Document Document Title
US09581829B1 Eyeglass assembly
An eyeglass assembly is revealed. The eyeglass assembly mainly includes lenses assembled with an eyeglass frame. Each lens is disposed with a covering portion that shields an outer edge of the eyeglass frame. A locking portion is formed by inward extension of the covering portion and is against the inner surface of the eyeglass frame. A circular slot is arranged between the locking portion and the covering portion, and is used for mounting and locking the eyeglass frame. Thereby the lenses are secured firmly on the eyeglass frame. The lenses of the present invention are assembled with the eyeglass frame in different way so as to get a pair of novel and attractive eyeglasses.
US09581828B2 Optical system for imaging an object
An optical system for imaging an object has at least a first objective, at least a first image stabilizing unit and at least a first eyepiece, wherein, as seen in the direction of the first eyepiece from the first objective, the first objective is arranged first along a first optical axis, then followed by the first image stabilizing unit and then followed by the first eyepiece. The first image stabilizing unit is rotatably mounted in cardan-joint fashion about a first hinge point, and the first hinge point is arranged between the first objective and the first eyepiece. The optical system is distinguished by virtue of the fact that the first image stabilizing unit comprises a first lens unit and at least a further optical element, wherein the first lens unit and the optical element are arranged such that the first lens unit is, together with the optical element, rotatably mounted in cardan-joint fashion about the first hinge point.
US09581825B2 Three-dimensional image display device
A three-dimensional image display device includes a display panel including M×N pixels arranged in M rows by N columns, displaying kn viewpoint images, and configured to display a color image using L primary colors. The display panel also includes a viewpoint forming unit including L viewpoint forming devices arranged in a row direction and configured to separate the kn viewpoint images at different angles to project the kn viewpoint images on corresponding viewing zones.
US09581819B1 See-through augmented reality system
A see-through augmented reality system is disclosed. The system includes a head-wearable frame and a lens. The lens has at least one field-of-view (FOV). A sensor is configured to be coupled with respect to a head of a user. The sensor generates sensor data that changes responsive to movements of the head. A display apparatus is mapped to an interior surface of the lens. A controller is coupled to the sensor and to the display apparatus. The controller is configured to determine a current scene within the FOV based at least in part on the sensor data. The controller determines an out-the-window (OTW) scene portion of the current scene and a non-OTW scene portion of the current scene and generates OTW imagery that depicts the OTW scene portion. The controller causes the display apparatus to emit light in accordance with the OTW imagery toward the interior surface of the lens.
US09581818B2 Head-mounted display optical system and head-mounted display
Provided is a head-mounted display optical system (LS) having: an optical deflection element (M1); a first lens group (G1); a second lens group (G2); and an optical reflection element (M2). The head-mounted display optical system is configured such that light from a light source, which is reflected on a reflection surface (M2r) of the optical reflection element (M2) and reaches a drawing surface (I) assumed to be located on a retina when a user wears the head-mounted display, moves on the drawing surface (I) according to the change of a travelling direction of the light caused by the optical deflection element (M1), and an image is drawn on the drawing surface (I). The first lens group (G1) includes a free-shaped surface lens having a free-shaped surface which is rotationally asymmetrical with respect to a reference axis, and the reflection surface (M2r) of the optical reflection element (M2) is formed to be rotationally asymmetrical with respect to a reference axis.
US09581813B2 Method for improving the imaging properties of a projection objective, and such a projection objective
The invention relates to a method for improving the imaging properties of a micro lithography projection objective, wherein the projection objective has a plurality of lenses between an object plane and an image plane, a first lens of the plurality of lenses being assigned a first manipulator for actively deforming the lens, the first lens being deformed for at least partially correcting an aberration, at least one second lens of the plurality of lenses furthermore being assigned at least one second manipulator, and the second lens being deformed in addition to the first lens. Furthermore, a method is described for selecting at least one lens of a plurality of lenses of a projection objective as actively deformable element, and a projection objective.
US09581809B2 Autofocus lens system
An autofocus lens system includes no conventional moving parts and has excellent speed and low power consumption. The system includes a small electronically-controlled focusing-module lens. The focusing-module lens includes two adjustable polymeric surfaces (e.g., two adjustable-surface lenses in a back-to-back configuration). The curvature of the surfaces can be adjusted to change focus. The performance of the autofocus lens system is extended by adding a conventional first and second lens, or lens group, on either side of the focusing-module lens. What results is an autofocus lens system with excellent near field and far field performance.
US09581804B1 Liquid dispensing method for manufacturing an electrowetting device
A method of manufacturing an electrowetting device includes dispensing a first liquid on a surface of a support plate and dispensing a second liquid to adjoin the first liquid. The first liquid is a solution. A first portion of the first liquid transfers into the second liquid to form a first layer of liquid and a second layer of liquid substantially immiscible with the first layer. The first layer comprises a second portion of the first liquid and the second layer comprises the second liquid and the first portion.
US09581800B2 Slide holder for detection of slide placement on microscope
The invention provides a slide holder that utilizes edge detection algorithms to determine the location of various edges of a slide. From these edges, and integrating characteristic slide dimension, both linear offset of the edge of the slide in the holder and any rotation of the slide relative to the microscope stage axis are determined. The process of using the slide holder of the invention ensures precise and accurate placement of a slide during a first round of imaging and for reload in subsequent rounds.
US09581799B2 Microscopic examination of an object using a sequence of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy
For the microscopy of an object using a combination of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy, a microscope slide system comprises an electrically conductive holder, wherein at least one window is configured in the holder, and wherein the holder has the dimensions of a standard glass microscope slide for the optical microscopy; a microscope slide element, which is designed to carry the object for the microscopy and which is designed such that the element can be placed over the window; and a fastening device, which is designed to fix the microscope slide element over the window. By means of said microscope slide system, the object can be analyzed using separate microscopes, without having to relocate the object.
US09581797B2 High-throughput hyperspectral imaging with superior resolution and optical sectioning
An imaging system includes a light source configured to illuminate a target and a camera configured to image light responsively emitted from the target and reflected from a spatial light modulator (SLM). The imaging system is configured to generate high-resolution, hyperspectral images of the target. The SLM includes a refractive layer that is chromatically dispersive and that has a refractive index that is controllable. The refractive index of the refractive layer can be controlled to vary according to a gradient such that light reflected from the SLM is chromatically dispersed and spectrographic information about the target can be captured using the camera. Such a system could be operated confocally, e.g., by incorporating a micromirror device configured to control a spatial pattern of illumination of the target and to modulate the transmission of light from the target to the camera via the SLM according to a corresponding spatial pattern.
US09581794B2 Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group, a negative second lens group, a positive third lens group and a positive fourth lens group, in that order from the object side. Upon zooming from the short to long focal length extremities, each of the first through fourth lens groups move along the optical axis thereof. The following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.05
US09581793B2 Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus including the same
Provided is a zoom lens, including, in order from an object side to an image side: a positive first lens unit that does not move for zooming; a negative second lens unit that moves during zooming; and a positive N-th lens unit that does not move for zooming and is arranged closest to the image side. Among lenses constructing the second lens unit, two lenses closest to the image side are a positive lens and a negative lens, and partial dispersion ratios for g-line and F-line and Abbe numbers for a d-line of the positive and negative lenses, and an average value of refractive indices of all the lenses of the second lens unit are appropriately set.
US09581788B2 Lens system and image capturing system including the same
A lens system includes a lens device including an optical member, and a position detection device including a detection unit that obtains position information regarding the optical member. The position detection device includes a generation unit that generates a connection request signal for requesting the lens device to establish a first communication path between the lens device and the position detection device. The generation unit includes, in the connection request signal, the position information obtained by the detection unit.
US09581780B2 Fiber optic cable packaging management
A fiber optic enclosure assembly for enclosing optical fiber connections is disclosed herein. The fiber optic enclosure assembly includes a housing having an interior region, a housing port extending through the housing, a cover surrounding the housing, a cable management recess in the cover, a cover port disposed through a section of the cover, a cable distribution system in the interior region of the housing, and a fiber optic cable. The cover port aligns with the housing port. The fiber optic cable is wrapped about a portion of the cable distribution system, extended through the housing port and the cover port, and wrapped around a cable portion of the cable management recess in the cover. Further, the fiber optic cable has an end portion located within the cable management recess.
US09581778B2 Optical fiber cables having multiple subunit cables
Micromodule cables include subunit, tether cables having both electrical conductors and optical fibers. The subunits can be stranded within the micromodule cable jacket so that the subunits can be accessed from the micromodule cable at various axial locations along the cable without using excessive force. Each subunit can include two electrical conductors so that more power can be provided to electrical devices connected to the subunit.
US09581775B2 Optical receptacle
According to one embodiment, an optical receptacle includes a fiber stub including an optical fiber, and a ferrule having a through-hole through which the optical fiber is fixed; a sleeve holding a portion of the fiber stub; a holder holding a portion of the fiber stub on an opposite side to a side that is held by the sleeve; an accommodation unit accommodates at least a portion of the fiber stub and the sleeve, an end surface of the fiber stub being formed as a convex spherical surface inclined with a specific angle with respect to a plane that is orthogonal to a center axis of the optical fiber, the end surface being optically connected to a plug ferrule to be inserted into the sleeve, the holder being provided with a positioning unit controlling an inclined direction of the end surface of the fiber stub.
US09581768B1 Fiber optic connector sub-assemblies and related methods
A fiber optic connector sub-assembly includes a ferrule having a front end, a rear end, and a ferrule bore extending between the front and rear ends along a longitudinal axis. The fiber optic connector sub-assembly also includes a bonding agent disposed in the ferrule bore and having first and second ends along the longitudinal axis. The bonding agent has been melted and solidified at the first and second ends.
US09581764B2 Optical coupling member and optical connector using the same
The present invention provides an optical coupling member and an optical connector using the optical coupling member, capable of improving the efficiency of an assembly work of the optical connector and positioning optical fibers in the optical connector with high accuracy. The optical coupling member (10) has: holding members (11) for being able to hold optical fibers (21) that are inserted from insertion holes (11a) formed at end parts; lenses housed in housing parts formed at opposite end parts of the holding members (11); and a joining member (13) for connecting the holding members (11) as aligned in parallel to each other, the joining member being formed of an elastic material.
US09581763B2 Method for fabricating an optical device using a treated surface
A method and apparatus for forming an optical device on a substrate. A surface of the substrate may be treated to form a treated surface having a number of modified properties. A plurality of drops of material may be deposited onto the treated surface of the substrate to form the optical device. An adhesion between the plurality of drops and the treated surface of the substrate may be reduced by the number of modified properties of the treated surface such that the plurality of drops form an optical device having a lateral resolution below a selected threshold.
US09581755B2 Reflective display apparatus and manufacturing method of reflective display apparatus
A reflective display apparatus including at least one front-light module, a first frame, a first liquid, and a display unit is provided. The at least one front-light module includes a light source and a light guide plate. The light source is adapted for providing an illumination beam. The first frame connects with the light guide plate of the at least one front-light module. The display unit, the first frame, the at least one front-light module form a first containing space and the first liquid is injected into the first containing space. Besides, a manufacturing method of the reflective display apparatus is also provided.
US09581753B2 Optical waveguide sheet, edge-lit backlight unit and laptop computer
The optical waveguide sheet of the present invention is an optical waveguide sheet for use in an edge-lit backlight unit of a liquid crystal display unit of laptop computers having a housing thickness of no greater than 21 mm, and includes an optical waveguide layer containing a polycarbonate-based resin as a principal component; and a protective layer laminated on the back face of the optical waveguide layer, the protective layer containing an acrylic resin as a principal component, wherein an average thickness of the optical waveguide sheet is no lower than 250 μm and no greater than 600 μm. An average thickness of the protective layer is preferably no less than 10 μm and no greater than 100 μm, and a relative refractive index of the protective layer with respect to the optical waveguide layer is preferably no greater than 0.95.
US09581750B2 Outdoor and/or enclosed structure LED luminaire
A luminaire for use in lighting a large open space such as a parking lot or deck of a parking garage includes a plurality of optical waveguides disposed in side-by-side relationship and together defining a closed path and at least one LED associated with each optical waveguide and disposed at a first end of the associated optical waveguide.
US09581746B1 Method of manufacturing wire grid polarizer
A method of manufacturing a wire grid polarizer includes: preparing a stamp having a nanostructure body at one surface and forming a mask layer with anisotropic vapor deposition at the one surface; forming a metal film on a substrate; transferring a mask layer of an upper portion of a nanostructure body in the mask layer onto the metal film; and patterning the metal film into metal lines by removing a portion that is not covered with the mask layer in the metal film with dry etching.
US09581743B2 Optical film roll
An optical film roll is disclosed capable of realizing excellent display characteristics while maintaining manufacturing efficiency. The optical film roll has a width corresponding to a pair of opposite sides of a liquid crystal cell and is used by being cut to a length corresponding to another pair of opposite sides of the liquid crystal cell to be continuously attached to a surface of the liquid crystal cell. The optical film roll includes a long optical film wound into a roll shape, the long optical film being obtained by subjecting a long optical raw film, which includes a polarizing film having an absorption axis in its width direction, to a slitting process in a machine direction while conveying the long optical raw film in its lengthwise direction. The polarizing film includes a polyvinyl alcohol-based resin film that contains a dichromatic substance and has an Nz coefficient of 1.10 or more.
US09581718B2 Systems and methods for ranging while drilling
An improved system and method for ranging while drilling, in effect, induces a dynamic hot spot on the casing of a nearby well. The induced hot spot acts as a magnetic source that can be reliably detected from within the drillstring and in such a manner as to infer the relative position and orientation of the casing to the drillstring. At least some disclosed method embodiments employ one or more rotating magnets in the drillstring, an array of at least two magnetometers in the drillstring and one or more phase-locked loops that are used to enhance the signal to noise ratio of the magnetic signal scattered off of the casing from the rotating magnetic field. The rotating magnet or magnets may be magnetic dipoles or magnetic multipoles, and may be modulated to enable the use of multiple magnetic field sources.
US09581716B2 Methods and apparatus for estimating borehole mud slownesses
Methods and apparatus for estimating borehole mud slownesses are disclosed. An example method includes estimating a borehole drilling fluid slowness value based on a tube wave modulus value, a tube-wave slowness value, and a drilling fluid density value. The borehole is associated with an anisotropic elastic medium.
US09581713B2 Method and device for controlling source array geometry
Methods related to controlling a source array while performing a seismic survey to achieve an intended source signature. A current three dimensional arrangement of the individual seismic sources is compared with a target 3D arrangement. In view of the comparison, position of at least one of the individual seismic sources is adjusted so that the adjusted 3D arrangement of the individual seismic sources to substantially match the target 3D arrangement.
US09581690B2 Almost real-time sampling for ground-penetrating radar impulses
A ground-penetrating RADAR-based system can include a transmitter configured to transmit multiple RADAR impulses and a receiver configured to receive a signal comprising return waves generated responsive to the transmitted RADAR impulses. The signal can include a direct wave portion and a reflected wave portion. The system can also include a processing unit configured to analyze the return waves by determining the direct wave portion, fitting the direct wave portion to determine parametric information corresponding to the return waves, determining the reflected wave portion, determining characteristics of the reflected wave portion based on the parametric information, and comparing the determined characteristics against known characteristics.
US09581685B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus with pulse timing controller
There are provided a transducer that irradiates an ultrasonic wave, a transmitter that drives the transducer, and a plurality of power sources that supply a plurality of positive voltages and negative voltages to the transmitter. The transmitter includes a plurality of switches (SW1 to SW4) that connect the power sources selectively, and a timing controller that controls a plurality of the switches. A driving pulse is generated through a selection of the switches. A plurality of the positive voltages and a plurality of the negative voltages have absolute values different from each other. With this configuration, it is possible to provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus that allows the amplitude of the driving pulse to be varied in multiple stages, is low in cost, and requires small amounts of both material and control.
US09581678B2 Torque limiter devices, systems and methods and solar trackers incorporating torque limiters
A solar tracker assembly comprises a support column, a torsion beam connected to the support column, a mounting mechanism attached to the torsion beam, a drive system connected to the torsion beam, and a torsion limiter connected to an output of the drive system. When an external force causes a level of torsion on the drive system to exceed a pre-set limit the torsion limiter facilitates rotational movement of the solar tracker assembly in the direction of the torsion, thereby allowing the external force to rotate about a pivot axis extending through the torsion beam. Exemplary embodiments also include methods of aligning a plurality of rows of solar trackers.
US09581674B2 Dynamic calibrating current sensor
A dynamic calibrating current sensor control system includes an input power supply that generates an input current and a current sensor interposed between the input power supply and the load. The current sensor is configured to output at least one current signal indicating a level of current delivered to the load. The dynamic calibrating current sensor control system also comprises an electronic switching control circuit that generates at least one control signal to selectively connect the input power supply to the load, and an electronic drift suppression circuit in signal communication with the current sensor and the switching control circuit. The drift suppression circuit is configured to generate a corrected current signal in response to applying an offset value to the current signal. The offset value cancels the drift current from the current signal in response to connecting the input power supply to the load.
US09581673B2 Alignment phantom for MR/PET system
A phantom for co-registering a magnetic resonance image and a nuclear medical image is disclosed. The phantom includes a longitudinal member having a first end cap and a second end cap and a chamber contained within the longitudinal member. The chamber contains a fluid for producing a first image using a first imaging modality. The phantom further includes a first rod disposed within the chamber of the longitudinal member. The first rod contains a radioactive substance for producing a second image using a second imaging modality.
US09581671B2 Magnetic resonance imaging with consistent geometries
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system, method and/or computer readable medium is configured to effect MR imaging with reduced artifact by generating one or more image reconstruction maps from one or more prescans, acquiring a main scan dataset from a main MRI scan of an object, warping one or more image reconstruction maps to have geometric distortions substantially corresponding to geometric distortions in the main scan dataset, and forming a diagnostic MR image of the object using the main scan dataset and the warped one or more image reconstruction maps.
US09581670B2 Method and control device for operating a magnetic resonance system
In a magnetic resonance imaging procedure, multiple slices are initially spatially selectively excited in a first time interval by respective RF pulses followed by at least one RF refocusing pulse that causes one echo signal from each slice, with a time interval of two consecutive echo signals equal to the first time interval. A second RF refocusing pulse is emitted at a second time interval from the last echo signal that causes, one further echo signal per slice, with the time interval of two consecutive echo signals equal to the first time interval. At least one further RF refocusing pulse is emitted in a third time interval following the preceding RF refocusing pulse producing multiple temporally separated echo signals per refocusing pulse. The third time interval is selected so that the number of echo signals per RF refocusing pulse is twice the number of excited slices.
US09581665B2 Systems and methods for damping common-mode energy
Systems and methods for damping cable common-mode energy in magnetic environments are provided. One system includes a damping arrangement having a transmission line within an electric (E) field environment and an energy damping device formed having a conductive plastic body and positioned adjacent a conductor of the transmission line. The energy damping device is configured to dampen common-mode energy induced within the transmission line by the E field environment.
US09581664B2 Control of a pressure of a local coil in relation to an object under examination
A local coil system for a magnetic resonance imaging system and a magnetic resonance imaging system include a local coil. The local coil includes a pressure element that may be filled with a fluid, and a controllable fluid supply device that at least at the imposition of the local coil to the object under examination and/or during the operation of the local coil, is coupled to the pressure element. The controllable fluid supply device is embodied such that the pressure of the pressure elements attained with the aid of the fluid, imposed on the object under examination may be changed, at least area by area.
US09581660B2 Electronic device comprising hall effect region with three contacts
An electronic device is disclosed as a part of a magnetic field sensor or a mechanical stress sensor. The electronic device includes a Hall effect region, a first contact (temporarily functioning as a first supply contact), a second contact (second supply contact), and a third contact (temporarily functioning as a first sense contact) that are arranged in or on a surface of the Hall effect region. The first contact and the third contact are arranged in a substantially symmetrical manner to each other with respect to the second contact. An electrical current distribution within the Hall effect region is influenced by a physical quantity (e.g. magnetic field strength or mechanical stress) to be measured. A sense signal tapped at the third contact is a function of the current distribution, the sense signal thus being indicative of the physical quantity. A corresponding sensing method using the electronic device is also disclosed.
US09581658B2 Hall effect sensor device
A hall effect sensor device implemented on a semiconductor body, having a first Hall effect sensor and a second Hall effect sensor, each of the two Hall effect sensors has at least four individual Hall effect elements and the four Hall effect elements are connected in series, and each Hall effect element has three contact terminals arranged in a row, and the series connection is implemented through a coupling or interconnection of the two outer contact terminals. Semiconductor well regions of the individual Hall effect elements are separated from one another, and the first Hall effect sensor and the second Hall effect sensor are connected in parallel, whereby a middle contact terminal of a Hall effect element of the first Hall effect sensor is connected in each case with a middle contact terminal of a Hall effect element of the second Hall effect sensor.
US09581657B2 Magnetic field sensor device using different types of magnetic field sensors
Devices, methods and systems are disclosed using a first magnetic field sensor of a first type and a second magnetic field sensor of a second type different from the first type. A signal from the first sensor may be used in a first magnetic field, range, and a signal from the second sensor may be used in a second magnetic field range.
US09581654B2 Vehicle battery monitoring system
A battery includes a battery monitoring system for performing a battery self test. The battery monitoring system is integrated into the battery and configured to monitor a first health of the battery. The battery monitoring system is configured to receive an input signal from a wired interface or a wireless interface. The input signal is configured to instruct the battery monitoring system to provide feedback regarding the first health of the battery and/or a second health of the battery monitoring system. The wired interface consists of a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery.
US09581653B2 Post-deterioration performance estimating apparatus and post-deterioration performance estimating method for energy storage device, and energy storage system
A post-deterioration performance estimating apparatus estimates a post-deterioration performance value indicating performance of an energy storage device at a predetermined deterioration point, wherein discharge capacity of the energy storage device discharging at a predetermined first current is referred to as energy storage capacity, discharge capacity of the energy storage device discharging at a second current of a current value smaller than that of the first current is referred to as small current discharge capacity, a relational expression on relation among initial capacity of the energy storage device, a first capacity decreased amount obtained by subtracting the small current discharge capacity from the initial capacity, a second capacity decreased amount obtained by subtracting the energy storage capacity from the small current discharge capacity, and a cumulative operating period as a cumulative value of operating periods of the energy storage device is referred to as a first relational expression, and the post-deterioration performance estimating apparatus includes a post-deterioration performance estimator configured to estimate the post-deterioration performance value at the deterioration point in accordance with the first relational expression and the cumulative operating period at the deterioration point.
US09581652B2 Battery insulation resistance measurement methods, insulation resistance measurement methods, insulation resistance determination apparatuses, and articles of manufacture
Battery insulation resistance measurement methods, insulation resistance measurement methods, insulation resistance determination apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, a battery insulation resistance measurement method includes determining a voltage of a battery, determining a voltage of a first terminal of the battery with respect to a ground reference, determining a voltage of a second terminal of the battery with respect to the ground reference, and using the voltages of the battery, the first terminal and the second terminal, determining an insulation resistance of the battery with respect to the ground reference.
US09581647B2 Motor drive having function of detecting welding of electromagnetic connector
A motor drive includes an electromagnetic connector for connecting an alternating current (AC) power source to an AC/DC conversion unit or disconnecting therefrom, a DC link unit, a DC/AC conversion unit for converting smoothed direct current voltage to AC voltage, a DC link voltage detection unit for measuring voltage of the DC link unit, and a control unit. The control unit includes a time measurement unit for measuring elapsed time since switching by the electromagnetic connector, and a welding judgment unit for judging that the electromagnetic connector is welded, provided that the difference between voltage between terminals of the DC link unit after charging the DC link unit and voltage between the terminals of the DC link unit after predetermined time has elapsed since disconnecting the AC power source from the AC/DC conversion unit, after the charge of the DC link unit, is less than a predetermined voltage level.
US09581643B1 Methods and circuits for testing partial circuit designs
Methods and circuits are disclosed for testing a partial circuit design including circuit modules having a set of ports configured to be driven by signals from ports of one or more circuits omitted from the partial circuit. The set of ports are identified by identifying ports that are not connected by a net to another port or input/output (I/O) pin in the circuit design and that form inputs to slave circuits in the circuit modules. A traffic generator circuit is added to the partial design to form a test circuit design. The traffic generator circuit is configured to provide to the set of ports respective input data signals having a pattern consistent with master-to-slave communication. Operation of a test circuit design is modeled. A set of data signals generated by the circuit modules during the modeled operation of the test circuit design is captured and stored.
US09581631B2 Determining the current return path integrity in an electric device connected or connectable to a further device
A method for determining current return path integrity in an electric device with a plurality of signal lines and supply lines. A library with at least one reference signal pattern of a near end crosstalk signal on a defined signal line arising from an input signal on another defined signal line is provided, a predetermined signal to a selected signal line of the electric device is applied, the near end crosstalk signal on at least one further signal line of the electric device is detected, said near end crosstalk signal is compared with the corresponding reference signal pattern from the library, and if there is a deviation between the near end crosstalk signal and the corresponding reference signal pattern, an information that there is any defect in the electric device is displayed.
US09581625B2 Analysis of stimulus by RFID
The present invention is directed to an RFID device. The RFID device includes a brace affixed to an inductor or capacitor. The brace is constructed from a material structurally responsive to a predetermined stimulus, such that stimulus-responsive structural alterations to the brace structurally alters the inductor, capacitor, or other RFID subcomponent of the RFID circuit capable of generating a current alteration, which in turn alters the signal frequency of the RFID.
US09581622B2 Temperature compensated fiber-optic current sensor
In a fiber-optic current sensor, a 22.5° Faraday rotator, which is part of the sensing fiber coil, determines the working point of the sensor. The coil is operated with substantially linearly polarized light or incoherent substantially left and right circularly polarized light waves. In one arrangement, a polarization beam splitter generates two optical signals that vary in anti-phase with changing current. A signal processor determines the current from the two anti-phase signals. Appropriately detuned and oriented fiber-optic half-wave or quarter-wave retarders before the fiber coil are used to reduce or cancel the adverse effects of temperature and bend-induced birefringence on the measurement signal. Moreover, the temperature may be derived from the difference in the bias of the anti-phase signals and may be used to cancel temperature effects in the signal processor.
US09581616B2 Modular atomic force microscope with environmental controls
A modular Atomic Force Microscope that allows ultra-high resolution imaging and measurements in a wide variety of environmental conditions is described. The instrument permits such imaging and measurements in environments ranging from ambient to liquid or gas or extremely high or extremely low temperatures.
US09581614B2 High-output MEMS accelerometer
A MEMS acceleration sensor is provided. In one embodiment, the MEMS acceleration sensor comprises: a frame; a first proofmass located within the frame, the first proofmass including a left side, right side, top, and bottom; an axis running from the left side to the right side at about a median point between the top and bottom; a first flexure running along the axis and coupling the left side to the frame; a second flexure running along the axis and coupling the right side to the frame; a first channel that extends from the bottom up past the axis to a first channel end; a second channel that extends from the top down past the axis to a second channel end; a second proofmass located within the first channel and coupled to the first proofmass via a first hinge and a first gauge at the first channel end and coupled to the frame at the bottom via a second hinge and a second gauge; and a third proofmass located within the second channel and coupled to the first proofmass via a third hinge and a third gauge at the second channel end and coupled to the frame at the top via a fourth hinge and a fourth gauge.
US09581609B2 Automatic coagulation analyzing apparatus and analyzing method
A detection unit 113 measures scattered light intensity E as a coagulation index. A first curve fitting function 120B-a c calculates, at a predetermined time interval, a parameter for an approximate curve of a coagulation curve by curve fitting, based on the measured scattered light intensity E. An early reaction checking function 120B-b determines whether there is a lag phase as an early coagulation index change, based on the parameter for the approximate curve. The parameter has been calculated at the predetermined time interval by the first curve fitting function 120B-a. A clotting time calculation function 120B-f calculates clotting time, based on whether there is the lag phase.
US09581608B2 Sample analyzer and method for controlling sample analyzer
A sample analyzer transports a first rack and a second rack, the first rack including a first number of supporters for supporting containers that contain biological samples of subjects, and the second rack including a second number of supporters for supporting containers that contain standard samples. The sample analyzer determines whether a transport object is the first rack or the second rack. When it has been determined that the transport object is the second rack, the sample analyzer performs a transporting operation according to the second rack and measure the standard samples in the containers supported by the second rack in a predetermined order, and prepares a calibration curve used for analyzing a measurement result of a biological sample, based on a plurality of measurement results of the standard samples.
US09581604B2 Biomarker for alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment
Desmosterol alone, the combination of desmosterol and amyloid beta, the combination of desmosterol and gelsolin and the combination of desmosterol, amyloid beta and gelsolin can be used as in-blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. A method for evaluating the effect of a candidate for a therapeutic agent to treat Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, a method for aiding the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and a method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment are provided in which the biomarkers are used.
US09581601B2 Method of detection of amino acid sequence and/or identification of peptides and proteins, by use of a new derivatization reagent and synthesis of 5-formyl-benzene-1,3-disulphonic acid as derivatization reagent
Present invention refers to a novel and improved method of derivatization and detection of amino acid sequence and/or identification of proteins, peptides by a new derivatization compound. Precisely, the method discloses a novel approach to derivatization of peptides or proteins by compounds comprising two or more sulfonyl groups and analysis of derivatized analytes in negative mode of operation of mass spectrometer. This method allows unambiguous analysis of amino acid sequence of long-chain peptides/proteins. Also, the invention discloses a novel synthesis procedure of 5-formyl-benzene-1,3-disulphonic acid as derivatization compound.
US09581597B2 Myeloperoxidase, a risk indicator for cardiovascular disease
Diagnostic tests for characterizing an individual's risk of developing or having a cardiovascular disease. In one embodiment the present diagnostic test comprises determining the level of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in a bodily sample obtained from the individual or test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of MPO mass in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. In another embodiment, the diagnostic test comprises determining the level of one or more select MPO-generated oxidation products in a bodily sample obtained from the test subject. The select MPO-generated oxidation products are dityrosine, nitrotyrosine, methionine sulphoxide or an MPO-generated lipid peroxidation products. Levels of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in bodily samples from the test subject are then compared to a predetermined value that is derived from measurements of MPO activity, MPO mass, or the select MPO-generated oxidation product in comparable bodily samples obtained from the general population or a select population of human subjects. Such comparison characterizes the test subject's risk of developing CVD.
US09581596B2 Detection of HIV-related proteins in urine
A method for detecting HIV infection in a mammal is disclosed. The method contains the steps of isolating exosomes from a urine sample of a mammal and detecting the presence of HIV-specific biomarker in said isolated exosomes. A method for diagnosing a mammal with an HIV-associated disease, in particular, HIV-associated nephropathy is also disclosed.
US09581594B2 Porphyrin—modified antimicrobial peptides for application as indicators of microbial targets
Porphyrin-modified antimicrobial peptides as described here may be used as indicators of the presence of microbial targets. Their application may be as (for example) (1) fluorescent indicators in a microarray format, (2) fluorescence or absorbance based indicators in traditional solution based applications, or (3) reflectance based indicators for use in reagent-less detection platforms.
US09581592B2 SERS, fluorescence, absorption, and luminescence detection with flow-through multi-hole capillaries
3-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as absorption/fluorescence/luminescence detection is carried out using a platform based on nanoparticle-functionalized flow-through multi-hole capillaries for rapid analyte detection. The configuration provides an increased active area and fluidic channels for efficient sample delivery, and also confines and transmits light for a large signal accumulation. Using a capillary consisting of thousands of micron-sized holes adsorbed with gold nanoparticles, a detection limit better than 100 fM is achieved.
US09581588B2 Modular point-of-care devices, systems, and uses thereof
The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.
US09581586B2 Approach to asthma inhaler compliance using breath measurement of tetrafluoroethane
The invention relates to measuring the effectiveness and an compliance of inhaler medication, such as for asthma treatment. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of determining the effectiveness of an inhaler medication, comprising taking a measurement of HFA-134(a) from an exhaled breath of an individual after the individual has inhaled a medication, and determining an effective administration of the medication based on the presence of a high level of HFA-134(a).
US09581585B2 Breath acetone monitor and method of detecting breath acetone
A breath acetone meter is provided. The blood glucose meter includes a receiver comprising a first polymer and a second plurality of layers arranged in an alternating arrangement. The receiver is configured to receive a breath sample from a user. The first plurality of layers and second plurality of layers being configured to interact in response to the level of acetone in the breath sample. The breath acetone meter further including a light source arranged to emit a light onto the receiver. A sensor is arranged to receive the light and output a voltage in response to receiving the light, wherein the voltage is proportional to an amount of acetone in the breath sample.
US09581584B2 Apparatus for measuring blood cells and immunity from whole blood
A diluted cleaning solution is contacted with the inner wall surface of an immunity measuring cell every time an immunity measurement treatment of a specimen is performed. Therefore, a diluting liquid is injected in advance, then a cleaning solution is injected, whereby a diluted cleaning solution is produced in the immunity measuring cell. As a result, the inner wall surface of the immunity measuring cell is maintained in a preferable state and the interval of the routine cleanings can be prolonged.
