| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09747742B2 |
Product dispensing device
A product dispensing device includes: one product discharging device; and the other product discharging device. The one product discharging device includes: a DC motor serving as a drive source; and a driving force applying unit configured to apply a driving force from the DC motor when a discharge command is issued. The driving force applying unit includes: an output gear configured to rotate about a central axis of the output gear according to a driving state of the DC motor; an arm member configured to rotate in accordance with a rotation direction of the output gear when the output gear is rotated; and a link lever member configured such that the one product discharging device and the other product discharging device are alternatively driven in accordance with a rotation of the arm member. |
| US09747740B2 |
Simultaneous button press secure keypad code entry
A keypad having a plurality of switches identifies a numerical value according to user input to the plurality of switches. The numerical value may be computed as a total count of the plurality of switches that are swiped across in a consistent direction or may be computed as a total count of the plurality of switches that are simultaneously pressed. The keypad may further send the numerical value to a controller configured to facilitate access to vehicle unlock functionality. |
| US09747715B2 |
Image processing apparatus for generating combined image data by determining reference region
An image processing apparatus performs: determining a reference region that is a part region of a first image; calculating, for at least one of candidate regions, a degree of similarity between the reference region and each of the at least one candidate regions; identifying a corresponding region from among the plurality of candidate regions based on at least one degree of similarity; and generating combined image data by using the first image data and the second image data. The combined image data represents a combined image in which the first image is combined with the second image by overlapping the reference region with the identified corresponding region. |
| US09747711B2 |
Display of graphical representations of legends in virtualized data formats
A computer-implemented method for displaying graphical representation of legends in a data visualization engine is provided. The computer-implemented method includes receiving input to configure a plurality of swatches of the legends of graphical charts, the input comprises at least one of a threshold number of swatches, an identification of graphical area for displaying the swatches, and a size or a data of the swatches for display in the graphical charts of the data visualization engine. The computer-implemented method further includes modifying the legend swatches, based on the received input. The computer-implemented method further includes generating a plurality of graphical charts of the data visualization engine for displaying the swatches, based on the modification, wherein the display is generated randomly, based on at least one user preference for displaying the swatches. |
| US09747709B2 |
Method and apparatus for animate visualization of static 3-D data
Rendering a time sequence of 2-D images includes obtaining ultrasound image data, applying time variant noise, and raytracing the ultrasound image data to render pixels of a 2-D image for each of a plurality of time steps. |
| US09747708B2 |
Method for generating writing data and an electronic device thereof
An apparatus and a method for generating writing data by obtaining data generation information in an electronic device are provided. A method for inputting data in the electronic device includes displaying an attribute of the writing data by detecting a first input, checking a type of the writing data by detecting a second input, and determining output writing data, and displaying the output writing data according to the attribute of the writing data. The attribute of the writing data includes at least one of a position of the writing data to generate, a length, an angle, or a vertex of a line of the writing data. |
| US09747707B2 |
Method and arrangement for 3D image production
An image is produced of a target region from tomographic measurements through statistical inversion. The target region is mapped with a grid of voxels. Unknowns in the voxels are the components of a vector-valued variable. A next version of the vector-valued variable is repeatedly generated by drawing for each component a value from a conditional distribution. Elements of a theory matrix indicate, what is the contribution of each voxel in the grid to a detection result. The non-zero elements of the theory matrix are stored in a compressed form. A proper subset of the elements of the theory matrix is decompressed for either updating the quantity Ax and/or calculating the quantity AjT(Ax), where A is the theory matrix, x is the vector-valued variable and AjT is the transpose of the j:th column of the theory matrix. |
| US09747698B2 |
System for accurately and precisely locating and marking a position in space using wireless communications and robotics
A system comprising a Master station and a substation under the control of the Master station is able to generate graphical drawings of a multidimensional space in real time. Information regarding the physical dimensions of a multidimensional space and location an orientation objects and/or structures therein are exchanged between the stations. The Master station is able to automatically generate an N dimensional graphical representation of the multidimensional space in real time, i.e., as it receives information from the substation and as it obtains information with its own measurement devices. The Master station can display the multidimensional space to a user allowing the user to be guided (i.e., to navigate) within the multidimensional space. |
| US09747695B2 |
System and method of tracking an object
The invention relates to detecting and tracking objects in a sequence of images. In particular, a method, software and system for tracking a non-rigid object in a plurality of images. Initially, a first set of parameters for a parameterized shape model are generated (410) based on a first image. Then a second set of parameters are generated (415) for the parameterized shape model by fitting the parameterized shape model to the object in a second image of the plurality of images. This fitting is according to (i) the one or more constraints defined independently of the object or (ii) the first set of parameters. Also, the first and second sets of parameters define a tracking of the non-rigid object between the first and second images. |
| US09747685B2 |
Method and system for skin care consultation
Described herein are materials and methods for evaluating skin quality and providing customized, concierge skin consultation to consumers. In various aspects, the disclosure includes a method comprising detecting polymorphisms in MMP1, SOD2, and GPX1 from a biological sample, calculating a genetic skin score, comparing the genetic skin score to current skin features, and optionally counseling a consumer regarding a skin care regimen customized to enhance immediate skin quality and/or future skin quality. |
| US09747684B2 |
RF ablation planner
In planning an ablation procedure, a planned target volume (PTV) is imported, which is typically selected by a doctor but may be computer identified. An initial set of candidate ablation regions that covers the PTV is computed. Ablation probe trajectories that avoid critical structures are computed to provide surgical 5 options for safe entry points and angles. An optimization component determines a minimum number of ablation regions, which fully covers the PTV, and generates locations and orientations for each ablation. A tracking system can be given these ablation targets, enabling the surgeon to control the probe more precisely to the desired location. |
| US09747679B2 |
Method for measuring the deflection of a fuel element can for a fuel element of a boiling water reactor
A method for measuring the deflection of a fuel element can for a fuel element of a boiling water reactor involves taking an image of the fuel element can with a camera and evaluating the image using photogrammetry. By means of the method, it is possible to determine the deflection of a fuel element can by taking a single image, even in the absence of external structural features recognizable in the image, and without knowledge of the relative position between the camera and the fuel element can. |
| US09747677B2 |
Transmission of images for inventory monitoring
An example disclosed method includes generating a composite image by merging unblocked portions of first and second images, each of the first and second images being representative of an environment; identifying a blocked portion of the first and second images; determining, by the processor, whether the blocked portion has been blocked for greater than a threshold amount of time; and in response to determining that the blocked portion has been blocked for greater than the threshold amount of time, including the blocked portion in the composite image. |
| US09747673B2 |
Systems and methods for rectifying image artifacts
A sparse FIR filter can be used to process an image in order to rectify imaging artifacts. In a first example application, the sparse FIR filter is applied as a selective sparse FIR filter that examines a set of selected neighboring pixels of an original pixel in order to identify smooth areas of the image and to selectively apply filtering to only the smooth areas of the image. The parameters of selective filtering are selected based on the characteristics of an inter-layer predictor. In a second example application, the sparse FIR filter is applied as an edge aware selective sparse FIR filter that examines additional neighboring pixels to the set of selected pixels in order to identify edges and carry out selective filtering of smooth areas of the image. Examples for detecting and removing banding artifacts during the coding of high-dynamic range images are provided. |
| US09747670B2 |
Method and system for improving wafer surface inspection sensitivity
Improvement of wafer surface inspection sensitivity includes acquiring a first inspection image from the surface of the wafer, generating a reference image by applying a thresholding function to the first image in order to isolate a speckle signal component of the first image induced by wafer surface roughness, acquiring one or more measurement inspection images from the surface of the wafer, and generating a difference image by subtracting the generated one or more reference images from the acquired one or more measurement inspection images. |
| US09747651B2 |
Application software based information management and real time communications system including intelligent automated assistants (bots) in a computing ecosystem including different types of remote computing devices with different user interfaces and with a master database that is accessible from and stored at a central location
An information management and synchronous communications system and method facilitates database equilibrium and synchronization with wired, wireless and Web-based systems, user-friendly and efficient generation of computerized menus and reservations with handwritten/voice modifications for restaurants and other applications that utilize equipment with nonstandard graphical formats, display sizes and/or applications for use in remote data entry, information management and communication with host computer, digital input device or remote pager via standard hardwired connection, the internet, a wireless link, printer or the like. Various operations employing automated telephone calls and/or messaging may, for instance, be performed. For example, desired reservation and/or appointment information may be automatically converted and conveyed to one or more entities via automated telephone call and/or messaging. As another example, information regarding reservation acceptability may be received and automatically converted via automated telephone call and/or messaging. Telephones may, for instance, be the only equipment required by the entities. |
| US09747650B2 |
Determining connectivity within a community
Systems and methods to determine trust scores and/or trustworthiness levels and/or connectivity are described herein. Trust and/or Trustworthiness and/or connectivity may be determined within, among or between entities and/or individuals. Social analytics and network calculations described herein may be based on user-assigned links or ratings and/or objective measures, such as data from third-party ratings agencies. The trust score may provide guidance about the trustworthiness, alignment, reputation, status, membership status and/or influence about an individual, entity, or group. The systems and methods described herein may be used to make prospective real-world decisions, such as whether or not to initiate a transaction or relationship with another person, or whether to grant a request for credit. |
| US09747648B2 |
Systems and methods for publishing data on social media websites
Methods and systems for publishing data on social media website(s). A system may include an identifier processing device for determining a device identifier (ID) of a computing device publishing a social media website. The device ID uniquely identifies the computing device in a network. The identifier processing device may also be configured to extract data from the determined device identifier of the computing device. The system may also include a tagging device for associating the extracted data with a user-generated data and a generated data. The system may further include a data publishing device for publishing the extracted data along with the user-generated data on the social media website on the computing device. |
| US09747641B2 |
Non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument and method of clearing and settling
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument, and method of electronic clearing and settling such a financial instrument is provided. The non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument of the present invention is to be centrally cleared and can be traded or transacted either on or off an exchange or trading platform, whether traded as a future or other type of financial instrument. The non-biased, centrally-cleared financial instrument of the present invention has a terminal value such that the terminal value offsets co-movement of variation margin and investment return on the variation margin during the life of the financial instrument. |
| US09747635B1 |
Reserved instance marketplace
Technologies are described herein for providing a marketplace for the remaining term of reserved instances. A selling customer identifies a reserved instance of a computing resource for which the customer wishes to sell a remainder of their term and specifies an asking price. A reserved instance listing associated with the identified reserved instance and asking price is created. A buying customer provides a specification of reserved instances that they wish to purchase, including a term. The specification may also include size, platform, tenancy, availability zone, and other parameters of the reserved instances. The reserved instance listings are searched to find associated reserved instances matching the specification and having a remaining term equal to or greater than the term in the specification. The reserved instances associated with the reserved instance listings having the lowest asking price may then be transferred from the selling customer to the buying customer. |
| US09747627B2 |
Transactions via a user device in the proximity of a seller
Embodiments of methods and systems are provided that allow a user to upload inventories, view inventories in the proximity of the user, and/or facilitate transactions over a user device in a simple manner. In an embodiment, a method for transactions comprises loading, by a server at a remote location, an application on a user device of a user, wherein the application allows the user to upload an inventory comprising one or more items and/or services offered for sale by the user, as well as to view on the user device other inventory offered for sale by one or more other users as the user comes into proximity of the one or more other users, and wherein an inventory list maintained at the user device is constantly updated with the other inventory viewed by the user device. The method also comprises receiving, by the server at the remote location, transaction information associated with conducting a transaction in connection with the inventory list over the user device. The method further comprises facilitating, by the server at the remote location, the transaction between the user via the user device and the one or more other users. |
| US09747626B2 |
Vehicle customization and personalization activities
A service request is received by a remote trouble analysis server from a vehicle control and interconnection system installed in a vehicle, indicating that the vehicle is in need of assistance. An analysis is performed by the trouble analysis server based upon the service request, a remote service center is selected, and a communication is initiated from the trouble analysis server to a computer of the selected remote service center to effect repair of the vehicle. The vehicle is relocated to a service bay for necessary repair, and a service complete communication is received from a service bay computer of the service bay that performed the repair. Then, a verification communication is initiated to the control and interconnection system of the vehicle, whereby the control and interconnection system polls at least one vehicle subsystem to confirm that the diagnosed problem is properly resolved. |
| US09747618B1 |
Purchasing pace control in a real-time bidding environment using a multi-loop control scheme
A method for controlling a purchasing pace in a real-time bidding environment is provided. A pacing parameter is dynamically adjusted using a multi-loop control algorithm including an outer control loop and an inner control loop, wherein the outer control loop outputs a control parameter, and the inner control loop uses this control parameter as an input and outputs a current value of the pacing parameter, which is adjusted over time by the multi-loop control algorithm. A series of bid requests generated by a real-time bidding exchange are received, each identifying a respective available ad placement in a respective webpage being loaded. For each received bid request, a decision is made in real-time, during the loading of the respective webpage, whether to submit a bid to purchase the respective ad placement based at least on the current value of the dynamically adjusted pacing parameter. |
| US09747617B1 |
