. The plate cylinder support box supports an exchangeable plate cam and the blanket cylinder support box includes a blanket cam. The exchangeable plate cam is capable of contacting the stop and the exchangeable blanket cam is capable of contacting the plate support box to align the blanket cylinder support box and the plate cylinder support box. The plate cylinder support box and the blanket cylinder support box are capable of aligning cylinders of different sized cutoffs. A variable cutoff offset printing press and a method of aligning printing cylinders during a cutoff change are also provided.
US09481155B2 Method for producing laminate for configuring image display device, and image display device using the laminate
A method for producing a laminate for configuring an image display device is provided, capable of realizing simultaneously unevenness followability and anti-bubble reliability. A method for producing a laminate for configuring an image display device is proposed, comprising the following steps (1) and (2): (1) The step of forming an adhesive composition into the form of a monolayer or a multilayer sheet, and by UV-crosslinking, primary-curing this thereby forming a pre-secondary curing transparent double-sided adhesive sheet. (2) The step of layering two image display device-constituting members via the pre-secondary curing transparent double-sided adhesive sheet and then irradiating ultraviolet light from at least a first image display device-constituting member side, UV-crosslinking through this member and secondary-curing the pre-secondary curing transparent double-sided adhesive sheet.
US09481150B2 Multilayer film
The present disclosure is directed to multilayer film having has an L* color less than 30 and a 60 degree gloss value less than 10. The multilayer film has a first polyimide layer and a second polyimide layer. The second polyimide layer has 25 to 50 wt % of a polyimide, 15 to 35 wt % of a polyimide particle matting agent, greater than 0 and less than 20 wt % of at least one submicron carbon black and 15 to 50 wt % of at least one submicron fumed metal oxide.
US09481147B2 Laminated body
A laminated body is provided that exhibits impact resistance, wear resistance and scratch resistance, and which enables a reduction in weight together with a reduction in the dielectric constant. The laminated body 100 includes a first tabular member 10 configured from a ceramic material and having a first thickness t1, and a second tabular member 20 configured from a polymer material and having a second thickness t2. The laminated body 100 withstands a falling-ball impact breaking test from a height that is higher than that exhibited by a single layer body that is configured from the ceramic material and of a thickness t3 that is the sum of the first thickness t1 and the second thickness t2.
US09481138B2 Sealing and encapsulation in energized ophthalmic devices with annular inserts
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for sealing and encapsulating Components on and within an annular Multi-Piece Insert. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic Lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel, and the Component includes a sealed and encapsulated Multi-Piece Insert portion.
US09481137B2 Method for producing plastic lens
Provided is a method for producing a plastic lens, wherein, in molding a plurality of plastic lenses having different optical surface shapes simultaneously in a single mold 50, by designing cavities 3a and 3b such that each of the plastic lenses to be molded has the same volume, a plurality of plastic lenses having different optical surface shapes can be molded simultaneously in a single molding die without impairing the molding accuracy, and an injection compression molding apparatus used for such method.
US09481133B2 Passive z-axis alignment
A three-dimensional printer positions a tool such as an extruder in three-dimensional space using a passive, i.e., non-motorized, z-axis alignment technique that generates z-axis movement based upon motorized movements along another axis. In this manner, intermittent z-axis step movements such as those from layer to layer in a multi-layer fabrication process can be performed without the need for an additional, dedicated motor for z-axis movement. The passive system may employ a variety of different gearing techniques to convert x-axis or y-axis movements into a z-axis movement under various conditions. For example, the three-dimensional printing tool may move to a predetermined position along a first axis (e.g., an x-axis or y-axis) where a passive gear assembly engages a rack or the like. When in this predetermined position along the first axis, the tool can move along a second axis and create a resulting movement on a third axis (e.g., the z-axis).