US09581570B2 Determination of the remaining life of a structural system based on acoustic emission signals
In accordance with the present disclosure, a method of using acoustic emission data to predict the state of a structural element is described. The method includes capturing acoustic emission data for a structural element. The method further includes predicting the future stress intensity in the structural element using the captured acoustic emission data and calculating the probability of future failure of the structural element using the predicted future stress intensity.
US09581569B2 Method for measuring bacterial growth and antibiotic resistance using suspended microchannel resonators
Methods for improving measurements of bacterial growth, such as mass, in Suspended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Methods include techniques to provide for bacterial growth over time in response to changing fluid environment to aid in determining parameters such as drug resistance and drug susceptibility. In particular the methods include trapping multiple bacteria in the SMR for a time period and varying the fluid to include sequences of nutrients and antibiotics, and measuring the rate of mass change of the bacteria in response to the changes in fluid composition.
US09581556B1 Laser probe for use in an inspection system
A non-contact optical probe for inspecting an inside surface of a cylindrical workpiece includes a laser source that emits an incident light beam, a polarizing beam splitter that transmits one polarization of the incident beam and reflects the opposite polarization, and a quarter wave plate that together with the polarizing beam splitter separates back reflected return light from the incident laser beam. The non-contact optical probe further includes an optical system that directs the incident laser beam onto the cylinder surface and directs reflected light from the surface back to the beam splitter, and at least one detector that receives a portion of the reflected light and generates data about the cylinder surface.
US09581552B2 Spectroscopic analyser
An analyzer 10 for identifying or verifying or otherwise characterizing a liquid based drug sample 16 comprising: an electromagnetic radiation source 11 for emitting electromagnetic radiation 14a in at least one beam at a sample 16, the electromagnetic radiation comprising at least two different wavelengths, a sample detector 17 that detects affected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the emitted electromagnetic radiation affected by the sample, and a processor 18 for identifying or verifying the sample from the detected affected electromagnetic radiation, wherein each wavelength or at least two of the wavelengths is between substantially 1300 nm and 2000 nm, and each wavelength or at least two of the wavelengths is in the vicinity of the wavelength(s) of (or within a region spanning) a spectral characteristic in the liquid spectrum between substantially 1300 nm and 2000 nm.
US09581548B2 Methods for resolving positions in fluorescence stochastic microscopy using three-dimensional structured illumination
Methods and systems to resolve positions of sample components in fluorescence stochastic microscopy using three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (“3D-SIM”) are disclosed. In one aspect, components of a sample specimen are labeled with fluorophores and weakly illuminated with a frequency of light to stochastically convert a subset of the fluorophores into an active state. The sample is then illuminated with a three-dimensional structured illumination pattern (“3D-SIP”) of excitation light that causes the activated fluorophores to fluoresce. As the 3D-SIP is incrementally moved within the volume of the sample and images are recorded, computational methods are used to process the images to locate and refine the locations of the activated fluorophores thereby generating a super-resolution image of sample components.
US09581544B2 Apparatus for analyzing phases of multiphase mixtures
The invention relates to an apparatus comprising: a measuring head (10) having a slot (18) for receiving a measurement cell (26) and means (28) for emitting electromagnetic radiation, and means (32, 36) for detecting radiation from said emission means (28) after it has passed through the measurement cell (26); means (16) for translatably driving and means (12, 14) for translatably guiding, allowing the substantially vertical longitudinal movement of the measurement head (10); at least two recesses (44) each intended for receiving a measurement cell (26) and arranged one above the other in a longitudinal direction, the recesses (44) as well as the driving means (16) and the guiding means (12, 14) being configured such that during the translational movement of the measurement head (10) along the nominal travel thereof each recess is placed inside the slot (18) of the measurement head (10).
US09581542B2 Device for detecting the concentration of a solution
A device for detecting the concentration of a given component in a solution, preferably the concentration of urea in solution with water includes a means for emitting radiation, at least one means for receiving radiation, which is prearranged for determining at least one characteristic of the radiation, and a light guide, which is prearranged for optically connecting the emitting means to the receiving means, wherein the light guide has at least one surface that is to come into contact with the solution so as to determine an interface of separation between the propagation medium and the solution. Control means are configured for obtaining a value indicating the concentration of the compound in the solution as a function of the signal coming from the receiving means.
US09581533B2 Modular hardness testing machine
A modular hardness testing machine has a measuring component and a set of frames. The measuring component includes a housing and locating slot. The measuring component has a locating slot configured to receive a frame. The locating slot allows a user to modularly interchange the frame. The measuring component's housing encloses a presshead, which encloses a load cell having through-holes holding transmission pins. The first end of each transmission pin contacts a displacement measurement sleeve, and a second end contacts a transmission plate. A motor is mounted to the housing. The motor is connected to a reduction drive. The reduction drive reduces speed and drives a lead screw mounted on a bearing mount, and a moveable presshead is driven by the lead screw.
US09581531B2 Yarn entanglement strength tester
A yarn entanglement strength tester includes first and second rolls that apply incrementally increasing elongation levels on a yarn in order to remove entanglements from the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester also includes a third roll, where the second and third rolls apply a constant tension on the yarn which enables optimum diameter measurements of the yarn by a camera. The camera captures images of diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn. The yarn entanglement strength tester further includes a computing device that controls operation of the camera and the first, second, and third rolls, and determines an entanglement strength of the yarn based on the captured images of the diameters of the yarn after each of the incrementally increasing elongation levels is applied to the yarn.
US09581530B2 Multichannel impact response for material characterization
A non-destructive test system includes a plurality of impact devices including a knob configured to generate at least one flexural mode in a material when a surface of the material is impacted by the knob, a controller configured to independently control each of the plurality of impact devices, the controller having a communications channel for each of the plurality of impact devices, and a microphone configured to detect an acoustic response generated upon impact of the knob on the surface of the material, the acoustic response being based on the at least one flexural modes generated in the material.
US09581526B2 Method for S/TEM sample analysis
An improved method and apparatus for S/TEM sample preparation and analysis. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods for TEM sample creation, especially for small geometry (<100 nm thick) TEM lamellae. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide an in-line process for S/TEM based metrology on objects such as integrated circuits or other structures fabricated on semiconductor wafer by providing methods to partially or fully automate TEM sample creation, to make the process of creating and analyzing TEM samples less labor intensive, and to increase throughput and reproducibility of TEM analysis.
US09581525B2 Method of applying particulate material along a tire footprint during tire testing on a tire testing surface
The present invention includes a method for testing a tire on a tire testing surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tire testing surface arranged along a tire testing device; providing a tire having a radially outer annular side comprising a road-engaging surface; engaging forcefully the tire against the tire testing surface, whereby the forceful engagement generates a tire footprint comprising an area of contact between the road-engaging surface of the tire and the tire testing surface; rotating the tire and along the tire testing surface while engaged according to the prior step; and, applying a particulate material along the footprint, the particulate material comprising kaolinite. In other embodiments, particulate material similar to kaolin or kaolinite is employed by such methods in lieu of kaolin or kaolinite.
US09581522B2 Distributed sensing optical fiber multi-objective multi-degree-of-freedom static and dynamic test device and method
The present invention relates to a distributed sensing optical fiber performance multi-objective multi-degree-of-freedom static and dynamic test integrated platform and a test method. Wherein an optical fiber multi-degree-of-freedom fixing system is sequentially connected with an artificial loading and unloading device and an oil pressure control loading and unloading device, and an optical fiber under test is connected with the optical fiber multi-degree-of-freedom fixing system and a distributed optical fiber Brillouin frequency shift acquisition system; and test on performance of optical fiber is achieved by controlling devices in the optical fiber multi-degree-of-freedom fixing system. The device of the present invention has a large number of advantages such as a simple structure, a low cost, convenient operation, less disturbance, many test classes, strong adaptability, stable performance and convenient loading and unloading.
US09581519B2 Filling implantable medical devices for leak checking
A method for introducing an analyte gas into a cavity of an implantable medical device includes analyzing gas that exits the cavity through an outlet in communication with the cavity and introducing an analyte gas into the cavity via an inlet in communication with the cavity until the composition of the gas exiting the cavity comprises a predetermined percent or amount of the analyte gas. The inlet and outlet may be sealed, and the device may be leak tested.
US09581514B2 Optical pressure sensor
An optical pressure sensor is disclosed having a pressure sensing optical cavity. A temperature sensing optical cavity at the sensor head is used by an interrogator to correct a pressure signal for effects of temperature. The optical cavities may be, for example, Fabry Perot cavities in the sensor head.
US09581513B2 Diaphragm-type pressure gauge
A diaphragm-type pressure gauge which is attached to a vessel to be measured and measures a pressure by introducing a gas inside the vessel includes a housing into which the gas is introduced, and a sensor unit which is arranged in the housing, and includes a diaphragm electrode, a measurement surface of which is arranged parallel to an introduction direction of the gas. When the housing is attached to the vessel, the measurement surface of the diaphragm electrode is arranged parallel to a direction of gravitational force.
US09581503B2 Sensor and sensor mounting structure
A sensor (200) includes a temperature sensitive element (203); a first tubular member (212); a tubular rib (240); a second tubular member (260); and a tubular mounting member (250) that surrounds the rib through the second tubular member, is rotatable with respect to the rib, and has a threaded portion (254). The rib includes a main body (243) and a protruding portion (242). A flat portion (244L) is formed on a rearward-facing surface of the protruding portion, and an inclined surface (242b) is formed radially outward of the flat portion. A forward-facing surface (250f) of the mounting member is in line contact with the inclined surface at a prescribed contact position (P), and an intersection (R) of the inclined surface and a perpendicular (M) thereto from a radially innermost point (Q) of a forward-facing surface (244f) of the protruding portion is located radially inward of the contact position.
US09581501B2 Temperature control material
A sensitive and practicable temperature control material which precisely or determinably detects whether the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by electrical change from a conductive state to an insulated or lower-conductive state has excellent time stability, chemical stability, durability, and weather resistance. The temperature control material includes a heat-melt substance which melts by heat at a melting point according to temperature being detected, and a conductive paste which includes conductive powder. The temperature control material is in a conductive state by the conductive paste. The heat-melt substance is kept away from the conductive paste through a porous material and the temperature control material changes to be in an insulated or lower-conductive states. The heat-melt substance penetrates the porous material to irreversibly permeate and/or disperse into the conductive paste on a heat-melt state thereof.
US09581496B2 Snapshot spectral imaging based on digital cameras
Snapshot spectral imagers comprise an imaging lens, a dispersed image sensor and a restricted isometry property (RIP) diffuser inserted in the optical path between the source image and the image sensor. The imagers are used to obtain a plurality of spectral images of the source object in different spectral bands in a single shot. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser is one dimensional. An optional disperser may be added in the optical path, to provide further dispersion at the image sensor. In some embodiments, all imager components except the RIP diffuser may be part of a digital camera, with the RIP diffuser added externally. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser may be included internally in a digital camera.
US09581485B2 Removable magnetostrictive probe with automatic calibration
A magnetostrictive sensing instrument comprises a probe including a tube having a near end and a distal end. A magnetostrictive wire is in the tube. An adaptor at the tube near end includes a probe circuit comprising a drive circuit for the magnetostrictive wire, a pickup sensor, a preamplifier and a memory circuit storing calibration parameters for the probe. An instrument housing includes a control circuit. A connector is operatively disposed between the instrument housing and the adaptor and comprises electrical conductors for connecting the control circuit to the probe circuit.
US09581483B2 Tank overflow protection system and method
A tank overflow protection system and method for measuring process temperature and pressure utilizing one or more piezoresistive pressure transmitters. The piezoresistive pressure transmitter includes a differential pressure sensor and a temperature sensor. Data from the piezoresistive pressure transmitters can be digitally communicated via a cable. The pressure transmitters convert signals indicative of temperature and pressure to a digital value and transmit the signals to a main processor printed wire assembly for final compensation, diagnostics, and transmission to a distributed control system. A differential pressure can be calculated by subtracting two digital pressure measurement values. The temperature measurement can be employed to calculate any changes in density for a user-defined reference value.
US09581480B2 Micro flow sensor
A micro flow sensor includes: a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows; a detection unit having a heater configured to heat the fluid to be measured in the flow path and temperature sensors configured to measure temperature of a fluid to be measured in the flow path; an arithmetic unit configured to measure a flow rate of the fluid to be measured flowing through the flow path based on the temperature of the fluid to be measured, measured by the temperature sensors; and a narrowed portion disposed on an upstream side of the detection unit in the flow path for narrowing the flow path.
US09581479B2 Ultrasonic meter flow measurement monitoring system
The present invention provides an automated meter station monitoring system for a fluid comprising a processor having algorithms for verifying performance of a fluid flow measurement system. A pressure sensor is operatively connected to the processor to measure the pressure of the fluid. A temperature sensor is operatively connected to the processor to measure the temperature of the fluid. A gas chromatograph is operatively connected to the processor to monitor changes in gas composition and chromatograph response factors of the fluid. An ultrasonic meter is operatively connected to the processor to monitor the velocity of the fluid, speed of sound of the fluid, and meter diagnostics. A flow computer is operatively connected to the processor to record pressure of the fluid, record temperature of the fluid, record gas composition of the fluid, calculate compressibility ratio of the fluid, calculate standard flow rate of the fluid, and calculate energy rate of the fluid.
US09581478B1 Pool skimmer flow measuring systems
The present invention relates to systems that allow users to observe the operation of pool skimmers. In some embodiments, the system includes a flow sensor system, which may be located in a ring above the skimmer basket. The flow sensor system may include, for example a microphone or a paddle wheel. Optionally, the system may further include a remote computer (e.g., smart phone/tablet computer) that receives the inputs measured by the flow sensor system and displays on its display screen alerts based on the inputs (e.g., to notify the user to clean the skimmer basket or backwash the filter).
US09581477B2 Measuring head clamp-on device for ultrasonic flow-measuring heads
A measuring head clamp-on device for ultrasonic flow measuring heads includes a guide element for receiving at least one measuring head protective housing for at least one measuring head and includes at least one clamping unit connected to the guide element, and thereto connected clamping device for detachably fastening the guide element to the measuring tube, wherein the guide element is non-positively or positively connected to at least one apparatus for centering and clamping the same on the measuring tube, so that the guide element is oriented and fastened parallel and with a defined distance to the apex of the measuring tube irrespective of the tube diameter.
US09581467B1 Orientation estimation based on backward-forward bayesian filtering
A system includes one or more processors, and data storage configured to store instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform functions. In this example, the functions include receiving sensor data that is collected by one or more sensors of a device over one or more locations and over a time period. Further, in the present example, the functions also include determining location estimates of the device by performing filtering of the sensor data to determine offsets for a least one sensor providing sensor data. The filtering is an iterative process of filtering control input data to determine the sensor bias based on data from a second sensor of the at least two sensors and adjusting the set of sensor data based on the determined bias.
US09581465B2 Apparatus and method for displaying a synthetic vision system view direction
A system and method displays a synthetic vision system (SVS) image combined with a primary flight display (PFD) including a compass indicating the aircraft heading. An arc on or near the outer edge of the compass indicates the viewing frustum of the SVS view.
US09581456B2 Determining an estimated time of arrival of a vehicle at an endpoint of a journey
The disclosure includes a system and method for determining a current location of a user at a current time. The method may include determining journey data associated with one or more of the user, the current location, and the current time, where journey data describes one or more historical journeys of the user. The method may include determining, based on the journey data, an estimated time of arrival (ETA) describing an arrival estimate of when the user and a vehicle will arrive at an endpoint of a journey; and transmitting the ETA to a network.
US09581441B2 Method and device for determining an area cut with a cutting roll by at least one construction machine or mining machine
In a method for determining an area milled by at least one construction machine or at least one mining machine by means of a milling drum (2) by means of working a predetermined area in several milling trajectories by at least one machine (1), determining the length of the milling trajectories along which a milling operation has taken place by evaluating the continuous machine positions, adding up the previously milled partial areas taking into account the length of the milling trajectory and the installed width of the milling drum (2), wherein the partial area currently milled along the milling trajectory is checked, either continuously or subsequently, for overlapping or multiple overlapping with any previously milled partial areas, and any partial areas which overlap are deducted, as overlapping areas, from the added-up previously milled partial areas, the total added-up partial areas milled minus the total overlapping areas established give the milled area.
US09581436B2 Image processing device, image capturing apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing device obtains a depth information image representing a distribution of depth information about an object on the basis of first and second images that have different degrees of blurring and that are captured by an image sensor including groups each including pixels that obtain different color information about the object. The image processing device includes an extracting unit configured to extract signals, each corresponding to one of the pixels of each group, from the groups and generate first and second extracted images respectively corresponding to the first and second images, and a calculating unit configured to calculate the depth information image from a difference in degree of blurring between the first and second extracted images. The signals each corresponding to one of the pixels of each group and extracted from the groups are signals corresponding to pixels that obtain the same color information.
US09581428B2 Time-multiplexed spectrally controlled interferometry
A tunable light source having a temporal coherence length such that interference fringes are detected within the optical path difference of the interferometer is spectrally controlled to produce multiple wavelengths during sequential fractions of the integration time of the detector of the interferometer. The wavelengths are selected so as to produce a visible correlogram at each integration time according to spectrally controlled interferometry (SCI) principles. Such different wavelengths may be produced by stepwise or continuous modulation. The modulation step is repeated sequentially while changing the period of modulation to produce a succession of predetermined spatial patterns of interference fringes, as required for interferometric measurements. The approach enables the practice of SCI with common-path apparatus used for conventional phase shifting, thereby combining the advantages of high-coherence and white-light interferometry.
US09581425B2 Sensor for indicating a position or a change in position of a coupling element and method for operating the sensor
Sensor having a primary coil, two secondary coils as well as an evaluator. An excitation signal may be applied to the primary coil. An output signal depending on a position of a coupling element may be induced in each secondary coil. An evaluator is configured to evaluate the output signals in order to evaluate a phase offset between the output signals. Further, the evaluator is configured to provide a sensor output signal indicating the position or change in position of the coupling element.
US09581420B2 Projectile system including a projectile mount and a projectile
A projectile and a projectile mount having a central bore into which the projectile is mounted and includes rotational formations functionally engaging between the projectile and the projectile mount which in use provides rotational motion to the projectile around an axis of rotation by the propulsion of the projectile along the axis of rotation.
US09581410B1 Projectile launcher and method of operating the same
A toy configured to operate in two modes of operation wherein projectiles are launched from different portions of the toy depending upon which mode of operation the toy is in, the toy having: a housing with a forward pistol grip portion and a rearward pistol grip portion, the rearward pistol grip portion being movably mounted to the housing for movement between a first position to a second position; a mode selector switch movably mounted to the housing for movement from a first position to a second position; wherein movement of the rearward pistol grip portion between the first position and the second position launches a projectile from one portion of the toy when the mode selector switch is in the first position; and wherein movement of the rearward pistol grip portion between the first position and the second position launches a projectile from another portion of the toy when the mode selector switch is in the second position.
US09581408B2 Cable guard for compound bow
A cable guard for a compound bow includes a rod extending along an axis, and a base releasably fixed to the rod and adjustable relative to the rod along the axis. The cable guard includes a lock releasably fixing the base to the rod along the axis. A pair of bearings each supported by the base. The base, and the pair of bearings supported by the base, are adjustable along the axis for adjustment relative to a riser of the compound bow. The lock fixes the base at a desired position along the axis relative to the riser.
US09581395B2 Multi-segmented tube sheet
A heat exchanger that is constructed with a heat exchanger shell having inlet and outlet plenums and fluid inlet and outlet ports, and a tube sheet construction disposed in the heat exchanger shell. The tube sheet construction includes at least two separate tube sheets and a plurality of tubes that extend between the separate tube sheets. Each tube sheet includes at least two planar tube sheet segments and a interstitial layer disposed between the at least two tube sheet segments, and at least one sensor element supported by each of the interstitial layers. A control monitor controls flow through the shell by a feedback control from the sensor to an inlet control valve and/or a stimulus device excites the media layer. In an alternate embodiment opposed position sensor elements may be provided at opposite sides of the tube sheet construction.
US09581392B2 Arrangement for cooling a plasma-based radiation source with a metal cooling liquid and method for starting up a cooling arrangement of this type
An arrangement for cooling a plasma-based radiation source with a metal cooling liquid and a method for starting up a cooling arrangement of this type has a pump unit for conveying the metal cooling liquid from a reservoir to an immersion bath in a pipe portion that is connected to the reservoir in the conveying direction of the cooling circuit has at least one pump for conveying the metal cooling liquid through an external field effect of the at least one pump. A control unit for controlling the at least one pump controls the at least one pump at least temporarily in a pumping direction opposite to the conveying direction of the cooling circuit in order to generate a heating effect through external field effect on metal cooling liquid located in the pipe portion.
US09581383B2 Refrigerator appliances
A refrigerator appliance including a refrigerated chamber defined by a liner positioned within a cabinet is provided. At least one track extends generally along a vertical direction of the refrigerator appliance attached to or positioned adjacent to the liner. Additionally, a shelf assembly is configured to attach to the track. An electrical bar extends at least partially within the track and a probe of the shelf assembly is configured to extend into the track and press against the electrical bar along a transverse direction. The probe may accordingly make an electrical connection with electrical bar when the shelf assembly is attached the track.
US09581380B1 Flexible refrigeration platform
In a new flexible-monoblock refrigeration configuration arrangement, all of the refrigeration components are gathered within its one and only flexible chassis platform. These units are one piece, meaning that their condenser, refrigerant control assemblies, compressor and the evaporator are fixed to their one and only integrated flexible chassis. No refrigeration components are outside its enclosure. There is no need to perform any assembling or service to the refrigeration itself at the time of installation. The new flexible monoblock refrigeration system can be configured in many different forms using parallel rigidly interconnected side plates. The sub platforms are rigidly connected to the side plates so that all of the weight, forces and stress are borne by the side plates and none is transferred among the refrigeration elements, units or subassemblies.
US09581378B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit
The disclosure can include systems, methods, and apparatus for providing associated functionality for a refrigeration unit. In one embodiment, a refrigeration unit can include some or all of the following associated functionality: a cooling table plenum, a cross-linking member, a cabinet trim and thermal breaker, a collapsible hood, an internal plenum, an internal bracket, an external rib, an evaporator shroud and condensate drain, and/or a cutting board support bracket.
US09581373B2 Ice maker with self-regulating ice mold and method of operating same
An ice maker of a domestic refrigerator that includes an ice mold having an electrically-conductive polymeric body and a plurality of cavities defined in the polymeric body. Each cavity is sized to receive a quantity of fluid corresponding to a single ice cube. A pair of electrodes is engaged with a bottom surface of the polymeric body. The polymeric body has a first electrical conductivity at a first operating temperature and a second electrical conductivity that is less than the first electrical conductivity at a second operating temperature. The second operating temperature is greater than the first operating temperature.
US09581368B2 Automobile air-conditioning system
An automobile air-conditioning system is provided, which includes an evaporator and an electrical expansion valve in communication via pipes, with the electrical expansion valve including a coil and a valve body, the coil being fixedly mounted on the valve body; the system also includes a support, the support including a heat-sinking bridge and a cooling ring, with the evaporator provided on one side of the heat-sinking bridge and the cooling ring provided on the other side of the heat-sinking bridge; the heat-sinking bridge and the cooling ring are formed in one piece or are connected with each other fixedly, and the coil is provided within the cooling ring. The automobile air-conditioning system has the advantages of a compact structural design, is capable of effectively cooling the electrical expansion valve, and has high system strength, stable transmission of coolant, and high security.
US09581366B2 Air conditioner
An air conditioner having a first circulation channel which drives a thermodynamic cycle while normally circulating a refrigerant, a second circulation channel which is branched from an outlet of a condenser of the first circulation channel to recover oil from the refrigerant to a compressor and to cause the refrigerant to pass through a supercooling heat exchanger, and a third circulation channel which is directly branched from an evaporator of the first circulation channel to recover oil from the refrigerant and to the compressor and to cause the refrigerant to pass through the supercooling heat exchanger, thereby preventing the wet compression of the compressor to achieve improved reliability of the compressor, and preventing the degradation of heat-exchange performance.
US09581365B2 Refrigerating apparatus
In an air conditioner which is a refrigerating apparatus, a superheat degree controller is provided, which is configured to control, in an evaporation mode of an outdoor heat exchanger, the opening degree of an expansion valve such that the superheat degree of refrigerant whose flows are joined together after passing through a main heat exchange part and an auxiliary heat exchange part reaches a predetermined superheat degree. Moreover, in the air conditioner, a flow volume adjustment valve configured to adjust, in the evaporation mode of the outdoor heat exchanger, a flow ratio of refrigerant in the heat exchange parts and a flow ratio controller configured to control the flow volume adjustment valve such that refrigerant temperatures after passage through the heat exchange parts are substantially equal to each other are provided.
US09581364B2 Refrigeration system with free-cooling
A system for cooling air for use with a liquid cooling fluid loop. The system includes a first refrigerant circuit with an air-cooled condenser, a second refrigerant circuit with a liquid-cooled condenser, and a free-cooling loop. A control device is provided for controlling the operation of the system between a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode. When operating in the first mode, only the free-cooling loop cooperates directly with liquid cooling fluid in the liquid cooling fluid loop to cool the liquid cooling fluid, when operating in the second mode, the second refrigerant circuit is not engaged, and when operating in the third mode, the free-cooling loop interacts with the second refrigerant circuit to reject heat of the second refrigerant circuit through the free-cooling loop.
US09581362B2 High-efficiency power conversion architecture for driving a thermoelectric cooler in energy conscious applications
Systems and methods are disclosed herein relating to an Alternating Current-Direct Current (AC-DC) power conversion system for supplying power to one or more Thermoelectric Coolers (TECs). In some embodiments, a system comprises one or more TECs and an AC-DC power conversion system configured to supply power to the one or more TECs for a high efficiency mode of operation and a high heat pumping mode of operation. The AC-DC power conversion system comprises a first AC-DC power converter configured to convert an AC input to a DC output at a first output power level for the high efficiency mode of operation of the one or more TECs. The AC-DC power conversion system further comprises a second AC-DC power converter configured to convert the AC input to a DC output at a second output power level for the high heat pumping mode of operation of the one or more TECs.
US09581357B1 Dynamic asymmetric solar concentrator
Solar energy concentration systems and methods that includes a curved lower solar reflective dish, and a smaller curved solar concentrator located on a focal line above the dish. The dish reflects input light rays onto the smaller curved solar concentrator. Moveable supports adjusts the shape of the deformable solar concentrator mounted directly below the concentrator to receive concentrated light rays reflected from the concentrator. A controller for storing and executing a set of instruction controls the shape of the concentrator to focus the reflected concentrated light rays onto a focal collector. A mirror point list adjusts the shape of the concentrator based on a sun angle.
US09581353B2 HVAC system including a noise-reducing feature
A HVAC system includes a housing including at least one wall, an air flow path defined at least partially by the at least one wall, and a door disposed in the air flow path, where the door is configured to i) block a flow of air through the air flow path when the door is in at least one closed position, and ii) allow the flow of air through the air flow path when the door is in a position other than the at least one closed position. A gap is formed between the door and the at least one wall when the door is in the position other than the at least one closed position. The HVAC system further includes a noise-reducing feature defined on at least a portion of the at least one wall. The noise-reducing feature configured to break up, into several smaller structures, an air flow structure formed when air flowing through the gap contacts an end of the door, thereby reducing air vibration in the gap and reducing noise of the HVAC system during operation thereof.
US09581352B2 Control device for air conditioner
The present disclosure simplifies the H-bridge circuit of the direct current motor for driving the damper (door) that switches the air passages in the indoor unit of an air conditioning device. The control device for an air conditioner that takes in inside or outside air and conditions the air inside an air conditioning unit using an evaporator and a heater core is provided with: a first actuator and a second actuator that drive the multiple dampers installed inside the air conditioning unit for switching the air passages; and three half-bridge circuits that control the first actuator and the second actuator sharing one of the half-bridge circuits. Of the multiple dampers, the first actuator is connected to the inside/outside air switching damper. Of the multiple dampers, the second actuator is connected to at least one air mix damper.
US09581349B2 Indoor unit and air conditioning system using the same
An indoor unit and an air conditioning system using the same include a first communication module to communicate with a wired remote controller, a power switch connected to a power terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module, a ground switch connected to a ground terminal of one or the other side of the first communication module to constitute a pair with the power switch, and an indoor unit controller to turn on the power switch and the ground switch when an indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller, and to turn off the power switch and the ground switch when another indoor unit supplies power to the wired remote controller.
US09581347B2 Clean room control system and method
In a system and method of controlling particulate count in a clean room having a number of compartments/zones in series, in response to a first level of energy consumption by speed adjustable fans supplying a first volume of air per unit of time to the clean room, differential air pressures are established in the clean room compartment/zone-by-compartment/zone in series from a first compartment/zone which has a requirement for the highest air pressure to a last compartment/zone which has a requirement for the lowest air pressure. In response to a second level of energy consumption by the speed adjustable fans supplying a second volume of air per unit of time to the clean room, the same differential air pressures are substantially maintained in the clean room.
US09581337B2 Arrangement in the ventilation of a kitchen appliance
The invention relates to an arrangement in the ventilation of a kitchen appliance. The arrangement is arranged to be connected to a ventilation system. The arrangement includes at least one hood (10), which is intended to be installed above the kitchen appliance (11). There is an exhaust-air connection (27) in each hood (10), for connecting the hood (10) to the exhaust-air duct (12) belonging to the ventilation system. The arrangement also includes a separator (15), for separating grease form the exhaust air. The arrangement further includes a cell (14), which is arranged after the hood (10) and is separate from the hood (10), and to which a separator (15) is fitted, and which is connected to the exhaust-air duct (12).
US09581333B2 Igniter assembly and method for operating
An igniter assembly includes a bushing for installation in a burner. The bushing has a proximal end and an opposing distal end. A gas tube is secured through a central portion of the bushing, and an electrode assembly is secured through the central portion of the bushing. The electrode assembly includes an electrically conductive conductor element and an insulator element in surrounding relationship to the conductor element. The igniter assembly further includes a flame holder element secured to a distal end of the electrode assembly, and a ground rod secured to the electrode assembly. A distal end of the ground rod defines a spark gap with the flame holder element.
US09581329B2 Gas-fueled heater
A gas-fueled heater can have a housing with pressure regulators, a control valve, a fluid selection valve and a burner positioned therein. The pressure regulators, control valve, fluid selection valve and burner can be configured to combust a fuel to create heat. The housing can include a number of holes passing therethrough to control access to the various components.
US09581317B2 Array holder and LED module with same
A holder is configured to support an LED array and includes terminals that have an insulation displacement portion (IDP) and contacts to electrically connect to the LED array. An LED module can be provided that supports a holder and an LED array. The LED module includes a housing with a floor and a wall that extends from the floor to define a first enclosure that receives the holder and LED array. The floor includes one or more channels that allow insulated conductors to extend through the floor and engage the IDP so as to provide power to the LED array.
US09581307B2 Block light module
A light module for a motor vehicle is disclosed. The light module includes a light source and a reflecting unit. The light module also includes an optical waveguide, wherein the waveguide is formed by a plate-shaped body having an L-shaped cross section, the light-reflecting unit comprises a reflector arranged in front of a shorter input part of the waveguide, and wherein at a place where a shorter inlet part of the waveguide passes into a longer outlet part of the waveguide, an angled surface is provided for total reflection of light passing through the shorter inlet part of the waveguide to the longer outlet part of the waveguide, wherewith a bottom area and an adjacent face of the outlet part of the waveguide are provided with a white coating.
US09581306B2 Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp includes a light source, a projection optical member, a light deflector, and a tube shaped housing. The projection optical member projects light, which is incident on the projection optical member, ahead. The light deflector includes a plurality of optical devices that are arrayed. The optical devices are individually switchable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the optical devices reflect light emitted from the light source to a direction other than a direction towards the projection optical member. In the second state, the optical devices reflect the emitted light towards the projection optical member. The light deflector is disposed inside the housing. The projection optical member is disposed in an opening portion of the housing. A first portion, of the housing, intersecting a path of a light beam incident on the light deflector is transparent.
US09581305B2 Method for the arrangement of a retaining ring on a reflector
A method for the arrangement of a retaining ring (10) for holding a light source in the opening (11) of a reflector (12) for a vehicle headlamp. The retaining ring (10) extends in a plane and is arranged on the back side flush with the opening (11) on the reflector (12). For the arrangement of the retaining ring (10) of the reflector (12), a molded retainer part (13) is arranged on the reflector (12) and a recess (14) is formed in the retaining ring (10). The retaining ring (10) is placed on the reflector (12), so that the molded retainer part (13) is guided through the recess (14), after which the retaining ring (10) is turned in the plane of its extent about the molded retainer part (13), so that the retaining ring (10) clamps on the molded retainer part (13).