Provision of wireless device activity information to a third party based on acceptance of an offer presented to a user
Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for providing wireless device activity information to a third party based on acceptance of an offer presented to a user. In a particular embodiment, a method provides detecting an occurrence of one of a plurality of trigger conditions, wherein each of the trigger conditions corresponds to at least one activity performed by a wireless communication device. In response to detecting the occurrence, the method provides presenting a user of the wireless communication device with an offer to provide device activity information for the wireless communication device to a third party. The method further provides receiving a response to the offer from the user, wherein the response comprises an indication of whether the user desires to accept the offer. |
| US09747613B2 |
Dynamic electronic coupon for a mobile environment
Dynamic mobile coupons (DMCs) having a variable commercial value and/or other variable coupon characteristic are provided herein. By way of example, a DMC can be distributed to a mobile device based on criteria established by a sponsor of the DMC. A redemption value of the DMC can be variable and dynamically established based at least in part on data associated with a recipient mobile device. Upon redemption of the DMC at a retail entity, the value is fixed and applied to a transaction. Details of the transaction are provided to a remote clearinghouse that performs mediation and indemnification functions to finalize the transaction. As described, the subject disclosure provides a DMC that facilitates a rich and flexible mechanism to generate purchasing incentive for consumers in a mobile environment. |
| US09747611B2 |
System, method, and software for predicting the likelihood of selling automotive commodities
Provided are computer-implemented techniques for determining a probability of selling an (F&I) automotive commodity associated with a vehicle of interest to a consumer. Individual consumer data about the consumer interested in acquiring a vehicle is retrieved using an electronic interview. Dealer management system (DMS) data is retrieved and includes transactional data relating to automotive commodities. Group consumer data is retrieved about other consumers who have previously purchased the vehicle of interest, vehicles similar to the vehicle of interest, or automotive commodities associated with the vehicle of interest. Consumer resource data is retrieved from an online consumer resource. Deal data indicative of transactional terms is retrieved. The techniques predicatively analyze the retrieved data and compute a probability of selling at least one of the automotive commodities to the consumer based on predictive analysis. The techniques generate a displayable visual indicator that relates to the computed probability. |
| US09747610B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining presence
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining a first linear model and a first log-linear model according to first explanatory variables and a first plurality of occupancy estimates, determining a second linear model and a second log-linear model according to second explanatory variables and a second plurality of occupancy estimates, evaluating, according to a location of a building, the first linear model, the first log-linear model, the second linear model, and the second log-linear model according to first values of the first explanatory variables and second values of the second explanatory variables, and combining results from the evaluating to generate a mixed occupancy estimate. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US09747604B2 |
Automated agent for social media systems
A method to automatically process social media data includes capturing captured data, describing actions and/or context relating a user across multiple social media systems. The captured data is stored within a database. One or more interfaces are provided in order to provide access to the stored captured data. A rules database is configured to store multiple social media rules (e.g., behaviors) that may be associated with a user. A behavior engine is configured to perform autonomous activities, on behalf of a user with respect to multiple social media platforms, based on the social medial rules and/or the captured data. |
| US09747601B2 |
Method for authenticating financial instruments and financial transaction requests
A method for authenticating a check of a plurality of checks where the check was previously issued from a first party to a second party, including receiving first information from the first party, storing the first information in a file of a third party and receiving the check. The check has first party identifying information, a unique pseudorandom number of a pseudorandom sequence, and an amount. A status of activating the plurality of checks is determined. At least a portion of the first party identifying information included with the check, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the check amount included with the check are authenticated. The received check is authenticated if the first party, the unique pseudorandom number included with the check and the amount included with the check are authenticated and if the plurality of checks have been activated. |
| US09747597B2 |
Mobile device and authentication method for mobile payment system
A mobile device is utilized for a mobile payment system. The mobile device includes an identity module for storing an identity data; a communication module for communicating with a client and receiving a start signal to generate a notification signal; a processing module for executing an application program to obtain an authentication information according to the notification signal and determining whether the authentication information is legal according to a checking information to generate a switching signal; and a switching module for determining whether to connect the communication module and the identity module according to the switching signal; wherein the communication module reads the identity data stored in the identity module to obtain an identity result according to a conduction of the switching module, and transmits the identity result to the client. |
| US09747586B1 |
System and method for issuance of electronic currency substantiated by a reserve of assets
Disclosed herein are system and methods for issuance and circulation of electronic currency, as well as a payment system based on use of the aforementioned electronic currency. In one exemplary aspect, the system includes a management module configured to: create and manage one or more wallets of electronic currency; manage information about a reserve substantiating the electronic currency, wherein the reserve comprises one or more tangible or intangible assets; and record electronic currency transactions in a settlement network, wherein the settlement network carries out transactions and stores data describing said transactions; and an issuance center configured to carry out centralized issuance of the electronic currency and its controlled release into circulation in the settlement network, wherein the amount of the issued electronic currency released into circulation in the settlement network is equal to or less than the amount of the reserve substantiating it. |
| US09747585B2 |
Method of retrieving and uniformalizing elevator maintenance and callback data and code events
Elevators and escalators produce code event data, and also have associated maintenance data and callback data. This data is collected and stored in different formats for different types of elevators and escalators, as well as their respective controller devices. Systems and methods are provided that include elevator controllers that transmit code events to a business partner by means of a web services application. The code events data comprising elevator performance data that is collected and stored by the elevator controllers in different formats, and the different formats correspond to different types of the elevator controllers. The business partner obtains the code events data, uniformalizes the code events data, and presents the code events data by means of a web application. Other user devices, via a mobile web application, can access the uniformalized data and, initiate and control callbacks for a given elevator. |
| US09747581B2 |
Context-dependent transactional management for separation of duties
Context-dependent transactional management of services within a cloud environment for an organization using business rules includes generating a partitioned graph representing the organization and the business rule, where the business rules include one or more separation of duties requirements. Upon receiving an access request from an end user of the cloud service, a determination is made if the access request to the cloud service violates any of the one or more separation of duties requirements. Based on determining that the access request to the cloud service does not violate any of the one or more separation of duties requirements, transaction with the cloud service is granted to the end user. Based on determining that the access request to the cloud service violates one of the one or more separation of duties requirements, access to the cloud service is denied to the end user. |
| US09747580B2 |
Method and apparatus for multiple agent commitment tracking and notification
A system for tracking client contacts for a host organization utilizes a multimedia database and a user interface at a connected computer device. The database stores client communications as full content, and relates contacts by issue, and the user interface displays client contact communications as objects, such as icons, in issue related chronological strings. In a preferred embodiment the interface also provides an input facility for a host agent to select appropriate responses to client communications, to make commitments for response, to assign responsibility for commitments, and to notify personnel affected by entered commitments in various ways, such as reminders. Other notifications include fulfilled and unfulfilled commitments. |
| US09747574B2 |
Project assessment tool
An assessment tool for projects can include a computer system having at least one computer device to gather information about projects, generate project assessments, and display information about project assessments. A client-questionnaire module through which questions may be populated pertaining to a project can be used to gather data. Data used to generate a project assessment may be a compilation of coalesced data acquisitioned from a library of historical projects stored in a database of the system. Questions can be assigned and/or grouped based on a relevance-indicator and answers to questions can be assigned an importance-indicator. The coalesced data can be formed by assigning weight-factors to project parameters and analyzing the data to generate statistical expectation values for project parameters of a client's project. |
| US09747572B2 |
Exercise support device, exercise support method, and exercise support program
An exercise support device of the present invention includes a detecting section which detects motion data related to a motion status of a user performing an exercise and an swing-angle obtaining section which obtains an swing angle of the user and an information notifying section which notifies the user of exercise support information for guiding the swing angle to a suitable angle. When the user is in a specific motion state with an swing motion of a part which is an arm or a leg of the user, the swing-angle obtaining section successively tracks a swing status in one cycle of the swing motion in the specific motion state based on the motion data detected by the detecting section, and obtains a maximum value of differences between angles of the part of the user at two different timings in the one cycle as the swing angle. |
| US09747571B2 |
Integrated asset management
Methods and systems for integrated asset management are disclosed. According to one embodiment, information from a first reporting source about an asset is received. In addition, information is received about the asset from a second reporting source. Inspection information about the asset is received from a first enabled device. A database is then populated with the information from the first reporting source, the information from the second reporting source, and the inspection information from the first enabled device, such that the information from the first reporting source, the information from the second reporting source, and the inspection information from the first enabled device can be collected or accessed in an integrated manner from the database for use by a client information system. |
| US09747565B2 |
System and methods for management of mobile field assets via wireless handheld devices
Communication from enterprise servers to handheld devices in the field supports dispatch, data synchronization, logistics and personnel. Bi-directional data delivery from enterprise-based servers over wireless data networks is enabled using wireless capabilities resident in handheld personal computing devices. Real time communications facilitates real-time access to remote programs, assistance and/or information related to the field operations and asset (personnel and inventory) resource management. Management is facilitated for at least one of: construction industry project analysis, HVAC system analysis, project management, equipment readiness inspection, troubleshooting, inventory tracking, inventory ordering, sales (e.g., providing cost estimates to customers), customer invoicing, conducting legal investigations, field data collection, and multi-user remote function coordination. |
| US09747563B2 |
Apparatus and method for matching large-scale biomedical ontologies
An ontology matching apparatus for large-scale biomedical ontologies according to the present invention is provided, and the ontology matching apparatus includes a preprocessing unit configured to classify received candidate ontologies into one or more ontology subsets to generate ontology subsets, a distribution processing unit configured to divide the generated ontology subsets by virtue of a distribution algorithm, apply a matching algorithm to the divided ontology subsets to generate matching threads, and deliver the generated matching threads to individual cores of participating nodes, and an aggregating unit configured to collect and sum matching results generated by the individual cores performing matching operations based on the matching threads to generate an ontology mapping. |
| US09747560B2 |
Method and system for combination of independent demand data streams
A system and method of combining independent demand forecast streams. Demand data is extracted from each of the demand forecast streams. The extracted data is combined based on one or more criteria to yield a single resultant demand data set. The resultant demand data set is released for supply network planning rather than any original forecast data stream. |
| US09747553B2 |
Focused fact checking method and system
An efficient fact checking system analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The efficient fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information efficiently and/or provides a status of the information. |
| US09747548B2 |
Rotating data for neural network computations
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for computing a layer output for a convolutional neural network layer, the method comprising: receiving a plurality of activation inputs; forming a plurality of vector inputs from the plurality of activation inputs, each vector input comprising values from a distinct region within the multi-dimensional matrix; sending the plurality of vector inputs to one or more cells along a first dimension of the systolic array; generating a plurality of rotated kernel structures from each of the plurality of kernel; sending each kernel structure and each rotated kernel structure to one or more cells along a second dimension of the systolic array; causing the systolic array to generate an accumulated output based on the plurality of value inputs and the plurality of kernels; and generating the layer output from the accumulated output. |
| US09747546B2 |
Neural network processor
A circuit for performing neural network computations for a neural network comprising a plurality of neural network layers, the circuit comprising: a matrix computation unit configured to, for each of the plurality of neural network layers: receive a plurality of weight inputs and a plurality of activation inputs for the neural network layer, and generate a plurality of accumulated values based on the plurality of weight inputs and the plurality of activation inputs; and a vector computation unit communicatively coupled to the matrix computation unit and configured to, for each of the plurality of neural network layers: apply an activation function to each accumulated value generated by the matrix computation unit to generate a plurality of activated values for the neural network layer. |
| US09747542B2 |
Systems and methods for breakaway RFID tags
A breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it comprises part of a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCB). Thus, the breakaway RFID tag can be used to track the PCB as it migrates through a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the RFID tag can be assembled first and then used to track the PCB as it is populated with components and installed into larger assemblies and ultimately into the end device. Once the PCB is installed into a larger assembly or the end device, the breakaway RFID tag is configured such that it can be broken off and attached to the outside of the larger assembly or end device. |
| US09747538B2 |
Low power radio frequency communication
A method, system and tag for low power radio frequency communication is described. In one embodiment, the RF tag comprises: an energy harvesting unit operable to convert incident RF energy to direct current (DC); a storage unit operable to store recovered DC power; a passive wakeup pattern detector operable to generate an interrupt in response to detecting a set of one or more subcarriers; one or more sensors for sensing; a communication mechanism; and a microcontroller coupled to the energy harvesting and storage units, the one or more sensors, and the backscatter communicator, the microcontroller operable to wake up from a sleep state in response to the interrupt and cause the communication mechanism to exchange data wirelessly with another while powered by energy previously harvested and stored by the energy harvesting and storage unit. |
| US09747524B2 |
Disparity value deriving device, equipment control system, movable apparatus, and robot