US09481112B2 Cylindrical master mold assembly for casting cylindrical masks
Aspects of the present disclosure include a cylindrical master mold assembly having a cylindrical patterned component with a first diameter and a sacrificial casting component with a second diameter. The component with the smaller radius may be co-axially inserted into the interior of the component with the larger radius. Patterned features may be formed on the interior surface of the cylindrical patterned component that faces the sacrificial casting component. The sacrificial casting component may be removed once a cast polymer has been cured to allow the polymer to be released. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US09481101B2 Sheet groove cutter capable of operation without use of ruler
A groove cutter for floor sheets capable of being operated without using a ruler and can cut a seam, which is created when sheets are laid sequentially on the surface of floor base with an adhesive agent, so that a groove formed along the seam can bridge over both adjacent sheets, comprising a front part, a middle part, a rear part, wherein the front part has a thin guide plate, which is to be inserted into the seam and guides the tool along the seam when pushing the tool forward, at the front end, and at least one blade to cut a concave groove at the seam part of the sheet, which is provided behind the guide plate so as to be detachable, and a stabilizing member provided at the rear part, which is to be inserted into the concave groove, to stabilize a direction of movement along the seam.
US09481091B2 Robot system for taking out bulk stacked workpieces and judgment method for judging workpiece gripping state
A robot system for successively taking out bulk stacked workpieces of the same type, wherein a hand of a robot comprises: a base part attached to an arm, a cylinder device with a cylinder and a piston rod, and a gripping part attached to a front end part of the piston rod. The robot system further comprises a fluid pressure adjusting device which adjust a fluid pressure inside of the cylinder, a movement detecting device which detects a retracting movement of the piston rod, and a judgment device which judge if the hand is gripping a designated number of workpieces, based on a magnitude of fluid pressure inside the cylinder and detection results of the movement detecting device.
US09481088B2 Robot control device, robot, and robot system
A robot control device controls the operation of a robot including a trunk that is rotatable around an axis, first and second robot arms that are provided at the trunk and rotatable with respect to the trunk, and first, second, and third inertial sensors. In an operation in which the second robot arm is brought into a stationary state and the first robot arm is rotated around the axis from the stationary state and moved to a target position, the robot control device makes B/A<0.27 satisfied when a maximum value of the amplitude of the angular velocity of the trunk around the axis before the first robot arm reaches the target position is defined as A, and a maximum value of the amplitude of the angular velocity of the trunk around the axis after the first robot arm has reached the target position first is defined as B.
US09481079B2 Grout removal tool
A grout removal tool incorporates a case (12) carrying a reciprocating motor (20) and having an external contoured finger grip (14). A drive shaft (28) extends from the motor to engage a chuck drive rod (30). A cooling piston (40) is concentrically carried by the drive shaft for reciprocating motion. A chuck (18) is attached to the chuck drive rod for removably constraining a carbide tipped bit (16).
US09481074B2 Locking plier jaws
A hand tool assembly in one embodiment includes a pair of pivotable jaws, a first jaw mounted component, and a second jaw mounted component. The first jaw mounted component includes a first mounting portion that removably mounts the first jaw mounted component on a first of the pair of pivotable jaws. The second jaw mounted component includes second mounting portion that removably mounts the second jaw mounted component on a second of the pair of pivotable jaws. A first working surface of the first jaw mounted component and a second working surface of the second jaw mounted component define a channel when the first working surface is placed in direct opposition to the second working surface. The channel is complementary to the outer surface of a tubular work-piece and is configured to hold or work the work-piece when the pivotable jaws are pivoted to a clamped position.
US09481073B2 Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond with liquid hydrocarbons and hydrates thereof
Methods of forming polycrystalline diamond include encapsulating diamond particles and a hydrocarbon substance in a canister, and subjecting the encapsulated diamond particles and hydrocarbon substance to a pressure and a temperature sufficient to form inter-granular bonds between the diamond particles. Cutting elements for use in an earth-boring tool includes a polycrystalline diamond material formed by such processes. Earth-boring tools include such cutting elements.
US09481069B2 Chemical mechanical polishing apparatus and polishing method using the same
A chemical mechanical polishing apparatus includes a platen, a polishing head, a magnetizable polishing pad, and an electromagnetic component. The magnetizable polishing pad is disposed between the polishing head and the platen. The electromagnetic component is configured for fastening the magnetizable polishing pad on the platen.