US09581303B2 Compact and adjustable LED lighting apparatus, and method and system for operating such long-term
A lighting system is provided whereby long operating life can be reasonably ensured by taking into account requirements of the application, characteristics of the LEDs, characteristics of the fixture containing said LEDs, the desired number of operating hours, and—via developed relationships—taking an iterative approach to supplying power to the LEDs. Through the envisioned compensation methodology and effective luminaire design, a relatively constant light level can be assured for a predetermined number of operating hours (possibly longer); this is true even if operating conditions change, known behavior of LEDs proves untrue over untested period of time, or some other condition occurs which would otherwise cause end-of-life prematurely and prevent the system from meeting the desired number of operating hours.
US09581285B2 Cam balance mechanism systems and methods
Embodiments include a balance mechanism having a first cam and a second cam configured to convert a variable force exerted by the energy storage member into a substantially constant force applied to a mounting portion. The balance mechanism may be useful for balancing forces such that a user can set the height of an electronic display and/or other equipment attached to the balance mechanism at a number of heights within the range of travel allowed by the mechanism. Lift mechanisms, display positioning apparatuses, and height adjustable desks incorporating a multi-cam balance mechanism are also provided. A method of positioning a display is also provided.
US09581280B2 Means for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion between a main pipeline and a branch pipeline, method for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion and rehabilitation system for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion
A means for the rehabilitation of a connecting portion between a main pipeline and a branch pipeline with a main pipe section and a branch pipe section, wherein the main pipe section has a connecting region, wherein the branch pipe section is connected at its first end portion to the connecting region of the main pipe section, wherein the branch pipe section is closed at its second end portion and wherein at least one contactless sensor is disposed within the means.
US09581274B2 Pipe fitting installation device
A portable assembly for securing a plastic fitting to a plastic pipe by employing fusion or thermal sealing is disclosed. The assembly is secured to the outer circumference of a plastic pipe at a desired location. The assembly can be secured at any longitudinal and lateral position along a plastic pipe. A heater heats both the pipe and the fitting to the point where they begin to melt. The heater is then removed and the fitting is pressed onto the surface of the pipe, thus fusing the fitting to the pipe. After cooling, the assembly is removed and the surface of the pipe within the interior of the fitting is drilled or removed. This now enables fluid within the pipe to be sent to the fitting and onto distribution lines which are connected to the fitting.
US09581273B2 Fluid fitting
A fluid fitting of an embodiment mainly includes a socket part, a spherical valve inserted in the socket part, and a plug part configured to be inserted at a tip portion thereof into the spherical valve. Moreover, the plug part is fixed in the direction of turn by engaging an expanded-diameter portion of the plug part with a recess of the socket part. Thus, the plug part is prevented from being detached from the socket part while the fluid fitting is in use.
US09581262B2 Vacuum valve
A vacuum valve including a closure element (3) and a valve housing (1) with a valve opening (4) and an interior (2) in which the closure element (3) is arranged, the closure element resting against a valve seat (6) surrounding the valve opening (4) in the closed state of the vacuum valve. The valve housing (1) has a housing wall (19) made of sheet metal, the housing wall delimiting the interior (2) and being provided with a window opening (20) in order to form the valve opening (4). The valve opening (4) is surrounded by a flange ring (21) that can be connected to a connection flange (28) of a vacuum unit (27) via screw connections, the vacuum unit having an interior and being attachable to the vacuum valve. The flange ring (21) has the valve seat (6) on which the closure element (3) is placed in the closed state of the vacuum valve.
US09581254B2 Pressure regulator and hydraulic brake system for vehicle equipped with the same
A pressure regulator configured to regulate a working fluid by a pilot pressure, including: a spool valve mechanism having a spool; a biasing mechanism having a pilot-pressure chamber and a pilot piston, the biasing mechanism being configured to bias the spool toward the other end of the pressure regulator in its axial direction by a pressure of the working fluid in the pilot-pressure chamber; a counter biasing mechanism having a regulated-pressure chamber and a counter biasing piston, the counter biasing mechanism being configured to bias the spool toward one end of the pressure regulator in the axial direction by a pressure of the working fluid in the regulated-pressure chamber; and at least one of a first damping mechanism configured to damp a movement of the pilot piston and a second damping mechanism configured to damp a movement of the counter biasing piston.
US09581251B2 Fluid flow regulator assembly
A fluid flow resistance assembly includes a fluid pathway. A width of the fluid pathway orthogonal to a flow of fluid through the fluid pathway varies along its length. Positioning of one or more ports at different locations over the fluid pathway at different locations controls a flow rate of fluid.
US09581245B2 Metal seal for ultra high vacuum system
A metal seal flange assembly for a vacuum system is presented. Its metal gasket has a crossectional shape that is an irregular hexagon with two acute angles between the longest side and the second- and third-longest sides, respectively. The longest side of the irregular hexagon is the vertical inner wall of the metal gasket. This design can reduce the normal force required to seal the metal seal flange assembly and reduce the number of bolts needed, enabling use in a limited working space.
US09581244B2 Seal bead structure of gasket
Provided is a seal bead structure of a gasket capable of reducing the reactive force generated in a common bead portion provided between multiple through-holes and thereby capable of achieving a stable sealing function by means of aligning the compression property over the entire bead. In order to achieve this, two through-holes are provided in a row in the flat portion of a metal gasket, with one seal bead provided on the edge of one through-hole, the other seal bead provided on the edge of the other through-hole, and a common bead portion for the both seal beads provided in the intermediate position between the both through-holes, the common bead portion having a two-stage half bead shape in which the half beads are formed on two stage in the same direction.
US09581243B2 Emergency sacrificial sealing method in filters, equipment, or systems
A system seals a filter or equipment component to abase and will continue to seal the filter or equipment component to the base in the event of hot air or fire. The system includes a first sealing material between the filter or equipment component and the base; and a second sealing material between the filter or equipment component and the base and proximate the first sealing material. The first sealing material and the second seal material are positioned relative to each other and relative to the filter or equipment component and the base to seal the filter or equipment component to the base and upon the event of fire the second sealing material will be activated and expand to continue to seal the filter or equipment component to the base in the event of hot air or fire.
US09581233B2 Torsional vibration damper with an interlocked isolator
Torsional vibration dampers having isolator members (crankshaft damper-isolators) are disclosed that include a hub defining an annular receptacle, a pulley body having a belt engaging surface, a damper assembly disposed between an outermost radial surface of the hub and the pulley body, an isolator member seated in the annular receptacle of the hub, and a slide bearing disposed between an outer radial surface of the hub and the sleeve of the pulley body. The isolator member is engaged with both the hub and the pulley body for rotation therewith when the hub and pulley body rotate at the same speed and when the hub rotates relative to the pulley body. The isolator member may be an elastomeric isolator or a torsion spring isolator. The slide bearing axially retains the pulley body to the hub and allows the pulley body to rotate relative to the hub.
US09581229B2 Sprocket
A sprocket includes first teeth having a first maximum width, and second teeth having a second maximum width greater than the first maximum width alternately arranged with the first teeth. The second teeth have a leading surface relative to a drive direction of the sprocket, a lateral surface at the second maximum width, and a relief between the leading surface and the lateral surface, with a midline of the lateral surface being offset relative to a plane extended radially through a center of a respective tooth.
US09581215B2 Steering wheel vibration suppressors
Vibration suppressors can include a resiliently flexible spring system that may be mounted at an exterior of a steering wheel of a vehicle, such as at a hub portion of a steering wheel armature. The spring system can include a fixable portion and a displaceable portion that is configured to be displaced relative to the fixable portion. A mass system can be coupled to the displaceable portion of the spring system and may also be at an exterior of the steering wheel.
US09581214B2 Semi-active isolators based on magnetorheological nanocomposites
Systems, devices, uses and methods relating to magnetorhological materials including carbon nanotubes, such as single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, are disclosed. Uses of magnetorheological materials such as in motion damping/vibration isolation are also disclosed.
US09581207B2 Transfer mechanism structure
A structure of a transfer mechanism is supported by a bearing (15) attached to a disc (10) of a rotary table (1), connects between driven shafts (20) extending in a direction parallel to a rotation shaft (11) and a driving shaft (30) which rotates and drives the rotation shaft (11), and transfers rotation power from the driving shaft (30) to the driven shafts (20). Rollers (31) that turn around a radially extending shaft are arranged at intervals on an outer periphery of one of the driven shafts (20) and the driving shaft (30) in a circumferential direction, and at least one radially extending pins (23) are provided on an outer periphery of the other of the driven shafts (20) and the driving shaft (30), and the pins (23) enter among the rollers (31) arranged adjacent to one another in the circumferential direction in a state in which the driven shafts (20) and the driving shaft (30) are connected.
US09581205B2 Coupling element with non-regular shaft interface
A shaft coupling assembly includes a shaft coupling element having a coupling wall defining a channel configured to receive a shaft end of a shaft. The channel includes a coupling interface configured to mate to a shaft interface defined by the shaft end. Each of the coupling interface and the shaft interface define a mating non-regular shape, which may be configured as one of an irregular polygon and a hybrid polygon including linear and non-linear sides. The shaft coupling element includes a fastener bore and a counterbore having an axial counterbore depth greater than an axial depth of the fastener bore. The shaft end inserted in the channel to an inserted depth greater than the fastener bore depth and less than the axial counterbore depth is displaceable into the counterbore such that the shaft end is not engaged with the coupling interface by the fastener bore receiving the fastener.
US09581204B2 Magnetic-scale-equipped motion guide apparatus
A magnetic-scale-equipped motion guide apparatus is provided which can scrape iron powder adhered to a magnetic scale by a scraper or seal of a movable member without inviting adverse effects such as wearing away and deformation of the magnetic scale. The magnetic-scale-equipped motion guide apparatus of the present invention comprises a track member 1 having a rolling element rolling portion 1b and also an upper surface where through holes 18 into which fastening members are inserted open, a movable member 2 movably assembled to the track member 1 via a plurality of rolling elements 3, a groove 1a formed in the track member 1 and extended in a longitudinal direction, a magnetic scale 7 accommodated in the groove 1a and having north and south poles alternately formed in the longitudinal direction, and a cover member 8 that covers the magnetic scale 7 and also the through holes 18 of the track member 1.
US09581199B2 Fulcrum bearing device for pulley arm
In a fulcrum bearing device for a pulley arm, a sleeve is inserted in a shaft hole formed in a boss portion of a pulley arm, washers are fitted on the outer peripheries of small diameter tube portions formed at the respective end portions of the sleeve, and the sleeve is fixed to an engine block by means of a bolt inserted through the sleeve and tightened, so that the pulley arm is pivotally supported. The shaft hole is formed at its respective end portions with seal receiving recesses having large diameters. Each seal member includes a cylindrical portion provided on its outer peripheral portion and press-fitted in the seal receiving recess, and a radial lip extending obliquely inwardly and provided on the inner periphery of the seal member. The distal end portions of the radial lips are kept in elastic contact with the outer diameter surface of the sleeve.
US09581196B2 Sliding member
A sliding member having more improved wear resistance is provided at a low cost. A sliding member is provided with: a substrate which is made of a nonwoven fabric; and a base resin which includes a phenol resin and which is impregnated into the substrate. The nonwoven fabric is preferably a bonded nonwoven fabric which is produced by a thermal bonding method, a binder method or the like and which has a strength that can tolerate the tension applied to the substrate in the step for producing the sliding member. It is preferable that the nonwoven fabric is made of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber which exhibits a high affinity for the phenol resin. Further, it is preferable that the phenol resin contains a chelating agent which can increase sites of crosslink with hydroxyl groups of the phenol resin.
US09581195B2 Low-vibration floating metal bearing
A low-vibration floating metal bearing includes a slide bearing. The slide bearing includes oil supply holes formed at six isogonal positions in an isotropic manner with respect to an axial center, and a substantially circular bearing hole having a surface on which at least six regions with different fluid lubrication conditions are formed by inner machining so as to be continuously disposed at isogonal positions in an isotropic manner with isotropic distance with respect to an axial center. Each of the regions with different fluid lubrication conditions forms a narrow flow path that is substantially convex in cross section and extends in an axial center direction in an oil flow path by changing the amount of clearance between the surface of the substantially circular bearing hole and the surface of a substantially circular axis.
US09581194B2 Motion guide device
Provided is a motion guide device in which a moving member is equipped with circulation path moldings. With the device, ease of assembly and moldability can be improved. A moving member is provided with circulation path moldings, which have: holding sections that extend along loaded rolling-element rolling sections; return path configuring sections that configure return paths; and a pair of direction-change path inner circumference configuring sections that configure the inner circumferences of a pair of direction-change paths. The circulation path moldings are provided with a first molding in which one direction-change path inner circumference configuring sections is integrally molded with the holding section and a second molding in which the other direction-change path inner circumference configuring section is integrally molded with the return path configuring section. The first molding and the second molding are separate bodies.
US09581193B2 Press-fit combination bearing
A combined axial and radial bearing assembly is provided, having a radial bearing including an outer ring having a constant outside diameter, and radially inwardly extending flanges located at axial ends thereof. A radial bearing cage having an axially extended rim on a first side, and radial rolling elements therein is located within the outer ring. An axial bearing is provided including an axial bearing ring having a thrust race, and an axially extending flange connected to a radially inner end thereof. The axially extending flange has an ID that is less than the OD of the radial bearing outer ring. An axial bearing cage with thrust rolling elements located in at least some of the pockets is also provided. The axially extending flange of the axial bearing is press fit on the OD of the radial bearing outer ring in a region aligned with the axially extended rim.
US09581190B2 Adjustable support arm
An adjustable support arm device includes a plurality of segments. Ball-and-socket joints each connect two adjacent segments. Each joint includes a plurality of interleaved friction layers between a ball and a socket of that joint. A locking mechanism applies a normal force to the friction layers to lock the joints, the mechanism being releasable to enable bending of the joints.
US09581183B2 Screw-type fastener
A multi-thread screw includes a head end, a shank and a tapered end. Both a high thread and a low thread begin on the tapered end and extend onto the shank. A set of intermediate threads are located on the shank portion only and overlap with and intersect at least part of the high thread.
US09581182B2 Furniture connection bracket
A connection bracket and a support couples with a male bracket. The connection bracket includes: a first end portion and a second end portion; an opening in the first end portion; a central body extending between the first end portion and the second end portion; a first guide and a second guide; the first guide integral with the central body and being folded to form an open channel, and the second guide integral with the central body and being folded to form the open channel. First and second spacers integral with the central body include first and second passageways therethrough. The central body includes an opening and a spring-loaded latch which extends from the central body into the opening and is movable with respect to the central body and the opening and secures the male bracket to the connection bracket.
US09581174B2 Fan frame
A fan frame accommodates a fan for blowing air or cooling and has a hole into which a tapping screw is fixed. The hole has a first hole portion opened in an attachment surface onto which a supporting member fixed by the tapping screw is attached and a second hole portion extending from the first hole portion and having a predetermined inner diameter. The first hole portion of the hole is formed to have a diameter larger than that of the second hole portion.
US09581172B2 Method for manufacturing turbocharger bearing housing, and turbocharger bearing housing
There is provided a method for manufacturing a turbocharger bearing housing which can prevent a collapsible core from being damaged when molten metal is cast in the mold. The method for manufacturing a bearing housing of a turbocharger is that the bearing housing of the turbocharger is formed with a cooling passage for circulating cooling liquid by casting using a collapsible core. The collapsible core includes the end part forming portions (a one end forming portion and an other end forming portion) corresponding to the end portions of the cooling passage and having a substantially elliptical cross-section, and a fixing portion holding the end part forming portions and being embedded in a mold and fixed to the mold.
US09581169B2 Gas-dynamic air bearing
A gas-dynamic air bearing for radially mounting a shaft may include a plurality of bearing segments arranged in a recess of a housing. The bearing segments may radially enclose the shaft. Each bearing segment may be held with play on the housing via a respective bolt arranged radially to a predetermined bearing axis. Each bearing segment may include an associated stop spring device supported between the housing and the bearing segments. The respective stop spring device may be resilient to stroke movements of the bearing segment effective radially outwardly relative to the bearing axis. The respective bolts may be adjustably screwed to the housing. The bolts may have an end on a segment side that delimits a spring travel of the stop spring device radially inwardly towards the bearing axis and may position the respective bearing segment.
US09581165B2 Systems and methods for avian mitigation for wind farms
A wildlife detection system includes a tracking device, a receiver, and a wildlife deterrent system. The tracking device may be mounted to a wildlife. The receiver is configured to track movement of the tracking device relative to an object of danger to the wildlife. The wildlife deterrent system is configured to reduce risk of danger to the wildlife in response to movement of the wildlife within a predetermined distance from the object of danger as tracked by the receiver.
US09581163B2 Air diffuser systems, methods, and apparatuses
Aircraft, air conditioning systems, and air diffusers that may be used to create a quiet, comfortable environment within an aircraft cabin are disclosed. The systems and apparatuses are configured to flow air at a rate that meets and/or exceeds the FAA minimum requirement of 0.55 lbs/min (about 250 g/min) per occupant. In use, even at higher flow rates, the systems and apparatuses are configured to create a quiet cabin experience, by contributing little to ambient cabin noise. Thus, the systems and apparatuses may be used to provide fresh air at a comfortable rate and a comfortable noise level.
US09581150B2 Variable displacement swash plate type compressor
A variable displacement swash plate type compressor includes a displacement control valve. The displacement control valve includes a drive force transmitting member, a valve member having a first valve body, a pressure sensing mechanism, which adjusts the valve opening degree of the first valve body, a communication passage, which connects a back pressure chamber and an accommodating chamber to each other, and a second valve body, which selectively opens and closes the communication passage. The first valve body opens when current supply to an electromagnetic solenoid is stopped and the pressure in a suction pressure zone is less than a threshold value. The second valve body closes when current is supplied to the electromagnetic solenoid and opens when the current supply to the electromagnetic solenoid is stopped and the pressure in the suction pressure zone is greater than or equal to the threshold value.
US09581141B2 Early detection of wind turbine degradation using acoustical monitoring
Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring wind turbines, generally comprising a microphone for picking up acoustic emissions from a wind turbine and outputting a signal corresponding to the emissions; a filter for splitting the signal into a plurality of signals according to a plurality of frequency bands; and a processor for processing the plurality of signals and generating sound level data corresponding to at least a subset of the frequency bands. The system compares the sound level data with a sound threshold and generates an alarm signal when the sound level data exceeds the sound threshold. Alternatively, the system may include different thresholds corresponding to the different frequency bands, and an alarm can be generated when one or more of the different thresholds are exceeded by the different signals in the different frequency bands.
US09581130B2 Apparatus for generating energy from waves
An apparatus for generating energy from the action of waves in a body of water is provided, the apparatus comprising a flexible planar member for extending across the surface of the body of water, the flexible member having a lower surface which, in use, is in contact with the surface of the water; an energy generating system coupled to a portion of the flexible member, the energy generating system operable to generating energy from the movement of the portion of the flexible member.
US09581127B2 Device for generating hydro-electric energy
Device for generating energy using the current of a river (2) or similar, which device (1) includes a paddlewheel (11) and at least one generator set (14) of which the drive shaft (17a) is coupled to the shaft (11) of the paddlewheel (10), characterized in that the paddlewheel (10) is self-floating and that the device (1) is provided with an at least partly submerged housing (3) with an open bottom (4) that is located at a height (A) above the bed (5) of the river (2), wherein the paddlewheel (10) is bearing mounted and of which the internal space (8) is pressurized to regulate the height of the water level (12) in the housing (3).
US09581116B2 Integrated fuel injectors and igniters and associated methods of use and manufacture
The present disclosure is directed to injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels. These integrated injectors/igniters can include, for example, insulators with adequate mechanical and dielectric strength to enable high-energy plasma generation by components that have very small dimensions, multifunction valving that is moved to injector multiple bursts of fuel and to induce plasma projection, a fuel control valve at the interface to the combustion chamber for the purpose of eliminating fuel drip at undesired times, and one or more components at the interface of the combustion chamber for the purpose of blocking transmission of combustion sourced pressure.
US09581114B2 Systems and methods for dedicated EGR cylinder exhaust gas temperature control
Systems and methods for increasing EGR gas temperature for an engine that includes at least one dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may provide exhaust gas to engine cylinders and the exhaust gas does not include exhaust gases from cylinders other than the dedicated EGR cylinder. The dedicated EGR cylinder may allow the engine to operate at higher EGR dilution levels.
US09581112B2 Air filter arrangement having a carburetor
An air filter and carburetor arrangement includes a round filter and a round filter carrier having a filter plate. The round filter has a central filter axis, which lies at an angle to the filter plate. The carburetor has a carburetor body, in which an intake duct is configured with a duct longitudinal axis, and at one end of the intake duct on the carburetor body a filter connection side for the round filter carrier is configured, wherein the round filter carrier is fixed with at least one surface portion of the filter plate on the connection surface of the carburetor. The design is provided such that the duct longitudinal axis of the intake duct lies in the plane of the filter plate at a lateral distance (r) to the filter axis of the round filter fixed to the round filter carrier.
US09581106B2 Welded engine block for small internal combustion engines
A small air-cooled internal combustion engine includes an aluminum cylinder block, an aluminum cylinder head welded to the aluminum cylinder block, and a weld securing the aluminum cylinder block to the aluminum cylinder head, wherein a joint having a first length is formed between the aluminum cylinder block and the aluminum cylinder head and wherein the weld extends for a second length that is at least 25% of the first length.
US09581100B2 Vehicle torque compensation system
A control system configured to control an internal combustion engine includes a crankshaft and an engine speed sensor. The crankshaft is rotated in response to combusting a mixture of air and fuel delivered to at least one cylinder included in the internal combustion engine. The engine output speed sensor is configured to output an engine output speed signal indicating a rotational speed of the crankshaft. An engine control module controls an amount of air and fuel delivered to the at least one cylinder and estimates a torque output based on the amount of air and fuel. A torque compensation module is configured to determine at least one weak cylinder based on the engine output speed signal. The torque compensation module is further configured to determine a torque compensation value that adjusts the estimated torque output based on the weak cylinder.
US09581097B2 Determination of a high pressure exhaust spring in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine
A variety of methods and arrangements for determining whether a high pressure exhaust spring is present in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are described. For spark ignition engines, the electrical properties of the spark plug spark gap may be used to determine whether a high pressure exhaust spring is present.
US09581095B2 Methods and systems for a throttle turbine generator
Methods and systems are provided for adjusting operation of a throttle turbine generator to enable improved canister purging. A pressure differential across an intake throttle may be harnessed to rotate a turbine coupled in a throttle bypass, the turbine in turn driving a generator to charge a battery. During low intake manifold vacuum conditions, the generator may be operated as a motor to rotate the turbine, and use a compressor effect of the turbine to purge fuel vapors from a fuel system canister.
US09581080B2 Rate-based model predictive control method for internal combustion engine air path control
A rate based model predictive controller for air path control for a diesel engine regulates turbine lift and EGR valve flow rate to specified set points by coordinated control of intake manifold air pressure and EGR valve flow rate. The controller utilizes a rate-based reduced order linear model for model predictive control.
US09581074B2 Engine thermostat with integrated coolant filter
A thermostat assembly for use with an engine cooling system includes a thermostat, a frame, a bypass valve and an integrated filter. The frame supports the thermostat and is positioned upstream of a thermostatic valve. The frame also defines a primary coolant passage. The bypass valve is positioned on the frame and selectively defines a bypass coolant passage. The filter is positioned on the frame upstream of the thermostat and is configured to filter coolant flowing through the primary coolant passage to the thermostat. The bypass valve moves between a normally closed position and an open position where coolant is free to pass through the bypass coolant passage and to the thermostat. The bypass valve moves to the open position upon being subjected to a predetermined pressure caused by a reduction in a coolant flow rate through the filter so as to provide for coolant flow to bypass the filter.
US09581071B2 Cooling system for industrial vehicle
A cooling system for an industrial vehicle includes one or more heat radiation devices located in a containment. The one or more heat radiation devices may be configured to cool a plurality of components in the industrial vehicle. An air intake device may be configured to create airflow from outside of the industrial vehicle into the containment. The airflow passes through the one or more heat radiation devices. The cooling system may further include a control device operatively connected to the containment. The control device may be configured to selectively direct at least a portion of the airflow to the plurality of components in the industrial vehicle after the airflow passes through the one or more heat radiation devices.
US09581069B2 Microparticle detection system
A particulate detection system (1) for detecting the amount of particulates S in a gas under measurement EG includes a detection section (10), a drive circuit (210, 240), and a drive control section (225). The detection section includes a first potential member (31, 12, 13) maintained at a first potential PV1, a second potential member (14, 51, 53) maintained at a second potential PVE, PV3, and an insulating member (121, 77, 76) disposed between the first and second potential members. The system includes insulation test means (215, S3, 245, S5) for testing the degree of insulation between the first and second potential members. The drive control section includes drive permission/prohibition determination means S4, S6 for determining, on the basis of the degree of insulation tested by the insulation test means, whether to permit the drive of the detection section by the drive circuit.
US09581053B2 Camshaft adjustment device for an internal combustion engine
A camshaft phaser for an internal combustion engine having—a stator (1) driven by a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine; a rotor (3) connected to the camshaft (24) for co-rotation therewith; and working chambers, which are configured between the stator (1) and the rotor (3) and which are subdivided into pressure chambers (A, B) by vanes (18) that are associated with the rotor (3); and—a pressure medium circuit having a plurality of pressure medium channels (A1, B1, C1, E1) that fulfill different functions, at least two of the pressure medium channels (A1, B1, C1, D1) merging into one another in one section (14); and one of the pressure medium channels (A1, B1, C1, D1) being separated in a pressure medium-tight manner from the other pressure medium channel (A1, B1, C1, D1) by a guide sleeve (13) that is inserted into the section (14).
US09581049B2 Warming arrangement for a power plant
The invention relates to a warming arrangement having a warming system for warming a steam turbine. The warming system has a makeup line and recycle line fluidly connected to the steam turbine. A gas moving device and a heater are located in either of these two lines. The warming system further includes a pressure measurement device that is configured and arranged to determine a gauge pressure in the steam turbine as well as a controller. The controller is configured to control a flow rate of the warming gas through the steam turbine, based on the pressure measurement device.
US09581046B2 Scroll structure of centrifugal compressor
In a scroll structure of a centrifugal compressor, there are provided a radius increase arc portion E in which a radius from the center of a scroll 12 to a scroll centroid P of the cross section of the scroll 12 is gradually increased in any range in a circumferential direction from the start of winding of the scroll, and a radius decrease arc portion F in which the radius is gradually decreased toward a scroll end point Z.
US09581044B2 Rolling element bearing cartridge with axial thrust damping and anti-rotation assemblies
To solve both axial and rotational constraint problems in turbochargers with rolling element bearings (REBs), a REB sleeve or outer race is mounted to the bearing housing in a way that is not axially and radially rigid, thus allowing for oil damping films both radially and axially. At the same time, the REB sleeve or outer race is held so that the REB sleeve or outer race does not rotate relative to the bearing housing. This dual purpose is achieved using an anti-rotation ring and a damping ring. The anti-rotation ring includes at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the bearing housing and at least one anti-rotation feature for engaging the REB cartridge, preventing rotation of the REB cartridge sleeve or outer race. The damping ring axially locates the REB cartridge and dampens axial movement and cushions axial thrust.
US09581041B2 Abradable ceramic coatings and coating systems
The disclosure relates to a high temperature mechanical system, such as a gas turbine engine, including a first coating deposited on a first substrate and a second coating deposited on a second substrate. The first coating includes a first bond layer, a second bond layer, and a first ceramic outer layer, wherein the second bond layer is between the first bond layer and first ceramic outer layer. The second coating includes a third bond layer deposited on the substrate and a second ceramic outer layer deposited on the third bond layer. The second coating is configured to abrade the first coating, e.g., during operation of the high temperature mechanical system.
US09581039B2 Fiber preform for a turbine ring sector, and its method of fabrication
A fiber preform for a turbine ring sector obtained by three-dimensional weaving and including a base-forming first portion, two tab-forming L-shaped portions each presenting two branches, two ends of the first portion being extended by respective ones of the first branches, and a second portion connecting together the two tabs, first and second strips woven together forming the first branches, a first fraction of the thicknesses of the second branches, and the first portion, there being a non-linked zone between them that is situated in the first branches and in the first portion, and a third woven strip forming the second portion and a second fraction of the thickness of the second branches of each of the tabs.
US09581038B2 Seal segment
A seal segment is positioned, in use, radially adjacent the rotor. The seal segment has first and second circumferentially spaced passageways each of which extends in the fore and aft direction. In use, a first support bar is contained within the first passageway, and a second support bar is contained within the second passageway. The first and second support bars being mountable to complementary formations provided by the casing of the engine. The first passageway is configured such that the seal segment is fixed relative to the first support bar in the radial and circumferential directions. The second passageway is configured such that the seal segment is fixed relative to the second support bar in the radial direction but allows relative movement of the seal segment and the second support bar in the circumferential direction to accommodate differential thermal expansion of the seal segment and the casing.
US09581033B2 Surface mounted flexible heater for gas turbine engine application
A surface mounted heater assembly for an aerospace component having a support layer, an electrically resistive heater foil element supported by the support layer, a coating covering the heater element; and an adhesive to secure said support layer to the component is provided. The coating has two layers that are visually distinct to permit identification of potential exposure of the heater foil element. A surface mounted heater having a multiple layer assembly having a support layer; a heater element and a transition layer to couple the support layer to the aerospace component is provided.
US09581028B1 Small turbine stator vane with impingement cooling insert
An air cooled turbine stator vane form a small gas turbine engine in which the vane has an airfoil of less than one inch in spanwise height, where the airfoil is a hollow airfoil having an insert that forms a sequential impingement cooling circuit for the pressure side wall and then the suction side wall. The insert includes a plurality of cooling air supply channels connected together by ribs where pressure side impingement holes are formed in the cooling air supply channels and suction side wall impingement cooling holes are formed in the ribs.
US09581027B2 Airfoil for gas turbine, blade and vane
The invention relates to an airfoil for a gas turbine, which comprises a compound fillet disposed between the airfoil and a platform. The compound fillet consists of a first arc and a second arc. A first end of the first arc tangentially adjoins an outer surface of the airfoil. A second end of the first arc tangentially adjoins a first end of the second arc. A second end of the second arc tangentially adjoins a surface of the platform, wherein the following equation is satisfied: 0.15≦R1/s≦0.45, and 0.09≦a/s≦0.27.
US09581026B2 Steam turbine
A steam turbine 10 according to an embodiment includes: rotor blade cascades each made up at a turbine rotor 22; an inner casing 21 where the turbine rotor 22 is provided to penetrate; an outer casing 20 surrounding the inner casing 21; stationary blade cascades each made up at an inner side of the inner casing 21; and an annular diffuser 60 provided at a downstream side of a final turbine stage, formed by a steam guide 40 and a bearing cone 50, and discharging steam toward outside in a radial direction. An enlarged inclination angle θ1 of an inner surface 70 of a diaphragm outer ring 26a at the final turbine stage relative to a turbine rotor axial direction is an enlarged inclination angle θ2 of an inner surface 80 at an inlet of the steam guide 40 relative to the turbine rotor axial direction or more.
US09581023B2 Opencast coal mine underground water reservoir
An opencast coal mine underground water reservoir comprising an impermeable layer and, provided below the impermeable layer, a water storage space and a purification layer. The water storage space comprises a first water storage space and a second water storage space. The purification layer comprises a first purification layer and a second purification layer. The first purification layer is provided horizontally in the water storage space and divides the water storage space into the first water storage space and the second water storage space. The first water storage space is provided below the impermeable layer and between same and the first purification layer. The second water storage space is provided below the first water storage space and the bottom of the second water storage space is provided at the bottom of the opencast coal mine underground water reservoir. The second purification layer is provided vertically within the second water storage space. The present invention, by constructing the opencast coal mine underground water reservoir, prevents wastage of water resource produced during a coal mining process, and by providing the purification layer in the opencast coal mining underground water reservoir, implements repeated purification of water, prevents environmental pollution, and implements a water conservation mining policy during the coal mining process.
US09581018B2 System and method for determining soil characteristics and drilling instability during horizontal directional drilling
Disclosed is a system and method for horizontal directional drilling (HDD). The system and method utilize predictive algorithms to both characterize the soil within the borehole and to quantify instability within the drillstring. The soil characteristics are represented by a soil coefficient (α) which relates the curvature of the borehole with the length of thrust of the drill rig as well as by comparison of thrust while thrusting with torque while drilling. The value of (α) is obtained by comparison of the historical orientation of the drilling head over the length of the borehole and the borehole shape as determined by an arbitrary navigation sensor. Drillstring instability is determined as a function of historical thrust and torque efficiencies and windup over the length of the borehole.
US09581008B2 Method and apparatus for reducing stick-slip
A method and apparatus for damping stick-slip oscillations in a drill string. In one embodiment a method includes damping the stick-slip oscillations using a drilling mechanism at the top of said drill string. The speed of rotation of the drilling mechanism is controlled using a PI controller. The control is characterized by tuning the PI controller so that the drilling mechanism absorbs most torsional energy from the drill string at a frequency that is at or near a frequency of the stick-slip oscillations.