A disparity value deriving device includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a degree of matching between a reference region in a reference image captured from a first imaging position and each of a plurality of region in a designated range including a corresponding region to the reference region in a comparison image captured from a second imaging position; a synthesizer configured to synthesize the degree of matching of a reference region in neighborhood of a predetermined reference region in the reference image and the degree of matching of the predetermined reference region in the reference image; and a deriving unit configured to derive a disparity value of an object whose image is being captured in the predetermined reference region and a corresponding region to the predetermined reference region, based on a synthesized degree of matching obtained by the synthesizer. |
| US09747523B2 |
Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and recording medium
An information processing apparatus includes a tracking unit configured to identify a tracking region including a tracking object in an image, an identification unit configured to identify a motion region inside the tracking region in the image, a derivation unit configured to derive a ratio of the motion region relative to the tracking region, and a determination unit configured to determine whether to continue tracking the tracking object based on the derived ratio. |
| US09747522B2 |
Image processing circuit and method thereof
An image processing method is provided. The method is for calculating a first weighted sum of absolute difference (WSAD) of a first search window and a corresponding first target window, and a second WSAD of a second search window and a corresponding second target window. The first and second search windows have a common matching window, and the first and second target windows have a common target block. The method includes: a) calculating a plurality of absolute differences of the common matching window and the common target block; b) determining a first weight coefficient group and a second weight coefficient group; and c) summing up products of multiplying the absolute differences by the first weight coefficient group to generate the first WSAD, and summing up products of multiplying the absolute differences by the second weight coefficient group to generate the second WSAD. |
| US09747520B2 |
Systems and methods for enhancing inspection sensitivity of an inspection tool
Systems and methods for enhancing inspection sensitivity to detect defects in wafers using an inspection tool are disclosed. A plurality of light emitting diodes illuminate at least a portion of a wafer and capture a set of grayscale images. A residual signal is determined in each image of the grayscale image set and the residual signal is subtracted from each image of the grayscale image set. Defects are identified based on the subtracted grayscale image set. Models of the inspection tool and wafer may be built and refined in some embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods. |
| US09747518B2 |
Automatic calibration sample selection for die-to-database photomask inspection
A method for selecting samples of reticle design data patterns in order to calibrate the parameters based on which the reference image used in a die-to-database reticle inspection method is rendered, the method comprising the steps of applying local binary pattern (LBP) analysis to a plurality of samples to obtain a p-dimensional vector output for each of the plurality of samples, clustering the q-D data points to M groups, selecting one sample from each clustered group, calculating evaluation scores for the samples selected, and, selecting a portion of the M samples on the representativeness score and the diversity score. |
| US09747512B2 |
Article recognition apparatus and image processing method for article recognition apparatus
According to one embodiment, an article recognition apparatus includes an image acquisition unit, a recognition unit, a region detection unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The recognition unit recognizes each of the articles. The region detection unit determines article region information. The storage unit stores article information including a reference value for the article region information. The determination unit determines that an unrecognized article exists, if the reference value for the article region information of each article which the recognition unit recognized does not match with the article region information. |
| US09747509B2 |
Automatically capturing and cropping image of check from video sequence for banking or other computing application
A mobile device with camera automatically captures an image of a check from a video sequence. A computing application assesses quality metrics of a frame of the video and, if acceptable, initiates capture of the check in that frame without user selection. Metrics include an aspect ratio of the check, image quality of the routing transit symbols that delineate a routing transit number on a MICR line of the check, distances between the routing transit symbols and to an edge of the check, recognition of digits of the routing transit number, checksum of the routing transit numbers, and image sharpness. Other embodiments note cropping of the check from the background of the image, properly orienting the check for viewing, and providing color coded visual feedback to users about the quality of the image frame about the check, to name a few. |
| US09747500B2 |
Wearable retina/iris scan authentication system
A wearable retina/iris authentication system includes: a frame; a retina/iris scanner mounted to the frame for capturing images of a retina and/or an iris of a user; a mobile computing device, the mobile computing device including a memory for storing information about the user; a position determining device coupled to the mobile computing device for continuously determining a location of the user and providing the location to the mobile computing device; a display mounted to the frame and coupled to the mobile computing device for displaying information received from the mobile computing device; a database for storing information about one or more of a plurality of retina images and a plurality of iris images for matching with the captured images of one or more of the retina and the iris of the user; and a communication interface for comminuting with external systems remote to the wearable system. |
| US09747490B2 |
Cell size imaging
In the various embodiments, cell size imaging is performed using a method that relies upon the acquisition of gradient echo and spin echo data during contrast agent (CA) passage through tissue and estimation of “perturber” size using the ratio of ΔR2* and ΔR2. When measured at CA equilibrium, the magnetic field perturbations, and associated MRI signal changes, are determined by the cellular features and not the vasculature. Thus, in cell size imaging the cells act as the perturbers. |
| US09747485B2 |
Arrangement for and method of cleaning a platter of a product checkout workstation
A checkout workstation includes a generally planar platter having a contact region, a generally horizontal window integrated with the platter, a data capture arrangement for capturing through the horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a support structure for supporting the platter in a generally horizontal plane on a plurality of bottom supports during product checkout. The bottom supports are asymmetrically mutually arranged about a periphery of the platter to enable the platter to tilt to a tilted plane that is inclined relative to the horizontal plane when a downward force is exerted on the contact region of the platter for cleaning the horizontal window. |
| US09747482B2 |
Aimer accessory for capturing a coded image
An aimer accessory for a mobile device and method of use is provided. The accessory includes a body configured for being affixed to the mobile device. The body includes a collimator terminating with a grating disposed in a distal portion thereof. The grating is configured to receive light from a lamp of the mobile device and to generate a light pattern on the surface containing a barcode. Registration of the light pattern and the barcode in a scan area enhances the ability of the mobile device to capture a barcode image. Registration may be configured for blind or target mode scanning. In blind mode, the registration occurs on detection of the light pattern and barcode in a viewing angle of a camera of the mobile device. In target mode, the registration occurs on a detection of the light pattern hovering over the barcode in a viewing angle of the camera. |
| US09747473B2 |
Marking comprising two patterns on a surface
Marking comprising on a surface: a first pattern for coding a first numerical information item on said surface, the first pattern comprising a specific arrangement of a plurality of symbols belonging to a set of symbols, each symbol in the arrangement being intended for the coding of a portion of said numerical information item, each symbol including at least one differential pair of elements positioned in a specific way, each element having a parameter, the parameter of the first element of each differential pair having a first value and the parameter of the second element of each differential pair having a second value different from the first value, a second pattern for coding a second numerical information item on said surface, wherein the first and second pattern are adapted to be read under corresponding distinct first and second reading conditions. |
| US09747468B1 |
System and method for communication among mobile applications
Systems and methods for communication among mobile applications are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for a first mobile application and a second mobile application on a mobile device to share information includes (1) a first mobile application executed by a computer processor on a mobile device determining that a second mobile application is present on the mobile device; (2) receiving, from a user, permission for the first mobile application to access data from the second application; (3) the first application executed by the computer processor requesting data from the second application; and (4) the first application receiving the requested data from the second application. |
| US09747460B1 |
Systems and methods for data sharing and transaction processing for high security documents
Systems and methods for data sharing and transaction processing for high security documents are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method may include (1) at least one computer processor verifying that a sender of a document is authorized to send the document; (2) the at least one computer processor verifying that a receiver of the document is authorized to receive the document; (3) the at least one computer processor identifying at least one restriction to associate with the document; and (4) the at least one computer processor associating the at least one restriction with the document. |
| US09747449B2 |
Method and device for preventing application in an operating system from being uninstalled
Provided are a method and device for preventing the application in an operating system from being uninstalled. The method includes monitoring the operation executed for the application; determining whether the operation executed for the application is to uninstall the application; displaying at the client a prompt whether it is agreed to uninstall the application, if the operation executed for the application is to uninstall the application; the prompt whether it is agreed to uninstall the application may be displayed at the client after the operation executed for the application is determined to uninstall the application. Therefore, the method may prevent the malicious software from uninstalling maliciously, enhancing the security of the intelligent terminal. |
| US09747434B1 |
Authenticating with an external device by providing a message having message fields arranged in a particular message field order
A technique performs authentication with an external device. The technique involves receiving, by electronic circuitry, a messaging command. The technique further involves providing, by the electronic circuitry, a message to the external device in response to the messaging command. The message includes message fields which store message operating parameters e.g., Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) header fields containing HTTP operating parameters to form part of an HTTP transaction. The message fields of the message are arranged in a particular order to match an expected order during an order comparison operation performed by the external device to gauge authenticity of the message source. If the particular order matches the expected order, there is lower risk that the message source is fraudulent. However, if the particular order does not match the expected order, there is higher risk that the message source is fraudulent. |
| US09747432B1 |
Remotely enabling a disabled user interface of a wireless communication device
A communication control system to control access to a wireless communication device comprises a communication transceiver and a processing system. The communication transceiver is configured to receive access information for the wireless communication device indicating a user interface access level and a user notice, and receive an access request to access a disabled user interface of the wireless communication device. The processing system is configured to authenticate and authorize the access request, and in response to authenticating and authorizing the access request, generate user interface control data that indicates the user interface access level and the user notice for the wireless communication device. The communication transceiver is configured to transfer the user interface control data for delivery to the wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication device enables the user interface at the user interface access level and graphically displays the user notice responsive to the user interface control data. |
| US09747427B2 |
Storage device reader having security function and security method using thereof
Disclosed is a storage device reader for interfacing a storage device and a user terminal, which includes a storage unit and a control unit. The data storage unit stores reader recognition information uniquely assigned to the storage device reader. The control unit retrieves reader recognition information stored in the storage device, determines whether or not the retrieved reader recognition information matches reader recognition information stored in the data storage unit, and transferring a file list stored in the storage device to the user terminal if the retrieved reader recognition information matches the stored reader recognition information. |
| US09747416B2 |
Transactional storage system for healthcare information
Managing healthcare information data includes, on a computer, representing a state of a system based on the healthcare information, receiving a transaction representing a change to the system, changing the representation of the state of the system according to the transaction, and storing the transaction. |
| US09747401B2 |
Methods for modifying an integrated circuit layout design
A method for modifying an integrated circuit layout design includes providing an initial multiple-patterned circuit layout design comprising a first pattern exposure and a second pattern exposure; modifying the initial multiple-patterned circuit layout design by providing a subresolution assist feature to the first pattern exposure; determining whether the presence of any overlapping areas between the subresolution assist feature of the first pattern exposure and the second pattern exposure; and further modifying the initial multiple-patterned circuit layout design by: maintaining the size of any portion of the subresolution assist feature in the overlapping areas; and shrinking the size of any portion of the subresolution assist feature that is not in the overlapping areas. |
| US09747391B2 |
Method and device for designing a current supply and collection device for a transportation system using an electric vehicle
Provided is a method for designing a current supply device for wirelessly supplying power to a vehicle having a current collection device. In the design method, the gap between the two adjacent magnetic poles of the current supply device is received as input and then the gap between the current supply device and the current collection device is determined based on the gap between the two magnetic poles. Next, the magnitude of the power to be supplied to the current supply device is determined based on the value required with respect to the magnitude of the magnetic field and the gap between the current supply device and the current collection device. According to the design method, current supply device can easily be designed since various functional requirements are decoupled from each other. |
| US09747378B1 |
Linked web presence pages associated with a top level domain
A system for providing a directory service for generating web presence pages made available on a network may include a computer processor and memory having instructions stored thereon. The instructions may instruct the computer processor to parse registration information of a registrant domain name to obtain keywords and to search the network using the keywords for information about the registrant. Registrant information may be created based on information obtained, and a trusted web presence page may be generated. The trusted web presence page may include at least a first portion of the registrant information as read only content. A link may be created between a profile page and the trusted web presence page. The profile page may include at least a customizable second portion of the registrant information. The trusted web presence page may be published on the network. |
| US09747376B2 |
Identifying an item based on data associated with the item
There are provided methods and systems to identify an item based on data associated with the item. Information is received that is descriptive of an item to be listed on an information storage and retrieval platform. The information is associated with an aspect-value pair, which is an aspect of the item and a value of the aspect. An expression of an interest of a user in the item is received. The expression is associated with the aspect-value pair. In response to the associating of the expression with the aspect-value pair, the item is identified. |
| US09747373B2 |
Inquiry method and system, inquiry search server and inquiry terminal