US09481067B2 Method for making a brake disk
The present invention in one or more embodiments provides a roller tool for roughening a friction ring of a brake disk, the roller tool including a roller body including inner and outer ends and a casing surface positioned there-between, the inner end differing in cross-section dimension than the outer end, the casing surface including thereupon one or more protrusions for contacting the friction ring. The roller tool may further include a support frame supporting the roller body. The support frame may include a short leg connected to the outer end of the roller body and a long leg connected to the inner end of the roller body.
US09481062B2 Method and apparatus for changing tools
A machining apparatus has a frame, a magazine holding a plurality of tools, a loader capable of moving the tools between the magazine and a primary transfer position, first and second tool holders each displaceable horizontally and vertically on the frame, and a transfer arm carrying a grab. Each of the tool holders can move into and out of a respective secondary transfer position for switching a tool, one of the tools is removed from the magazine with the loader and moved by the loader into the primary transfer position, then the one tool is transferred position to the grab of the transfer arm. This arm is them pivoted to move the one tool in the grab from the primary transfer position into one of the secondary transfer positions, and then the tool at the one secondary transfer position is transferred from the grab to the respective holder.
US09481058B2 Systems and methods for mobile and/or modular manufacturing
Systems and methods for manufacturing that are scaleable and de-scaleable based upon the production requirements of the customer's manufacturing facility. Systems and methods for mobile and/or modular manufacturing positioned at or near a customer's production facility that are scaleable and de-scaleable based upon the production requirements of the customer's manufacturing facility. The systems and methods of manufacturing may include identifying a customer's production requirements at the customer's production facility, designing a manufacturing cell based upon the identified production requirements, delivering components for the manufacturing cell to a location at or near the customer's production facility, assembling the components to form the manufacturing cell at the location, and training operational personnel to operate the manufacturing cell. The systems and methods may comprise using a modular preform mold system.
US09481035B2 Immersion heater for molten metal
The invention relates to a device for heating molten metal by the use of a heater that can be immersed into the molten metal. This immersion heater includes an outer cover formed of one or more materials resistant to the molten metal in which the immersion heater is to be used, and a heating element inside of the outer cover, where the heating element is protected from contacting the molten metal.
US09481034B2 Surface treatment for improved bonding in bi-metallic casting
Methods of forming bi-metallic castings are provided. In one method, a metal preform of a desired base shape is provided defining a substrate surface. A natural oxide layer is removed from the substrate surface, yielding a cleaned metal preform. The method includes forming a thin metallic film on at least a portion of the substrate surface of the cleaned metal preform, and metallurgically bonding the portion of the metal preform having the metallic film with an overcast metal to form a bi-metallic casting. The metallic film promotes a metallurgical bond between the metal preform and the overcast metal. In one aspect, the metal preform may include aluminum (Al) and the metallic film may include zinc (Zn).
US09481027B2 Blind rivet setting method
A blind rivet setting method enables a modified step approach to grip and pull multiple diameters of blind rivet mandrels to fracture, easily feed the remaining spent mandrel portion through a blind rivet tool, and collect and more efficiently dispose of substantially shortened spent mandrel portions when a blind rivet mandrel collection system is utilized.
US09481026B2 Press device with adjustment mechanism
A press device for forming a work piece includes a punch and an adjustment mechanism. The punch is configured to move along a punch stroke toward a work piece located in a punch zone below the punch. The punch is configured to engage the work piece during the punch stroke to form the work piece. The adjustment mechanism is coupled to the punch. The adjustment mechanism includes an actuator and a transfer member. The actuator is rotationally coupled to the transfer member. The transfer member is operably coupled to the punch. The actuator is configured to rotate. The transfer member converts the rotational movement of the actuator into translational movement that advances the punch linearly from a first operative position relative to the punch zone to a second operative position relative to the punch zone to adjust a bottom location of the punch along the punch stroke.
US09481024B1 Pipe joining
Pipe joining compresses sleeves on abutted pipe ends. The sleeves are deformed beyond elastic limits, and the pipe ends are moved inward and exert outward forces on the sleeves. A machine has racks and an assembly of radial geared rollers which turn and compress the sleeves with grooves surfaces. Assemblies of fixed racks and assemblies of rollers on axles relatively move by hydraulic power, causing the rollers to turn and compress the sleeves.