US09581005B2 Method to underdisplace hydraulic fractures in horizontal or deviated well
A method for underdisplacing fracture proppant in a well bore. The method can include providing a set retainer having a passage configured to receive a wiper plug. The method may also include installing the set retainer in the well bore and injecting a proppant-laden fluid into the well bore, through the passage of the set retainer and through a perforation to create the fracture. The method may include providing a wiper plug configured to be received in the passage of the set retainer. The method may also include inserting the wiper plug into the well bore and allowing the wiper plug to wipe a portion of the proppant-laden fluid past the set retainer and into the fracture. Additionally, the method may include allowing the set retainer to receive the wiper plug.
US09581000B2 Shaft seal pressure compensation apparatus
A pressure compensating system that minimizes the pressure differences across multiple shaft seals in a rod driven downhole pumping apparatus. The system balances the pressures across the seals by forcing the external pressure of all seals and compensators to be equal to the highest external pressure in the apparatus, made possible by the appropriate use of labyrinth-type seals. A bleed valve assembly which allows free flow of fluid into the pressure compensating system, but restricts the rate of fluid outflow from the system in case of shut-in of the pump, to limit the potential of rapid opening and closing of the mechanical shaft seals.
US09580996B2 Modular assembly for processing a flowback composition stream and methods of processing the same
A method for processing a flowback composition stream from a well head includes controlling a first flow rate of the flow back composition stream to a second flow rate by regulating the flowback composition stream from a first pressure to a second pressure. The method also includes separating the flowback composition stream into a first gas stream and a condensed stream. The method includes discharging the condensed stream to a degasser and degassing a carbon dioxide rich gas from the condensed stream. The method also includes mixing the carbon dioxide rich gas stream with the first gas stream to produce a second gas stream. The method includes controlling a third flow rate of the second gas stream by regulating a third pressure of the second gas stream to a fourth pressure that is different than the third pressure.
US09580977B2 Blowout preventer transport and handling system
A blowout preventer transport and handling system for a blowout preventer on a well rig. The system includes a skid for a receipt of a blowout preventer. A pair of trolley beams parallel to the skid are moveable between a lowered storage position and a raised use position. A trolley hoist mechanism is provided on each of the trolley beams. At least one cylinder moves the pair of trolley beams between the lowered storage position and the raised use position.
US09580974B2 Safety joint
The invention relates to a safety joint and a method of operation, the safety joint comprising: a first riser part and a second riser part overlapping in an axial direction and having end connections to be connectable as part of a riser, a release unit, locking the two riser parts together in a not activated mode, the release unit having other modes comprising a partly activated mode and fully activated mode, where the release unit comprises at least one axial extending tension rod connected between the two riser parts, which tension rod is configured to deform plastically before breaking, thereby activating the partly and fully activated modes.
US09580973B2 Method and system for data-transfer via a drill pipe
The present invention relates to a drill-pipe communication assembly. The drill-pipe communication assembly includes a first drill pipe and an insulated tube disposed within, and generally concentric with, the first drill pipe. A male insert is disposed within a first end of the first drill pipe and a female insert is disposed within a second end of the first drill pipe. A conductor is electrically coupled to the male insert and the female insert. The conductor extends along a length of the first drill pipe. The conductor facilitates transmission of electrical signals from the first end of the first drill pipe to the second end of the first drill pipe.
US09580952B2 Device for closing the door of a household appliance, in particular for a washing machine, such as a dishwasher
A dishwasher door closing device (10; 110) includes an engagement element (11; 111), fitted on the casing (C) of the household appliance (W) releasably held by a retaining element (16) on the door (D). The engagement element (11; 111) includes a support body (12), a catch (14) releasably coupled to the retaining element (16) moving between a refracted position coupled to the retaining element (16) and the door (D) is closed, and an extracted position coupled to the retaining element (16) and the door (D) is in a pre-opening condition. A stop mechanism (18) tends to move from a release condition, in which it (18) frees the catch (14) to move from the retracted position to the extracted position, to a locking position and (18) holds the catch (14). An electrically-operated actuator system (20) controls passage of the stop mechanism (18) from the locking position to the release position.
US09580950B2 Locking balance shoe and system for a pivotable window
Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows include, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an enlarged portion of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.
US09580944B2 Exit device assembly
An exit device assembly for use in association with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface. The exit door assembly includes an exit device configured to be mounted on the surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member, a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a non-rigid device for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member.
US09580943B1 Cowls and latching devices for outboard marine engines
A latching device is for a cowl on an outboard marine engine, the cowl having first and second cowl portions that are separated from each other in an open cowl position and that are latched together by the latching device in a closed cowl position. A retainer is adapted to be fixed to the first cowl portion and a latch is adapted to be fixed to the second cowl portion. The latch is movable into and between a latched position in which the latch is latched to the retainer and an unlatched position in which the latch is unlatched from the retainer. The latch comprises an engagement member, a bell crank, and a spring that is coupled to the engagement member and the bell crank. Movement of the bell crank with respect to the engagement member generates an overcenter force on the engagement member that facilitates latching and unlatching of the engagement member and the retainer.
US09580940B2 Vehicle cover opening and closing control device
An opening and closing control device of a vehicle cover is configured to control opening and closing of a cover covering a connection part of a vehicle connecting a connection member, and includes a drive unit which performs the opening and closing operation by moving the cover. An operation status detection unit an operation position of the cover, a control unit drives and controls the drive unit so that the cover is set in one of a plurality of positions based on whether the connection member is connected or not, the operation position detected by the operation status detection unit, and the ON/OFF state of the power of the vehicle when a control signal is input from a control switch or a remote key.
US09580936B2 Bicycle handlebar-stored cable lock
A lock assembly for a bicycle may comprise a shackle and a lock body. The shackle may have first and second end portions, and a central portion. The shackle may include a cable disposed in a cushioning sleeve extending between the first and second end portions. A resilient member may be disposed on or included in the central portion of the shackle. The first end portion may include a locking member, and the second end portion may be connected to the lock body. The lock assembly may be operable between stowed position corresponding to the shackle and a portion of the lock assembly contained within a bore of a handlebar of the bicycle, and a removed position corresponding to the lock assembly removed from the bore.
US09580934B2 Electronic door lock assembly preload compensation system
Disclosed are various embodiments of lock devices, systems, and methods. A locking system includes a locking mechanism with a controller configured to provide an actuation signal to an electronic actuator to extend or retract a locking mechanism and to adjust an allowable peak current for operating the electronic actuator to throw the deadbolt based on whether the allowable peak current is sufficient for the locking mechanism to achieve its locked or unlocked positions. The allowable peak current can be adjusted over time between a minimum and maximum peak current, thus optimizing the actual current draw from the electronic actuator required to throw the locking mechanism and minimizing power consumption.
US09580932B2 Two-piece key assembly
A key assembly is disclosed. The key assembly may have a blade with a head portion, a shank, and a transition region connecting the head portion to the shank. The key assembly may also have a head configured to receive the blade. The head may have a shoulder located at the transition region to limit engagement of the head with the blade, and at least one tang located at an end of the head opposite the shoulder. The at least one tang may be configured to engage a recess located within a side of the head portion and inhibit removal of the head from the blade.
US09580929B2 Shelter with extended eaves
A shelter that includes a slider and a strut mechanism mounted on support posts of the shelter that automatically actuate and extend from the side of the support posts when the shelter is expanded from its collapsed state. The strut mechanism provides support for an eave that extends outside from all or a portion of the perimeter of the shelter defined by the corners of the support posts. An automatic hard-stop mechanism is incorporated into the support posts that prevent the eave sliders and strut mechanisms from becoming over-extended. The support posts are configured and oriented relative to the other components of the shelter frame and shelter boundary so to minimize the footprint or size of the shelter when in the collapsed state.
US09580917B2 System for forming floor underlayment
A process for making a fibrous panel member and a flooring structure is disclosed. The flooring structure has a subfloor, a surface layer, and an insulative pad disposed between the subfloor and the surface layer. The insulative pad has an MDI binder and reinforcement fibers distributed uniformly and randomly within a first plane. The process includes mixing a porous fiber material with a MDI adhesive. The fiber batt is compressed between a pair of porous belts. Steam and heat are applied to the compressed batt to form a bound flexible batting material.
US09580902B2 Fire resistant roofing products
A fire resistant roofing material includes a core sheet and a sheet of conductive material having a thermal conductivity greater than about 25 W/m-K. The sheet of conductive material is coextensively bonded with the core sheet, and coated with a polymer-modified bituminous material having fire-resistant properties.
US09580900B2 Fitting for channel framing
A fitting for use with channel framing including an outer surface and a fitting groove formed in the outer surface includes a base comprising an inner face, an outer face, and sides extending between the inner face and outer face. The base is configured for insertion into the fitting groove of the channel framing. A spring member is mounted on the base and disposed generally above the outer face of the base. The spring member is configured to engage the outer surface of the channel framing when the base is inserted into the fitting groove. The base and the spring member form a clamp for securing the fitting in the fitting groove.
US09580898B2 Liquid run-off disposal system
A liquid run-off disposal system 100 comprising an elongate tank structure having one or more culvert sections 102 adapted to be arranged end to end in a substantially horizontal orientation below ground. Each culvert section 102 also includes a plurality of louvre-shaped inserts 114 provided in the sidewalls thereof wherein, in use, when liquid run-off is piped into the culvert section 102 it can drain away by soaking into the surrounding soil.
US09580885B2 Swing operating machine and method of controlling swing operating machine
A rotation type working machine includes: an attachment mounted so as to be able to rotate with respect to a base body; a rotation mechanism which rotates the attachment; a control device which controls the rotation mechanism; and an entering object detection device which detects a position of an entering object entered into a work area, in which the control device controls a rotation operation of the attachment based on a first physical amount related to at least one of a current angular velocity of the attachment and a current moment of inertia of the attachment, and the position of the entering object detected by the entering object detection device.
US09580879B1 Remotely-operable reciprocating compactor
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a remotely-operable percussion compactor comprising: a primary power source; a plurality of electric motors coupled to the primary power source and attached to the compactor body; a plurality of reaction wheels coupled to respective electric motors; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a remote control interface; and a controller configured to: receive one or more commands from the remote-control interface and a feedback signal from the IMU, and set a desired operating condition for at least one of the electric motors based on at least one of the feedback signal and the one or more commands. In some embodiments, the controller can be configured to determine an angular disturbance relative to at least one rotational axis of the compactor; and set the desired operating condition for one or more electric motors to generate a reactive force to at least partially counteract the angular disturbance.
US09580878B2 Bollard coverings and methods of manufacture and use thereof
A bollard covering formed from a body, a body connector, a first center, a second center, a bottom, and a top is disclosed. The body connector and bottom further comprise post guide surfaces. In order to secure the bollard covering to the post, one or more holes are provided within the bottom, threaded to accommodate a set screw, or the like. Bollard covering elements are joined by welding, bonding, or mechanical fastening. Bollard coverings may be formed from a manufacturer's standard inventory elements in order to create a standard inventory or a customized bollard covering product that may be economically configured on an individual bollard covering basis, or on small or large scale runs, with as much variation in optional components, features, and conveniences as may be required by the marketplace.
US09580868B2 Method of making a paper and paperboard and the paper and paperboard thereof
A method of making paper or paperboard using a composition made by the hydrogenation or partial hydrogenation of an alkyl ketene dimer, alkenyl ketene dimer, or ketene multimer (collectively labeled H2-AKD). Also, relates to a paper or paperboard having increased water and water vapor resistance while maintaining good recyclability and repulpability.
US09580866B2 Cationic wet strength resin modified pigments in water-based latex coating applications
Methods for improving one or more surface properties of a sheet of paper or paperboard, which method comprises (a) coating at least one side of the sheet of paper or paperboard with a dispersion having a cationic zeta potential formed by combining (1) a mixture containing one or more anionic pigments with (2) one or more polyamine-epihalohydrin cationic wet strength resins at a coating weight of from about 0.1 g/m2 to about 20 g/m2; (b) drying the coated sheet of paper or paperboard; (c) applying a functional barrier top coating that resists one or more of the following: liquid water, water vapor, gas permeability, oil and grease, slip, and static or an anionic latex based pigment coating that imparts improved opacity, brightness, or printability. The invention also includes the dispersions as well as paper or paperboard coated with the dispersion.
US09580854B2 Continuous batch tunnel washer and method
A method of washing fabric articles in a tunnel washer includes moving the fabric articles from the intake of the washer to the discharge of the washer through first and second sectors that are a pre-wash zone. Liquid can be counter flowed in the wash interior along a flow path that is generally opposite the direction of travel of the fabric articles. The main wash zone can be heated as an option. In the wash zone, there is a pre-rinse and/or a rinse. The fabric articles are transferred to a water extraction device that enables removal of excess water. A sour solution can be added to the fabric articles while extracting excess water.
US09580848B2 Apparatus and methods for producing nonwoven fibrous webs
Methods and apparatus including a fiber opening chamber having an open upper end and a lower end, at least one fiber inlet for introducing a multiplicity of fibers into the opening chamber, a first multiplicity of rollers positioned within the opening chamber wherein each roller has a multiplicity of projections extending outwardly from a circumferential surface surrounding a center axis of rotation, at least one gas emission nozzle positioned substantially below the first multiplicity of rollers to direct a gas stream generally towards the open upper end of the opening chamber, and a forming chamber having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end of the forming chamber is in flow communication with the open upper end of the opening chamber, and the lower end of the forming chamber is substantially open and positioned above a collector having a collector surface.
US09580844B2 Method for weaving pile fabrics and for configuring a weaving loom therefor
A weaving method for the double-face weaving of pile fabrics wherein at least five different pile warp threads (12-19), (20-27) with a yarn number of between 6 and 10 Nm final and at least two tension warp threads (8),(9); (10,11) are provided for each warp thread system (100) and for each fabric (28), (29), wherein the weft threads (1,2), (2,3) of each fabric are divided over at least three levels, while the ground weave repeat runs over at least eight insertion cycles (I-VIII), wherein between 200 and 1000 warp thread systems per meter are provided, and at least 16 pile rows per cm are formed in the warp direction.
US09580839B2 Methods of making carbon fiber from asphaltenes
Making carbon fiber from asphaltenes obtained through heavy oil upgrading. In more detail, carbon fiber is made from asphaltenes obtained from heavy oil feedstocks undergoing upgrading in a continuous coking reactor.
US09580837B2 Method for silicon carbide crystal growth by reacting elemental silicon vapor with a porous carbon solid source material
In a method for growing bulk SiC single crystals using chemical vapor transport, wherein silicon acts as a chemical transport agent for carbon, a growth crucible is charged with a solid carbon source material and a SiC single crystal seed disposed therein in spaced relationship. A halosilane gas, such as SiCl4 and a reducing gas, such as H2, are introduced into the crucible via separate inlets and mix in the crucible interior. The crucible is heated in a manner that encourages chemical reaction between the halosilane gas and the reducing gas leading to the chemical reduction of the halosilane gas to elemental silicon (Si) vapor. The produced Si vapor is transported to the solid carbon source material where it reacts with the solid carbon source material yielding volatile Si-bearing and C-bearing molecules. The produced Si-bearing and C-bearing vapors are transported to the SiC single crystal seed and precipitate on the SiC single crystal seed causing growth of a SiC single crystal on the SiC single crystal seed.
US09580835B2 Multizone control of lamps in a conical lamphead using pyrometers
A method and apparatus for processing a semiconductor substrate is described. The apparatus is a process chamber having an optically transparent upper dome and lower dome. Vacuum is maintained in the process chamber during processing. The upper dome is thermally controlled by flowing a thermal control fluid along the upper dome outside the processing region. Thermal lamps are positioned proximate the lower dome, and thermal sensors are disposed among the lamps. The lamps are powered in zones, and a controller adjusts power to the lamp zones based on data received from the thermal sensors.
US09580833B2 Growth of large aluminum nitride single crystals with thermal-gradient control
In various embodiments, non-zero thermal gradients are formed within a growth chamber both substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular to the growth direction during formation of semiconductor crystals, where the ratio of the two thermal gradients (parallel to perpendicular) is less than 10, by, e.g., arrangement of thermal shields outside of the growth chamber.
US09580830B2 Method of preparing a magnesium alloy substrate for a surface treatment
A method of preparing a magnesium alloy substrate for an electroless electro-deposition surface treatment includes cleaning the magnesium alloy substrate in a wet solution, whereby a magnesium hydroxide layer is formed on an outer surface of the magnesium alloy substrate, and heating the magnesium alloy substrate to a temperature sufficient to convert the magnesium hydroxide layer to a magnesium oxide layer.
US09580826B2 Method for recovering platinum group metals from catalytic structures
A method for recovering platinum group metals from a catalytic structure, such as a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly, involving dissolution of the platinum group metal by treating the catalytic structure in an electrolytic cell with a suitable electrolyte containing a complexing agent and introducing an electric current into the electrolytic cell; and subsequently re-precipitating the platinum group metal by increasing the pH of the electrolyte system and adding a reducing agent.
US09580819B2 Adaptive active cathodic protection
A device comprising an electrically conductive surface portion is provided for immersion in an electrically conductive liquid such as water. At least one load electrode is provided for supplying an electric load current into the electrically conductive liquid. Further, an electrode, e.g., one or more of the at least one load electrode acts as protection electrode. A protection current source, e.g., a resistor, is electrically coupled to the conductive surface portion and to the protection electrode for providing a protection current flowing between the electrically conductive surface portion and the electrode. Further, the protection current source is adapted for changing the protection current in response to a change in the load current.
US09580816B2 Apparatus for continuous electrolytic treatment of steel sheet and method for producing surface-treated steel sheet using the same
Provided are an apparatus for continuous electrolytic treatment of a steel sheet that is suitable for producing a surface-treated steel sheet and a method for producing the surface-treated steel sheet using the apparatus for continuous electrolytic treatment of a steel sheet. The apparatus includes N pairs of tabular electrodes having a length L and being arranged to respectively face two surfaces of a steel sheet. Each electrode includes n sections arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electrode and disposed on the surface of the electrode facing the steel sheet surface. Each section is constituted by a conductive portion including an electrode portion having a length T1 and a nonconductive portion made by making an electrode portion having a length T2 nonconductive, where n×N≧10, 0.96≧T2/(T1+T2)≧0.05, and 0.9≧T1/L≧0.1.
US09580814B2 Chemical conversion coating and method of fabricating the same
A chemical conversion coating is provided. The chemical conversion coating is disposed on a surface of a magnesium alloy substrate. The chemical conversion coating includes a first protecting layer. The first protecting layer contains manganese, magnesium and oxygen, and a manganese content of the first protecting layer is between 10 at. % to 20 at. %.
US09580813B2 Metal pretreatment composition containing zirconium, copper, and metal chelating agents and related coatings on metal substrates
Disclosed is a zirconium-based metal pretreatment coating composition that includes a metal chelator that chelates copper in the metal pretreatment coating composition and thereby improves adhesion of paints to a metal substrate coated with the pretreatment coating composition and the chelating agent is present in a sufficient amount to ensure that in the deposited pretreatment coating on the metal substrate the average total atomic % of copper to atomic % of zirconium is equal to or less than 1.1. The pretreatment coating composition is useful for treating a variety of metal substrates.
US09580812B2 Chemical conversion treatment agent for surface treatment of metal substrate, and surface treatment method of metal substrate using same
Chemical conversion treatment agents for surface treating a metal substrate and a method for surface treating a metal substrate using the same are described in this disclosure. The chemical conversion agent includes at least one metal element, a fluorine element, and a co-condensate of a first silane coupling agent (A) and a second silane coupling agent (B).
US09580808B2 Apparatus for performing a plasma chemical vapour deposition process
The invention relates to an apparatus for performing a plasma chemical vapor deposition process. The apparatus comprises a mainly cylindrical resonator being provided with an outer cylindrical wall enclosing a resonant cavity extending in a circumferential direction around a cylindrical axis. The resonator is further provided with side wall portions bounding the resonant cavity in the cylindrical direction, and with a slit configuration extending in a circumferential direction around the cylindrical axis providing access from the resonant cavity radially inwardly. Further, the slit configuration includes slit sections that are mutually offset in the cylindrical direction.
US09580800B2 Method for operating semiconductor manufacturing equipment
A method for operating semiconductor manufacturing equipment is provided. The method includes forming a conductive thin film on an inner side surface of a reaction chamber and on a substrate in the reaction chamber, the conductive thin film including a first conductive material, and forming a particle preventive layer on the inner side surface of the reaction chamber in which the conductive thin film is formed.
US09580797B2 Magnetic-field-generating apparatus for magnetron sputtering
A racetrack-shaped magnetic-field-generating apparatus for magnetron sputtering comprising a linear portion and corner portions, the linear portion comprising a magnetic base, a center permanent magnet disposed on its surface, and side permanent magnets disposed on both sides thereof with a gap; the center and side permanent magnets being vertically magnetized with opposite polarities; the corner portions comprising a non-magnetic base, a center magnetic pole member disposed on its surface, a semicircular or semi-polygonal, peripheral magnetic pole member, and plural permanent magnets arranged between both magnetic pole members with their magnetization directions in parallel to a target surface; and the magnetic poles of plural permanent magnets opposing the center magnetic pole member having the same polarity as those of the center permanent magnet opposing the target.
US09580792B2 Shadow mask alignment using variable pitch coded apertures
In a shadow mask-substrate alignment method, a substrate and a shadow mask each include a grate having a plurality of bars in spaced relation, wherein for each grate, each pair of spaced bars of each grate is separated by a gap. The spacing between at least three adjacent gaps is different or not of constant pitch, and at least one grate includes a gap that extends therethrough. The grate of the substrate and the grate of the shadow mask are positioned in a light path. Thereafter, the orientation of the substrate, the shadow mask, or both are caused to be adjusted to position the grate of the substrate, the grate of the shadow mask, or both until a predetermined amount of light or range of an amount of light on the light path passing through one or both of the grates is received by a light receiver.
US09580781B2 Process for making cold-rolled dual phase steel sheet
Dual-phase steels and a process for producing a family of dual-phase steels that have a low YS/TS ratio and tensile strength above 590 MPa. The process includes employing low annealing temperatures combined with specific cooling strategies using gas jet rapid cooling equipped with “Ultra Rapid Cooling” (URC) capacity in the cooling tower. The process can also include the production of dual-phase steels with tensile strengths of at least 690 MPa by processing steels with specific cooling strategies using the URC having a refined Mo content towards the higher end of the chemical composition range mentioned in the current stated invention.
US09580775B2 Heat treatable aluminum alloys having magnesium and zinc and methods for producing the same
New heat treatable aluminum alloys having magnesium and zinc are disclosed. The new aluminum alloys generally contain 3.0-6.0 wt. % Mg, 2.5-5.0 wt. % Zn, where (wt. % Mg)/(wt. % Zn) is from 0.60 to 2.40.
US09580771B2 Method and arrangement for refining copper concentrate
The invention relates to a method and to an arrangement for refining copper concentrate. The arrangement includes a suspension smelting furnace comprising a reaction shaft, and a settler. The reaction shaft is provided with a concentrate burner for feeding copper concentrate such as copper sulfide concentrate and/or copper matte and additionally at least reaction gas into the reaction shaft to obtain a blister layer containing blister and a first slag layer containing slag on top of the blister layer in the settler, and a slag cleaning furnace. The arrangement includes a feeder configured for feeding blister from the blister layer in the settler and for feeding slag from the first slag layer in the settler into the slag cleaning furnace.
US09580755B2 Analytical methods for cell free nucleic acids and applications
The present invention is directed to an in vitro method of detecting cell free nucleic acids, preferably cell free DNA (cfDNA) in a body fluid sample from an individual or a patient, wherein the method comprises the step of accurately and sensitively determining the concentration of cell free nucleic acid in the sample and/or determining the concentration or amount of said cell free nucleic acid of a size range and/or the index of integrity or size fraction ratio (SFR) of said cell free nucleic acid and/or the determination of the presence of genetic polymorphisms (such as known Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) or mutations). The invention encompasses also a method to discriminate body fluid individuals where cfDNA are highly released by comparing the size profile obtained for at least one of three size ranges of cfDNA. The invention also encompasses a method for analyzing cell nucleic acids in individuals for the diagnosis, prognosis or for assessing the evolution of a physiological state, such as the progression of a tumor or metastatic cancer, for monitoring the efficacy of a cancer treatment in a patient or for theragnostic purposes implementing the analysis of these biomarkers.
US09580735B2 Saccharifying enzyme composition and method for producing saccharified solution using the same
A saccharifying enzyme composition, by which excellent saccharification performance can be attained even with a low usage thereof, as well as a method for producing a saccharified solution using the same are provided. The saccharifying enzyme composition subjects lignocellulose-based biomass as a substrate to a saccharification treatment. The saccharifying enzyme composition comprises an endoglucanase not containing a cellulose-binding domain, a cellobiohydrolase containing a cellulose-binding domain, and a β-glucosidase containing a cellulose-binding domain.
US09580734B2 Production of high yields of bacterial polysaccharides
The instant invention provides improved culture, fermentation and purification conditions for preparing Neisseria meningitidis polysaccharides. The invention in particular relates to a novel fermentation medium, optimal feed solution addition strategies and an improved purification process devoid of any chromatographic methods for obtaining high yield of Neisseria meningitidis X polysaccharide.
US09580733B2 Methods of producing 6-carbon chemicals via methyl-ester shielded carbon chain elongation
This document describes biochemical pathways for producing adipic acid, 6-aminohexanoic acid, 6-hydroxhexanoic acid, hexamethylenediamine, caprolactam, or 1,6-hexanediol by forming one or two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in a C6 aliphatic backbone substrate. These pathways, metabolic engineering and cultivation strategies described herein rely on the enzymes or homologs accepting methyl ester shielded dicarboxylic acid substrates.
US09580729B2 Method for producing ethanol
A method for producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass using yeast at low cost is provided. The method of the present invention for producing ethanol from lignocellulosic biomass includes steps of (1) pretreating lignocellulosic biomass, (2) treating a cellulose fraction obtained in Step (1) with a cellulose hydrolase, (3) mixing saccharified biomass obtained in Step (2) with yeasts to perform ethanol fermentation, and (4) subjecting a fermentation product obtained in Step (3) to a solid-liquid separation, wherein a cycle consisting of Steps (1), (2), (3) and (4) is repeated twice or more, and yeasts obtained in Step (4) are used as all or a portion of yeasts in Step (3) of the subsequent cycle.
US09580718B2 Attenuated live bacteria with increased acid resistance and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to inducing acid resistance in a bacterium and methods of increasing the acid resistance of an acid sensitive bacterium.
US09580717B2 Heterologous hosts
This invention is related to bacterial engineering and the heterologous expression of useful compounds. In particular, the invention relates to a heterologous host that has been engineered for expression of a gene which is capable of polyketide or non-ribosomal peptide synthesis. Methods of treating cancer are also disclosed.
US09580710B2 Methods and compositions for treating malignant tumors associated with KRAS mutation
This invention provides methods and compositions for preventing, treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a malignant tumor associated with KRAS mutation in a mammal in need thereof, by identifying a tumor cell in the mammal, the tumor cell comprising at least one of: (i) a mutation of the KRAS gene, and (ii) an aberrant expression level of KRAS protein; and administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising one or more RNAi molecules that are active in reducing expression of GST-π.
US09580701B2 CRISPR hybrid DNA/RNA polynucleotides and methods of use
The present disclosure provides DNA-guided CRISPR systems; polynucleotides comprising DNA, RNA and mixtures thereof for use with CRISPR systems; and methods of use involving such polynucleotides and DNA-guided CRISPR systems.
US09580700B2 Methods of improving the introduction of DNA into bacterial cells
The present invention relates to methods of improving the introduction of DNA into bacterial host cells.
US09580690B2 Attenuated recombinant alphaviruses incapable of replicating in mosquitoes and uses thereof
The present invention discloses an attenuated recombinant alphavirus that is incapable of replicating in mosquito cells and of transmission by mosquito vectors. These attenuated alphavirus may include but is not limited to Western Equine Encephalitis virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus or Chikungunya virus. The present invention also discloses the method of generating such alphaviruses and their use as immunogenic compositions.
US09580681B2 Method of manufacturing patterned substrate for culturing cells, patterned substrate, and patterned cell chip
A method of manufacturing a patterned substrate for culturing cells. The method includes the steps of: (1) preparing a substrate, (2) forming a first plasma polymer layer by integrating a first precursor material on the substrate using a plasma, wherein the first plasma layer inhibits cell adsorption, and wherein the first precursor material is a siloxane-based compound having a siloxane functional group with the Si—O—Si linkage, (3) placing a shadow mask having a predetermined pattern on the first plasma polymer layer thus formed, and (4) forming a second patterned plasma polymer layer by integrating a second precursor material using a plasma, wherein the second patterned plasma layer permits culturing of cells, whereby the patterned substrate is obtained.
US09580679B2 Methods and devices for sample lysis
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for use in preparing a sample. The methods and systems may be used for lysing one or more structures in a sample (e.g., cells, viral particles, etc.). The methods and compositions may comprise a microfluidic chip or use thereof. The microfluidic chips disclosed herein may comprise (a) a substrate comprising a chamber, wherein at least one mechanical element may be located within the chamber; (b) a thermal element in contact with the chamber; and (c) at least one aperture within the surface of the substrate, wherein the aperture may be configured to insulate the chamber.
US09580677B2 Apparatus for filtering fluid and methods of isolating particle using the same
Provided are an apparatus for filtering a fluid, the apparatus including a first flow channel and a second flow channel which are connected to each other in a fluid communicable manner via a filtration medium, and a method of isolating particles using the apparatus.
US09580674B2 Method for adding hops in beer manufacture
The invention relates to a method for adding hops in beer manufacture, having the following process steps; a) separation of a sub-quantity (07a) of water and/or wort (07) and/or beer as an aqueous fluid, b) addition of hop extract (10) in liquid or pasty form to the separated aqueous fluid (07a), c) production of a macroemulsion (13) of the hop extract by emulsifying the hop extract (10) in the aqueous fluid (07a), d) increasing the pressure in the macroemulsion (13) of the hop extract to a feed pressure of in particular higher than 100 bar, e) production of a microemulsion (17) of the hop extract by feeding the pressurized macroemulsion (13) through a gap or a valve (16) or by feeding the pressurized macroemulsion against a baffle plate, f) at least partial return of the microemulsion (17) of the hop extract to the beer manufacturing process.
US09580667B2 Articles having low coefficients of friction, methods of making the same, and methods of use
Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include articles and methods of making articles.
US09580662B1 Hydroprocessing
The present invention relates to quenching, during hydroprocessing of a hydrocarbon feed stream. More particularly, the present invention provides for quenching in hydroprocessing of a hydrocarbon feed stream through a hydroprocessing vessel. Liquid quenches (from high pressure hot separator) were installed to assist in cooling the reactor inter-bed, and to maintain good liquid irrigation of the catalyst. The soluble hydrogen in the stream, kinetically active and available for immediate reaction, is the final piece of the puzzle for why this unit runs so well.
US09580655B1 Flame-retardant formulations and methods relating thereto
Flame retardant formulations comprising boric acid and diammonium phosphate are disclosed herein. Such formulations are in an aqueous form or a powdered form. Methods of generating a flame retardant formulation are also disclosed herein. Such methods comprise combining boric acid and diammonium phosphate in an aqueous solution, wherein the boric acid and the diammonium phosphate is in a ratio range selected from the group consisting of 1:1 to 99:1 and 1:1 to 1:99; and heating the solution until dissolved; thereby generating a flame retardant formulation, wherein the flame retardant formulation consists essentially of boric acid and diammonium phosphate.
US09580652B2 Liquid crystal compound, liquid crystal composition including the same and liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal composition
A liquid crystal compound represented by Formula 1:
US09580651B2 Organic compound, liquid crystal composition, liquid crystal element, and liquid crystal display device
An organic compound represented by General Formula (G100) is provided. A novel liquid crystal composition containing the organic compound is provided.
US09580646B2 Method for treating a steel band or plate provided with a metal coating with an after-treatment agent, and a steel band or plate provided with a metal coating
The invention relates to a method for treating a steel band or steel plate provided with a metal coating with an after-treatment agent, which contains at least one polyalkylene glycol and is applied as a liquid solution to the surface of the metal coating. According to the invention, in order to achieve improved wetting and adhesion of the covering and at the same time the lowest possible coefficient of friction of the coated surface and in order to ensure good workability of the coated steel band or plate, the after-treatment agent contains a fluorescent antioxidant in addition to the polyalkylene glycol. The invention further relates to a steel band or steel plate provided with a metal coating, particularly a tin plate, which, on the surface of the metal coating, has a thin coat of an after-treatment agent which contains polyalkylene glycol and a fluorescent antioxidant.
US09580643B2 Coated narrow band red-emitting fluorosilicates for semiconductor LEDS
The invention provides a lighting unit comprising a light source, configured to generate light source light and a particulate luminescent material, configured to convert at least part of the light source light into luminescent material light, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED), wherein the particulate luminescent material comprises particles comprising cores, said cores comprising a phosphor comprising M′xM2-2xAX6 doped with tetravalent manganese, wherein M′ comprises an alkaline earth cation, M comprises an alkaline cation, and x is in the range of 0-1, wherein A comprises a tetravalent cation, at least comprising silicon, wherein X comprises a monovalent anion, at least comprising fluorine, and wherein the particles further comprise a metal phosphate based coating, wherein the metal of the metal phosphate based coating is selected from the group consisting of Ti, Si and Al.