The disclosure relates to the communication field and disclosures an inquiry method, an inquiry system, an inquiry search server and an inquiry terminal. The method includes that: after receiving an inquiry request from an inquiry terminal, an inquiry search server acquires a keyword related to the inquiry request, determines a given number of other inquiry terminals as a target inquiry terminal group according to the keyword and relevant information of the other inquiry terminals, and sends the inquiry request to each target inquiry terminal in the target inquiry terminal group. The disclosure enables the users of inquiry terminals to inquiry of each other about a question and to obtain a corresponding answer, which undoubtedly facilitates the operation of the users and contributes to promoting the technical solution of the disclosure, moreover, the disclosure truly pools the wisdom of the masses to achieve an excellent inquiry-and-answer effect. |
| US09747359B2 |
Using a database to translate a natural key to a surrogate key
A technique includes, in response to an access to a database involving access to a table and specifying a natural key, using the database to translate the natural key to a surrogate key based at least in part on a mapping. |
| US09747354B2 |
Systems and methods for publishing data through social media websites
Systems and methods and for publishing data on social media website(s) are disclosed. A system may include an identifier processing device for determining a device identifier (ID) of a computing device publishing a social media website. The device ID uniquely identifies the computing device in a network. The identifier processing device may be configured to extract data from the determined device identifier. The system may also include a tagging device for determining a unique identifier based on the extracted data. An identifier processing device of the system is configured to present a menu including options for customizing the unique identifier, customize the unique identifier based on a selection of option received from the user, and associate the customized unique identifier with user-generated data. A data publishing device of the system may publish the customized unique identifier along with the user-generated data through the social media website on the computing device. |
| US09747338B2 |
Runtime optimization for multi-index access
Optimization of a multi-index database access at runtime. A processor receives a query. A processor determines a plan and an RID results threshold for the plan, wherein the plan includes an access to the index. A processor determines a static risk threshold, a static risk for the access, and whether the static risk exceeds the static risk threshold. Responsive to the static risk exceeding the static risk threshold, a processor determines a risk bound for the access, and links the access to the risk bound. A processor accesses the index with the key. Responsive to the access being linked to a risk bound, a processor determines a dynamic risk for the access. A processor receives one or more RID results during the execution of the plan. A processor aborts the execution of the plan if a quantity of the RID results is less than the RID results threshold. |
| US09747333B2 |
Querying operating system state on multiple machines declaratively
A sysSQL technology for querying operating system states of multiple hosts in a cluster using a Structured Query Language (SQL) query is disclosed. An administrator of a cluster can use a graphical or text-based user interface to submit an SQL query to determine the operating system states of multiple hosts in parallel. The technology parses the SQL query to determine the datasets needed to execute the SQL query and aggregates those datasets from the multiple hosts. The technology then creates a temporary database to execute the SQL query and provides the results from the SQL query for display on the user interface. |
| US09747332B2 |
Audio playlist system and method
Information about desired songs is collected on a portable memory device in communication with a radio tuner. The radio tuner may receive signals from a terrestrial or satellite digital radio transmission, or from an analog radio transmission. These transmissions may include text data about the current song being played. Upon activation by a user, song data is stored on the memory device. The memory device is then connected to a computer system, which uses software to extract the song data and uniquely identify the song. The identified songs are stored on the computer system, and can be used to allow the user easy access to the identified song through prior art techniques. If no textual data is stored about a song, the song is identified by identifying the radio station that played the song and the time at which the user activated the mechanism. |
| US09747326B2 |
Non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores document evaluation program that evaluates consistency in document
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium that stores a document evaluation program executable by a computer in a document evaluation apparatus includes first program code that causes the computer to determine that a plurality of pages from each of which the same type of object has been detected are in the same group and to detect the plurality of pages in the same group from the document, second program code that causes the computer to evaluate consistency in the plurality of pages, in the same group, that have been detected by the first program code, and third program code that causes the computer to display an evaluation result obtained by the second program code. |
| US09747316B2 |
Search based on a relationship between log data and data from a real-time monitoring environment
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide the ability to organize, index, search, and present time series data based on searches. Time series data are sequences of time stamped records occurring in one or more usually continuous streams, representing some type of activity. In one embodiment, time series data is organized into discrete events with normalized time stamps and the events are indexed by time and keyword. A search is received and relevant event information is retrieved based in whole or in part on the time indexing mechanism, keyword indexing mechanism, or statistical indices calculated at the time of the search. |
| US09747312B2 |
Computer implemented method for creating database structures without knowledge on functioning of relational database system
Computer implemented methods for storing ad hoc relations between previously unrelated database objects assigned to different database structures using an electronic computing device are presented, the methods including: causing the electronic computing device to define at least three database structures: structure A, structure B and structure C, where each of the at least three database structures each includes a number of objects, where there exists at least one relation between objects of structure A and objects of structure B, and where there exists at least one relation between objects of structure B and objects of structure C; filtering data of structure A; accessing structure B using a first selected relation between structure A and structure B; storing information about filtering of structure A and information on a first selected path between structure A and structure B; filtering results obtained from structure B. |
| US09747310B2 |
Systems and methods of increasing database access concurrency using granular timestamps
A method reads and writes data from a database table. Each row in the table has a primary key and multiple non-key columns. Each non-key column has one or more column values, and each column value has an associated timestamp that identifies when the column value was stored. The timestamps associated with the column values in each non-key column provide a unique order for the column values. A read transaction is initiated to read from a first non-key column of a first row. A write transaction is in progress that is updating a second non-key column of the first row, where the second non-key column is distinct from the first non-key column. The write transaction holds a lock on the second non-key column of the first row. The method concurrently reads the data from the first non-key column and writes a new column value to the second non-key column. |
| US09747307B2 |
Systems and methods for immersive backgrounds
An immersive interactive system includes a platform with specialized panel(s) supporting placement of a static background scene and one or more displays; a play area proximal to the platform; an object recognizer to detect one or more items of interest on or near the play area; one or more sensors to detect one or more user activities on the platform; and a processor coupled to the one or more displays, wherein the processor correlates and serves video and optional audio to the one or more displays based on detected object activities and sensor data. |
| US09747306B2 |
Method and apparatus for identifying input features for later recognition
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses to recognize actors during normal system operation. The method includes defining actor input such as hand gestures, executing and detecting input, and identifying salient features of the actor therein. A model is defined from salient features, and a data set of salient features and/or model are retained, and may be used to identify actors for other inputs. A command such as “unlock” may be executed in response to actor input. Parameters may be applied to further define where, when, how, etc. actor input is executed, such as defining a region for a gesture. The apparatus includes a processor and sensor, the processor defining actor input, identifying salient features, defining a model therefrom, and retaining a data set. A display may also be used to show actor input, a defined region, relevant information, and/or an environment. A stylus or other non-human actor may be used. |
| US09747300B2 |
Local networked storage linked to remote networked storage system
Disclosed are various embodiments for local networked storage that is linked to a remote networked storage system. In a client application, it is determined whether a local networked storage system is accessible to the client through a local network. A file is sent to the local networked storage system over the local network for storage by the local networked storage system when the local networked storage system is determined to be accessible to the client through the local network. A file is sent to a remote networked storage system over a remote network for storage by the remote networked storage system in association with a user account when the local networked storage system is determined not to be accessible through the local network. |
| US09747281B2 |
Generating multi-language social network user profiles by translation
Techniques are provided to allow users of a social network to have multilingual profiles (or profiles in second languages that are different than the users' native, or original, profile languages). In one technique, a translation model is applied to one or more data items (in a first language) in a user's profile to generate translated data items in a second language. The translated data items are displayed to the user (or an online social “friend” of the user) and the user is allowed to select one of the translated data items to include in the user's “second language” profile. The selection may then be used to improve the translation model. |
| US09747274B2 |
String comparison results for character strings using frequency data
A similarity between character strings is assessed by identifying first and second character strings as candidate similar character strings, determining a frequency of occurrence for at least one of the first and second character strings from a collection of character strings, and designating the first and second character strings as similar based on the determined frequency of occurrence. |
| US09747267B2 |
Document editing synchronization
Document editing synchronization techniques are described. In one or more implementations, one or more inputs are received via a user interface to edit a first portion of a first document, the first portion of the first document corresponding to a first portion of a second document. Responsive to receipt of an input to begin editing of a second portion of the first document, correspondence in the user interface of the second portion of the first document is indicated to a second portion of the second document automatically and without user intervention. |
| US09747259B2 |
Searching, reviewing, comparing, modifying, and/or merging documents
Review, comparison, modification, and/or merging of multiple sources of data associated with media content are facilitated. Multiple documents can be simultaneously reviewed with a base document, and the changes or differences associated therewith can be flexibly reviewed, compared, accepted, and/or rejected to efficiently generate a new document having the changes or differences merged. Documents can be reviewed compared, modified, and/or merged based on sections of the base document. Efficient and selective search-and-replace of data associated with media content in files of various data sources or locations is thus enabled for a wide array of document tasks. |
| US09747258B2 |
System and method for the creation and use of visually-diverse high-quality dynamic layouts
A website building system, the system includes a layout database to store least one layout and an associated signature where the signature represents a semantic composition of the at least one layout, a page analyzer to at least generate an associated signature for a user supplied handled component set, a signature comparer to perform a comparison of the signature of the user supplied handled component set with the associated signature of the at least one layout stored on the layout database, a layout searcher and generator to acquire at least from the layout database a set of candidate layouts according to the results of the signature comparer and where the candidate layouts are visually different and semantically similar from the user supplied handled component set and a layout adapter and applier to adapt the handled component set to a selected layout from the set of candidate layouts. |
| US09747254B2 |
Method and apparatus for matching vehicle ECU programming to current vehicle operating conditions
Disclosed herein are techniques for implementing vehicle ECU reprograming, so the ECU programming, which plays a large role in vehicle performance characteristics, is tailored to current operational requirements, which may be different than the operational characteristics selected by the manufacturer when initially programming the vehicle ECU (or ECUs) with specific instruction sets, such as fuel maps. In one embodiment, a controller monitors the current operational characteristics of the vehicle, determines the current ECU programming, and determines if a different programming set would better suited to the current operating conditions. In the event that the current programming set should be replaced, the controller implements the ECU reprogramming. In a related embodiment, users are enabled to specify the ECU programming to change, such as changing speed limiter settings. |
| US09747248B2 |
Wireless communication system
A processing system is described that includes a wireless communication interface that wirelessly communicates with one or more wireless client devices in the vicinity of an establishment. The wireless communication interface receives a remote order corresponding to an item selected by at least one of the wireless client devices. A local server computer located in proximity to the establishment generates instructions for processing the remote order received from the wireless communication interface. The local server computer then passes the processing instructions to an order processing queue in preparation for processing of the remote order. |
| US09747239B2 |
Transaction filter for on-chip communications network
A transaction filter for an on-chip communications network is disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit (IC) include a number of functional circuit blocks, some of which may be placed in a sleep mode (e.g., power-gated). The IC also includes a number of transaction filters that are each associated with a unique one of the functional circuit blocks. Responsive to its associated functional circuit block generating a transaction, a given transaction filter may determine whether the functional circuit block to which the transaction is destined is in a sleep mode. If it is determined that the transaction is destined for a functional circuit block that is currently in the sleep mode, the transaction filter may block the transaction from being conveyed. |
| US09747237B2 |
Methods and apparatus for reliable detection and enumeration of devices
Methods and apparatus for reliable detection and enumeration of devices. In one embodiment, the controller comprises serialized bus protocol (e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB)) controller capable of supporting different bus architectures (e.g., USB 2.0 and USB 3.0) of the USB protocol (e.g., eXtensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) controller). In one variant, when a USB-compliant device is detected over multiple bus architectures of a controller, the controller waits an additional period to allow the device to properly identify which bus architecture to use. After the time period has elapsed, if the device has been determined to be connected over the USB 3.0 bus architecture, the controller waits an additional period of time before enumerating the device. If the device is still present on the USB 3.0 bus architecture, the device continues to enumerate as a USB 3.0 advice to be made available to a host system. |
| US09747233B2 |
Facilitating routing by selectively aggregating contiguous data units
A method for facilitation of aggregation of contiguous data packets, such as contiguous I/O adapter stores, is disclosed. Commensurate with receiving data packets to be written to a memory, multiple contiguous data units of the data packets are aggregated into an aggregated data block. The aggregated data block is validated for writing to memory responsive to either the aggregated data block reaching a size which with inclusion of a next contiguous data unit in the aggregated data block would result in the aggregated data block exceeding a configurable size limit, or a next data unit of the plurality of data units to be written to memory being non-contiguous with the multiple contiguous data units. |
| US09747226B2 |
Packet processing system, method and device to optimize packet buffer space
A buffer logic unit of a packet processing device that is configured to allocate single pages to two or more packets if the current packets stored on the page do not fully fill the single page and to store and maintain page slot specific page state data for each of the packet data stored on the pages. |
| US09747225B2 |