US09481018B2 Feeding device and object driving device
To provide a feeding device capable of driving an object with high accuracy while holding the object and controlling its attitude and capable of improving durability by separating a holding device and a driving device from each other, and an object driving device. The feeding device movably disposed through a cover device to face a work region shielded by the cover device, for holding an object, includes: a first rotary saddle that is rotatable about a first axis; a second rotary saddle disposed on the first rotary saddle and rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; a holding device that holds the object; a first driving device disposed outward of the cover device with regarding the work region to rotate the first rotary saddle; and second driving device disposed outward of the cover device with respect to the work region to rotate the second rotary saddle.
US09481016B2 Methods and apparatus to combine mail streams in a binding line
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture to combine mail streams in a binding line are disclosed. An example method includes analyzing a mailing list including a plurality of addresses. The example methods also includes associating a primary book with a first set of the addresses and associating a secondary book with a second set of the addresses. In addition, the example method includes creating multiple primary books on a production line and depositing multiple secondary books in the production line.
US09481010B2 Method for producing gas barrier film
Provided is a method for producing a gas barrier film having a base and a gas barrier layer being arranged on the base, containing a step (1) for preparing a base having a moisture content of 0.01 to 1% by mass, a step (2) for obtaining a coating film by coating a coating liquid containing polysilazane onto the base, and a step (3) for forming a gas barrier layer by irradiating the coating film with vacuum ultraviolet rays.
US09480999B2 Liquid refilling system and devices
The disclosure relates to a liquid refilling system (10) having a parent device (201) and a child or portable travel device sized device (101) that can be releasably coupled to the parent device (201) to transfer liquid from the parent to the child device. The parent device has a pump (207), an actuator (217) and an actuator stroke limitation means (218) whereby the amount of liquid dispensed by the parent device (201) can be selected as a single use predetermined amount or as a child refill amount. The parent pump is in liquid communication with the parent liquid reservoir and the pump has a volume which is substantially equal to the volume of the child.
US09480994B2 Sustainable shower
Disclosed is a shower apparatus comprising: •a housing (1, 2, 3) for an object (4); and •a plurality of set of coplanar nozzles inside said housing, the nozzles allowing for a simultaneous spray of a pressurized gas and a liquid on said object. Each set of nozzles comprises a first nozzle (7a, 7b, 7c) for spraying for spraying said gas and adjacent thereto at least one further nozzle (6a, 6b, 6c, 8a, 8b, 8c) for spraying said liquid. The axis of the nozzle for spraying said gas is arranged at an acute angle with respect to the axis of the nozzle for spraying said liquid. The nozzles are configured to provide improved cleansing in a single shower while consuming less water.
US09480990B2 Apparatus and system for a towed device powered by a tow vehicle
An apparatus and a system directed to a towed device powered by a tow vehicle. The apparatus and system include a woodchipper configured to be mounted on a towed vehicle, with the towed vehicle configured to be towed behind the tow vehicle. Additionally, a motor may be coupled to the woodchipper to provide power to the woodchipper. A power converter obtains power from the tow vehicle from a power takeoff coupled to the tow vehicle. Further, one or more power transfer lines connect the power converter with the motor to communicate motor-operating power from the power converter to the motor.
US09480987B2 Apparatus for process automation using a pin and bushing array
An apparatus and method for transferring plurality of samples from one sample container to another one is disclosed wherein each sample is randomly accessible and can be “cherry picked”. The disclosed method of actuation allows for using a smaller number of actuators than the number of sample transferring channels or pins and thereby simplifies the design and control of the sample transferring apparatus.
US09480982B2 Reactor for the quantitative analysis of nucleic acids
A reactor for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids using an evanescent wave detection technique and a method of use thereof is provided. The reactor includes a substrate with a cavity, a buffer layer arranged over the substrate; a cover plate arranged over the buffer layer, and inlet and outlet ports. The reactor is thermally and chemically stable for PCR processing and suitable for an evanescent wave detection technique.