US09580641B2 Fracturing fluid composition and method utilizing same
The present disclosure is directed to a composition and method of fracturing a formation penetrated by a well-bore. The composition and method comprises providing a fracturing fluid that is liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO2) with at least one friction reducing polymer that is a polysiloxane dissolved in the LCO2 at a concentration of about 0.001 to 1.0 weight percent, and a first at least one co-solvent, and optionally a second at least one co-solvent that has a closed cup flash point greater than the first at least one co-solvent, in order to enable dissolution of the polymer in order to effect friction reduction.
US09580638B2 Use of synthetic smectite in set-delayed cement compositions
Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment a method of cementing in a subterranean formation is described. The method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising pumice, hydrated lime, a cement set retarder, a synthetic smectite, and water; introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.
US09580637B2 Traceable polymeric additives for use in subterranean formations
Disclosed are traceable polymeric additives that comprise a tagging material and methods of using the traceable polymeric additives in subterranean applications, such as cementing. An embodiment discloses a method of well treatment comprising introducing a fluid comprising a traceable polymeric additive into a wellbore, wherein the traceable polymeric additive comprises a polymer and a tagging material.
US09580634B2 Phenolic-hydroxyl-containing resin, epoxy resin, curable resin composition, substance obtained by curing same, and semiconductor sealant
Provided are a phenolic-hydroxyl containing resin, an epoxy resin, and a curable resin composition containing either resin that have high flowability and exhibit high heat resistance and flame retardancy after curing, a cured composition formed therefrom, and a sealant. A phenolic-hydroxyl containing resin is prepared by reacting a polycondensate of a phenolic compound (a) and formaldehyde with an aralkylating agent. The phenolic-hydroxyl containing resin contains as essential components a monoaralkylated derivative (x1) of the phenolic compound (a) having one aralkyl group on an aromatic nucleus thereof and a diaralkylated derivative (x2) of the phenolic compound (a) having two aralkyl groups on an aromatic nucleus thereof. An epoxy resin is prepared by converting the phenolic-hydroxyl containing resin into a polyglycidyl ether.
US09580630B2 Adhesive compound
An adhesive compound consisting essentially of an organic phase and inorganic phase, the organic phase comprising an amorphous aliphatic (co)polymer having a Ring & Ball softening point of between 75 and 180° C., and a second aliphatic material having a Tg of about −5° C. or lower and a kinematic viscosity of 4500 mm2/s at 100° C. or less, wherein said organic components are present in weight amounts of between 95/5 and 10/90; the inorganic phase comprising a filler, the filler being present in amount of at least about 15 wt % in the total composition. The compositions are suitable for anti-corrosion coatings or sealants against filtration or penetration of water or moisture. A rubber material may be added to this compound or other anti-corrosion coatings to increase the yield point at high temperatures.
US09580625B2 Gas barrier adhesive sheet, method for producing same, electronic member, and optical member
Provided is a gas barrier pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet having at least one gas barrier layer and at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, the at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer having a storage modulus at 23° C. of 1.5×104 to 1.0×107 Pa, and the gas barrier pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet not including a base layer. Also, provided is the following: a gas barrier pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet that makes it possible to easily provide the adherend with a gas barrier capability without significantly increasing the thickness of the gas barrier pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, does not show delamination (separation) at the interface between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and another layer even when subjected to high-temperature/high-humidity conditions, and exhibits excellent bendability, a method for producing the same, an electronic member that includes the gas barrier pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet, and an optical member that includes the gas barrier pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet.
US09580623B2 Patterning process using a boron phosphorus silicon glass film
The present invention provides a patterning process, which comprises step of forming a BPSG film on the under layer film by using a composition for forming a coating type BPSG film including a base polymer and an organic compound with a content of 25 parts by mass or more of the organic compound with respect to 100 parts by mass of the base polymer, the base polymer having a silicon containing unit, a boron containing unit and a phosphorus containing unit with a total content of the boron containing unit and the phosphorus containing unit being 10 mol % or more, the organic compound having two or more hydroxyl groups or carboxyl groups per one molecule. There can be provided a patterning process in which a fine mask pattern can be formed on the substrate to be processed by the multilayer resist method, and the residue of the resist under layer film on the mask pattern can be removed cleanly enough to process the substrate to be processed without causing damage to the substrate to be processed and the under layer film.
US09580617B2 Water-based ink for ink-jet recording, ink cartridge and method for producing water-based ink for ink-jet recording
A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes: a water-soluble colorant; water; a water-insoluble liquid; a nonionic surfactant; and an ionic surfactant having a polarity same as that of the water-soluble colorant. The water-insoluble liquid is dispersed stably in the water by the nonionic surfactant and the ionic surfactant having the polarity same as that of the water-soluble colorant.
US09580614B2 Ink set and recording method
The ink set of the invention includes a first ink composition and a second ink composition. The first ink composition contains a first pigment and an alkanediol having 6 or less carbon atoms and having a normal boiling point of 245° C. or more. The content of the first pigment is 1.5% by mass or more, and the content of the alkanediol is 3% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less. The second ink composition contains a second pigment and a penetrant other than the alkanediol. The content of the second pigment is less than 1.5% by mass. The penetrant contained in the second ink composition has an osmotic force higher than that of the alkanediol contained in the first ink composition.
US09580612B2 Aluminum chelate method for manufacturing the same, and photo cured ink including the same
An aluminum chelate, a method for manufacturing the same and a photo cured ink including the same are revealed. First rosin resin is modified by epoxy and acrylic acid to get acrylic acid modified rosin resin. Then an aluminum chelating agent undergoes a chelation reaction with the acrylic acid modified rosin resin to form a plastic fluid whose chemical structure contains a photoreactive group and a chelate structure with aluminum. The plastic fluid can be added into photo cured inks so that the photo cured inks have better ink tack, ink flow, color density and stability.
US09580608B1 Switchable antifouling coatings and uses thereof
The present invention relates to antifouling coatings capable of being switched by using heat or ultraviolet light. Prior to switching, the coating includes an onium cation component having antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Upon switching, the coating is converted to a conjugated polymer state, and the cationic component is released with any adsorbed biofilm layer. Thus, the coatings herein have switchable and releasable properties. Methods of making and using such coatings are also described.
US09580600B2 Thickening or gelling agent for oily raw materials
An excellent oil-thickening or -gelling agent is provided. The agent is compatible with various oils and can freely control the form or viscosity of oily raw materials or cosmetics by changing the quantity thereof added. The agent contains a novel co-modified organopolysiloxane that contains both a group having a siloxane dendron structure and a hydrophilic group and that preferably has a degree of polymerization of 200 or more. A gel composition containing the co-modified organopolysiloxane is also provided. The gel composition is useful as a base that permits stable and easy preparation of cosmetics having various viscoelasticities and forms. An oil is kept in the form of a gel that has a viscoelasticity falling within the intermediate range between the viscoelasticity of liquid and that of solid. Cosmetics containing the thickening or gelling agent are also provided.
US09580596B2 Chemical resistant polymer composition for a center fascia
A chemical resistant polymer composition for a center fascia includes a resin composition consisting of 10 to 20% by weight of a polyester copolymer containing a residue of a dicarboxylic acid component containing terephthalic acid and a residue of a diol component containing dianhydrohexitoll; 15 to 25% by weight of polytrimethyleneterephthalate; 10 to 20% by weight of one or more copolymers selected from the group consisting of an unsaturated nitrile-diene-based rubber-aromatic vinyl graft copolymer, an alkylmethacrylate-diene-based rubber-aromatic vinyl graft copolymer, and an alkylmethacrylate-silicone/alkylacrylate graft copolymer; and 50 to 65% by weight of polycarbonate based on the weight of the resin composition. The polymer composition further comprises 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of a phosphite-based antioxidant, based on 100 parts by weight of the resin composition.
US09580594B2 FDCA-based polyesters
A polymer comprising reaction product of (a) one or more diacid or diester thereof, and (b) one or more polyol, wherein component (a) comprises 5 to 100 mole %, based on the total amount of component (a), of 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), or one or more C1 to C10 alkyl diester thereof, and component (b) comprises a mixture of 1,3-cyclohexanedimethanol and 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, or 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, or combinations thereof.
US09580593B2 Fiber reinforced composite
The present invention relates to a fiber reinforced composite comprising a reinforcing constituent of fibers embedded in a resin matrix, wherein the resin matrix comprises epoxy resin crosslinked with aminated lignin. The invention further relates to a method for the production of a fiber reinforced composite.
US09580592B2 Liquid compositions of fluorinated anion exchange polymers
A liquid composition comprising: a liquid medium comprising at least one aprotic polar organic solvent and less than 25 wt % based on the total weight of the composition of an alcohol; and at least 5 wt % based on the total weight of the composition of at least one fluorinated anion exchange polymer comprising a fluorocarbon backbone and side-chains covalently attached to the backbone having terminal groups of formula (I): —SO2NR1Q+X−, wherein Q+ is a group comprising at least one quaternary nitrogen atom, and R1 is H or a C1-C20 alkyl group, or forms a ring together with a group in Q+, wherein the ring contains 2 to 10 carbon atoms and, optionally, up to 4 heteroatoms; and X− is an anion selected among the group consisting of organic anions and lipophilic inorganic anions is disclosed. The liquid composition is suitable for the preparation of ion exchange membranes and as binders for electrocatalytic layers for use in electrochemical applications.
US09580591B2 Use of hybrid copolymers as protective colloids for polymers
Water-redispersible polymer powders having a high proportion of base polymer are prepared by spray drying a base polymer dispersion, employing as a spraying aid, a hybrid copolymer prepared by polymerizing an ethylenically unsaturated monomer in the presence of a water soluble polymer.
US09580587B2 Polymer compositions with improved retention of properties under mechanical and thermal stresses
The invention provides a composition comprising the following: A) an ethylene/α-olefin/diene interpolymer; B) an ethylene/α-olefin copolymer with a Mooney Viscosity [ML(1+4) at 125° C.] greater than 40; and C) a peroxide; and wherein the α-olefin of the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer of component B comprises at least four carbon atoms; and wherein component A is present in an amount from 50 to 95 weight percent, based on the sum weight of components A and B.
US09580582B2 Thermoplastic resin composition and tire using same
Provided is a thermoplastic resin composition for the inner liner of pneumatic tires, which has low air permeability and a small percent change in air permeability from fatigue. A thermoplastic resin composition obtained by dispersing a modified rubber having an acid anhydride group or an epoxy group into a polyamide resin and an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, the thermoplastic resin composition being characterized in that the ratio of the polyamide resin to the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer is between 47/53 and 61/39. The percent change in air permeability of the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention when subjected 1 million times to 20% elongation strain at room temperature is 1.30 times or more. Additionally, a pneumatic tire using a film comprising the thermoplastic resin composition in the present invention as an inner liner has a percent change in air leakage of 1.30 times or less at room temperature after going 70,000 km.
US09580578B2 Latex comprising colorant and methods of making the same
A process includes forming an emulsion comprising a monomer and a colorant, the colorant further including an anionic functional group and a lipophilic counter ion, and polymerizing the monomer to form a latex, the latex includes polymer nanoparticles having the colorant dispersed therein.
US09580575B2 Polyethylene articles
A polyethylene article comprises crystalline polyethylene in an orthorhombic unit cell. The b-axes of the crystalline polyethylene are substantially aligned with the machine direction of the article. In particular, the Herman's index of the b-axes in the machine direction is greater than zero and greater than the Herman's indices of the b-axes in both the transverse and normal directions. The unique physical attributes exhibited by a polyethylene article having this new morphology are also described.
US09580562B2 Adhesive compositions, adhesive articles and methods for making the same
Adhesive compositions comprising a high molecular weight acrylic copolymer and a low molecular weight copolymer are disclosed. Adhesive articles and methods of making adhesive compositions and articles are also described.
US09580561B2 Manufacturing method of poly lactic acid stereocomplex using solvent casting method
Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a polylactic acid film. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for stably and effectively obtaining optimized stereocomplex crystals through specified boiling point and evaporation time of a solvent allowing the content of stereocomplex crystals to be 100%.
US09580555B2 Transparent polyamide-imide resin and film using same
Disclosed are a transparent polyamide-imide resin and a film using the same, which can be colorless and transparent, can show excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties, and can have low birefringence, making it possible to serve in various fields including a semiconductor insulator, a TFT-LCD insulator, a passivation layer, a liquid crystal alignment layer, materials for optical communication, a protective film for a solar cell, a flexible display substrate and the like.
US09580547B2 Catalysts and methods for polymer synthesis
The present invention provides unimolecular metal complexes having increased activity in the copolymerization of carbon dioxide and epoxides. Also provided are methods of using such metal complexes in the synthesis of polymers. According to one aspect, the present invention provides metal complexes comprising an activating species with co-catalytic activity tethered to a multidentate ligand that is coordinated to the active metal center of the complex.
US09580540B2 Hydroxy amino polymer and use thereof in polyurea/polyurethane tissue adhesives
The present invention relates to a process for producing a hydroxy amino polymer comprising the steps: a) Reaction of an H functional starter compound bearing at least one Zerewitinoff active H atom with an unsaturated, cyclical carboxylic acid anhydride and at least one alkylene oxide compound for obtaining a prepolymer bearing hydroxyl groups, b) Addition of a primary amine and/or of ammonia to the double bond(s) of the prepolymer bearing hydroxyl groups obtained according to step a) for obtaining the hydroxy amino polymer, wherein the ratio of added amino groups to hydroxyl groups in a hydroxy amino polymer is at least 0.6. Furthermore, the invention relates to a hydroxy amino polymer, which can be achieved according to this process as well as a polyurea/polyurethane system, which contains such a hydroxy amino polymer.
US09580539B2 Foam insulation unit
Insulating unit are disclosed which are prepared by a cavity-filling, fast-gelling rigid polyurethane foam based on a formulation comprising a polyol component which contains at least 5 weight percent of an amine-initiated polyols and 1.4 to 4 parts by weight of a catalyst package whereby the catalyst package contains at least one amine catalyst and the weight percent nitrogen present in the amine-initiated polyol to weight percent nitrogen present in the catalyst system is from 2 to 8. The formulation is injected into the cavity and the pressure in the cavity is subjected to reduced atmospheric pressure to achieve the rigid foam having a thermal conductivity of less than about 19 mW/mK at 10° C. average plate temperature.
US09580534B2 Block copolymer materials for directed assembly of thin films
Provided herein are methods of formulating and engineering block copolymer (BCP) systems for directed self-assembly (DSA) processes. In some embodiments, the methods involve engineering a BCP material based on the interaction parameter (χ) of the material and the surface and/or interaction energies of its constituent blocks. Also provided are novel block BCP materials that can be used in DSA techniques. In some embodiments, the BCP systems described herein have micro-phase separating blocks, with at least one block including multiple types of repeat units. Also provided are structures formed by DSA, including structures having a sub-20 nm dimension. Applications included nanolithography for semiconductor devices, fabrication of cell-based assays, nanoprinting, photovoltaic cells, and surface-conduction electron-emitter displays.
US09580530B2 Anaerobically curable compositions
The present invention relates to anaerobically curable compositions containing a benzoxazine component and which demonstrates resistance to elevated temperature conditions and/or accelerated cure speed.
US09580524B2 Vinylcyclopropane, monomer composition, polymer, polymer composition, and article
Provided are a vinylcyclopropane that exhibits volume expansion upon homopolymerization and that enables improved solvent solubility, a monomer composition that contains the vinylcyclopropane, a polymer of the vinylcyclopropane, a polymer composition that contains the polymer, and an article that is obtainable through curing of the monomer composition. The vinylcyclopropane is represented by general formula (I) shown below.
US09580519B2 Method and apparatus for producing polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a water absorbent resin in which a water absorbent resin having excellent properties can be obtained effectively. The present invention relates to a method for producing a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin, which includes a polymerization step of polymerizing an aqueous monomer solution containing a polymerization inhibitor, acrylic acid (salt) and an internal cross-linking agent to produce a water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer, a gel-crushing step of performing the gel-crushing of the water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer simultaneously with or subsequent to the polymerization to produce a particulate water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer, and a drying step of supplying the particulate water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer to a continuous through-flow belt-type dryer by a traverse conveyor to dry the particulate water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer, in which the belt temperature of the traverse conveyor is 40 to 120° C. and/or the water soluble component in the particulate water-containing gel-like cross-linked polymer on the traverse conveyor is 10% by weight or less and the water soluble component is increased after the drying step.
US09580516B2 Methods for producing alkali cellulose and cellulose ether
When a combination of pulps having different alkali metal hydroxide solution absorption rates is as a raw material, contact conditions such as a contact temperature and a contact time have to be changed frequently, depending on the absorption rate of pulps currently processed, thereby causing a problem of reduced productivity. For solving the problem, provided is a method for producing alkali cellulose, comprising at least the steps of: bringing two or more types of pulps having different alkali metal hydroxide solution absorption rates into contact with an alkali metal hydroxide solution to obtain a contact product; and draining the contact product, wherein the highest absorption rate is not more than 4.0 times as fast as the lowest absorption rate.
US09580504B1 Pidilizumab monoclonal antibody therapy following stem cell transplantation
Methods for treating specific populations of cancer patients, specifically patients suffering from cancer who undergo stem cell transplantation and were classified as positive by a pre-transplant metabolic imaging, by administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a pidilizumab monoclonal antibody.
US09580496B2 Therapeutic canine immunoglobulins and methods of using same
A method of preparing a canine antibody suitable for use in the therapeutic treatment of a canine is provided. In particular, there is provided immunoglobulins which can be selected for the characteristic of whether they mediate downstream complement mediated immune activation when bound to a target antigen. Canine derived antibodies comprising specific heavy chain isotypes are provided. The invention extends to the use of the immunoglobulins of the invention in methods of treating conditions such as pain, inflammatory conditions and cancerous conditions in a canine.
US09580493B2 Anti-α synuclein binding molecules
Provided are anti-human α-synuclein-specific binding molecules, e.g., antibodies or antigen-binding fragments, variants or derivatives thereof, as methods related thereto. Further provided are anti-human α-synuclein binding molecules which bind to specific N-terminal and C-terminal epitopes on human α-synuclein. The binding molecules described herein can be used in pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions for α-synuclein targeted immunotherapy and diagnosis, respectively.
US09580487B2 Method of treating stomach or bowel-related disorders by administering glucagon-like-peptide-2 (GLP-2) analogues
GLP-2 analogs are disclosed which comprise one of more substitutions as compared to [hGly2]GLP-2 and which improved biological activity in vivo and/or improved chemical stability, e.g., as assessed in in vitro stability assays. More particularly, preferred GLP-2 analogs disclosed herein comprise substitutions at one or more of positions 8, 16, 24 and/or 28 of the wild-type GLP-2 sequence, optionally in combination with further substitutions at position 2 (as mentioned in the introduction) and one or more of positions 3, 5, 7, 10 and 11, and/or a deletion of one or more of amino acids 31 to 33 and/or the addition of a N-terminal or C-terminal stabilizing peptide sequence. The analogs are particularly useful for the prophylaxis or treatment of stomach and bowel-related disorders and for ameliorating side effects of chemotherapy. Also disclosed are methods and kits for selecting a patient from populations suited for treatment with GLP-2 analogs.
US09580486B2 Interleukin-2 muteins for the expansion of T-regulatory cells
Provided herein are IL-2 muteins and IL-2 mutein Fc-fusion molecules that preferentially expand and activate T regulatory cells and are amenable to large scale production. Also provided herein are variant human IgG1 Fc molecules lacking or with highly reduced effector function and high stability despite lacking glycosylation at N297. Also, provided herein are linker peptides that are glycosylated when expressed in mammalian cells.
US09580475B2 Computationally optimized broadly reactive antigens for H1N1 influenza
Described herein is the generation of optimized H1N1 influenza HA polypeptides for eliciting a broadly reactive immune response to H1N1 influenza virus isolates. The optimized HA polypeptides were developed through a series of HA protein alignments, and subsequent generation of consensus sequences, based on selected H1N1 viruses isolated from 1918-2011. Provided herein are optimized H1N1 HA polypeptides, and compositions, fusion proteins and VLPs comprising the HA polypeptides. Further provided are codon-optimized nucleic acid sequences encoding the HA polypeptides. Methods of eliciting an immune response against influenza virus in a subject are also provided by the present disclosure.
US09580467B2 Antiproliferative compounds, conjugates thereof, methods therefor, and uses thereof
Antiproliferative compounds having a structure represented by formula (II), where n, R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5 are as defined herein, can be used to treat tumors, optionally when conjugated to a ligand such as an antibody:
US09580461B2 Method for purifying active polypeptides or immunoconjugates
The present invention provides methods for isolating an active polypeptide or immunoconjugate by purification of a solution containing both the active polypeptide or immunoconjugate and an acidic variant thereof, such as a deamidated variant, using anion exchange chromatography.
US09580458B2 Polymorphic form of sodium hyodeoxycholate (NaHDC) and its preparation process
The object of the present invention is a new anhydrous polymorphic crystalline form of sodium hyodeoxycholate (NaHDC) named as form II (FII) and the process for preparing it. Such a process makes it possible to obtain sodium hyodeoxycholate in the anhydrous polymorphic form II (FII), with high chemical and polymorphic purity. The invention also describes the anhydrous polymorphic crystalline forms of NaHDC named as form I (FI) and form III (Fill), the hydrated forms of NaHDC named as SI and SII, crystalline forms of NaHDC, respectively hydrated with four and eight water molecules and the amorphous form.
US09580454B2 Biomass fractionation process for bioproducts
A fractionation process for producing value-added products from a lignocellulosic biomass, comprises: a) mechanically refining the lignocellulosic biomass under mild refining conditions to form a refined biomass pulp with enhanced susceptibility to separation of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin, and enhanced digestibility of carbohydrates in hydrolysis b) separating hemicellulose and sulfur-free high-quality lignin from cellulose in the refined biomass, and, optionally c) producing various bioproducts from the above said process.
US09580453B2 Preparation of transition metal carboxylates
This disclosure provides a process for making transition metal carboxylate compositions by combining in an polar aprotic first solvent a transition metal precursor and a Group 1 or Group 2 metal carboxylate under substantially acid-free and substantially anhydrous conditions, to generate a mixture comprising the transition metal carboxylate composition. Optionally, the transition metal carboxylate composition can be purified, for example, by substantially removing the first solvent provide a residue comprising the transition metal carboxylate composition, and also optionally, further by extracting the transition metal carboxylate composition from the residue with a non-coordinating second solvent to provide an extract comprising the transition metal carboxylate composition.
US09580442B2 Tricyclic heterocyclic compounds as phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: W is O, N—H, N—(C1-C10 alkyl) or S; each X is independently CH or N; R1 is a 5 to 7-membered saturated or unsaturated, optionally substituted heterocycle containing at least 1 heteroatom selected from N or O; R2 is (LQ)mY; and each R3 is independently H, C1-C10 alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, are surprisingly found to be inhibitors of PI3K-p110δ, and therefore have utility in therapy.
US09580412B2 Disubstituted 3,4-diamino-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione compounds for use in the treatment of chemokine-mediated diseases
Methods for preparing disubstituted 3,4-diamino-3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione compounds that correspond to general formula (I) are described. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and compositions for the treatment of chemokine-mediated diseases.
US09580411B2 Substituted sulfonamide compounds
The invention is concerned with the compounds of formula (I): and salts thereof, wherein X, Y, Z, R1, R2, R3, R3′, R4, R5 and R6 are defined in the detailed description and claims. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing and using the compounds of Formula (I) as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. The compounds may be useful in treating diseases and conditions mediated by TRPA1, such as pain.
US09580409B2 Modulators of opioid receptors and methods of use thereof
Provided herein are compounds and methods of synthesis thereof. The compounds provided herein are useful for the treatment, prevention, and/or management of various disorders, such as pain, neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. Compounds provided herein modulate the activity of opioid receptor (e.g., μ-opioid receptor) in the central nervous system or the periphery. Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds and their methods of use are also provided herein.
US09580403B2 Process for the preparation of 3-(3-chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine
3-(3-Chloro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine is prepared by cyclizing 3-hydrazinopyridine-dihydrochloride with commercially available 3-ethoxyacrylonitrile to provide 3-(3-amino-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine, and by converting the amino group to a chloro group by a Sandmeyer reaction.
US09580398B2 Compounds, compositions, and methods for modulating ferroptosis and treating excitotoxic disorders
The present invention provides, inter alia, a compound having the structure: (Formula (I). Also provided are compositions containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a compound according to the present invention. Further provided are methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of an excitotoxic disorder in a subject, methods of modulating ferroptosis in a subject, methods of reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a cell, and methods for treating or ameliorating the effects of a neurodegenerative disease.
US09580393B2 6-substituted quinazolinone inhibitors
The present technology relates to compounds and compositions of Formulas I-III and methods using such compounds. The compounds and compositions described herein may be used in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases associated with an alphavirus, for example, Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV).
US09580387B2 Biaryl compositions and methods for modulating a kinase cascade
The invention relates to compounds and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade.
US09580372B2 Pharmaceutical compositions comprising POH derivatives
The present invention provides for a derivative of monoterpene or sesquiterpene, such as a perillyl alcohol derivative. For example, the perillyl alcohol derivative may be a perillyl alcohol carbamate. The perillyl alcohol derivative may be perillyl alcohol conjugated with a therapeutic agent such as a chemotherapeutic agent. The present invention also provides for a method of treating a disease such as cancer, comprising the step of delivering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a derivative of monoterpene (or sesquiterpene). The route of administration may vary, and can include, inhalation, intranasal, oral, transdermal, intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
US09580368B2 Dehydrogenation process
Disclosed herein is a process for dehydrogenating a saturated cyclic hydrocarbon and/or 5-membered ring compound with a dehydrogenation catalyst. The dehydrogenation catalyst comprises: (i) 0.05 wt % to 5 wt % of a metal selected from Group 14 of the Periodic Table of Elements; and (ii) 0.1 wt % to 10 wt % of a metal selected from Groups 6 to 10 of the Periodic Table of Elements. The process is conducted under dehydrogenation conditions effective to dehydrogenate at least a portion saturated cyclic hydrocarbon and/or 5-membered ring compound.
US09580354B2 Phenolic resin, preparation process, sizing composition for mineral fibers and resulting product
A liquid phenolic resin intended to participate in the makeup of a sizing composition for mineral fibers is essentially composed of phenol-formaldehyde and phenol-formaldehyde-glycine condensates. A process for the manufacture of the resin, the sizing composition including the resin and the insulating products based on mineral fibers sized by means of the abovementioned sizing composition are presented.
US09580350B2 High hydroxyl TiO2-SiO2 glass
Ultralow expansion titania-silica glass. The glass has high hydroxyl content and optionally include one or more dopants. Representative optional dopants include boron, alkali elements, alkaline earth elements or metals such as Nb, Ta, Al, Mn, Sn Cu and Sn. The glass is prepared by a process that includes steam consolidation to increase the hydroxyl content. The high hydroxyl content or combination of dopant(s) and high hydroxyl content lowers the fictive temperature of the glass to provide a glass having a very low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), low fictive temperature (Tf), and low expansivity slope.
US09580348B2 Method for producing synthetic quartz glass granules
The production of a quartz glass grit comprises the granulation of pyrogenetically produced silicic acid, and the formation of a SiO2 granulate and the vitrification of the SiO2 granulate using a treatment gas, which contains at least 30% by volume of helium and/or hydrogen. Said process is time consuming and cost intensive. In order to provide a method which makes it possible, starting from a porous SiO2 granulate, to manufacture, in a cost effective manner, a dense, synthetic quartz glass grit, which is suitable for melting bubble-free components made of quartz glass, according to the invention the vitrification of the SiO2 granulate occurs in a rotary kiln having a mullite-containing ceramic rotary kiln, for the manufacture of which a starting powder, which contains a molar proportion of at least 45% SiO2 and Al2O3 is applied by means of a thermal powder spraying method, forming a mullite-containing layer on a mold core, and the mold core is subsequently removed, and wherein the ceramic rotary kiln is flooded with a treatment gas or rinsed with a treatment gas, and wherein the ceramic rotary kiln is flooded with a treatment gas or rinsed with a treatment gas, which contains at least 30% by volume of helium and/or hydrogen.
US09580341B1 Biological two-stage contaminated water treatment system and process
The systems and methods may be used for treatment of water that contains contaminants. Water containing at least one of a nitrate, percholate, chromate, selenite, and a volatile organic chemical is combined with nutrients and then is processed in an anoxic-anaerobic bioreactor. The combined effluent may also be oxygenated by dosing with hydrogen peroxide or liquid oxygen. The combined effluent of the bioreactor is dosed with a particle conditioning agent. The combined effluent treated water of the bioreactor is then filtered in a biofilter to produce a treated effluent stream. The influent water and combined effluent of the anoxic-anaerobic bioreactor may also be dosed with hydrogen peroxide to control biomass content in the system.
US09580339B2 Drop-in cell for electrolytic disinfection of water
The invention relates to a drop-in cell for disinfection of water from bathing pools, particularly whirlpools, with an electrolytic cell (10) which can be flowed through by water and has two contact electrodes (1, 2), which are positioned in parallel and spaced apart from each other, and preferably at least one bipolar diamond particle electrode (3), which is arranged between the contact electrodes (1, 2) at a distance from them.The electrodes (1, 2, 3) are joined together by spacers (4) located between them to form an elongate, approximately cuboidal electrode pack, which is embedded in a casing (6) of plastic or synthetic resin while leaving an inflow and an outflow free. The user/customer is therefore provided with a drop-in cell which can be positioned in the circuit of the pool water or in the whirlpool and can be “installed” or, as and when required, removed and/or replaced without any problem by the user/customer himself.
US09580338B2 Liquid treatment apparatus and liquid treatment method
A liquid treatment apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a dielectric tube that defines a channel through which water to be treated flows, the channel being split upstream of the dielectric tube into a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel being merged with each other downstream of the dielectric tube, a first electrode at least partially disposed within the first channel, a second electrode at least partially disposed within the first channel, a first gas-supply unit that supplies gas to form a gas bubble into water to be treated that flows through the first channel, and a first power-supply that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US09580335B2 Water treatment apparatus incorporating walnut shell filter media and a draft tube system
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for treating wastewater in a filter media apparatus having a draft tube system. The filter media may be walnut shell media.
US09580334B2 Liquid purification system
A liquid purification system is provided. Although not limited to water, the purification system is especially suitable for water. The purification system utilizes a vessel having antimicrobial inner wall load bearing surfaces and/or antimicrobial (antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-mold, etc.) interior non-load bearing surfaces. When the liquid moves within the vessel and contacts the antimicrobial surfaces, the liquid becomes purified or sanitized. The inner wall load bearing surfaces and non-load bearing interior surfaces of the vessel may be manufactured from a host polymer that has antimicrobial organo-metallic additives which form a solid-solution with the host polymer and are distributed homogeneously throughout the host polymer. The host polymer matrix may be an organic material, an inorganic material or an organic-inorganic material blend. The antimicrobial agent polymer matrix may be located in localized zones within the vessel.
US09580330B2 Anhydrous, amorphous and porous magnesium carbonates and methods of production thereof
An X-ray amorphous magnesium carbonate is disclosed that is characterized by a cumulative pore volume of pores with a diameter smaller than 10 nm of at least 0.018 cm3/g, and a specific surface areas of at least 60 m2/g. The X-ray amorphous magnesium carbonate is produced by reacting an inorganic magnesium compound with alcohol in a CO2 atmosphere. The X-ray amorphous magnesium carbonate can be a powder or a pellet and acts as a desiccant in, for example, production of food, chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
US09580327B2 Method and apparatus for consolidation of granular silicon and measuring non-metals content
Apparatus and methods for consolidating granular silicon and determining trace elements content of the consolidated silicon are disclosed. Silicon granules are placed in a vessel, and a silicon slug of known purity is embedded at least partially in the granules. The slug is preheated to a temperature sufficient to couple with an induction heater. As the silicon slug melts, silicon granules adjacent the molten silicon also melt. The vessel passes through an induction coil to successively inductively heat and melt regions of the silicon granules from the leading end to the trailing end with each region solidifying as the molten silicon exits the induction coil to provide a multicrystalline silicon ingot. The multicrystalline silicon ingot is sliced into wafers, which are analyzed by low-temperature Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to determine levels of trace elements in the ingot.
US09580322B2 Method of preparing negative active material for rechargeable lithium battery, and negative active material and rechargeable lithium battery prepared from the same
Disclosed are a method of preparing a negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery that includes preparing a solution including spherically shaped natural graphite particles and a solvent, ultrasonic wave-treating the solution, and drying the ultrasonic wave-treated solution to prepare graphite modified particles, and a rechargeable lithium battery prepared therefrom.
US09580321B2 Ultrapure synthetic carbon materials
The present application is generally directed to ultrapure synthetic carbon materials having both high surface area and high porosity, ultrapure polymer gels and devices containing the same. The disclosed ultrapure synthetic carbon materials find utility in any number of devices, for example, in electric double layer capacitance devices and batteries. Methods for making ultrapure synthetic carbon materials and ultrapure polymer gels are also disclosed.