Interrupt controller
An interrupt controller includes a fabric slave that can receive MMIO operation requests, a plurality of output interrupt lines, a plurality of interrupt registers with each interrupt register corresponding to an output interrupt line, a MMIO routing circuit in communication with the fabric slave and the interrupt registers, a plurality of input interrupt lines for receiving line interrupts, and a line interrupt routing circuit in communication with the input interrupt lines and the interrupt registers. The interrupt registers store data for an interrupt that serves as an indication of the source of the interrupt and/or what task(s) need to be done for the interrupt. |
| US09747224B2 |
Method and apparatus for managing register port
Provided is a method of managing a register port, the method including performing scheduling on register ports that are used during a plurality of cycles to enable performing of a calculation; encoding data of the register ports according to results of the scheduling, the encoding of the data including, with respect to data of one of the register ports that does not have a schedule during one of the plurality of cycles, equally encoding the data of the one register port during the one cycle with data of an adjacent cycle of the one register port, the adjacent cycle being adjacent to the one cycle; and transmitting results of the encoding to a device that includes the register ports. |
| US09747216B2 |
Computer processor employing byte-addressable dedicated memory for operand storage
A computer processor including a first memory structure that operates over multiple cycles to temporarily store operands referenced by at least one instruction. A plurality of functional units performs operations that produce and access operands stored in the first memory structure. A second memory structure is provided, separate from the first memory structure. The second memory structure is configured as a dedicated memory for storage of operands copied from the first memory structure. The second memory structure is organized with a byte-addressable memory space and each operand stored in the second memory structure is accessed by a given byte address into the byte-addressable memory space. |
| US09747212B2 |
Virtual unifed instruction and data caches including storing program instructions and memory address in CAM indicated by store instruction containing bit directly indicating self modifying code
Execution of a store instruction to modify an instruction at a memory location identified by a memory address is requested. A cache controller stores the memory address and the modified data in an associative memory coupled to a data cache and an instruction cache. In addition, the modified data is stored in a second level cache without invalidating the memory location associated with the instruction cache. |
| US09747207B2 |
Crash-proof cache data protection method and system
The inventions disclosed herein provide a crash-proof cache data protection method and system. The cache data backup steps include: when power interruption unexpectedly occur, a preselected central processing unit receiving an interrupt request signal; querying to obtain index nodes of block devices corresponding to logical volume management volumes; according to the index nodes, acquiring a page needing to be stored in a flash memory; acquiring a buffer head in the page, and storing information of the buffer head and buffer data corresponding to the buffer head into the flash memory, and generating backup data. The cache data recovery steps include: acquiring the backup data which includes an unique ID of the block device and a logic block ID; calculating the block address of the backup data needing to be recovered using the logic block ID, querying a logic volume path of the block addresses in a volume database according to a unique identifier, and writing the backup data into the block addresses in a mode of a virtual file system so as to recover cache data. |
| US09747192B2 |
Automated operating system installation on multiple drives
Technologies are provided herein for automated operating system installation on multiple drives. A device switch connects a mass storage device to a test control system (“TCS”) or a system under test (“SUT”). When connected to the TCS, the mass storage device is mounted with a disk image containing an installer program for an operating system. When the mass storage device is connected to the SUT, the installer program is executed to install the operating system onto an activated drive connected to the SUT. Multiple operating systems can be installed in a similar fashion by mounting a corresponding disk image for an operating system onto the mass storage device and by installing from the mass storage device the operating system onto a corresponding drive connected to the SUT. Errors generated during the automated installation process can be analyzed and utilized to identify and correct errors in a computing system firmware. |
| US09747185B2 |
Acceleration benefit estimator
Technologies related to acceleration benefit estimation are generally described. In some examples, data centers may identify applications that may benefit from Programmable Hardware Accelerators (PHAs), and test the identified applications by running accelerated versions thereof, i.e., versions that use one or more identified PHAs, and comparing performance of the accelerated versions to reference versions, i.e., versions that do not use the one or more identified PHAs. Data centers may report comparison results may be reported to data center customers to encourage customer adoption of PHAs. |
| US09747179B2 |
Data management agent for selective storage re-caching
A data management agent for selective storage re-caching is described. A data management agent with an inter-agent communication link and protocol updates a volume on a primary storage area network connected to the data management agent. The primary storage area network mirrors the update to the volume over a first connection to a corresponding volume on a recovery storage area network. The data management agent further transmits a notification of the update to the volume over a second connection to a recovery data management agent connected to the recovery storage area network. Upon receiving the notification, the recovery data management agent scans only the corresponding volume and selectively refreshes its cached information for the corresponding volume. |
| US09747177B2 |
Data storage system employing a hot spare to store and service accesses to data having lower associated wear
A controller monitors access frequencies of address ranges mapped to a data storage array. Based on the monitoring, the controller identifies frequently accessed ones of the address ranges that have lower associated wear, for example, those that are read more often than written. In response to the identifying, the controller initiates copying of a dataset associated with the identified address ranges from the data storage array to a spare storage device while refraining from copying other data from the data storage array onto the spare storage device. The controller directs read input/output operations (IOPs) targeting the identified address ranges to be serviced by access to the spare storage device. In response to a failure of a failed storage device among the plurality of primary storage devices, the controller rebuilds contents of the failed storage device on the spare storage device in place of the dataset associated with the identified address ranges. |
| US09747168B2 |
Data block based backup
The present invention relates to a data block based backup method for a data management system. The data management system comprises a file system that controls access by a database application to at least one database container file stored the data management system. The data management system further comprises a backup client that is connected to a remote backup server, whereby a first version of the database container file is saved in the backup server and a first inode containing information on data blocks of the first version of the database container file. The method may include creating a change tracking table for at least the database container file and adding an entry in the change tracking table, whereby the entry has an indication of the respective data block in association with an information indicating the type of the access. |
| US09747167B2 |
Persistency free architecture
System and method for persistency free management of media storage including, during routine operation: continuously receiving streams of data; storing the streams of data in corresponding files in a non-volatile storage; including in the files a tag indicating whether the file is categorized as active or inactive; and when recovering from a crash: generating a list of active files by scanning the files and identifying active files. System and method for recovering after controller crash may include: during routine operation: continuously handling by the controller processes related to media metadata, by sending commands to a controlled device; sending state parameters related to the processes to the controlled device; and when recovering from the crash: retrieving the state parameters from the controlled device. |
| US09747161B2 |
Signal processing device, magnetic information playback device, and signal processing method
The invention provides a signal processing device, including: an extraction section that extracts, from an input digital signal, a decoding target signal at an extraction timing that has been determined as a timing for extracting the decoding target signal; a decoding section that decodes the decoding target signal by estimating, by a maximum likelihood decoding, a candidate for a decoding result of the decoding target signal extracted by the extraction section and detecting a maximum likelihood decoding result; and an adjustment section that adjusts the extraction timing using a likelihood of the candidate for the decoding result estimated by the decoding section. |
| US09747158B1 |
Intelligent refresh of 3D NAND
A method for processing blocks of flash memory to decrease raw bit errors from the flash memory is provided. The method includes identifying one or more blocks of the flash memory for a refresh operation and writing information regarding the identified blocks, to a data structure. The method includes issuing background reads to the identified blocks, according to the data structure, as the refresh operation. The method may be embodied on a computer readable medium. In some embodiments the background reads may be based on a time based refresh responsive to an increase in raw bit error count in the flash memory over time. |
| US09747150B2 |
Two stage log normalization
An approach for two stage log normalization is provided. The approach retrieves a message format and a plurality of parameters from one or more log files. The approach determines a classification for one or more first sequence files, wherein the one or more first sequence files includes the message format from the one or more log files. The approach determines a classification of error for the one or more first sequence files. The approach determines whether there is a high confidence in the classification of error for the one or more first sequence files. The approach determines whether there is an improvement in confidence in the classification of error from one or more second sequence files, wherein the one or more second sequence files includes the message format and the plurality of parameters from the one or more log files. |
| US09747144B2 |
Function processing apparatus and function processing method dynamically process network function using commands
There are provided a function processing apparatus and function processing method dynamically process network function using commands. A function processing apparatus includes a communication unit for performing communication with at least one user interface and at least one software component, and a controller for, if first command related information is received from the at least one software component, forming a command tree on the basis of the first command related information and transmitting the first command related information to the at least one user interface, and, if second command related information is received from at least one user interface, transmitting the second command related information to a software component corresponding to the second command related information. |
| US09747142B2 |
Method for centralizing events for a multilevel hierarchical computer management system
A method for centralizing events for a multilevel hierarchical computer management system, the system including a plurality of source equipments generating events and a plurality of event collectors per level, the method including selecting by an upper level collector a lower level collector according to operational parameters and/or a link quality of service of the lower level collector; receiving by the collector the events from the selected lower level collector; periodically verifying if the selected collector is available and if not repeating the selection step; and comparing by the upper level collector its events with those from the unselected lower level collectors and receiving from one of these unselected lower level collectors the events that are different. |
| US09747137B2 |
System and method for providing a partition file system in a multitenant application server environment
In accordance with an embodiment, described herein is a system and method for providing a partition file system in a multitenant application server environment. The system enables application server components to work with partition-specific files for a given partition, instead of or in addition to domain-wide counterpart files. The system also allows the location of some or all of a partition-specific storage to be specified by higher levels of the software stack. In accordance with an embodiment, also described herein is a system and method for resource overriding in a multitenant application server environment, which provides a means for administrators to customize, at a resource group level, resources that are defined in a resource group template referenced by a partition, and to override resource definitions for particular partitions. |
| US09747133B2 |
Enhanced availability for message services
An enhanced availability environment for facilitating a message service provided by a plurality of service elements is disclosed herein. The enhanced availability environment comprises a monitoring element and an enhanced availability element. The monitoring element monitors a first service element of the plurality of service elements for a monitored characteristic, generates monitoring information corresponding to the monitored characteristic, and communicates the monitoring information to the enhanced availability element. The enhanced availability element determines an availability of the first service element for the message service based at least in part on the monitoring information and an availability characteristic of the first service element, and communicates the availability to initiate an availability action. |
| US09747127B1 |
Worldwide distributed job and tasks computational model
Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, an apparatus, and a computer program product for performing file system activities across administrative boundaries between a plurality of file systems. The method includes receiving a worldwide job to perform on a plurality of file systems, managing the worldwide job, and receiving results of the worldwide job from the plurality of file systems. |
| US09747114B2 |
Information processing apparatus, boot up method, and computer-readable storage medium storing boot up program
A SBSP writes a log into a spad in a log processor and the writing of the log from the spad to a serial port is performed by the log processor. When initialization of a main memory has been completed, the log processor temporarily writes the data read from the spad into a logmem and then clears the spad. Furthermore, when an output of the log performed by the log processor has been completed, the SBSP adds, in cooperation with the BIOS and the OS, the log processor and the logmem as the resources. |
| US09747109B2 |
Flexible instruction execution in a processor pipeline
Executing instructions in a processor includes analyzing operations to be performed by instructions, including: determining a latency associated with a first operation to be performed by a first instruction, determining a second operation to be performed by a second instruction, where a result of the second operation depends on a result of the first operation, and assigning a value to the second instruction corresponding to the determined latency associated with the first operation. One or more instructions are selected to be issued together in the same clock cycle of the processor from among instructions whose operations have been analyzed, the selected instructions occurring consecutively according to a program order. A start of execution of the second instruction is delayed by a particular number of clock cycles after the clock cycle in which the second instruction is issued according to the value assigned to the second instruction. |
| US09747101B2 |
Gather-op instruction to duplicate a mask and perform an operation on vector elements gathered via tracked offset-based gathering
Instructions and logic provide vector scatter-op and/or gather-op functionality. In some embodiments, responsive to an instruction specifying: a gather and a second operation, a destination register, an operand register, and a memory address; execution units read values in a mask register, wherein fields in the mask register correspond to offset indices in the indices register for data elements in memory. A first mask value indicates the element has not been gathered from memory and a second value indicates that the element does not need to be, or has already been gathered. For each having the first value, the data element is gathered from memory into the corresponding destination register location, and the corresponding value in the mask register is changed to the second value. When all mask register fields have the second value, the second operation is performed using corresponding data in the destination and operand registers to generate results. |
| US09747097B2 |
Devices, systems and methods for segmented device behavior
Device segmentation systems and methods enable devices to be manufactured and placed into the stream of commerce without customization for a particular retailer. The customization occurs at a later point in time when the device is activated after sale. This allows devices to be transferred among retailers without the additional expense of re-customizing the device. |
| US09747095B1 |
System and method for automated content and software migration