US09480981B2 Sample collection and transfer device
An integrated device for a sample collection and transfer is provided. The integrated device comprises a capillary channel disposed between a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a hydrophilic layer comprising a fluid inlet for receiving a sample fluid to the capillary channel, wherein the capillary channel comprises an inner surface and an outer surface and an outlet for driving out the sample fluid. The device further comprises an interface assembly comprising: a third layer, a fourth layer, a fifth layer, and a flow path. The interface assembly is disposed on the outer surface of the capillary, at a determining position relative to the outlet, such that the capillary is in contact with the third layer of the interface assembly and the outlet is in contact with the flow path of the interface assembly for driving out the sample fluid from the integrated device.
US09480978B1 Surface bonded Rh-bis(diarylphosphine) on magnetic nanoparticles as a recyclable catalyst for hydroformylation of olefins
A functionalized nanomaterial having an average particles size of less than 10 nm comprising an iron oxide nanoparticle core and a bis(diarylphosphinomethyl) dopamine based ligand layer anchored to the iron oxide nanoparticle core is disclosed. In addition, a catalyst composition for use in a variety of chemical transformations wherein the bisphosphine groups of the functionalized nanomaterial chelate a catalytic metal is disclosed. In addition, a method for producing the functionalized nanomaterial and a method for the hydroformylation of olefins to aldehydes employing the functionalized nanomaterial with high conversion percentage and high selectivity are disclosed.
US09480977B2 Ruthenium containing hydrosilylation catalysts and compositions containing the catalysts
A composition contains (A) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst and (B) an aliphatically unsaturated compound having an average, per molecule, of one or more aliphatically unsaturated organic groups capable of undergoing hydrosilylation reaction. The composition capable of reacting via hydrosilylation reaction to form a reaction product, such as a silane, a gum, a gel, a rubber, or a resin. Ingredient (A) contains a metal-ligand complex that can be prepared by a method including reacting a metal precursor and a ligand.
US09480967B2 Metal organic framework adsorbent for solar adsorption refrigeration
The metal organic framework adsorbent for solar adsorption refrigeration is a nanocomposite made from a metal organic framework matrix having carbon nanotubes incorporated therein. Preferably, the metal organic framework is composed of MIL-100(Fe), and the carbon nanotubes are functionalized with carboxyl (COOH) groups. In order to prepare the metal organic framework adsorbent, carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxyl (COOH) groups are first added to an aqueous solution of a precursor salt, such as ferric trinitrate nonahydrate (Fe(NO3)3.9H2O), to form a first mixture. The first mixture is then sonicated and a 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxylic acid ligand is added thereto to form a second mixture. The second mixture is then sonicated and heated, and the metal organic framework nanocomposite is separated therefrom, preferably as a powder.
US09480962B2 Modular cassette synthesis unit
Compact modular cassette systems and methods for the synthesis of radiopharmaceutical products are provided, the compact modular cassette system including a modular unit having valve plates, a reaction cassette, a reagent pack, and other seal and connector plates to ensure that reagents can be mixed together inside one or more chambers of the reaction cassette in a timely and efficient manner. When a new chamber for each new reaction or process should be used, a valveless modular system having removable reaction cassettes and the reagent packs may be used. In such a system, the reagent container, the reaction cassette, or both, can be removed from the modular cassette system and discarded after a desired reaction or process has taken place.
US09480950B2 Separation membrane for membrane distillation
Disclosed is a separation membrane for membrane distillation, including a feed water side for feeding raw water and a treated water side for discharging treated water, wherein the separation membrane is provided in bent form by a support frame.
US09480948B2 Exhaust gas purifier
An exhaust gas purification catalyst apparatus, which is superior in oxidation performance of, in particular, nitrogen monoxide, among hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate components such as soot, included in exhaust gas from a lean burn engine, and combustion performance of light oil. The exhaust gas purification apparatus arranged with an oxidation catalyst (DOC) comprising a noble metal component for oxidizing carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, in particular, nitrogen monoxide among nitrogen oxides, and for combusting light oil, a catalyzed soot filter (CSF) including a noble metal component for collecting a particulate component such as soot and removing by combustion (oxidation). The oxidation catalyst (DOC) has a catalyst layer where platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd) and barium oxide (BaO) are supported on alumina (Al2O3) having a pore size of 12 to 120 nm, and ratio of platinum and palladium is 1:1 to 11:2 in weight equivalent.