US09580315B2 Method for syngas clean-up of semi-volatile organic compounds
A system and method for processing unconditioned syngas first removes solids and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), then removes volatile organic compounds (VOC), and then removes at least one sulfur containing compound from the syngas. Additional processing may be performed depending on such factors as the source of syngas being processed, the products, byproducts and intermediate products desired to be formed, captured or recycled and environmental considerations.
US09580309B2 Ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst
The present invention provides an ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst including a support composed of an oxidizable and reducible metal oxide and a catalytically active metal supported thereon. By bringing the ammonia oxidation/decomposition catalyst including a support composed of an oxidizable and reducible metal oxide and a catalytically active metal supported thereon into contact with ammonia and air at room temperature, the support in a reduced state reacts with oxygen to generate oxidation heat, and the temperature of the catalyst layer is increased in a moment. Once the temperature of the catalyst layer is increased to a temperature at which ammonia and oxygen react with each other, the ammonia oxidation reaction proceeds autonomously after that. The heat generated in this exothermic reaction is used in the course of decomposing ammonia in the presence of the catalytically active metal, thereby producing hydrogen.
US09580306B2 Room temperature bonding apparatus and room temperature bonding method
A room temperature bonding apparatus includes a first beam source, a second beam source, and a press bonding mechanism. The first beam source emits a first activation beam that irradiates a first surface of a first substrate. Independently from the first beam source, the second beam source emits a second activation beam that irradiates a second surface of a second substrate. The press bonding mechanism bonds between the first substrate and the second substrate by contacting between the first surface and the second surface after the first surface is irradiated with the first activation beam and the second surface is irradiated with the second activation beam. Thus, a plurality of the substrates made of different materials is appropriately bonded.
US09580303B2 Flow sensor and method for manufacturing the same
A technique capable of suppressing performance variation of every flow sensor and achieving performance improvement is provided. For example, in an arbitrary cross-sectional surface in parallel to a moving direction of a gas flowing on an exposed flow detecting unit FDU which is formed in a semiconductor chip CHP1, a sealing body is released from the lower mold BM by thrusting up, from a lower mold BM, an ejection pin EJPN arranged in an outer region of the semiconductor chip CHP1 so as not to overlap with the semiconductor chip CHP1 arranged in the vicinity of the center part. Thus, according to the first embodiment, the deformation applied to the sealing body at the time of mold releasing can be smaller than that in a case in which the sealing body is released from the lower mold BM by arranging the ejection pin EJPN in a region overlapping with the semiconductor chip CHP1.
US09580299B2 MEMS device and method of making a MEMS device
A MEMS device and a method of making a MEMS device are disclosed. In one embodiment a semiconductor device comprises a substrate, a moveable electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the moveable electrode and the counter electrode are mechanically connected to the substrate. The movable electrode is configured to stiffen an inner region of the movable membrane.
US09580298B2 Micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) structures and design structures
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming at least one fixed electrode on a substrate. The method further includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam with a varying width dimension, as viewed from a top of the MEMS beam, over the at least one fixed electrode.
US09580294B2 Computer program and method for verifying container of material to be dispensed
A system for verifying a container of a material before the material is transferred to a process. The system includes a conduit that extends through a mouth of the container. The conduit is supported by an arm that moves between a first position in which the conduit extends through the mouth, and a second position in which the conduit is removed and moved away from the mouth. A reading device extracts information about the container from an information storage element. A computer program receives input regarding the extracted information, receives input regarding the process, and determining whether the container is correct for the process. The program prevents the arm from moving to the first position, and only if the container is determined to be correct does the program allow the arm to move to the first position so that the material can be transferred.
US09580291B2 Beverage dispenser with water cooler
A beverage dispenser (11) is disclosed for use in combination with a water cooler, wherein the water cooler comprises a water bottle (1) and a cooler housing (2) comprising an outlet (3, 4) for dispensing water, and wherein the beverage dispenser is intended to be positioned between the cooler housing and the water bottle. The beverage dispenser comprises: a dispensing station (19), a conduit (13) for supply of water from the water cooler to the dispensing station, a connector (22) for attachment to a container (12) comprising concentrate, a conduit (23) for supply of concentrate from the container to the dispensing station, and a passage (120) to allow the water bottle (1) to remain in fluid communication with the outlet (3,4) of the cooler housing (2) when the dispenser (11) is positioned between the cooler housing and the water bottle.
US09580286B2 Systems and methods for beverage preservation
A receptacle for storing, pressurizing, and dispensing packaged beverages. The receptacle includes an airtight chamber with a removable lid, wherein the joint between the lid and the chamber is also airtight. A gas valve allows for the inflow and outflow of gas, and a tap port and tap stem allow the beverage to be dispensed without breaking the seal of the chamber. A pressure relief valve allows for more rapid depressurization. The chamber can be used at high and low pressures, such as a partial vacuum, to prevent oxidation of a number of open beverages, such as beers, wines, and sodas. A pressure gauge port coupled with an optional pressure gauge allows a user to verify the appropriate pressure for the type of beverage being preserved. The gas valve may be disposed on a base of the receptacle, as may the pressure relief and/or the pressure gauge port.
US09580283B2 Method and system for installation and removal of ballast
A ballast system for heavy equipment including a ballast weight configured to be removably mounted, proximate to an end of a portion of the horizontal structure of the heavy equipment, at least one actuator mounted on the horizontal structure of the heavy equipment, operable between a first position and a second position, and oriented to actuate horizontally along at least a portion of the horizontal structure, at least one tension member that connects the ballast weight to the actuator and is configured to move the ballast weight vertically in response to the at least one actuator actuating along at least a portion of the horizontal structure; and a locking mechanism configured to removably attach the ballast weight to the end portion of the horizontal structure.
US09580281B2 Tubing clamp assembly
A clamp assembly provides an attachment point for securely gripping pipe or other tubular goods including, without limitation, a section of coiled tubing. The clamp assembly beneficially includes a pad-eye member for attaching the clamp assembly (and any attached tubing) to a hook of a crane or other lifting mechanism. The clamp assembly also prevents partially unspooled coiled tubing from re-winding through a winding guide of a spool, thereby maintaining a distal outer end of the coiled tubing in an easily accessible location.
US09580277B2 Elevator car suspension
An elevator in which hoisting ropes pass under first and second diverting pulleys, in which a suspension device crosses a line between guide rails. The first and second diverting pulleys may be mounted on the suspension device such that the first and second diverting pulleys may be on a first side and a second side, respectively, in which the sides being opposite, of the line between the guide rails. A frame of the elevator car may be mounted on the suspension device which is supported by a first suspension point and a second suspension point. The first suspension point and the second suspension point may be at a horizontal distance from each other and on opposite sides of each other, and that the first and second suspension points may be on a line between the guide rails or on a line parallel with the guide rails.
US09580275B2 Elevator system having a safety device
An elevator system includes a safety device by which a rotation and/or translation of a fixed bearing part of a rotary bearing of a deflection roller, which is associated with a counterweight, can be detected. An alarm signal is generated by the safety device when the position of the bearing part deviates from a predeterminable value.
US09580273B2 Testing apparatus and safety arrangement
The invention relates to a safety arrangement and also a testing apparatus for testing the operation of an extreme limit switch in a conveying system, which can be removed from service on the basis of a signal to be received from the extreme limit switch. The testing apparatus comprises a microprocessor and a memory, in which is recorded a testing program to be run with the microprocessor, which testing program comprises instructions for preventing removal of the conveying system from service occurring on the basis of a signal from an extreme limit switch as well as for testing the operation of the extreme limit switch when removal of the conveying system from service has been prevented.
US09580272B2 User guidance with mobile electronic devices
A visitor can receive guidance (e.g., movement directions) through a portable electronic device. The visitor can read an information-containing tag with the electronic device to input location information into the device. With the electronic device, the visitor can then select one or more destinations. The device then provides directions to the visitor for the one or more destinations.
US09580265B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus, including a tray configured to support a sheet; a chassis defining a first conveyer path, in which the sheet on the tray is conveyed in a first conveying direction, and a second conveyer path, through which the sheet is conveyed in a second conveying direction through a branch point to be inverted to reenter the first conveyer path through a merging point; a base member integrally formed of resin and including a guiding section to define a form of a part of the second conveyer path; a recording unit to record an image on the sheet conveyed in the first conveyer path; a drive shaft supported by the base member; and a return-conveyer roller disposed in the second conveyer path and configured to convey the sheet to be guided on the guiding section in the second conveying direction by rotation of the drive shaft, is provided.
US09580250B2 Bushing cleaner systems and methods
A cargo management system is provided comprising a cargo shuttle having a slide bushing opposite a top surface, a drive pulley; and a sweeping belt coupled to the drive pulley. Also disclosed is a slide bushing supported cargo shuttle comprising a housing, a bushing slide plate extendable from the housing, a top surface; a drive pulley; and a sweeping belt coupled to the drive pulley. An interior surface of the sweeping belt is configured to interface with an outer diameter surface of the drive pulley and an outer surface of the sweeping belt comprises raised surfaces.
US09580247B2 Travelling vehicle system
To allow a travelling vehicle to travel more smoothly, a host controller of a travelling vehicle system includes a first determination part which determines whether or not a second track selected by a first travelling vehicle is the same as a second track selected by a second travelling vehicle, and an entry permission issuing part that issues an entry permission into a switching track to the second vehicle after checking passage of the first vehicle through the switching track when the second track selected by the first vehicle is different from the second track selected by the second vehicle, and issues the entry permission into the switching track to the second vehicle regardless of receipt or non-receipt of the passage report from the first vehicle when the second track selected by the first vehicle is the same as the second track selected by the second vehicle.
US09580245B2 Item-detecting overhead sensor for inventory system
Inventory systems may include one or more sensors capable of detecting spatial positioning of inventory holders and associated inventory items. Data can be received from a sensor, a boundary corresponding to a face of the inventory holder can be determined from the data, and items projecting across the boundary can be determined as items protruding from the inventory holder.
US09580243B2 Locking device for waste container
A locking device for a container having a hinged lid, comprises a base unit adapted to be fixed to the container and a pivotable unit mounted to the base unit and pivotally movable between open and closed positions. The base unit includes a locking mechanism comprising a casing, a rotatable shaft, a blocking member fixed to the shaft and disposed in the casing, and a rolling member. The pivotable unit is mounted to the shaft of the base unit. The rolling member is provided to move within the casing between a blocking position wherein the rolling member blocks movement of the pivotable unit relative to the casing to prevent unauthorized opening of the lid, and a release position wherein the rolling member moves away from the blocking member to permit the movement of the blocking member relative to the casing thereby permitting opening of the lid.
US09580238B2 Storage tank with discharge conveyor
A storage tank defines a square hopper bottom converging to a bottom discharge located at one corner. The tank sits on a base frame defined by four vertical retractable legs with one leg at the discharge recessed inwardly from the corner. A discharge conveyor is mounted at the discharge for rotation about an upstanding axis at the discharge opening unimpeded by the recessed leg to move the conveyor from a retracted position along a side of the frame to an extended position at a selected angle outwardly from the frame. A horizontal platform and ladder is located at one side of the tank with the ladder being movable to a stored position parallel to the platform and both the ladder and the platform are movable to a stored position along the side of the tank.
US09580235B2 Interchangeable capsule for preparing an infusion of coffee, and method for obtaining an infusion of said coffee
A capsule suited to contain in its inside a mass of powdered coffee for preparing an infusion of coffee. The capsule comprises a container closed by a lid. The container is provided with a filter of the coffee/hot water infusion. The capsule is characterized in that the mass of powdered coffee is located in an annular space surrounding a central chimney. The infusion water, during at least one of its intermediate steps, converges from the annular space towards the central chimney passing first through a vertical filter.
US09580230B2 Anti-jam dispenser
Embodiments of the disclosure include earplug dispensers that may comprise a rotating cam assembly operable to dispense one or more earplug to a user when a knob is rotated by the user. In some embodiments, the cam assembly may comprise and upper cam layer and a lower cam layer attached via clips to the rotating knob. Upon rotation of the knob, the upper cam layer may cause the earplugs to fall through one or more cavities to the lower cam layer. The lower cam layer may comprise a pushing structure operable to move the earplugs, upon rotation of the knob, within the lower cam layer to fall down through an opening in the dispenser. In some embodiments, the earplugs may fall through an opening in the rotating knob.
US09580215B2 Package or product having a use indicator
A product includes a use indicator carried inside a container so that, upon removal of a closure from the container or upon removal of flowable product from within the container, a coloration of the product changes irreversibly to indicate to a user that the package has been used.
US09580210B2 System for tracking dispense events
A dispensing system includes a container within which a material is contained. The dispensing system includes a nozzle, attached to the container, having a first portion and a second portion. The dispensing system includes a magnet attached to the first portion and a compliance system attached to the second portion. The compliance system includes a transmitter and a magnet sensor, coupled to the transmitter, for detecting a presence of the magnet when the first portion with respect to the second portion is in a closed position, and for detecting a non-presence of the magnet when the first portion with respect to the second portion is in an opened position. The transmitter transmits a wireless compliance signal indicative of the magnet sensor detecting at least one of the presence or the non-presence of the magnet.
US09580209B2 Electronic tablet case with internal easel
A storage component including a cover and an easel coupled to the cover. The easel includes a first portion and a second portion pivotally coupled together, wherein the easel is movable between a substantially flat configuration wherein the first and second portions are generally flat and coplanar, and a propped configuration wherein the first and second portions are arranged in a non-coplanar configuration and the first portion is oriented at an angle relative to the cover. The first portion of the easel in the propped configuration is configured to support an item thereon for display.
US09580207B2 Pour-out member for discharging viscous fluid
A pour-out member or, for example, a container has a pour-out port 1a through which a viscous fluid is discharged, wherein a hydrophobic layer of fine hydrophobic inorganic particles 20 is selectively formed on an upper end surface of a base member forming the pour-out port 1a. The hydrophobic layer formed on the pour-out port 1a of the pour-out member is not removed or broken through the repetitive use, and stably exhibits a function of preventing the liquid from creeping over extended periods of time.
US09580206B2 Bottom structure for a plastic bottle
This invention relates to a base for a plastic bottle, especially for beverages under pressure, comprising an annular heel (6) which preferably is integral with the side wall (2) of the bottle, and a concave section (7) that is surrounded by, and integral with, the heel (6), wherein the concave section (7) comprises reinforcing elements arranged in a star pattern and increasing its rigidity, wherein the reinforcing elements are formed by convex areas (9) of the concave section (7) and the concave section (7) including the convex area (9) have essentially the same wall thickness.
US09580202B2 Foldable box template background
A foldable box template includes first, second, third, fourth, and fifth segments. Each of the segments has a length, a width, and one or more flaps. The first segment is positioned at a first end of the template and the fifth segment is positioned at a second, opposing end of the template. The sum of the lengths of the first segment and the fifth segment is generally equal to the length of the third segment. As a result, the first and fifth segments form a seam on a sidewall of a box formed from the box template. In some cases, the seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from seams formed in top and bottom surfaces of the box. The seam formed by the first and fifth segments is offset from a corner of the box.
US09580186B1 Helicopter tactile stall warning
A helicopter stall warning method includes receiving an airspeed of the helicopter, determining a stall airspeed based on multiple factors associated with the helicopter, the multiple factors comprising ambient temperature near the helicopter, the helicopter's altitude, and the helicopter's gross weight, determining a stall warning threshold derived from the stall airspeed, and providing a tactile warning through a collective helicopter control when the helicopter's airspeed meets or exceeds the stall warning threshold.
US09580185B2 Small engine cooled cooling air system
A system for managing thermal transfer in an aircraft includes a fuel stabilization unit, a fuel-air heat exchanger, and a turbine. The fuel-air heat exchanger is located downstream from the fuel stabilization unit. The fuel-air heat exchanger places deoxygenized fuel in a heat exchange relationship with compressor bleed air to produce heated deoxygenized fuel and cooled bleed air. The turbine is operationally connected to the engine compressor and receives cooled bleed air from the fuel-air heat exchanger.
US09580182B2 Method of regulating the speed at which a rotorcraft rotor is driven under icing conditions
A method of regulating the NR speed at which the rotor of a rotorcraft is driven in rotation. On detecting that the rotorcraft is flying under icing conditions in a previously identified critical temperature domain (Dct), the NR speed is either decreased in the situation where the ambient outside air temperature (OAT) lies in a low temperature icing range (Ptb) of the critical temperature domain (Dct), or else it is increased in the situation where the ambient outside air temperature (OAT) lies within a high temperature icing range (Pth) of the critical temperature domain (Dct).
US09580176B2 Aircraft region
An aircraft region comprising a main aisle extending along a longitudinal axis of an aircraft cabin, a door aisle extending along a transverse axis of the aircraft cabin substantially perpendicularly to the main aisle and an aircraft monument arranged in the door aisle and comprising at least one flight attendant seat facing a section of the main aisle adjoining the door aisle.
US09580174B2 Seating unit for transportation means, in particular for aircrafts
The present invention concerns a seating unit (1), in particular for aircrafts' economy class, comprising a substantially rigid fixed shell (4), a support structure (9), a backrest (2) and a seat (3), all contained within said shell (4), said seating unit (1) being characterized in that said backrest (2) and said seat (3) make a movement, substantially within said shell (4), between a retracted position, that is with said backrest (2) in a substantially vertical position and said seat (3) in a substantially horizontal position, and a slightly extended position, that is with said backrest (2) in a substantially slanted position and said seat (3) in a substantially slanted position, inclined downward.
US09580166B2 System for latching and locking a folding wing
A folding wing comprises a fixed section, a folding section, and a latch system for latching the folding section to the fixed section. The latch system includes a plurality of latch pins, and a corresponding plurality of non-backdriveable mechanical actuators for extending the latch pins to engage the folding section.
US09580161B1 Reinforcing ripstop tape for burst mitigation
Aspects of the disclosure relate to fabricating balloon envelopes for high-altitude balloons. One or more segments of reinforcing tape are applied to gore segments of the balloon envelope. The segments are arranged in a ring to circumscribe an upper portion of the balloon envelope, and may be affixed by a pressure sensitive adhesive. Should a catastrophic failure of the balloon envelope occur, the reinforcing tape acts as a ripstop to prevent a tear from extending upward toward the apex of the balloon envelope. Tendons secured to the apex and to a base of the balloon envelope are configured to keep the top film of the envelope in a parachute configuration in the event of a catastrophic failure. The reinforcing tape is positioned above an equator of the balloon envelope, for instance approximately ⅓ of the distance down from the apex to the base of the envelope.
US09580158B2 Magnus rotor
The present invention concerns a Magnus rotor comprising a carrier arranged in the interior of the Magnus rotor, a rotor which in operation of the Magnus rotor rotates about the carrier, a bearing which carries the rotor on the carrier and a heating device provided for producing heated air in the interior of the carrier. The carrier has at least one opening at its outside, which connects the internal space in the carrier to the intermediate space between the carrier and the rotor in such a way that air can pass through between those two spaces.
US09580149B2 Boat expanding and contracting apparatus
An expandable and contractible safety barrier for a boat includes a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion includes a first outside hinge portion. The second barrier portion includes a second outside hinge portion. The first barrier portion is pivotally connected to the second barrier portion by a middle hinge. The middle hinge is locate on an end of the first barrier portion opposite the first outside hinge portion and on an end of the second barrier portion opposite the second outside hinge portion. A latching device that removably attaches the first barrier portion to a fixed barrier includes a pin about which the first outside hinge portion pivots.
US09580133B2 Shock absorbing grip assembly
The present invention is directed to a Shock Absorbing Grip Assembly that has been designed to give a controlled floating action to the grip that can be adjusted by varying the different cushioning isolator mechanisms within the grip, or by varying the number of tuning washers. The Shock Absorbing Grip Assembly is comprised of one or more grip end clamps; one or more cavities in said grip end clamps; a grip sleeve having one or more protruding engagement members; one or more elastomeric isolator inserts housed within each of said one or more cavities in said grip end clamps, wherein said one or more protruding engagement members mates within said cavities housing said elastomeric isolator inserts; and an outer elastomer grip; whereby said grip sleeve is free floating and has torsional, rotational, linear and axial shock absorbing capacity. The isolator inserts may be elastomer inserts of varying durometer material.
US09580115B2 Vehicle seat or vehicle cab with a suspension system, and utility vehicle
The invention relates to a vehicle seat or a vehicle cab with a suspension system comprising an upper closing part and a lower closing part which is deflectable in relation to the upper closing part, which closing parts are connected to each other in a resilient manner by means of a suspension element, and with a damping system for damping vibrations acting on at least one of the two closing parts, wherein the damping system and a distance levelling system for adjusting a distance between the upper closing part and the lower closing part have a common fluid actuator element controlled by compression and tension stages.
US09580113B2 Motor vehicle component that withstands thermal deformation
The invention relates to a motor vehicle bodywork component comprising a first panel and a second panel having a second coefficient of linear thermal expansion greater than the first coefficient of linear thermal expansion of the first panel, the component further including a connection part having a third coefficient of linear thermal expansion that is less than the first and that is fastened to the first panel.
US09580112B2 Work vehicle
There is disclosed a work vehicle having an openable/closable hood for covering an engine and a radiator mounted on a vehicle body frame, an air cleaner having an intake pipe and an elastic body for closing a gap present around the intake pipe. The elastic body includes a radiator side first elastic portion, a hood side second elastic portion and an engaging portion for engaging and retaining the second elastic portion to the first elastic portion. Under a closed state of the hood, the engaging portion maintains the second elastic portion under the engaged state, and the elastic body maintains the intake pipe at a predetermined position and closes the gap.
US09580107B1 Modular hybrid cross car beam assembly
A modular hybrid cross-car beam assembly includes a base tube having opposed first and second free ends. Multiple assemblies are individually connected to the base tube, each of the assemblies having multiple metal plates coupled together by an overmolding of a polymeric material and each of the assemblies having at least one metal flange lacking the overmolding of the polymeric material. First and second end attachment portions are each connected to one of the base tube first or second free ends. The metal flange of each of the assemblies and the first and second end attachment portions are connected to the base tube using fasteners, the modular hybrid cross-car beam assembly having no welded connections.
US09580106B2 Automotive frame rail reinforcing member to manage an offset, frontal applied load
A vehicle includes a body structure and a frame rail assembly. The frame rail assembly extends forward from the bulkhead along a longitudinal centerline. The frame rail assembly includes a frame rail defining a rail axis and a reinforcing member. The frame rail defines a longitudinally extending seam and the frame rail extends forward from the bulkhead along the longitudinal centerline. The frame rail further defines an end portion. The reinforcing member is secured to the frame rail at the end portion to increase a stiffness of the frame rail at the end portion. The reinforcing member is configured to limit a stress at the seam, transverse to the rail axis, resulting from a load applied to the end portion of the frame rail and laterally offset from the longitudinal centerline.
US09580104B2 Terrain-based machine comprising implement state estimator
Terrain-based machines are provided comprising a translational chassis movement indicator, a terrain-based implement, an implement inclinometer, and an implement state estimator. The translational chassis movement indicator provides a measurement indicative of movement of the machine chassis in one or more translational degrees of freedom. The implement inclinometer comprises (i) an implement accelerometer, which provides a measurement indicative of acceleration of the terrain-based implement in one or more translational or rotational degrees of freedom and (ii) an implement angular rate sensor, which provides a measurement of a rate at which the terrain-based implement is rotating in one or more degrees of rotational freedom. The implement state estimator generates an implement state estimate that is based at least partially on (i) implement position signals from an implement angular rate sensor and an implement accelerometer, and (ii) signals from the translational chassis movement indicator and the implement inclinometer.
US09580103B2 Rollover prevention apparatus
The rollover prevention apparatus defines an adaptive steering range limiting device comprising a control unit and a pair of opposing unidirectional brake assemblies mounted to a steering column position detection disc. The rollover prevention apparatus prevents the steering wheel of the vehicle from being turned beyond the threshold of vehicle rollover, but otherwise does not restrict the rotational range of motion of the steering wheel of a vehicle.
US09580099B2 Method for forming a heating element for use with a steering wheel
A method of forming a heating element for use with a steering wheel includes (i) forming a first heating part of a heating element which is coated in a longitudinal direction of the rim along an inner diameter portion of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape, (ii) forming a second heating part of the heating element which is coated in the longitudinal direction of the rim along an outer diameter portion of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape, (iii) forming a third heating part of the heating element which is coated in the longitudinal direction of the rim by continuously connecting loops having the same shape between the first heating part and the second heating part; and (iv) adjusting an electrical resistance of the heating element according to a coating width or thickness of the conductive paste.
US09580094B2 Electronic blue flag system
A system and a control system for selectively preventing movement of a locomotive is disclosed. The control system may comprise a plurality of access control devices for the locomotive, with each access control device including a status indicator, and being configured to activate or deactivate the status indicator based on user input received by any of the plurality of access control devices. Each access control device may also be configured to transmit status data indicative of a status of the locomotive to a locomotive controller, with the status either being a blue flag status or a ready status, wherein at least one of the access control devices is a mobile device not mounted to the locomotive.
US09580091B2 System and method for communicating data in a vehicle system
A system includes a first communication module and a second communication module. The first communication module is configured to be disposed onboard a first vehicle of a vehicle consist, and the second communication module is configured to be disposed onboard a second vehicle of the vehicle consist. The first and second communication modules are communicatively coupled by first and second communication paths. The first and second communication modules are configured to communicate first information over the first communication path and second information over the second communication path. At least a portion of the first information includes a first command corresponding to a first operation of at least one of the first or second vehicles. At least a portion of the second information includes a second command corresponding to the first operation.
US09580089B2 Lightweight yoke for railway coupling
Lightweight yokes are provided. According to some embodiments, the basic overall appearance of the yoke may be maintained, but the actual material of which it is constructed is changed. According to other embodiments, the yoke is provided with an improved lightweight construction, and, yet other embodiments the yoke may be provided with an improved construction and formed from a preferred material. Yokes may be constructed from cast austempered ductile iron; whereas cast iron has a density, 0.26 lbs/in^3, which is approximately 8% less than steel, 0.283 lbs/in^3, thereby allowing for a reduction in weight over steel. A suitable austempering process is used to produce the austempered metal yoke. Yokes have improved configurations which may require less metal to produce the yoke. Both, the lightweight material and improvements in configuration of the yoke structure may combine to provide a lighter weight yoke.
US09580080B1 Drive-by-wire control system
An autonomy controller for a vehicle. The autonomy controller detects a user input to enable an autonomous driving mode for the vehicle. In response to the user input, the autonomy controller determines a condition of one or more control interfaces configured to control respective vehicle operations. The autonomy controller may then selectively enable the autonomous driving mode based at least in part on the condition of each of the one or more control interfaces. For example, the autonomy controller may enable the autonomous driving mode only if each of the one or more control interfaces is in a ready condition.
US09580073B1 System and method for 3D ADAS display
A method and system for an advanced vehicle driver assistance system activation display includes displaying on a vehicle display a two-dimensional image representing a vehicle driver assistance system and detecting activation of automatic vehicle control by the vehicle driver assistance system. Further, the method and system include displaying a transition on the vehicle display of the two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional image. The three-dimensional image simulates the automatic vehicle control in real-time.
US09580071B2 Hybrid vehicle and control method for the same
A hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine, an electric power storage device, an electric motor, a shutter, and an electronic control unit. The shutter is configured to introduce air into an engine compartment of the hybrid vehicle from outside the hybrid vehicle during traveling of the hybrid vehicle in a state where the shutter is open. The electronic control unit is configured to control the internal combustion engine, the electric motor and the shutter. The electronic control unit is configured to control the hybrid vehicle such that starting of the internal combustion engine is more suppressed in a case where the shutter is in a malfunctioning state than in a case where the shutter is not in the malfunctioning state. The malfunctioning state is a state where an opening degree of the shutter does not reach a predetermined opening degree.
US09580063B2 Motor control apparatus for hybrid vehicles
An apparatus controls a motor equipped in a hybrid vehicle. In this apparatus, a basic torque command value of the motor is calculated so as to reduce a deviation between a target rotation speed and an actual rotation speed of the motor. A torque correction value for the motor is calculated based on a variation of the target rotation speed which is obtained per unit time and a value of inertia of a power train rotated integrally with the rotation shaft of the motor. Further, a torque command value finally supplied to the motor is calculated by correcting the basic torque command value with use of the torque correction value.
US09580060B2 Power transmitting apparatus
A power transmitting apparatus comprising a clutch housing, an input member connected to an engine and mounted thereon, driving-side clutch discs, a clutch member connected to an output member, driven-side clutch discs arranged between the driving-side clutch discs, a pressure member for press-contacting the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs together and for releasing the press-contacting force on them, and a starter, such as a kick-starter, able to apply a rotational force to the output member to start the engine, the power transmitting apparatus adapted to transmit or cut off driving power of the engine inputted to the input member to or from the output member. The power transmitting apparatus can comprise a press-contact assisting cam of an inverse-driving side for increasing the press-contacting force on the driving-side clutch discs and the driven-side clutch discs when rotational force is applied to the output member by the kick starter.
US09580059B2 Hybrid module
A hybrid module includes a housing, an input intended for rotationally coupling to an internal combustion engine, an output intended for rotationally coupling to an input of a gearbox, an electric machine arranged in the housing and having a stator and a rotor arranged within the stator radially, a separation clutch and a torsional vibration damper. The separation clutch and the torsional vibration damper are arranged within the rotor in both the radial and axial directions.
US09580050B2 Multi-purpose tool
A multi-purpose tool for cleaning automobile windshields and windows comprising a telescoping body having a first and a second end, an ice scraper and a snow brush member attached to the telescoping body at the first end, a scrubbing member and a squeegee attached to the body at the second end, a detachable flashlight and a spray unit with a detachable spray bottle removably attached to the telescoping body, wherein the telescoping body extends intermediate the first end and the second end.
US09580049B2 Flat wiper blade
Flat wiper blade for windscreen wiper modules, having a wiper blade body, which presents at least one wiping rubber (12) forming at least one wiping lip (12.1), presents at least one spring rail (11) in addition to at least one retaining strip (10) on which the wiping rubber (12) is held and which (retaining strip (10)) possesses at least one profile section designed as a hollow profile, in which at least a partial length of the spring rail (11) is accommodated, wherein at least one heating foil (19) is arranged over at least a partial length together with the at least one spring rail (11) in the profile section (10.1) of the retaining strip (10).
US09580045B2 Configurable electronic brake shift interlock override
Method and apparatus for an electronic override of the brake shift interlock in a motor vehicle can provide for the vehicle to be manually pushed while it is parked without keys. A timed window is initiated upon detection of a parked state of the vehicle with its transmission in a park position and ignition key removable or removed. Selection of an out-of-park position is inhibited. The invention monitors activation of the brake pedal during the timed window. Override of the brake shift interlock is enabled while the brake pedal is activated during the timed window, thereby allowing selection of an out-of-park shifter position. The timed window ends after a predetermined time or event (e.g., after the driver's door is opened) to inhibit any further shifter movement from the park position until the next ignition key-cycle.
US09580041B1 Vehicle pet harness
The present invention is an improved safety harness for animals riding in a motor vehicle, wherein the harness prevents or greatly reduces the chance of the animal's lower quarters from being forced under the animal's head and shoulders, reduces the amount of rotational movement, reduces the side to side movement, reduces the chance for the dog to be forced off the car seat and reduces the amount of head excursion during a vehicle crash or a sudden stop.
US09580039B2 Multi-chamber airbag with unidirectional vent
An airbag can include a first cushion portion that defines a first inflatable chamber and a second cushion portion that is connected to the first cushion portion and defines a second inflatable chamber. The first inflatable chamber can receive inflation gas from an inflator to expand the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion can receive inflation gas from the first inflatable chamber to expand the second cushion portion. A unidirectional valve permits inflation gas to flow from the first inflatable chamber to the second inflatable chamber and restricts backflow of inflation gas from the second inflatable chamber to the first inflatable chamber.
US09580036B2 Apparatus for fixing curtain air bag cushion
An apparatus for fixing a curtain air bag cushion to a pillar of a vehicle includes a cushion bracket configured to be attached to the pillar. The cushion bracket has a fixing portion provided with a bolt hole, a support portion provided with a cover hole, and locking grooves between the fixing portion and the support portion. A cushion tab cover is configured to pass through the cover hole. A cushion band has a cover end coupled to the cushion tab cover and a hole end provided with a band hole. The band hole is configured to receive the first side of the cushion bracket such that the hole end of the cushion band is seated in the locking grooves.
US09580035B2 Vehicle seat bottom with airbag module
A vehicle seat has an airbag module arranged in a seat bottom cushion. The seat bottom cushion is covered by a cover and comprises at least a first, relatively softer, “comfort” foam element adjacent to the cover and a second, relatively harder or firmer, “protective” foam element. The airbag module is positioned within a cavity defined in and by the second foam element so that it is at least partially surrounded by the harder second foam to protect the airbag module from downward forces applied to the seat bottom.