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a system and method for migrating application and packages configured for a first version of a configuration manager to a second version of the configuration manager. The method prepares the packages and applications for migration from the first version of the configuration manager to the second version of the configuration manager using a Migration Preparation Engine. The package comprises at least one program. The application comprises at least one deployment type record. The method migrates the package and associated at least one program as well as the application and associated at least one deployment type record from the first version of the configuration manager to the second version of the configuration manager using the using the Migration Execution Engine. The method stores a migration record in a computer memory to record the migration of the package and application. |
| US09747091B1 |
Isolated software installation
A technology to isolate user software installations is described. A package database of software packages is maintained. A file system for a user account is isolated by setting a root directory of a file system hierarchy in the file system to be a user directory structure for the user account. A software package is installed from the package database into the user directory structure by linking files from the package database into the user directory structure. |
| US09747087B2 |
Variable inference system and method for software program
A variable inference system and a variable inference method for a software program are provided. The variable inference system and method calculate a first variable type output corresponding to an unknown variable for a plurality of first basic blocks of a software program. The variable inference system and method calculate a second variable type input corresponding to the unknown variable for a second basic block of the software program. The variable inference system and method calculate a second variable type generation when the second basic block includes a primitive instruction corresponding to the unknown variable. The variable inference system and method calculate a second variable type kill. The variable inference system and method calculate a second variable output corresponding to the unknown variable for the second basic block according to the second variable type input, the second variable type generation and the second variable type kill. |
| US09747086B2 |
Transmission point pattern extraction from executable code in message passing environments
Extractable annotations are created and stored for different transmission points. In some instances, this occurs during compiling. One type of transmission point is a message being passed to another process. Once the transmission point is identified, a pattern defining output for the transmission point is then identified. A first extractable annotation defining the first patter is then created and stored for subsequent use. |
| US09747083B1 |
Home device application programming interface
The present disclosure contemplates a variety of improved methods and systems for enabling developers to program and control a variety of disparate devices coupled to the framework and/or ambient operating system. The Home API can expose operation of the devices in a natural and intuitive manner, facilitating control of unknown devices by high-level commands. |
| US09747079B2 |
Method and system of software specification modeling
According to some embodiments, a system includes a communication device operative to communicate with a user to obtain the one or more requirements associated with a specification model for a semantic module; a semantic module to receive the one or more requirements, store the one or more requirements and transform the one or more requirements into a semantic model; a specification module to receive the semantic model, store the semantic model, translate the semantic model and generate a specification model; a memory for storing program instructions; at least one specification model platform processor, coupled to the memory, and in communication with the specification module and the semantic module and operative to execute program instructions to: transform the one or more requirements into a semantic model by executing the semantic module; translate the semantic model into a graphical model by executing the specification module; and modify the graphical model by executing the specification module to generate the specification model; and generate a specification model that is human-readable and computer-readable for use in software design. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US09747073B2 |
Floating point unit with support for variable length numbers
Embodiments of a processor are disclosed for performing arithmetic operations on a machine independent number format. The processor may include a floating point unit, and a number unit. The number format may include a sign/exponent block, a length block, and multiple mantissa digits. The number unit may be configured to perform an operation on two operands by converting the digit format of each mantissa digit of each operand, to perform the operation using the converted mantissa digits, and then to convert each mantissa digit of the result of the operation back into the original digit format. |
| US09747072B2 |
Context-aware notifications
Systems and approaches are provided for presenting incoming notifications to a computing device based on a determined context of the computing device. Various sensors of the device can be used to determine the context of the device with respect to a user, the state of the device itself, or the context of the device with respect to the environment in which the device is situated. The user can then be informed of received notifications in a manner likely to get the user's attention while not being overly obtrusive to the user or others within the vicinity of the user. |
| US09747071B2 |
Direct selection of audio source
When an indication is received from a user input, a name of an audio source from an ordered list of audio sources to which a headset is currently connected is output. Whenever a successive indication is received within a predefined amount of time, the name of the next wireless audio source in the list is output. If the next wireless audio source in the list is the last wireless audio source in the list, and the successive indication from the user input is received before the elapsed time exceeds the predefined value, the name of the audio source to which the headset is currently connected is output as the next selected wireless audio source in the list. When an amount of time greater than the predefined value elapses without a successive indication from the user input, the last wireless audio source that had its name output is connected. |
| US09747061B2 |
Recording medium that stores printing program for instructing image forming apparatus of print job based on variable print data
A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium stores a printing program for executing on a computer. The printing program causes the computer to function as an available capacity determining circuit and a print data transmitting circuit. The available capacity determining circuit determines an available capacity available for a print job in a storage device of the image forming apparatus. The print data transmitting circuit transmits print data to the image forming apparatus, the print data being adapted to the available capacity determined by the available capacity determining circuit. The print data transmitting circuit converts the variable print data into print data without the reuse data and transmits the converted print data to the image forming apparatus in a specific case where the available capacity is less than the variable printing capacity. |
| US09747056B1 |
Dynamic partitioning for tape medium
The present invention provides a method of partitioning a tape medium dynamically by using a new method of writing data. It enables users to change size of the partitions later and to use all capacity of a tape efficiently. When a tape is divided into partitions, data is written in such a manner that the wraps are written in the partitions of the data band alternately in the forward direction and in the backward direction on the data band from the different sides of the data band toward the inside of the data band (W1,W2,W3 . . . ) and the location (C) at which the wrap (Wm) of the one partition collides with the wrap (Wn) of the other partition is defined as the demarcation (PB) of these partitions (P0,P1). |
| US09747051B2 |
Cluster-wide memory management using similarity-preserving signatures
A method includes, in a computing system that includes one or more compute nodes that run clients, defining memory chunks, each memory chunk including multiple memory pages accessed by a respective client. Respective similarity-preserving signatures are computed for one or more of the memory chunks. Based on the similarity-preserving signatures, an identification is made that first and second memory chunks differ in content in no more than a predefined number of memory pages with at least a predefined likelihood. Efficiency of access to the identified first and second memory chunks is improved. |
| US09747050B2 |
Method, apparatus, and controller for managing storage array
A method and a controller for managing a storage array is presented. The storage array is divided into a first subset of storage devices and a second subset of storage devices according to degrees of wear of storage devices, such that a degree of wear of each of storage device in the first subset is greater than or equal to a degree of wear of any storage device in the second subset, and then, to-be-written data are written into the physical storage devices in the first subset. Therefore, service lives of storage devices in the second subset may be extended relatively by shortening service lives of storage devices in the first subset. |
| US09747039B1 |
Reservations over multiple paths on NVMe over fabrics
A method includes receiving, by a storage drive and from a storage controller, a modified first reservation command including a first logical unit identifier. The first reservation command includes a first host identifier to identify a first host controller was previously received by the storage controller from the first host controller. The first reservation command was modified by the storage controller to replace the first host identifier with the first logical unit identifier. The method also includes responsive to receiving the modified first reservation command, identifying, by the storage drive, a first logical unit of storage based on the first logical unit identifier of the modified reservation command. The method includes granting, by the storage drive, a reservation for access to the storage drive on behalf of the first host controller by associating the reservation for the first logical unit with a second logical unit of storage. |
| US09747034B2 |
Orchestrating management operations among a plurality of intelligent storage elements
An apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a data storage system having a group of processor-controlled intelligent storage elements (ISEs). Each ISE in the group individually includes storage resources and a network interface. The storage resources of all the ISEs in the group collectively define a field of storage (FoS). A portion of the FoS is addressable by a remote device or by another ISE via the respective ISE's network interface. An ISE FoS structure (ISEFoS) is individually stored in nonvolatile memory within each of the ISEs in the group. Each ISEFoS contains parametric data pertaining to every ISE in the group. Orchestration logic executed by one of the ISEs of the group (a recipient ISE), in response to the recipient ISE receiving a storage management operation request via the network interface, queries the recipient ISE's ISEFoS in order to optimally determine which ISE in the group to use in executing the storage management operation request. |
| US09747029B2 |
Apparatus including memory management control circuitry and related methods for allocation of a write block cluster
Memory system controllers can include non-volatile memory control circuitry including a plurality of channel control circuits. Each of the plurality of channel control circuits can be configured to be coupled to a respective number of logical units (LUNs). Memory management circuitry can be coupled to the non-volatile memory control circuitry and configured to allocate a write block cluster for host writes based on an information width of a host bus and a protocol of the host bus. The write block cluster can include one block from fewer than all of the LUNs. |
| US09747023B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method thereof
An image obtained by capturing a gesture input region is acquired, and an object that makes a gesture is detected from the image. An intersection position at which the detected object crosses a determination region used to determine the position of the object with respect to the gesture input region is detected from the image. The base position of the gesture made by the object is computed based on the intersection position. The position of a target of manipulation by the gesture is determined as a manipulation target position. A gesture coordinate system different from the coordinate system of the image is determined based on the base position and the manipulation target position. |
| US09747015B2 |
Efficient display of content on wearable displays
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for displaying information in various display regions within wearable display devices in a manner that enhances user experience. The wearable display devices may include a flexible display region and may be capable of operating in a wrinkled state. In one aspect, a wearable display device includes a plurality of sensors configured to determine the state of the display. The sensors may, for example, be configured to detect pressure, light, and/or deformation. In some aspects, the device includes a processor configured to provide image data to the display. In some aspects, the processor is capable of changing at least one characteristic of the image data provided to the display based at least in part on input received from the sensors. For example, the processor may re-size an image and/or deactivate a portion of the display. |
| US09747014B2 |
Method and apparatus for a slider interface element
A method comprising determining to provide for adjustment of a first setting, causing display of a first curvilinear slider interface element that relates to a value of the first setting, receiving an indication of a drag input associated with the first curvilinear slider interface element, causing adjustment movement of the selection point relative to the curvilinear slider interface element in proportion to the drag input, and determining a value of the first setting is based, at least in part, on a position of the first selection point relative to curvilinear slider interface element is disclosed. |
| US09747000B2 |
Launching applications on an electronic device
In some examples, an electronic device may offload an application to a network storage. For instance, the application, associated application data, and/or saved application state information may be deleted from the electronic device. Subsequently, an application launcher may present a launcher user interface (UI) on a display associated with the electronic device. The launcher UI may include a first set of application representations corresponding to applications offloaded from the electronic device, and a second set of application representations corresponding to applications currently installed on the electronic device. In response to receiving a selection of one of the representations from the first set via the launcher UI, the selected application may be onloaded onto the electronic device. Further, in some cases, the electronic device may receive from the network storage at least one of the application data or the application state information for the onloaded application. |
| US09746992B1 |
Systems and methods for providing dynamic page indicators
In an example implementation, a method includes outputting, for display at a display device, a first content item and a first group of content indicators being of a first quantity. The method also includes outputting, for display, a second group of content indicators being of a second quantity, such that the first and second groups are visually separated by at least one graphical element. The method includes, responsive to receiving an indication of a request to display a second content item, outputting, for display, an updated first group of content indicators of a third quantity that is one fewer than the first quantity and outputting, for display, an updated second group of content indicators of a fourth quantity that is one more than the second quantity. The method also includes outputting, for display at the display device, the second content item. |
| US09746991B2 |
Device, method, and graphical user interface for navigating and displaying content in context
An electronic device displays one or more thumbnails. The device detects a first multi-contact gesture that includes movement of a first contact and a second contact; and, in response to detecting the first multi-contact gesture, the device displays content associated with a respective thumbnail and enlarges the content associated with the respective thumbnail to a respective enlarged size in accordance with the first multi-contact gesture. The device detects termination of the first multi-contact gesture; and, in response to detecting termination of the first multi-contact gesture: when a resizing metric based on the first multi-contact gesture is below a predefined threshold, the device ceases to display the content at the respective enlarged size; and, when the resizing metric based on the first multi-contact gesture is above the predefined threshold, the device displays the content on the display in a predefined arrangement. |
| US09746981B2 |
System and method for multiple object detection on a digitizer system
A digitizer system comprises at least one object incorporating an electronic tag configured for radiating at least one modulated signal and at least one second signal; a digitizer sensor configured for detecting the at least one second signal while the object is positioned on or over the digitizer sensor; and circuitry configured for identifying the object based on modulation of the at least one modulated signal and for determining a position of the object on or over the digitizer based on the detected second signal on a portion of the digitizer sensor. |
| US09746974B2 |
Providing a baseline capacitance for a capacitance sensing channel