US09480944B2 Process for removal of siloxanes and related compounds from gas streams
The present invention is directed to an improved process for removing siloxanes from a biogas feed comprising (i) passing a gas feed through an adsorbent bed having an adsorbent having an inert surface to adsorb onto the adsorbent at least a portion of the siloxanes in the gas feed; and (ii) regenerating the adsorbent by removing siloxanes from the adsorbent. The adsorbent surface is rendered inert or nearly inert preferably via calcination.
US09480939B2 Underdrain and method for transferring forces and directing flow
An underdrain system for transferring forces and directing flow includes at least one underdrain block having a top wall, a bottom wall, and two side walls connecting the top wall to the bottom wall to define a block interior. An insert is disposed in the interior of the underdrain block. The insert includes force-transmitting buttresses spaced along an exterior of the insert that contacts the two side walls of the underdrain block and act to transfer downward forces acting on the top wall of the underdrain block and internal fluid forces acting on the insert to the side walls of the underdrain block. The force-transmitting buttresses can also direct hydraulic flow.
US09480932B2 Multi-directional stackable block
A stackable block is provided which may be constructed as a traditional toy or as a beverage container. The block includes six sides. Furthermore, the block includes at least one projection which projects from one of the block's sides. Each projection is square so as to include a face and four sidewalls. Furthermore, it is preferred that each projection include a ridge forming a recess between the square projection's face and a block's side. Furthermore, each block includes at least one slot formed into one of the block's sides. This slot extends the entire side of a block and forms an elongate cavity sized for receipt of a projection. Preferably, each slot includes parallel opposed flanges sized to project into a projection's recesses.
US09480925B2 Image construction game
An image construction computer game method is disclosed. Further disclosed are: a system for image construction formulated as a game; a system for performing the method; a computer-executable program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the program including the method; and an image processing apparatus that can record the method program in a storing section.
US09480922B1 System and method for facilitating use of temporary defensive structures in a tower defense game
One aspect of the disclosure relates to facilitating use of temporary structures with a time-based expiration in an online game. The online game may be configured to facilitate battles between including virtual units controlled by or associated with one or more users within the game space. The online game may manage a plurality of structures in the game space. The plurality of structures may include a first temporary structure controlled by or associated with a first user. The first temporary structure may provide an advantage to the user in a battle during a first structure time period. The advantage and/or the first temporary structure may expire at the end of the first structure time period.
US09480915B2 Game system, server system, processing method, and information storage medium
A game system includes a game processing section that performs a process that implements a game that utilizes a moving object, the moving object moving in a game space based on operation information, a restoration processing section that performs a restoration process that restores the moving object that has reached an unable-to-continue state when it has become unable to continue to play the game that utilizes the moving object, the moving object being restored at a restoration point in the game space that has been selected by a player, and a charging section. The charging section performs a charging process that causes a charge to differ corresponding to the restoration point selected by the player.
US09480914B2 Online gaming
Technologies and implementations for providing and online gaming experience are generally disclosed. In one example, a computer-implemented method to allocate rendering tasks to resources of a server system comprise determining at least a portion of a first game world view viewable at a first game client of a plurality of game clients, receiving at least a portion of a game input from the first game client, determining a change from the first game world state to a second game world state, determining based on the second game world state, by the server system, a second game world view, determining a first render task to update the first game element and a second render task to update the second game element and allocating, the first render task to a first game element resource and the second render task to a second game element resource.
US09480908B2 Word guessing games for market research
A system is described for a computer-based word-guessing game that can be used to elicit market-research data, specifically sentiment and awareness data. The two-person game involves a clue giver and a guesser, each playing on their own mobile device. The clue giver sends clues to induce the guesser to guess a given target word or phrase before a countdown clock runs out. The clues used and the guesses made can be analyzed to reveal the opinions and knowledge that the players have about products, brands, and people. The game features a novel mechanic in which the clue words are categorized according to how obvious they are. Using more-obvious clues causes the countdown clock to decrement faster, thereby making the game play more strategic and entertaining, while also incentivizing the clue giver to use less-obvious, sentiment-oriented words that are more useful for market-research purposes.