US09580034B2 Steering wheel
The present invention provides a steering wheel. Among respective hooks of a module, the hooks being adapted to engage with wires which are disposed in respective opening portions of a steering wheel main body, an adjustment rib which is provided so as to be protrusive to an outer circumferential face of one side hook comes into contact with an inside face of one side opening portion, and restrains a position of such one side hook in such one side opening portion. An adjustment pin which is protrusively provided at a position different from that of the adjustment rib on the outer circumferential face of such one side hook elastically comes into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion by the adjustment rib coming into contact with the inside face of such one side opening portion.
US09580032B1 Impact absorption cushion
An impact absorption device configured for use in a vehicle includes a barrier and a base capable of removably securing a barrier at a right angle. The barrier is composed of an impact reducing material. The base is configured to rest beneath a vehicle safety seat or safety seat cradle. The barrier is capable of vertical adjustment relative to the base.
US09580023B2 Fastening arrangement of a camera on a fastening element of a motor vehicle
A fastening arrangement of a sensor element, in particular a camera, on a fastening element of a motor vehicle involves holding the sensor element on a holding element of the fastening element by means of a force generated by a spring region of a spring element and orientated in one direction. The spring element has a second spring region connected at least indirectly to the first spring region and running at angle to the first spring region, which the sensor element adjoins in a second direction that runs at an angle to the first direction.
US09580022B2 Separating or holding net
A separating or holding net has a net mesh part, spaced fixation formations, and an elastic woven fabric strip extending along an edge of the net mesh part that extends between the fixation formations and having openings engaged in the fixation formations.
US09580010B2 Vehicle approach notification apparatus
A vehicle approach notification apparatus includes a first sounding signal generation portion that generates a first sounding signal based on a first sound source data; a second sounding signal generation portion that generates a second sounding signal based on a second sound source data; and a combination portion that combines the first sounding signal with the second sounding signal to generate a notice sound signal. The first sounding signal generation portion changes a frequency and an output level of the first sounding signal depending on a speed of the vehicle. The second sounding signal generation portion changes an output level of the second sounding signal depending on the speed of the vehicle while holding a frequency of the second sounding signal to be constant.
US09580005B2 Method and control unit for setting a characteristic of a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle
A method for setting a characteristic of a light emission of at least one headlight of a vehicle includes reading in topology data which represent a topology of the surroundings of the vehicle. The method also includes ascertaining a visual range difference between a topology-related first visual range which is associated with a first characteristic of the light emission, and a topology-related second visual range which is associated with a second characteristic of the light emission, using the topology data. Finally, the method includes adapting a waiting time period for changing a characteristic of the light emission as a function of the visual range difference.
US09579998B2 Flexible vehicle seat
A method for selecting and controlling massage functions of a motor vehicle seat having a control system comprising the steps of: switching the system to a selection mode and starting the selection mode; providing a menu list having options for querying the user's requirements during the massage; selection of an option by the user and providing predefined responses to the respective query and selection of the response by the user and if necessary repeating the steps for further queries; and terminating the selection mode and automatically determining suitable massage settings on the basis of the user's selection and controlling the massage actuators in the motor vehicle seat on the basis of determined massage settings to perform the massage function.
US09579997B2 Device for selectively controlling and reducing the backward displacement of a vehicle seat in the event of an accident
A device for selectively monitoring and reducing a backward displacement of a vehicle seat in the event of an accident, having at least one stop element (4) which arranged on a pair (1) of seat rails and has a stop face (5) which is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the pair (1) of seat rails, and having at least one stop body (6) which is arranged on the vehicle seat, having a contact face (8) which is arranged in a normal position at a distance from the stop face. In order to make available a device which efficiently reduces a backward displacement movement of a motor vehicle seat in a simple way in the event of an accident of the motor vehicle, there is provision that the stop element (4) and the stop body (6) are embodied and arranged with respect to one another in the mounted state in such a way that in a crash position which occurs in a tail-end impact with a motor vehicle having the vehicle seat, the stop face (5) of the stop element (4) and the contact face (8) of the stop body (6) enter into contact and as a result the backward displacement of the vehicle seat which is caused by the accident is reduced.
US09579996B2 Infant holder for vehicle seat
A child restraint includes a juvenile seat and a child-restraint harness coupled to the juvenile seat. The child-restraint harness includes at least two shoulder belts.
US09579994B2 Adjustable seat support
An adjustable seat support permits attaching and adjusting an operator's seat on a vehicle for both forward and rear facing operation. Also disclosed is a method for attaching and adjusting an operator's seat on a vehicle can be selectively positioned for both forward and rear facing operation.
US09579993B2 Seat device
A seat device includes left and right slide units for supporting a seat body slidably in a front-rear direction; left and right front support legs respectively fixed to front ends of the left and right slide units; left and right rear support legs respectively fixed to rear ends of the left and right slide units; and a reinforcing member extending between the front and rear support legs fixed to one of the left and right slide units. The reinforcing member includes a first wall attached to one side of the front support leg and the one side of the rear support leg; second wall attached to the other side of the front support leg and the other side of the rear support leg, the second wall facing the first wall; and a first connecting portion connecting lower ends of the first and second walls with each other.
US09579985B2 System and installation for charging an electric motor vehicle
The invention relates to a system for electrically coupling an electrical charging device to the power storage means of a vehicle. The system includes a bar, a protective panel, a flap, a drive means, and a control device for synchronizing the movements of the bar, protective panel, and flap between a stowed position and a position for extending from the ground.
US09579984B1 Control method of low voltage DC-DC converter for hybrid vehicle
A control method of a low voltage DC-DC converter for a hybrid vehicle is provided. The method includes determining a vehicle drive mode, determining vehicle driving condition, and determining vehicle condition information including a motor output alteration and a gear mode. Further, an output mode of the low voltage converter is determined based to the drive mode, the driving condition, and the condition information and an output voltage of the low voltage converter is adjusted based on temperature and SOC of a battery in the determined output mode.
US09579970B2 Filler neck assembly with stop valve
A tank neck unit for a vehicle that includes a tank neck operatively connected to a pressure accumulator system of the vehicle and which is configured for a predetermined maximum pressure which is greater than a permissible operating pressure of the pressure accumulator system. A shut-off valve is arranged in a throughflow path between the tank neck and an outlet region of the tank neck unit, the shut-off valve being configured to prevent an increase in pressure of the pressure accumulator system beyond the permissible operating pressure.
US09579962B2 Battery protection structure
A battery protection structure has a battery disposed in a vehicle cabin, a vehicle component disposed in the vehicle cabin to be located below the battery, and a protective member disposed between the battery and the vehicle component. The protective member has one end fixed to a vehicle body and another end arranged between the battery and the vehicle component to be thereby cantilevered on the vehicle body. The battery has a battery cell, and a battery case that houses the battery cell and has at least a lower surface facing the protective member. The protective member has a fixation portion formed at the one end and fixed to the vehicle body, and a contact portion formed at the other end and configured to come into contact with the battery case when load is inputted to the protective member.
US09579958B2 Roof apparatus
A roof apparatus includes: a front member and a rear member which are supported by a guide rail in such a way as to be able to move in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and as to be engaged with a driving shoe driven to move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle along the guide rail; a first support bracket, a front end portion of which is supported by the guide rail and is connected to the front member, and which supports a movable panel; and a second support bracket, a front end portion of which is supported by the guide rail, a portion of which is connected to the rear member with the portion being positioned closer to a rear of the vehicle than the front end portion, and which movably supports the first support bracket.
US09579946B2 Trailing arm bush for coupled torsion beam axle
A trailing arm bush may include a cylindrical outer pipe, an inner pipe inserted to a central portion of the outer pipe at an interval, a first bush rubber unit, a second bush rubber unit and a third bush rubber unit that connect between an inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and an outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe, respectively, a hollow void part formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the inner pipe, and a stopper attached to the inner peripheral surface of the outer pipe and disposed among the first bush rubber unit, the second bush rubber unit and the third bush rubber unit.
US09579940B2 Rotating retainer clip for weight distribution hitch spring arm retaining pin
A trailer hitch system for equalizing trailer loads and reducing trailer sway. The trailer hitch system may include spring bars that may extend from a hitch head. The spring bars may be attached to the trailer using rigid brackets that reduce swinging of the spring bars. The rigid brackets may include an upward extending portion for attaching to the trailer tongue, and a lateral extending portion for receiving the spring bars thereupon. Pins may be utilized to secure the spring bars on the lateral extending portion of the brackets. The pins may each include a spring loaded clip that is rotatably between an unlocked position and a locked position.
US09579937B2 Tire management system
A tire management system for a truck or trailer having an axle having a first tire mounted thereto, the system having an air pressure supply connected to the tire so as to allow sealed communication of pressurized air between the air pressure supply and the first tire, and a first pilot-operated check valve in sealed fluid communication with the air pressure supply and with the first tire, the first pilot-operated check valve being configured to allow air to flow only from the air pressure supply to the first tire when a pilot of the first pilot check valve is not activated, and to allow air to flow between the first tire and the air pressure supply when the pilot of the first pilot-operated check valve is activated.
US09579934B2 Pneumatic tire and manufacturing method of the same
A pneumatic tire has a conductive portion formed by a conductive rubber is provided in the tread rubber formed by a nonconductive rubber. The conductive portion has an outer skin portion and a projection portion. The outer skin portion is formed on a surface of the tread rubber, and extends to an inner side in a tire width direction from a side surface of the tread rubber so as to terminate at a position which goes beyond a contact end. The projection portion spirally extends from a position in an outer side than contact end so as to reach a position in an inner side in the tire width direction than the contact end, and protrudes to an inner side in a tire diametrical direction from the outer skin portion so as to terminate without reaching a bottom surface of the tread rubber.
US09579932B2 Run flat tire
[Object] To provide a pneumatic tire 82 which is excellent in durability.[Solution] A tire 2 includes a tread 4, wings 6, sidewalls 8, clinch portions 10, beads 12, a carcass 14, support layers 16, a belt 18, a band 20, an inner liner 22, and chafers 24. Dimples 62 are formed on the sidewall 8 that is at an inner side in a width direction of a vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle. No dimples 62 are formed on the sidewall 8 that is at an outer side in the width direction of the vehicle when the tire is mounted on the vehicle. The ratio (Ha/Hb) of a height Ha at an outer end 52, in a radial direction, of the bead 12 from a base line BL relative to a height Hb at a maximum width position Pmax from the base line is equal to or greater than 0.80 but equal to or less than 1.10.
US09579928B2 Rim for a bicycle wheel and respective bicycle wheel, as well as method for manufacturing said rim
The invention relates to a rim for a bicycle wheel comprising an annular body with sidewalls wherein at least one sidewall includes a brake track configured to cooperate with a bicycle brake pad. The brake track includes a groove that extends along a helically shaped path.
US09579924B2 Method for manufacturing a set of embossing rollers
In the method for manufacturing embossing rollers for a device for embossing packaging materials that comprises a set of at least two embossing rollers of which one is driven, and whereby the embossing roller set comprises a male roller having a male surface structure including structural elements and/or logo structures and a female roller having a female surface structure that is associated to the surface structure of the male roller for the common embossing operation with the male roller, the female surface structure is produced independently of a previously produced or physically pre-existing associated male surface structure. Along with a high embossing accuracy, this allows creating a very large variety of embossing structures, on one hand, and using a very large number of the most diverse materials, on the other hand, as well as reducing transverse tensions in the embossed material.
US09579919B2 Image forming apparatus
According to an embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet. A heat source heats the sheet at a control temperature according to a job type. A storage unit includes a job queue that registers jobs in a received order. When a plurality of jobs that differ in the control temperature are registered in the job queue, a controller groups the jobs registered in the job queue into job groups according to the control temperature. The controller also changes an execution order of the job groups in the job queue into the ascending order of the control temperature of the heat source, and executes the jobs registered in the job queue according to the changed order.
US09579912B2 Device and method for erasing and cooling a sheet
A device for cooling a sheet includes a conveyance path for the sheet between a first unit and a second unit. The conveyance path is formed of guide plates arranged in an opposed manner and through which the sheet is conveyed. A cooling unit cools the sheet which passes through the conveyance path, the cooling unit including at least one fan that supplies cooling air generally along a sheet conveying direction. At least one slit is formed in each of the guide plates. At least one introduction wall extends from one of the guide plates and guides cooling air from the at least one fan through the at least one slit and into the conveyance path.
US09579911B2 Print medium advancing distance adjustment
A sweep speed is determined for sweeping a printer head of a printer across a print medium for printing a swath of an image on the print medium. A distance by which to advance the print medium is at least partially determined in accordance with the determined sweep speed and the print medium is advanced by the determined distance.
US09579909B2 Image recording device
An image recording device includes a recording unit, a feeding mechanism, a guide member, and a lock portion. The feeding mechanism is configured to feed a first feeding object along a feeding path. The feeding path has a straight path and a curved path. The recording unit faces the straight path. The guide member defines the curved path and is rotatable between an exposed position and a closed position. The lock portion is movable between a locked position at which the guide member is locked in the closed position and an unlocked position at which the lock is released. The guide member has a recess formed therein and the feeding mechanism further feeds a second feeding object to the recess along the straight path. When the second feeding object is disposed in the recess, the lock portion is disposed at the locked position.
US09579904B1 System and method for thermal transfer of thick metal lines
A system for transferring a marking material from a ribbon to a substrate is provided. The ribbon has a marking material and a tie layer. The system includes a ribbon take-up device; a ribbon supply source that supplies the ribbon to the ribbon take-up device such that the ribbon is moved in a process direction; a first laser beam source configured to project a laser beam onto the ribbon to define an edge outline to a pattern of a marking portion of the marking material of the ribbon, the marking portion being a portion of the marking material of the ribbon that is to be transferred to the substrate, the first laser beam source being configured to create a weakening of the edge outline; and a heating unit configured to melt the tie layer of the ribbon at the marking portion, the melting taking place at a location where the ribbon is in contact with the substrate, the heating unit being configured to melt the tie layer such that the marking portion transfers to the substrate.
US09579901B2 Controller to control tank filling with a liquid
An object is to improve a user's convenience. There is provided a control unit for use in a liquid ejecting apparatus using a tank containing a liquid and a storage material attachable to and detachable from the liquid ejecting apparatus, and storing an amount of the liquid in the tank. After the storage material is not mounted on a predetermined place, the control unit receives an answer for a question to ask whether or not the liquid is injected to the tank.
US09579897B1 Liquid ejection apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes: an ink-jet head including an energy applier that causes ejection of ink; a medium supplier that supplies a recording medium; a first sensor provided on a supply path through which the recording medium is to be supplied to the ink-jet head by the medium supplier; and a controller. The controller controls the energy applier to perform first preparatory driving including flushing before the ink-jet head performs image recording. The controller controls the energy applier to perform second preparatory driving including the flushing or ink agitation driving after the first preparatory driving and detection of the recording medium by the first sensor. The controller controls the energy applier to perform the second preparatory driving in accordance with an elapsed time extending from an input of a recording command to the detection of the recording medium by the first sensor.
US09579895B2 Liquid jet head and liquid jet apparatus
A liquid jet head has a head chip which ejects liquid droplets, a nozzle plate in contact with a lower surface of the head chip, a flexible circuit board in contact with the lower surface of the head chip, and a bending member in direct contact with the flexible circuit board and configured to bend the flexible circuit board along a lower corner of the head chip. The nozzle plate and the flexible circuit board contact the lower surface of the head chip in the same plane thereby saving space to enable downsizing of the liquid jet head.
US09579892B2 Wiring structure, method of manufacturing wiring structure, liquid droplet ejecting head, and liquid droplet ejecting apparatus
A liquid droplet ejecting head includes a vibrating plate on which a first terminal group having first and second terminals and a second terminal group having third and fourth terminals are formed, a reservoir forming substrate which has a first wiring forming portion having first and second inclined surfaces and a second wiring forming portion having third and fourth inclined surfaces, a first wiring which is formed on the first inclined surface and is electrically connected to the first terminal, a second wiring which is formed on the second inclined surface and is electrically connected to the second terminal, a third wiring which is formed on the third inclined surface and is electrically connected to the third terminal, and a fourth wiring which is formed on the fourth inclined surface and is electrically connected to the fourth terminal.
US09579890B2 Printhead drive circuit with variable resistance
A printhead for a printer has actuating elements for ejecting fluid, and a drive circuit for selectively applying a drive waveform having several slopes, to an actuating element, according to a print signal. A resulting printhead has a lesser sensitivity to changes of slew rate in one slope of the drive waveform than a sensitivity to change in another. The drive circuit has a variable resistance circuit, and a control circuit to control the variable resistance circuit to adjust a slew rate of the slope of lesser sensitivity according to a trim signal. By making the adjustment less sensitive, the trim signal and trim control can have more relaxed tolerances, thus can employ simpler, cheaper circuitry.
US09579880B2 Screen printing apparatus and combination printing press including the screen printing apparatus
In a screen printing apparatus including: an impression cylinder that receives a sheet from a transfer cylinder located upstream in the sheet transport direction through a sheet gripping device and transports the sheet held in the sheet gripping device; and a rotary screen cylinder that is in contact with the impression cylinder and performs screen printing for the sheet held by the impression cylinder, the transfer cylinder is located above the impression cylinder, and the rotary screen cylinder is located to the side of the impression cylinder so that ink, varnish, or the like accumulates in a squeegee portion including a squeegee shaft, a squeegee, and the like in the rotary screen cylinder.
US09579868B2 Prepregs and laminates having a UV curable resin layer
Prepregs having a UV curable resin layer located adjacent to a first thermally curable resin layer or sandwiched between first and second thermally curable resin layers wherein the UV curable resin layer is uncured or partially cured as well as methods for preparing laminates using the prepregs wherein the laminate includes at least one UV curable resin encapsulated electrical component.
US09579862B2 Method for manufacturing vehicle seat component
A method for manufacturing a vehicle seat component includes a first step of integrating a cushion member and an upholstery member together during molding of the cushion member, and a second step of forming a flow passage through which air passes from a back surface of the cushion member toward the upholstery member.
US09579859B2 Molding element having cutting means for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread
The disclosure relates to a molding element of a mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire tread, this tread comprising a tread surface intended to come into contact with the ground when the said tire is running. The molding element includes a rib for molding a groove in the tire tread, the rib being a rounded end.
US09579851B2 Apparatus for fiber reinforced additive manufacturing
Various embodiments related to three dimensional printers, and reinforced filaments, and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a void free reinforced filament is fed into an conduit nozzle. The reinforced filament includes a core, which may be continuous or semi-continuous, and a matrix material surrounding the core. The reinforced filament is heated to a temperature greater than a melting temperature of the matrix material and less than a melting temperature of the core prior to applying the filament from the conduit nozzle.
US09579850B2 Three dimensional printing of parts
A method and apparatus is presented. The apparatus comprises a parts library, a database, and a parts management system. The parts library is configured to store a plurality of part definition files. The database is configured to store entries identifying a printing of parts using the plurality of part definition files. The parts management system is configured to receive a request for a part definition file in the parts library, identify the part definition file in the plurality of part definition files in the parts library, receive an indication of a printing of a part using the part definition file, and store an entry identifying the printing of the part using the part definition file in the database.
US09579841B2 Blow molding device
A blow molding device, having: a mold; a blow nozzle tightly communicating with a mouth tubular part of a preform when the preform fitted in the mold; and a stretch rod, the blow molding device imparting shape to a container by longitudinally stretching the preform by means of the stretch rod and stretching the preform into an expanded shape by means of a pressurized liquid fed, via the blow nozzle, from a pressurized liquid feeding part separately provided, in which the blow nozzle has a support part for supporting the posture of the stretch rod, and a filling head part communicating with the mouth tubular part of the preform, the filling head part having a feed channel formed therein in the axial direction; and the support part and the filling head part are configured to be detachably coupled to each other in the vertical direction.
US09579839B2 Apparatus for extrusion of thermoplastic handrail
A method and apparatus for extrusion of an article is provided. A die assembly can apply flows of thermoplastic material to an array of reinforcing cables to form a composite extrusion. A slider fabric can be bonded to one side of the composite extrusion. After exiting the die assembly, the slider fabric can act to support the extrudate as it passes along an elongate mandrel, which can cause the base of the slider fabric to change shape from a flat profile to the final internal profile of the article. The extruded article can then be cooled to solidify the material. The die can include cooling for the slider fabric and means for promoting penetration of the thermoplastic into reinforcing cables.
US09579835B2 Locating ring and method for positioning parts
A mold tool has a first mold part with a first side forming a first surface, a nozzle exposed on the first side of the first mold part, and a locating ring mounted to the first mold part. The ring has a body of a metal material and a guard of a material softer than the metal material. The body has a ring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a central opening concentric with a center axis, a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face. The guard is connected to the body radially within the perimeter surface and projects axially beyond the locating face. The locating ring surrounds and exposes the nozzle. The locating ring can be mounted to the first mold part. A second mold part can be arranged in proximity to the first mold part and have a locating hole in a second surface. The mold parts can be moved toward one another until the guard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole. The mold parts can be repositioned relative to one another until the guard and the perimeter surface align with the locating hole and then can be moved further toward one another until the locating ring seats in the locating hole and the first and second surfaces engage one another.
US09579832B2 Method of shortening the time to compression mold a roofing shingle or tile and apparatus for facilitating same
A method of shortening cycle time required to compression mold shingle or tile is provided, wherein carrier plates are comprised of a surface material and a base, and receive a thermoplastic material, thereon. The roofing material is applied to the carrier plate and the carrier plate is subjected to induction heating, by which its surface material has its temperature raised, without substantially raising the temperature of the carrier plate base, such that the thermoplastic material applied thereto is kept heated in the compression mold. Cooling of the thermoplastic material is by heat transfer from the carrier plate surface material to the carrier plate base, and with both materials having good heat conduction capability. The carrier plate surface material has a high receptivity to being heated by induction heating relative the carrier plate base. The carrier plates are serially delivered through the process, to the compression mold.
US09579827B2 Method of accelerating the curing process in resin overflow systems for the use in casting processes
A casting apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a resin overflow container for use in casting processes, comprising: a curing accelerator for a resin in the overflow container. The resin overflow container may include a compartment arranged within the overflow container. The compartment may be adapted to release the curing accelerator after the overflow container has been at least partly filled with resin. The apparatus may also include a mold; and a drain connecting the mold and the overflow container or being part of an overflow container outlet for drawing off resin of the overflow container.
US09579825B2 Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other semiconductor workpieces
Methods and systems for imaging and cutting semiconductor wafers and other microelectronic device substrates are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system for singulating microelectronic devices from a substrate includes an X-ray imaging system having an X-ray source spaced apart from an X-ray detector. The X-ray source can emit a beam of X-rays through the substrate and onto the X-ray detector, and X-ray detector can generate an X-ray image of at least a portion of the substrate. A method in accordance with another embodiment includes detecting spacing information for irregularly spaced dies of a semiconductor workpiece. The method can further include automatically controlling a process for singulating the dies of the semiconductor workpiece, based at least in part on the spacing information. For example, individual dies can be singulated from a workpiece via non-straight line cuts and/or multiple cutter passes.
US09579823B2 Bag and its use to provide admixture for a hydraulic composition
A bag is used to provide an admixture for a hydraulic composition, wherein a wall of the bag includes a layer, the layer including a water-soluble polymer, and wherein an admixture is present in the wall of the bag.
US09579822B2 Slurry distribution system and method
A slurry distributor for use in a continuous manufacturing process includes an inlet opening and a shaped duct adapted to receive a flow of slurry provided at the inlet opening. The shaped duct has a parabolic guide surface adapted to redirect the flow of slurry. An outlet opening in fluid communication with the shaped duct is adapted to discharge the flow of slurry from the slurry distributor.
US09579821B2 Apparatus and method for manufacturing slabs with a veined effect
Means for dispensing a powdery coloring substance onto the surface of a mix comprising stone, stone-like, glass or ceramic material. The means comprise at least one dispensing device for containing and dispensing a powdery coloring substance and at least one spreading device. The spreading device comprises at least one moving perforated plate which receives a metered amount of said coloring substance from the dispensing device and distributes it over the surface of the mix.
US09579819B2 Extrudate transport apparatus having a free floating roller assembly
An extrudate transport apparatus comprises a free floating roller assembly, wherein the roller assembly controls a rotational pitch of a cylindrical green ceramic extrudate as the green ceramic extrudate moves longitudinally from a first location to a second location within the extrudate transport apparatus. The free floating roller assembly has a predetermined effective weight and comprises a contact roller having a deformable outer surface for frictionally contacting an outer surface of the green ceramic extrudate in motion adjacent thereto, while maintaining a constant contact force upon said green ceramic extrudate.
US09579817B1 Process floor staining wood with fluorescent dyes and pigments
A process for staining wood, preferably unfinished wood, and/or wood articles from which the finish has been removed, with a stain (oil or water based) containing a plurality of fluorescent dyes and/or pigment, by treating the wood with a bleach to substantially reduce the contrast between the heartwood and sapwood features of the wood grain thereof to the desired degree, and staining the bleached wood with a stain formulation containing a plurality of fluorescent dye or pigment, wherein each fluorescent dye or pigment are absorbed into the wood and produce a uniquely colored stained wood product. The staining process can be repeated, as desired, to attain the stained wood object having a distinctive wood product, in visible light, and a distinctive wood product having a, fluorescent monochromatic appearance, in the absence of visible light. In each instance the color of the stain shall appear in varying intensity depending upon the uptake thereof in the heartwood or the sapwood.
US09579808B2 Pocket cutter
A pocket cutter knife with a retractable cutting blade that is operated via a blade control unit. The blade control unit includes a thumb slider switch, a blade carrier, and a tension component that are operably connected to extend and retract a cutting blade that is held by the blade carrier. The pocket cutter may also include a magnet retained within the body shell of the pocket cutter.
US09579805B2 Brake device of robot arm
A brake device of a robot arm utilizes a brake disc whose diameter is much larger than a diameter of a ratchet for increasing a contacting area of the brake disc, so as to generate a greater friction force. The brake device further utilizes a combining pin, a combining plate, and a plurality of guiding pins for transferring a rotating torque to the brake device having a larger diameter, so as to extend a moment arm of the friction force and generate a greater moment, which reduces a prepressing force and extends life of the brake device.
US09579803B2 Power apparatus having plural rotary motors
A rotary motor includes a rotor and at least one stator. The rotor has a shaft. The stator has an iron core and a coil wound around the iron core. A cross section of the iron core perpendicular to the shaft has a long axis and a short axis, and the rotor is disposed on an extension line of the long axis.
US09579801B2 Systems and methods for sensing objects
Disclosed is a tactile sensing and integrated vision system that surmounts problems of existing systems. The tactile sensing skin can be formed into any shape, size, or form factor, including large areas. Computer-implemented algorithms can detect position-orientation and force-torque at landmark points for a given object set. The result is a modular sensing system that is highly scalable in terms of price, quantity, size and applications. Such skin technology and associated software can comprise a sensing package that integrates tactile and visual data with accompanying software for state estimation, situational awareness, and automatic control of machinery. The addition of tactile data can serve to constrain and/or augment visual pose estimation methods as well as provide pose estimation to visually occluded objects.
US09579793B2 Robot and method for controlling a robot
The invention relates to a robot and a method for controlling a robot. The distance between an object and the robot and/or the derivative thereof or a first motion of the object is detected by means of a non-contact distance sensor arranged in or on a robot arm of the robot and/or on or in an end effector fastened on the robot arm. The robot arm is moved based on the first motion detected by means of the distance sensor, a target force or a target torque to be applied by the robot is determined based on the distance detected between the object and the robot, and/or a function of the robot or a parameterization of a function of the robot is triggered based on the first motion detected and/or a target distance between the object and the robot and/or the derivative thereof detected by means of the distance sensor.
US09579787B2 Method of programming an industrial robot and industrial robots
The invention concerns a method of programming an industrial robot, exhibiting the steps of selecting a program command, the assigned rigidity parameter of which is to be verified, changed and/or saved in the program mode; moving the manipulator arm into a test pose, in which the industrial robot is configured and/or arranged to manually touch and/or move the manipulator arm; and the automatic actuation of the manipulator arm by the control device such that the manipulator arm in the test pose exhibits the rigidity corresponding to the assigned rigidity parameter of the selected program command. The invention further concerns an industrial robot, exhibiting a control device designed and/or configured to execute such a method.
US09579777B2 Impact type fastening tool and control method thereof
An impact type fastening tool, has a housing, a motor received in the housing, a main switch for controlling ON and OFF operations of the motor, an impact mechanism connected to the motor, and a control device. The control device comprises a current detecting module and a main control module connected to the current detecting module. The main control module can judge whether the impact mechanism performs an impact according to the signal detected by the current detecting module and control the motor to automatically stop in a preset time period after the impact mechanism performs an impact.
US09579771B2 Flood coolant to through spindle coolant conversion
Rotary tools configured to sand components and accommodate complex geometries thereof are provided. The rotary tools may include a rotary head and a shaft. Bristles and an abrasive material may be coupled to the abrasive material. The rotary tools may additionally include outlets configured to receive a flow of coolant to cool the rotary tool. A system configured to convert a flood coolant system to a through spindle coolant system is also provided. The system may include a hollow shaft with inlets and a redirector therein. A flow receptor may include scoops that receive coolant sprayed from a flood coolant system and direct the coolant through the inlets in the hollow shaft. Thereby, the coolant may contact the redirector and be directed downward through the hollow shaft to a rotary tool, such as the rotary tool described above.
US09579769B2 Composition for polishing purposes, polishing method using same, and method for producing substrate
Provided is a polishing composition, which comprises abrasive grains, a water-soluble polymer, an aggregation inhibitor and water. The ratio R1/R2 is 1.3 or less, where R1 represents the average particle diameter of the particles present in the polishing composition and R2 represents the average particle diameter of the abrasive grains when the abrasive grains are dispersed in water at the same concentration as that of the abrasive grains in the polishing composition. The polishing composition can be used mainly for polishing the surface of a silicon substrate.
US09579764B1 Low pH compositions for hardening concrete and associated methods
Systems and methods for treating concrete, which includes the steps of wetting a surface of concrete with a colloidal silica; cutting the softened surface to provide a cut surface; and polishing the cut surface.
US09579760B2 Machine for machining and/or measuring a workpiece, comprising two pivotable transverse members
The invention relates to a machine (10) for machining and/or measuring a workpiece (49). Machine (10) has a machine frame (18), a first transverse member (24) which is rotatably mounted by means of a first round guide (25) about a first rotational axis (D1) on the machine frame (18) and on which a tool unit (11) with a tool (13, 14) is arranged, where the tool (13, 14) is arranged at a distance from the first rotational axis (D1). Machine (10) also has a second transverse member (40) which is rotatably mounted by means of a second round guide (41) about a second rotational axis (D2) on the machine frame (18), and on which a workpiece clamping device (12) is arranged at a distance from the second rotational axis (D2). The two rotational axis (D1, D2) are aligned parallel to one another.
US09579759B2 Method and apparatus for forming thin discs
A method of supporting a workpiece on a fixture, the workpiece having a first surface and an opposite second surface, and an aperture positioned at a center of the first surface and extending from the first surface to the second surface the fixture having a first end, an opposite second end, and a center portion, the center portion comprising a supporting surface, the second end being adapted to be mounted in a lathe, the supporting surface comprising an annular recess, the annular recess accommodating a supporting medium, the second surface of the workpiece being in intimate contact with the supporting medium, the method comprising the steps of: (i) mounting the fixture in the lathe; (ii) locating the aperture on the first end of the fixture; and (iii) securing the workpiece on the fixture, with the second surface of the workpiece being coplanar with the supporting surface of the fixture.
US09579754B2 Method for thermally joining non-round functional components to a shaft
A method may include thermally joining at least one of a non-round functional component to a shaft and a cam to a camshaft, elastically compressing the functional component during introduction of a round through-opening, and creating a through-opening which is not round when the functional component is unstressed and at least minimizes an asymmetrical deformation of the shaft after the thermal joining of the functional component to the shaft.
US09579753B2 Supporting appliance and backing arrangement for use in friction stir welding
Support device (20) meant to bear in supporting fashion on one or more work pieces in connection with friction stir welding, comprising: A holder unit (30), a first support wheel (40) which can be rotated relative to the holder unit about a first rotational axis (R1), and a second support wheel (50) which can be rotated relative to the holder unit around a second rotational axis (R2) which is parallel to the said first rotational axis, a support body (60) connected with the holder unit which is situated between support wheels and exhibits a support surface (61) turned outward, and an endless flexible metal belt (21), which runs in a loop over the outer peripheral surfaces (41, 51) of the support wheels, and is in sliding contact with the support surface of the support device, wherein the support devices are shaped to provide support as they bear on one or more work pieces with the outer peripheral surfaces of the support wheel, and with the support surface of the support body resting against the work pieces via the metal belt. The invention also provides a backing arrangement comprising such a support device.
US09579751B2 Cellulose coated stick electrode
In a stick electrode for electric arc welding having a center alloy wire and an outer cellulose coating which coating includes powdered fluxing agents, alloy powder, cellulose powder and a binder. The improvement involves forming the binder as a solution of sodium silicate and 61-78 percent by weight of the binder. The binder comprises 25-35% of the coating to produce at least about 4% by weight of water in the electrode. Furthermore, the fluxing agent is titanium dioxide with a percentage greater than 12 percent of the coating.