A capacitance-sensing circuit may include a channel input associated with measuring a capacitance of a unit cell of a capacitive sense array. The capacitance-sensing circuit may also include a capacitive hardware baseliner that is coupled to the channel input. The capacitive hardware baseliner may generate a baseline current using a baseline capacitor and may provide the baseline current to the channel input. |
| US09746968B1 |
Touch screen display with tactile feedback using transparent actuator assemblies
The present invention provides a module or system and a method that includes: 1) a transparent screen assembly containing an actuator layer lying between two layers of transparent multiple line electrodes, where one electrode layer of forms lines in the x-direction layer and the other electrode layer forms lines in the y-direction; and 2) a controller that is connected to these electrodes. The system and method of the present invention provides: 1) multiple touch sensing on or near a surface of the transparent screen and 2) simultaneous high resolution tactile feedback across the same surface. |
| US09746967B2 |
Concurrent touch and negative pixel scan
A concurrent touch and negative pixel scan performed at a touch panel is disclosed. The concurrent scan can include sensing an object proximate to the touch panel and sensing a negative pixel effect, based the object's grounding condition, at the touch panel, at the same time. As a result, sense signals indicative of the proximity of the object and coupling signals indicative of the negative pixel effect's magnitude can be captured concurrently. Because the negative pixel effect can cause errors or distortions in the sense signals, the coupling signals can be used to compensate the sense signals for the negative pixel effect. |
| US09746966B2 |
Touch detection apparatus, touch detection method, and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium
A touch detection apparatus including a first camera configured to capture a plurality of first images, a second camera configured to capture a plurality of second images, a memory, and a processor configured to detect a plurality of first positions corresponding to a tip of the finger in the plurality of first images, obtain a plurality of second positions in the plurality of second images corresponding to the plurality of first positions, calculate a plurality of third positions based on the plurality of first positions and the plurality of second positions, the plurality of third positions being positions in real space of the tip of the finger, determine whether or not a calculated feature value calculated based on the plurality of third positions satisfies a condition, and determine that an action of touching an object has been performed when the calculated feature value satisfies the condition. |
| US09746963B2 |
Detection method using capacitive sensor, and electronic device
A basic scan executing a bare-hand scan for determining whether or not an electrode of a capacitive sensor is manipulated with a bare hand and a gloved-hand scan for determining whether or not the electrode is manipulated with a gloved hand is executed, thereby determining which of the bare hand and the gloved hand the electrode is manipulated with. This detection method reduces erroneous detection of the capacitive sensor. |
| US09746960B2 |
Handling of electromagnetic interference in an electronic apparatus
The present invention provides a control module and a method operable in a touch-sensitive apparatus for measuring noise, wherein the touch-sensitive apparatus comprises a touch-sensitive module having a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes that intersect in multiple regions of the touch sensitive module, said method comprising the steps of: disconnecting the first electrodes from a driving voltage source; and acquiring a plurality of voltage values of noise by measuring a plurality of voltage signals associated with the second electrodes over a plurality of measurement cycles at a predetermined operating frequency during the first electrodes without a driving voltage. |
| US09746949B2 |
Electronic device for efficiently performing data transmission and method for controlling the same
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a display device includes a plurality of first electrodes arranged in a matrix form, second electrodes opposite to the first electrodes, the second electrodes including a plurality of electrode patterns extending in a first direction and aligned in a second direction to cross the first direction, and third electrodes opposite to the second electrodes, the third electrodes including a plurality of electrode patterns extending in the second direction and aligned in the first direction, a display driver applying a sensor drive signal to the second electrodes, a detection circuit transmitting a detection data including physical quantity data detected from the plurality of electrode patterns of the third electrodes at each time when the sensor drive signal is applied to the second electrodes, and an application processor processing the detection data received from the detection circuit. |
| US09746945B2 |
Integrating sensation functionalities into a mobile device using a haptic sleeve
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable media for integrating sensation functionalities into a mobile device using a haptic sleeve are presented. According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, a computing device may receive, via a haptic sleeve, sensation input captured by one or more haptic components of the haptic sleeve. Subsequently, the computing device may store haptic data corresponding to the received sensation input. For example, in storing such haptic data, the computing device may store information describing one or more electrical signals received via the one or more haptic components of the haptic sleeve during a period of time corresponding to a particular event, and this stored information may reflect various characteristics of the sensation input received by the computing device in connection with the particular event, such as the magnitude(s), position(s), duration, and/or type(s) of sensation(s) captured during the period of time. |
| US09746938B2 |
Exclusive view keyboard system and method
A secure computer keyboard system utilizes a mobile device in conjunction with a keyboard device to provide secure keyboard entry in a public place. An application on the mobile device produces a mapping of characters to character codings, and displays to the user a key such as a modified keyboard showing the mapping. The keyboard device receives input keystrokes from the user representing the codings and transmits the keystrokes back to the mobile device or to a server. The mobile device or server decodes the keystrokes using the mapping. |
| US09746926B2 |
Techniques for gesture-based initiation of inter-device wireless connections
Techniques for gesture-based device connections are described. For example, a method may comprise receiving video data corresponding to motion of a first computing device, receiving sensor data corresponding to motion of the first computing device, comparing, by a processor, the video data and the sensor data to one or more gesture models, and initiating establishment of a wireless connection between the first computing device and a second computing device if the video data and sensor data correspond to gesture models for the same gesture. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09746915B1 |
Methods and systems for calibrating a device
Examples of methods and systems for providing calibration for eye gesture recognition are described. In some examples, calibration can be executed via a head-mountable device. A method for calibration of a system may account for changes in orientation of the head-mountable device, update recognition of the eye gestures, or increase efficiency of the system, for example. The head-mountable device may be configured to receive signals indicative of eye gestures from an eye gesture-detection system and in response to receiving a second command confirming that the signal is indicative of an eye gesture command, to make adjustments to the eye gesture recognition system and/or the reference signals. The head-mountable device may calibrate an eye gesture recognition system via implicit or explicit calibration, for example. |
| US09746913B2 |
Secured mobile maintenance and operator system including wearable augmented reality interface, voice command interface, and visual recognition systems and related methods
Secured remote maintenance, configuration management, and systems engineering apparatuses and methods including wearable augmented reality (AR) interface systems are provided. Embodiments can support secure and remote configuration setting changes (CSC) to a system or subsystem of interest (SSoI) using a head mounted device (HMD), a camera, a visual interface section, and a processing section including a plurality of processing instructions operable to operate a command input (CI) interface using one or more user command input CIs (e.g. voice or motion/gesture input recognition) using a secure user authentication systems. HMD machine vision and pattern recognition systems visually identify a SSoI, displaying a 3D model(s) of the SSoI on the HMD's visual interface using the AR interface system, obtaining a plurality of SSoI data, and displaying one or more of the SSoI data in relation to the 3D model on the HMD visual interface to support various tasks including CI directed CSCs. |
| US09746912B2 |
Transformations for virtual guest representation
Systems and methods that provide for a virtual reality entertainment system that supplies immersive entertainment and creates a sensation for a user similar to having guests in a remote location to be physically present as virtual guests. Such virtual reality entertainment system can supply a graphic and/or audio; wherein interconnected computers, video and audio processing devices, supply a live interaction between a user and a guest(s). Although guests are only present virtually (e.g., electronically present with other objects/user within the environment) such virtual invitation enables a user and guests to concurrently experience the entertainment together (e.g., a live sporting event, spectator game). In a related aspect, the subject innovation can implement holographic avatars, and a plurality of communication interfaces, to imitate (and/or transform) a relationship between the user and the virtual guests/surrounding environment. |
| US09746909B2 |
Computer program product and a node implementing power management by associated power management controllers based on distributed node power consumption and priority data
It is determined that a current node power consumption for a node is greater than a node power cap that defines a limit of power consumption for the node. Responsive to the current node power consumption being greater than the node power cap and until the current node power consumption is less than the node power cap, power reduction operations are performed. The power reduction operations comprise determining a power management zone of a plurality of power management zones having a lowest priority among the power management zones and having a power cap greater than a minimum power cap for the power management zone. The power reduction operations further comprise setting the power cap for the power management zone to a value less than a prior value assigned as the power cap for the power management zone. |
| US09746897B2 |
Method for controlling a multi-core central processor unit of a device establishing a relationship between device operational parameters and a number of started cores
A method for controlling a central processor unit (CPU) of an electronic device includes establishing a corresponding relationship among operational parameters of the electronic device and a number of started cores of the CPU. Current operational parameters of the electronic device are acquired. The number of started cores of the CPU corresponding to the current operational parameters is adjusted based on the corresponding relationship. Then, the CPU is controlled to run with the adjusted number of started cores. |
| US09746888B2 |
Uniform flow heat sink
A uniform flow heat sink is described that is configured to employ variable spacing for air flow channels to account for non-uniformities in air flow due to arrangements of components within a housing of a computing device. Non-uniformities may be ascertained by analysis of an air flow profile for a computing device to detect regions of high and low flow. Air flow rates for the computing device may be balanced by configuring air flow channel spacing for the heat sink to vary around a perimeter of the heat sink and account for the ascertained non-uniformities. Air flow channel spacing may be controlled by changing the concentration, spacing, pitch, positioning and/or other characteristics of heat transfer surfaces associated with the heat sink. Generally, air flow channel spacing is increased in areas of high system impedance and decreased in areas of low system impedance to increase uniformity of flow. |
| US09746884B2 |
Stretchable display device
A stretchable display device includes a stretchable display that changes between extended and retracted states, a slider surrounding an edge of the stretchable display and having a variable length, and a cover that includes a plurality of unit bodies surrounding an outer surface of the slider. |
| US09746881B2 |
Apparatus for port expansion
A port expansion dock for a mobile electronic device comprises a housing, a connector positioned within the housing and configured to be connected to the mobile electronic device, and at least one video output port positioned within the housing and configured for a first connection to a first peripheral device. |
| US09746876B2 |
Drift compensation for a real time clock circuit
Implementations of the present disclosure involve an apparatus and/or method for adjusting a counter in a computing system to account for drift of the counter value over time compared to another counter of the system. In particular, a processor of the computing system that includes a local counter component may access a counter component of another processor of the system, referred to as the reference counter. By comparing the value of the reference counter to the local counter, the processor may determine any drift that may have occurred over a period of time in the local counter. The calculated drift, or counter error, may be converted into one or more adjustments to the local counter to synchronize the local counter with the reference counter. In one embodiment, the adjustment to the local counter includes increasing the rate at which the local counter is incremented for a period of time. |
| US09746871B2 |
Noise canceling current mirror circuit for improved PSR
A current mirror circuit provides a current to drive a load. A noise cancelling circuit is provided to keep the load current constant in spite of variations in the supply voltage. The noise cancelling circuit includes an auxiliary current path which branches from the load current path. The length-to-width ratios of transistors of the circuit are selected to provide the desired noise cancellation while maintaining device stability. |
| US09746870B2 |
Semiconductor device including a constant voltage generation unit
A semiconductor device includes: a voltage generation unit that generates a first voltage having a first temperature characteristic; a constant voltage generation unit that generates a constant voltage; and an adjustment unit that generates a second voltage having a second temperature characteristic and a third voltage having a third temperature characteristic using the first voltage and the constant voltage. The constant voltage generation unit generates the constant voltage independently of the adjustment unit. One of the second and third temperature characteristics is an opposite characteristic to the first temperature characteristic. The device can also include a control unit that selects one of the second and third voltages in response to a predetermined setting value. |
| US09746866B2 |
Control circuit and control system
One embodiment of the present application discloses a control circuit comprising a driving circuit which comprises a voltage adjusting circuit, a first transistor and a second transistor. The first transistor comprises: a first terminal; a second terminal; and a control terminal, for receiving a bias voltage generated from at least operating voltage of the control circuit. The second transistor comprises: a first terminal, coupled to a second terminal of the first transistor; a second terminal, for receiving a first predetermined voltage; and a control terminal, for receiving the control voltage. A control system comprising the control circuit is also disclosed. |
| US09746859B2 |
Thermostat system with software-repurposable wiring terminals adaptable for HVAC systems of different ranges of complexity
An auxiliary hardware box is described that can be installed at or near the HVAC system. The auxiliary box includes a large number of wiring terminals, for example 16 or more, for connecting to a relatively large number of HVAC control wires. The auxiliary box can include a “train map” type graphic display that is visible to the installer and provides a graphical indication as to which relays or switches are currently open and which are currently closed. A small sleek visually pleasing thermostat is also described that can be connected either directly to an HVAC system or to the auxiliary box, and can automatically detect an purpose the connected wires according to which it is connected to. |
| US09746858B2 |
Control device for automatically starting warm-up
A control device of the present invention estimates warm-up time that it takes for a warm-up of a machine based on the temperature of the machine to be warmed up and the saturation temperature that is unique to the machine. Warm-up start time is calculated based on the obtained warm-up time and predefined warm-up end time. In this way, the warm-up can be efficiently performed as the warm-up can be performed for an appropriate period of time in consideration of the saturation temperature unique to the machine. |
| US09746851B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing aircraft message trigger logics
According to various embodiments, the present invention relates to a platform and method for testing aircraft message trigger logics are disclosed. Apparatus for testing message trigger logics of aircraft comprises: DFDAU (a Digital Flight Data Acquisition Unit), which is adapted to receive message trigger logics to be tested; an input interface, which is adapted to receive data of aircraft condition; and a simulation signal generator, which is adapted to generate simulation signals according to the data of aircraft condition; wherein, the DFDAU is adapted to receive the simulation signals, and generate messages according to the message trigger logics to be tested. |