US09579748B2 Method of fabricating electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structures for microwave/millimeterwave applications using laser processing of unfired low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tape
Substrates and methods to fabricate and use millimeter wave Sievenpiper EBG structures such that the conductive portions are internal to an LTCC package.
US09579745B2 Systems and methods for enhancing performance of a microphone
Systems and methods for enhancing performance of a microphone are disclosed. An airflow control system may include a block-shaped structure and an airflow impedance element residing within a cavity of the block-shaped structure. The airflow impedance element may be formed by filling the cavity with a plurality of pre-processed airflow impedance elements and sintering these elements, and may include a plurality of non-linear pathways. The plurality non-linear pathways may both impede airflow therethrough (e.g., when a force exerted by the airflow exceeds a predetermined amount) and pass sound that may match a frequency response of a microphone without substantially affecting the amplitude and frequency characteristics of the sound.
US09579722B1 Method of making an apparatus for transpiration cooling of substrates such as turbine airfoils
A method and apparatus for generating transpiration cooling using an oxidized porous HTA layer metallurgically bonded to a substrate having micro-channel architectures. The method and apparatus generates a porous HTA layer by spreading generally spherical HTA powder particles on a substrate, partially sintering under O2 vacuum until the porous HTA layer exhibits a porosity between 20% and 50% and a neck size ratio between 0.1 and 0.5, followed by a controlled oxidation generating an oxidation layer of alumina, chromia, or silica at a thickness of about 20 to about 500 nm. In particular embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate comprise Ni as a majority element. In other embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate further comprise Al, and in additional embodiments, the oxidized porous HTA layer and the substrate comprise γ-Ni+γ′-Ni3Al.
US09579720B2 Injection mold for rotary-type gravity casting and gravity casting method using the same
An injection mold for rotary-type gravity casting and a gravity casting method using the same are provided. The injection mold includes a molten metal-supply chamber that is selectively coupled to a die. The molten metal-supply chamber is also configured to, during gravity casting along with rotation, supply a pure molten metal into the die while collecting impurities contained in the molten metal and preventing the ingress of the impurities into the die.
US09579718B2 Systems and methods for fabricating objects including amorphous metal using techniques akin to additive manufacturing
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention fabricate objects including amorphous metals using techniques akin to additive manufacturing. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an object that includes an amorphous metal includes: applying a first layer of molten metallic alloy to a surface; cooling the first layer of molten metallic alloy such that it solidifies and thereby forms a first layer including amorphous metal; subsequently applying at least one layer of molten metallic alloy onto a layer including amorphous metal; cooling each subsequently applied layer of molten metallic alloy such that it solidifies and thereby forms a layer including amorphous metal prior to the application of any adjacent layer of molten metallic alloy; where the aggregate of the solidified layers including amorphous metal forms a desired shape in the object to be fabricated; and removing at least the first layer including amorphous metal from the surface.
US09579716B2 Molding apparatus, production apparatus of semi-solidified metal, production method of semi-solidified metal, and molding method
An production apparatus of a semi-solidified metal has a vessel and a cooling device. The vessel into which a liquid-state metal material M is poured has a hollow member which is opened in up and down directions, and a bottom member which can close the lower opening of the hollow member and can be separated from the hollow member. The cooling device can cool the bottom member more than the hollow member.
US09579710B2 Self-furring welded wire mesh
A self-furring welded wire mesh for reinforcing generally planar concrete and stucco structures is formed of a matrix of longitudinally and transversely extending wires disposed about a first common plane and welded together at their intersections. A selected plurality of the longitudinally extending wires each define a plurality of generally V-shaped spacing furrs therein extending generally perpendicular to the first plane with the bottoms of the furrs being disposed in a second plane spaced from the first plane a distance substantially equal to one-half of the predetermined thickness of the concrete panel. The spacing furrs in the selected longitudinally extending wires are located so as to be longitudinally and transversely staggered along the mesh. The spacing furrs are formed by pushing portions of the selected longitudinal wire perpendicular to the axis of the wires while holding an upstream portion thereof in a fixed disposition so as to form these without damaging or thinning the wires along the spacing furrs.
US09579708B2 Expansion head for expansion tools, expansion tool comprising said expansion head and use thereof
Expansion head for expansion tools for hollow workpieces, particularly for the ends of plastic pipes and metal-plastic composite pipes, comprising a union cap with a radially inwardly oriented guide flange, and a set of sector-shaped expandable jaws, each of which is individually received in the union cap in a radially movable manner by an inner flange sector that overlaps with the guide flange, the set of sector-shaped expandable jaws being movable between a closed state and an expansion state, and an approximately cylindrical lateral surface being embodied in the closed state by the outer wall of the expandable jaws, wherein the outer wall has at least one recess and/or raised area extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the expandable jaws.
US09579707B2 Work processing apparatus and die moving method for work processing apparatus
A work processing apparatus upwardly turns a wrist of a vertical articulated robot to retract a hand that is holding a work to a position where the hand and work do not interfere with a press brake. In this state, an engaging projection arranged at a front end of an upper arm or at the wrist is inserted into an engaging hole of a lower die of the press brake and the vertical articulated robot is operated to move the lower die along a groove of a die holder.
US09579702B2 Roller for forming heat transfer elements of heat exchangers
A roller for forming heat transfer elements may include a central shaft and a plurality of roller elements. The plurality of roller elements may be stacked on the central shaft. Each roller element defines an outer periphery, which is configured to include a geometrical characteristic thereacross. The stacked roller elements, either stacked on the central shaft or stacked without using the central shaft, configures the roller with a circumferential surface corresponding to the geometrical characteristic of the stacked roller elements, to form the heat transfer elements corresponding to the circumferential surface.
US09579701B2 Manufacturing method of non-oriented electrical steel sheet
A steel having a predetermined composition is hot-rolled so as to form a steel strip, the steel strip is subjected to first cold-rolling, the steel strip is subjected to intermediate annealing, the steel strip is subjected to second cold-rolling, and the steel strip is subjected to finish annealing. A finish temperature in the hot-rolling is 900° C. or less, annealing is not performed between the hot-rolling and the first cold-rolling, and a rolling reduction in the second cold-rolling is not less than 40% nor more than 85%.
US09579698B2 Method for decontamination with decontaminants
Reversibly switchable (transformable) surface layer changeable from (super)hydrophobic to (super)hydrophilic surface states are described. Methods of decontamination of surfaces exposed to contaminate are provided. The reversibly switchable properties of the surface layer can be controlled by an external stimulus.
US09579693B2 Method and system for arranging a plurality of articles moved in a mass flow
Disclosed are a method and a system (1) for arranging a plurality of articles moved in at least one mass flow (M1, M2). Articles designed identically in respect of an allocation feature (A, B, C) are fed to a separate buffer station (P1, P2, P3) from the at least one mass flow (M1, M2) and stored in the buffer station (P1, P2, P3). A specified compilation (Z1, Z2) of articles is then formed wherein stored articles are removed from one or more of the buffer stations (P1, P2, P3) in consideration of the specified compilation (Z1, Z2) and forwarded and/or guided to a handling station (10) in a defined sequence and/or arrangement.
US09579690B2 Generating perceptible touch stimulus
Apparatus including: a face including a first surface electrode and a second insulated surface electrode; and a controller configured to apply a time varying potential difference between the first surface electrode and the second insulated surface electrode and configured to control at least the time variation in the potential difference.
US09579687B2 Multistage syringe assembly
A multistage syringe includes a first barrel, a second barrel, a second barrel seal assembly, and a plunger assembly. The first barrel includes a first barrel channel and the second barrel includes a second barrel channel. The first barrel couples to the second barrel such that the first barrel channel aligns with the second barrel channel along a central axis. The plunger assembly includes a plunger coupled to a plunger handle. The plunger slidably couples with the first barrel channel along the central axis and the second barrel seal assembly slidably couples with the second barrel channel along the central axis. The plunger and the second barrel seal assembly cooperate to maintain a seal as the plunger transitions between a distal end of the multistage syringe and a proximal end of the multistage syringe.
US09579678B2 Dispenser and method of dispensing and controlling with a flow meter
Systems and methods related to dispensing fluid and controlling a dispensing operation. The system includes a fluid dispenser including an inlet and an outlet, the dispenser being operable to start and stop the flow of the fluid from the outlet onto a substrate. A fluid supply reservoir adapted to hold the fluid, and having an outlet coupled in fluid communication with the inlet of the fluid dispenser to establish a flow path for the fluid between the fluid supply reservoir and the outlet of the fluid dispenser. The fluid supply reservoir further includes a pneumatic input coupled to an air flow path adapted to receive pressurized air for forcing the fluid from the outlet of the reservoir. An electronic air mass flow meter device is operatively coupled to the air flow path to produce electrical output signals proportional to the mass flow rate of the air flowing through the pneumatic input. Components and methods are provided to accurately determine the volume of the fluid in the reservoir, and to set the stroke length of a valve used in the system.
US09579677B2 Flushing dispensers for delivering a consistent consumer experience
In order to prevent the buildup of residual damaged microcapsules within a dispenser, the dispensers described herein are customized to allow for a flushing of the components of the mixture in order to remove any residual microcapsules that have come into contact with the volatile solvent.
US09579672B2 Fluid or powdery product dispensing device
A dispenser device for dispensing a fluid or powder composition, including a dispenser outlet, an air expeller, and a reservoir containing a dose of a composition. The reservoir includes an air inlet connected to the air expeller, and a composition outlet connected to the dispenser outlet. The air inlet includes a composition retainer member for retaining the composition in the reservoir until the composition is dispensed, and the composition outlet being closed by a closure element that is force fitted in the composition outlet of the reservoir. The device includes a mechanical opening system that co-operates with the closure element so as to expel it mechanically from its closed position while the device is actuated. The closure element is an element that is not spherical, including a rounded portion, in particular a hemi-spherical portion, that faces towards the inside of the reservoir in the closed position.
US09579669B2 Nozzle apparatus and method
The present disclosure introduces a nozzle apparatus and method. In one embodiment, a spray nozzle apparatus is described. The spray nozzle apparatus includes a plurality of flow channels formed by the combination of a: sprayhead, a major element, and a minor element. The sprayhead may have a plurality of holes. The major element is retained within the sprayhead by a nozzle nut and spring, allowing a first annular gap to form between the sprayhead and the major element. The minor element is retained within the major element by a second nozzle nut and second spring, allowing a second annular gap to form between the major element and the minor element. The minor element may have an axial hole. Other embodiments also are described.
US09579668B2 Spray nozzle seals
A spray nozzle assembly (10) comprising a cap (30) which houses an inner assembly of nozzle inserts (40). The cap (30) is threadably engaged by complementary threads (31, 21) to a nozzle body (20). The nozzle body (20) and the cap (30) are therefore able to be mated in a controllable axially compressive relationship in which the threadable connection enables a large amount of finely controlled axial tensile or compressive force to be applied in either moving the cap (30) and nozzle body towards each other or away. It should be noted, however, that seat (70) restrict the extent of axial travel of the screwable parts (20, 30, 40) relative to and towards each other. This facility enables strong unwanted adhesive forces of glue-like or set flowable material to be broken so that the cap (30), insert assembly (40) and nozzle body (20) can be moved apart for servicing.
US09579662B2 Condensation-evaporator nanoparticle charger
A particle charging method and apparatus are provided. An ion source is applied to a particle laden flow. The flow is introduced into a container in a laminar manner. The container has at least a first section, a second section and a third section. The first section includes wetted walls at a first temperature. A second section adjacent to the first section has wetted walls at a second temperature T2 greater than the first temperature T1. A third section adjacent to the second section has dry walls provided at a temperature T3 equal to or greater than T2. Additional water removal and temperature conditioning sections may be provided.
US09579661B2 Trapping magnetizable particulates
Nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus for measuring properties of a fluid stream flowing within a pipeline has one or more magnet systems for applying magnetic field to the fluid stream and also has means for inducing and observing magnetic resonance within the fluid stream as it passes through a said magnetic field. The apparatus may also include a polarizing magnetic field upstream of the magnetic field in which resonance is observed. The fluid stream may be hydrocarbon from an underground reservoir. In order to guard against accumulation of magnetisable iron debris particles entrained in the fluid flow, the apparatus comprises one or more upstream traps having a magnetic field to attract and hold solid magnetizable material and an exit path for the removal of the solid magnetizable material so that it does not continue towards any polarizing field and the field where resonance is observed.
US09579657B2 Clamp for fast PCR heating
This disclosure provides a thermocycler system for performing polymerase chain reaction. The thermocycler system can comprise a plurality of bus bars, a microplate, a clamp and a current application device in electrical communication with the bus bars. The clamp is suitable for forming a low resistance electrical connection between the microplate and an individual bus bar of the plurality of bus bars. In some instances, the clamp includes a spring-loaded pivot and a ram. Operation of the clamp forces the microplate into contact with the bus bar, or vice versa, to provide an electrical contact between the microplate and the bus bar. The microplate can comprise a substrate having a metallic material for heating samples, and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the substrate.
US09579651B2 Biologic fluid analysis cartridge
A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge is provided. The cartridge includes a housing, a fluid module, and an analysis chamber. The fluid module includes a sample acquisition port and an initial channel, and is connected to the housing. The initial channel is sized to draw fluid sample by capillary force, and is in fluid communication with the acquisition port. The initial channel is fixedly positioned relative to the acquisition port such that at least a portion of a fluid sample disposed within the acquisition port will draw into the initial channel. The analysis chamber is connected to the housing, and is in fluid communication with the initial channel.
US09579648B2 Cuvette assembly having chambers for containing samples to be evaluated through optical measurement
The present invention is a cuvette assembly for use in optically measuring at least one characteristic of particles within a plurality of liquid samples. The cuvette assembly comprises a main body having internal walls and external walls, and a plurality of cuvettes within the main body at least partially being defined by the internal walls. Each of the plurality of cuvettes has a liquid-input chamber for receiving a respective one of the plurality of liquid samples, a filter, and an optical chamber for receiving a respective filtered liquid sample caused by passing the respective one of the plurality of liquid samples through the filter. Each of the optical chambers includes an entry window for allowing transmission of an input light beam through the filtered liquid sample and an exit window for transmitting a forward scatter signal caused by the particles within the filtered liquid sample.
US09579646B2 Dual tip array dispensing head
An automated multi-function processing head for a laboratory work station having a table for supporting microtiter plates, other fluid receptacles, a movable arm, and a dual tip dispensing head affixed for reciprocal movement along the arm. The workstation combines into a single programmable system the capabilities for automation of a wide range of bioanalytical procedures including sample pipetting, serial dilution, reagent additions, mixing, reaction timing and washing of reaction vessels. The work station is adapted to transfer, dispense and aspirate liquid from one location to another automatically in accordance with user programmed instructions. Fluid is dispensed and aspirated using a dual tip dispensing head having two sets of tip couplers actuated by one drive system. The two sets of tip couplers allow the use of different sizes of pipette tips and tips at different pitches or distances between the centerlines. Integral to the dual tip dispensing head are two arrays of tip couplers that are used to pick up disposable pipette tips, which are automatically picked up by the head and ejected by a tip ejector mechanism. One motor coupled to an actuator is used to control the multiple functions including; tip coupling, fluid aspiration, fluid dispensing, and tip ejection for both arrays of pipette channels. The work station is designed for interactive connection with a remote computer.
US09579631B2 Process for the preparation of nanocrystalline metal oxides
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of nanocrystalline metal oxide particles comprising the steps of a) the introduction of a starting compound into a reaction chamber by means of a carrier fluid, b) the subjecting of the starting compound in a treatment zone to a pulsating thermal treatment, c) the forming of nanocrystalline metal oxide particles, d) the removal of the nanocrystalline metal oxide particles obtained in steps b) and c) from the reactor, wherein the starting compound is introduced into the reaction chamber in the form of a solution, slurry, suspension or in solid aggregate state. Further, the present compound relates to a catalyst material, obtainable by the process according to the invention, in particular a catalyst material for use in the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
US09579627B2 Carbon molecular sieve and pellet compositions useful for C2-C3 alkane/alkene separations
A novel microporous carbon molecular sieve may be used as the basis for carbon adsorbent pellets that have discrete areas of carbonized binder and of carbonized precursor, macropores having an average pore diameter greater than or equal to 1 micrometer and a total macroporosity of at least 30 percent, both as measured by mercury porosimetry, and micropores that are capable of selectively admitting a C2-C3 alkene and excluding a C2-C3 alkane, and a total microporosity ranging from 10 percent to 30 percent. The pellets may be prepared by pyrolyzing a pellet structure comprising a carbon forming, non-melting binder and a non-porous gel type sulfonated polystyrene precursor at a temperature ranging from 500° C. to 1000° C., under an inert atmosphere and other conditions suitable to form the described pellets. The pellets are particularly useful in pressure swing and temperature swing adsorption processes to separate C2-C3 alkane/alkene mixtures.
US09579625B2 Fluid processing apparatus
A fluid processing assembly includes a lumen for receiving at least one inlet stream and dispensing a primary product stream, and an energizing device for supplying energy to an energizable portion of the lumen. A primary product collection assembly is in fluid communication with the lumen for receiving the primary product stream. The energizable portion is positioned exterior to the primary product collection assembly. A pressurized gas source is downstream of the lumen. The pressurized gas source supplies pressurized gas to the primary product collection assembly for pressurizing at least a portion of the primary product collection assembly and the lumen.
US09579622B2 Device and method for pressure-driven plug transport and reaction
The present invention provides microfabricated substrates and methods of conducting reactions within these substrates. The reactions occur in plugs transported in the flow of a carrier-fluid.
US09579604B2 Base metal activated rhodium coatings for catalysts in three-way catalyst (TWC) applications
Close-coupled catalysts (CCC) for TWC applications are disclosed. The novel CCCs are implemented using light-weighted ceramic substrates in which a thin coating employing a low loading of Iron (Fe)-activated Rhodium (Rh) material composition, with Iron loadings and an OSM of Ceria-Zirconia, are deposited onto the substrates. Different CCC samples are produced to determine and/or verify improved light-off (LO) and NOX conversion of the CCCs. Other CCC samples produced are a CCC including a standard (non-activated) Rh thin coating and a heavily loaded CCC with a single coating of Pd/Rh material composition. The CCC samples are aged under dyno-aging using the multi-mode aging cycle and their performance tested using a car engine with ports on the exhaust to measure the emissions, according to the testing protocol in the Environmental Protection Agency Federal Test Procedure 75. During testing, the thin coatings of Fe-activated Rh exhibit improved light-off and NOx conversion efficiency.
US09579591B1 Liquid filtration device, method of assembly, and method of use
A liquid filter assembly comprising a filter subassembly is inserted within an elongated tubular filter body, enclosed by a pair of end caps. The filter subassembly includes a plurality of filtration discs placed onto a tubular core and inner support member. A disc aperture is provided concentrically through each filtration disc. An outer filter support member and a central filter support member support each filtration disc. The outer filter support member engages with an interior of the elongated body and an end wall engages with the disc perimeter. The central filter support member engages with an exterior of the inner support member and an end wall engages with the peripheral edge about the filtration disc aperture. Fluid passes through the first end cap orifice, continuing through the inner support member, transferring flow through the filtration discs, returning through the inner support member, and exiting the opposite end cap orifice.
US09579587B1 Inflatable toys having interchangeable parts
An inflatable toy sword includes a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, a fan disposed in the handle for directing air toward the distal end of the handle, a power source disposed in the handle for providing power to operate the fan, and a switch coupled with the fan for selectively activating the fan. An inflatable blade has a proximal end with an opening. The proximal end of the inflatable blade is connected to the distal end of the handle. The toy sword may also generate light and sound.
US09579576B2 System and method for providing persistent character personalities in a simulation
Apparatus and methods are provided to implement a technique for managing the response of a digital entity in a simulation to reflect its interaction with one or more players over time, such as managing a non-player character's responses to player characters in an online computer game. In the system, a computer system tracks the interaction of the digital entity with other entities and the occurrence or status of internal and external events to control how the digital entity reacts to current events and interactions.
US09579570B2 Device linking
Device linking is described. In one or more implementations, data is maintained at a network service that describes characteristics of a plurality of devices that are associated with a user account of the network service. A communication is formed to be received by one of the plurality of devices that includes a portion of the data that pertains to another one of the plurality of devices and that is suitable by the receiving device to discover the other one of the plurality of devices to initiate a local network connection between the devices.
US09579569B2 Method for implementing a computer game
A method, implemented as computer code being executed by one or more processors, in which computer game graphics for a casual, social game are shown on a display of a computing device and in which one or more of the processors are programmed such that: in the game, a player is automatically allocated lives, is only permitted to play a game if it has one or more lives left, and loses one or more lives if it fails a level; and in which a player can see which of their friends on the social network are playing, or have played, the game and the level they have reached; and in which the processor enables players who are friends on the social network to collaborate, including by sending a message to their friends, or a subset of their friends, transferring in-game assistance.
US09579558B2 Kart with movable visual effect
A ridable kart having a front portion rotatably coupled to a rear portion. The front portion includes an inner surface that is adjacent to an outer cover portion and the two surfaces move relative to one another. The outer cover portion includes window portions or openings through which a portion of the inner surface is visible. The inner surface includes a visual feature that is visible through the window portions and the visual features moves relative to the window portions when the front portion rotates relative to the rear portion.
US09579555B2 Exercise machine rail system
An exercise machine rail system for improved exerciser mounting and dismounting, improved functional ergonomics, and reduced risk of exerciser injury when using an exercise machine. The exercise machine rail system generally includes either two rails in close relationship which are linked together via connectors or a singular rail. Bias members are disclosed as either extending along either outer side of the rails, internally to the rail, or underneath the rail. Due to the narrow nature of the rails used by the present invention, an exerciser is able to mount and dismount the exercise machine easily and efficiently.
US09579551B2 Shaft lock for interconnection between lacrosse stick handle and head
A shaft lock for interconnection of an elongate tubular lacrosse handle and a plastic lacrosse head. The shaft lock comprises an elastomeric insert compression-fitted inside the handle. The insert has a compressible body portion which, in an uncompressed form generally conforms to the interior walls of the handle and is defined by a plurality of co-planar ribs that span the interior walls of the handle. A hard screw-anchor is embedded within the elastomer insert, and the insert is anchored inside the handle by at least one screw threaded through the handle into the screw-anchor from top-to-bottom, the screw(s) engaging the screw anchor and compressing it against the elastomeric insert. The threaded engagement of the screw(s) through the wall of the handle and into the screw-anchor compresses the elastomeric insert, maintaining a constant tension against the screw(s) and against the interior walls of the handle. This avoids loosening and/or dislodgement as a result of impact or vibration, and resists the threads of the screw from stripping either the handle wall(s) or the insert as a result of torque or other stress.
US09579546B2 Multi-layer core golf ball
Golf balls having a very high positive gradient multilayer core are provided. The multilayer core includes an outer core layer and a very soft, low compression inner core layer. The inner core layer is formed from an unfoamed composition and has a center hardness that is at least 40 Shore C points less than the outer surface hardness of the outer core layer.
US09579545B2 Apparatus and method for traditional rock climbing training
A rock climbing anchor and related methods are described. The climbing anchor comprises a body and a base member or skeleton. The body allows for traditional lead climbing protection to be placed and secured. The body can be molded around the skeleton. The skeleton serves to support the body against large forces generated by a falling climber, and to act as a secondary safety measure against a fall. Various scenarios or arrangements can be provided or created on a climbing wall to train a climber or give a climber a variety of experiences.
US09579544B2 Exercise machine with multiple control modules
An exercise machine includes a desk connected to a frame of the exercise machine. The desk has a first control module on a first side of the desk. The exercise machine also has a second control module located off of a first side of the desk.
US09579532B2 Breach or contamination indicating article
Provided among other things is a breach or contamination indicating elastomeric article for indicating a breach or contamination by a selected chemical or group of chemicals, the article having an exterior and interior and comprising: (a) an interior elastomeric layer selected to resist permeation by the selected chemical(s), which interior layer is colored; and (b) a contiguous or dis-contiguous indicating layer comprising solid particles of hydrophobic dye effective to provide enhanced color on contacting hexane, cyclohexane, xylene, ethyl ether, butyl acetate, MIBK, methanol, acetonitrile and acetic acid; wherein the distribution of the indicating layer provides for a visually noticeable color change against the background of the colored interior elastomeric layer upon a breach or contamination event by a selected chemical.
US09579530B2 Ladder assembly for a fire apparatus
A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis, a pump and a water tank coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis, and a ladder assembly having an end that is coupled to the chassis. The ladder assembly includes a first section, a second section, a third section, and a fourth section, a pad slidably coupling the first section to the second section, the pad defining a first engagement surface and a second engagement surface, and a resilient member coupling the pad to a bracket. The first engagement surface is spaced an offset distance from the second engagement surface. The bracket is positioned to support the pad such that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface contact the second section and transfer loading along the ladder assembly.
US09579528B2 Ketones as perfuming ingredients
The present invention relates to the field of perfumery and concerns the use as perfuming ingredient of ketones of formula wherein n represents 0, 1 or 2, m represents 0, 1 or 2, the dotted lines represent only single bonds or one double bond and two single bonds, R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl or ethyl group, said R1 group being located at any of the position of the cyclic moiety, R2 represents a C1-C3 O-alkyl or O-alkenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted ethylene or cyclopropyl group. Said compounds are useful to impart a clean and natural fruity, pineapple odor type. The present invention concerns also the compositions or articles containing said compounds (I) as well as some of said compounds (I).
US09579525B2 Multi-axis charged particle cancer therapy method and apparatus
The invention comprises a multi-axis charged particle irradiation method and apparatus. The multi-axis controls includes separate or independent control of one or more of horizontal position, vertical position, energy control, and intensity control of the charged particle irradiation beam. Optionally, the charged particle beam is additionally controlled in terms of timing. Timing is coordinated with patient respiration and/or patient rotational positioning. Combined, the system allows multi-axis and multi-field charged particle irradiation of tumors yielding precise and accurate irradiation dosages to a tumor with distribution of harmful proximal distal energy about the tumor.
US09579524B2 Flexible multi-lumen brachytherapy device
A flexible, multi-lumen brachytherapy device includes a plurality of loose lumens extend through a hub towards a single point of attachment at a distal rigid section. Because the lumens are attached at only a single distal location, the lumens are free to move axially and rotatably, thereby increasing the overall flexibility of the device to thereby decrease intermittent device movement while increasing patient comfort. A novel keyed stylet can be selectively inserted to increase the rigidity of the device as needed. The ability to dynamically modify the rigidity of the brachytherapy device provides a comprehensive brachytherapy solution that satisfies concerns of the patient, the surgeon and the radiologists.
US09579517B2 Transformer-based charging circuits for implantable medical devices
An implantable medical device includes a low-power circuit, a high-power circuit, and a dual-cell power source. The power source is coupled to a transformer having first and second primary windings, each of which is selectively coupled to the power source and a plurality of secondary windings that are magnetically coupled to the first and second primary windings. The plurality of secondary windings are interlaced along a length of each of the secondary windings. Each of the plurality of secondary transformer windings is coupled to a capacitor, and the capacitors are all connected in a series configuration. The low power circuit is coupled to the power source and issues a control signal to control the delivery of charge from the power source to the plurality of capacitors through the first and second transformers.
US09579509B2 Modular antenna for implantable medical device
Subject matter such as a method or apparatus can include an implantable antenna assembly, comprising a dielectric shell including first and second substantially parallel outer face portions, and a third outer face portion extending between the first and second portions, a spiral conductor extending along the first, second, and third portions on a surface of the dielectric shell. The dielectric shell and spiral conductor can be configured to be mechanically attached to a dielectric compartment, such as configured to be coupled to a housing of an implantable medical device. In an example, the implantable antenna assembly is configured to be electrically coupled to an implantable telemetry circuit configured to wirelessly transfer information electromagnetically using the implantable telemetry antenna, such as included as a portion of an implantable medical device.
US09579507B2 System for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ's artery with an electrical stimulation
A system for decreasing the blood flow of a targeted organ in case of bleeding or a medical requirement includes an integrated electrostimulator and a subsystem.
US09579501B2 His bundle lead delivery system
Various embodiments concern implanting a lead to directly stimulate the bundle of His. Various embodiments can include introducing a curve of an outer guide catheter into the right ventricle, extending a curve of an inner guide catheter from a lumen of the outer guide catheter, extending a fixation element on a distal tip of an anchor wire from a lumen the inner guide catheter, and anchoring the anchor wire to target tissue within the right ventricle, the target tissue along the septal wall and proximate the tricuspid valve and the bundle of His. A distal tip of an implantable lead with a lumen can then be advanced over the anchor wire to the target tissue as the anchor wire guides the distal tip of the lead to the target tissue.
US09579498B2 Luer connectors
Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel.
US09579493B2 Device for applying a needle array to biological tissue
The invention relates to a device for applying a needle array (1) to biological tissue (2), comprising a needle array holder (6) carrying the needle array (1), a pre-tensioning geometry (3) and an actuating element (4), wherein the actuating element (4) is so configured that, during its actuation, in a first step it transfers the pre-tensioning geometry (3) into a pre-tensioning position on the biological tissue (2) while pre-tensioning the biological tissue, and in a second step it transfers the needle array (1) into an application position on the biological tissue (2), while in this respect the pre-tensioning geometry (3) is held in the pre-tensioning position by the actuating element (4).
US09579491B2 Method and apparatus for coating balloon catheters
A coating apparatus for coating the balloon portion of a balloon catheter is described. The coating apparatus includes a rotatable member in which the catheter portion of the balloon catheter is mounted and fixed, and which causes rotation of the balloon catheter. The apparatus also includes a support member in which the distal tip of the catheter is inserted and free to rotate; and a spray nozzle directing sprayed material on the balloon surface. The inventive configuration of the coating apparatus allows the balloon catheter to be rotated along its axis with insubstantial or no wobble, which significantly improves the quality of the coating applied to the surface of the balloon.
US09579483B2 Pressure-sensitive conductive composite contact sensor and method for contact sensing
A catheter assembly for assessing contact between the catheter assembly and tissue is disclosed. The assembly includes a catheter shaft and a pressure sensitive conductive composite member whose electrical resistance varies with pressure applied to the catheter assembly. The assembly also includes at least one measurement terminal to permit the measurement of changes in the electrical characteristics of the pressure sensitive conductive composite member. The assembly may optionally include a measurement device to measure resistance, impedance and/or other electrical characteristics. The assembly may utilize a reference electrode secured to the patient's tissue, which permits the measurement device to measure changes between the reference electrode and the at least one measurement terminal. Optionally, the assembly may include a conductive outer layer. Also disclosed are sensor assemblies, contact sensor, methods of contact sensing, and methods of manufacturing relating to the use of pressure sensitive conductive composites.
US09579479B2 Device and process for providing moistened breathing gas
A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).
US09579474B2 Dose counter for a metered-dose inhaler
A dose counter for counting doses of medicament dispensed by or remaining in a metered-dose inhaler. The dose counter includes: a rotatably mounted gear wheel having a circular arrangement of ratchet teeth; a display coupled to the gear wheel, the display having a visible array of dose counting indicia indexable in response to rotary motion of the gear wheel; and an actuator mechanism having a driver for rotatably driving the gear wheel in response to the dispensation of a medicament dose, the driver being arranged to engage the ratchet teeth of the gear wheel. The actuator mechanism includes a pivotally mounted lever having an input portion. The lever is arranged to amplify a linear stroke at the input portion such that a linear stroke of the driver exceeds the linear input stroke. By amplifying the stroke, the risk of undercounting due to insufficient stroke length may be reduced.
US09579461B2 Self-injection device
A drug delivery device (100) includes a body (102, 116) having a reservoir (160) disposed therein for containing a medicament and an injection needle (152) for penetrating the skin of a patient, the needle (152) providing a path for the medicament between the reservoir (160) and the patient. The device (100) also includes a plunger (144) movable within the body (102, 116) for causing the medicament to be expelled from the reservoir (160), and a biasing means (140) for biasing the plunger (144) toward the reservoir (160), wherein in a pre-activated position, the biasing means (140) telescopes within itself, and upon activation, provides a force to the plunger (144) for expelling the medicament from the reservoir (160). The biasing means (140) is preferably provided in the form of a conical spring having a variable pitch.
US09579460B2 Injection devices
An injection device operable to deliver a dose of medicament from a syringe or cartridge includes a temperature-sensitive arrangement for inhibiting operation thereof under predetermined temperature conditions. This may include a thermally responsive element that adopts a position in which operation of the device is inhibited when a temperature level is passed.
US09579454B2 Coordination of control commands in a medical device system based on synchronization status between devices
A medical device system includes at least one controllable patient-worn or patient-carried medical device, and a plurality of controller devices that are capable of independently controlling features or functions of the patient medical device. Control commands and other data is wirelessly communicated among the patient medical device and the multiple controller devices. A number of techniques, protocols, and other measures are provided to coordinate wireless communication between the various devices in a medical device system. These control command coordination processes address situations where conflicting, redundant, or concurrent control commands might be independently issued by the multiple controller devices.