| US09746849B2 |
Method and apparatus for autonomous tool parameter impact identification system for semiconductor manufacturing
A system and method autonomously determines the impact of respective tool parameters on tool performance in a semiconductor manufacturing system. A parameter impact identification system receives tool parameter and performance data for one or more process runs of the semiconductor fabrication system and generates a separate function for each tool parameter characterizing the behavior of a tool performance indicator in terms of a single one of the tool parameters. Each function is then scored according to how well the function predicts the behavior of the tool performance indicator, or based on a determined sensitivity of the tool performance indicator to changes in the single tool parameter. The tool parameters are then ranked based on these scores, and a reduced set of critical tool parameters is derived based on the ranking. The tool performance indicator can then be modeled based on this reduced set of tool parameters. |
| US09746836B2 |
Supply and demand control device and supply and demand control method
A supply and demand control device includes: a first communication unit which communicates, via a communication network, with an electrical device which belongs to a customer and consumes power from a power system; and a control unit which obtains a frequency of the power system, and start observation control if the obtained frequency falls below a lower limit of a predetermined frequency range, in which in the observation control, the control unit determines start time for reducing power consumption by the electrical device via the first communication unit, based on a rate of change in frequency obtained after the observation control is started, and starts reducing the power consumption at the start time if the obtained frequency does not return to within the predetermined frequency range within an observation duration which is a duration from start of the observation control to the start time. |
| US09746831B2 |
Regulating body for a wristwatch
Regulating body for a wristwatch, comprising: a generator provided with a rotor and a stator with M+N coils, M being a whole number higher than, or equal to, 1; and an electronic regulating circuit having a first load impedance with an adjustable value for adjusting the current in N of said M+N coils, and therefore the rotational speed of the rotor. Only a limited number of coils is therefore used for the braking, the other coils continuing to supply the electronic regulating circuit. |
| US09746821B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: an open/close member provided to an image forming apparatus body so as to be openable and closable by turning about a turning support point; and a second transfer member attached to the open/close member to be positioned at an operation position with a positioning projecting portion contacting a positioning recessed portion of the image forming apparatus body. A distance between the turning support point and an outer peripheral end of the positioning projecting portion at a time when the open/close member is opened is shorter than the distance with the second transfer member at the operation position. The second transfer member is guided to the operation position, when the open/close member is closed, with the positioning projecting portion first contacting a guide surface of the positioning recessed portion. The guide surface is located on a downstream side along a turning direction of the open/close member. |
| US09746817B2 |
Cleaning blade with elastic member including reformed layer, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge with the same
Provided is a cleaning blade including an elastic member configured to abut on a surface of a cleaning target member and remove residual material deposited thereon, wherein elastic member satisfies requirements a to c below, a. an abutment part of the elastic member to abut on the surface of the cleaning target member has a reformed layer, b. Martens hardness at a surface of the reformed layer is from 1.5 to 15 N/mm2, and c. a relationship H/L between maximum Martens hardness H among Martens hardnesses H in a region inward from the abutment part thicknesswise and distance L from the surface of the reformed layer is from 0.010 to 0.2 (N/mm2·1/μm), where distance L represents minimum distance among distances to the surface of the reformed layer, from positions at which a measured Martens hardness and a measured elastic power are equal to those of the elastic member. |
| US09746813B2 |
Image forming apparatus and voltage supply method
An image forming apparatus and a voltage supply method are provided which are capable of fulfilling a stable bias supply to a fittable-and-removable image forming unit and moreover offering improved accessibility to the board. The image forming apparatus includes a lower casing, an image forming unit, a high-voltage board, and a left interconnecting unit. The high-voltage board has a plurality of electric components and output terminals in its upper surface portion above the image forming unit. When a top cover of the lower casing is removed off, the high-voltage board is exposed. The left interconnecting unit is fitted to a side end portion of the high-voltage board and electrically connected to the output terminals of the high-voltage board. The left interconnecting unit supplies a voltage to the image forming unit via a side portion of the high-voltage board. |
| US09746812B2 |
Power supply unit and image forming apparatus
Provided is a power supply unit that includes a power factor correction circuit, a synchronizing signal generator, an alternating-current signal generator. The power factor correction circuit is configured to generate, based on a first alternating-current signal, a direct-current signal. The synchronizing signal generator is configured to generate, based on the first alternating-current signal, a synchronizing signal that is in synchronization with the first alternating-current signal. The alternating-current signal generator includes a switching section, and is configured to generate, based on the direct-current signal, a second alternating-current signal. The switching section is configured to perform, based on the synchronizing signal, a switching operation. The second alternating-current signal has a variable effective voltage value. |
| US09746810B2 |
Sheet humidification apparatus, sheet humidification method and image formation system
A sheet humidification apparatus includes a pair of humidification rollers, a water supply section, and a control section configured to control humidification of the humidification rollers and water supply of the water supply section, and the control section refers to a contacting period between the humidification rollers to control the water supply such that a second water supply amount from the water supply section to the second humidification member is smaller than a first water supply amount from the water supply section to the first humidification member. |
| US09746807B2 |
Sheet feed cassette that regulates positional displacement of sheet and image forming apparatus including the same
A sheet feed cassette includes a bottom portion, a first cursor, a second cursor, and a fixing rack. The second cursor includes a regulating member, a lock member, and a biasing member. The regulating member abuts on the rear end edge of the sheet to regulate a position of the sheet in the mounting direction. The lock member includes a shaft portion extending in a direction intersecting with the mounting direction and an engaging protrusion located below the shaft portion. The biasing member is located and compressed between the regulating member and the lock member above the shaft portion. The gear teeth of the fixing rack and the engaging protrusion of the lock member engage so as to lock a position of the second cursor in the mounting direction. The regulating member and the lock member are separated above the shaft portion in the locked state. |
| US09746804B1 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus
A fixing device includes a first belt that contacts a developer image on a recording medium; a second belt that sandwiches the recording medium with the first belt and hence forms a nip region extending in a transport direction of the recording medium; a rotational body that is provided inside the first belt in a region at a downstream side in the transport direction of the nip region, rotates, and turns the first belt; a pressing member that is provided inside the second belt and presses the second belt toward the rotational body; and a heating unit that is provided inside the first belt in a region at an upstream side in the transport direction of the nip region in a non-contact manner with respect to the first belt, and heats the developer image on the recording medium. |
| US09746803B2 |
Image forming apparatus having fixing unit with suction part
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing unit receiving through an inlet a recording medium with a transferred toner image and heat fixing the toner image to the recording medium before discharging the recording medium from an outlet; a suction part for sucking the recording medium through a recording-medium suction opening, the recording medium conveyed on a recording medium conveyance path leading to the inlet; an exhaust passage for discharging to the outside a gas sucked by the suction part; and a filter disposed in the exhaust passage and serving to capture fine particles generated from the fixing unit and sucked in by the suction part. |
| US09746795B2 |
Optical writing control device, image forming apparatus, and optical writing control method for controlling light emission of a light source
An optical writing control device controls emission or lighting of a light source onto a photoconductor surface in a latent image forming process and a discharge process, by either setting a light emission time longer in the discharge process or setting a resolution in a sub-scanning direction lower in the discharge process, compared to the latent image forming process. |
| US09746793B2 |
Image formation apparatus and image forming method
An image formation apparatus includes: a first image formation unit including a first image carrier and a first charging member that charges the first image carrier, the first image formation unit using a first developer and; a second image formation unit including a second image carrier and a second charging member that charges the second image carrier, the second image formation unit using a second developer; and a controller that determines a first charging voltage correction amount for correcting a charging voltage to be applied to the first charging member according to an amount of usage of the first image carrier, and determines a second charging voltage correction amount for correcting a charging voltage to be applied to the second charging member according to an amount of usage of the second image carrier. The second charging voltage correction amount is larger than the first charging voltage correction amount. |
| US09746786B2 |
Overlay mask
An overlay mask includes a plurality of first patterns, a plurality of second patterns and a plurality of third patterns. The first patterns are arranged within a first pitch. The second patterns are arranged within a second pitch. A first portion of the third patterns are arranged alternately with the first patterns, within the first pitch, and a second portion of the third patterns are arranged alternately with the second patterns, within the second pitch, and the first pitch is not equal to the second pitch. |
| US09746782B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method
An immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes a fluid handling system configured to confine immersion liquid to a localized space between a final element of a projection system and a substrate and/or table and a gas supplying device configured to supply gas with a solubility in immersion liquid of greater than 5×10−3 mol/kg at 20° C. and 1 atm total pressure to an area adjacent the space. |
| US09746777B2 |
Exposure apparatus and exposure method thereof
An exposure apparatus includes at least one radiation source, a plurality of projection lenses, and a lens switch. The radiation source is operable for providing a radiation beam. The lens switch is operable for selecting one of the projection lenses to focus the radiation beam to a target plane. |
| US09746771B2 |
Laminate body
There is provided a laminate body which is capable of forming an excellent pattern on an organic semiconductor.A laminate body includes at least a water-soluble resin film and a resist film formed of a chemically amplified photosensitive resin composition on a surface of an organic semiconductor film in this order, in which the chemically amplified photosensitive resin composition contains a photoacid generator which is decomposed in an amount of 80% by mole or greater when exposed to light under the condition of 100 mJ/cm2 or greater at a wavelength of 365 nm, a mask pattern is formed by an exposed portion being hardly soluble in a developer containing an organic solvent, and the formed mask pattern is used as an etching mask. |
| US09746768B2 |
Resist overlayer film forming composition for lithography and method for producing semiconductor device using the same
There is provided a resist overlayer film forming composition for use in a lithography process in semiconductor device production, which does not intermix with a resist, blocks undesirable exposure light particularly in EUV exposure, for example, UV and DUV and selectively transmits EUV alone, and which can be developed with a developer after exposure. A resist overlayer film forming composition comprising: a polymer including an organic group including a linear or branched saturated alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 10, in which some or all of hydrogen atoms thereof are substituted with fluorine atoms, and an optionally substituted C8-16 ether compound as a solvent. |
| US09746767B2 |
Photoresist composition and method of manufacturing black matrix using the same
A photoresist composition including 5 wt % to 10 wt % of a binder resin, 5 wt % to 10 wt % of a photopolymerization monomer, 1 wt % to 5 wt % of a photopolymerization initiator comprising an oxime ester-based compound and activated by light in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 410 nm, 5 wt % to 10 wt % of a black coloring agent, and a residual amount of a solvent. |
| US09746764B2 |
Mask blank and transfer mask
A mask blank, including: a thin film for forming a transfer pattern; a resist underlying film made of a resist underlying composition and provided on the thin film; a resist film made of a chemically amplified resist and provided on the resist underlying film; and a mixture film provided so as to be interposed between the resist underlying film and the resist film, wherein the resist underlying film is configured so that a molecular weight is reduced from the thin film side to the resist film side in a thickness direction, and has a low molecular weight region in which the molecular weight is low on the resist film side surface, and the mixture film is formed by mixing a component of the low molecular weight region and a component of the chemically amplified resist. |
| US09746761B2 |
Integrated furniture system for inconspicuously housing audiovisual equipment
An integrated furniture system inconspicuously houses audiovisual equipment. The system includes a projector cabinet and a columnar supported screen assembly. The assembly comprises a screen for displaying a projected image with a frame around its perimeter and a pair of columnar screen supports located at opposite side edges of the screen. Each column comprises a hollow base with a slot formed in its interior surface and a foldable column with hollow top and bottom sections interconnected by a hinge. The bottom section has an attachment plate and a tongue portion extending from an exterior surface thereof. The tongue portion is insertable within the slot in the hollow base. A bracket attaches the screen to the neighboring columnar screen support. The bracket has a pair of side rails, one which is attached to a side surface of the column facing the screen and the other rail attached to the screen frame. |
| US09746758B2 |
Illumination optical system and image projection apparatus with the same
An illumination optical system illuminates an image display element and includes a first lens array configured to divide light emitted from a light source, a second lens array configured to receive light from the first lens array, and a condenser optical system configured to guide light from the second lens array to the image display element, and a conjugate point of the image display element is located between an incident surface of the first lens array and an incident surface of the second lens array. |
| US09746757B2 |
Display panel and projection display device
The present disclosure provides a display panel, including: a reflector; a phase retarder configured to change a polarization direction of a light beam passing through the phase retarder; a light-absorbing black matrix configured to absorb the light beam; and a polarization scattering film. After passing through the polarization scattering film, a polarized light beam from a projector is transmitted along an original light path, then the polarized light beam is transmitted through the phase retarder, reflected by the reflector and directed again to the polarization scattering film so as to be scattered. After passing through the polarization scattering film, a light beam with a polarization direction different from the polarized light beam from the projector is scattered by the polarization scattering film and then absorbed by the light-absorbing black matrix. |
| US09746747B2 |
Optical switch, optical switch apparatus and node, and communication network
An optical switch has four optical ports; a first optical waveguide coupled between a first of said ports and a second of the ports; a first switch element provided between the first waveguide and a second optical waveguide that is coupled to a third of the ports; a second switch element provided between the first waveguide and a third optical waveguide that is coupled to a fourth of the ports. Each switch element has a micro-ring resonator having an active state in which it is coupled to the first waveguide and to a respective one of the second and third waveguides for optical signals at a preselected wavelength, and an inactive state in which no coupling occurs. Each switch element has a control element arranged to receive a respective control signal configured to cause it to switch the micro-ring resonator between said states. |
| US09746741B2 |
Optical modulator
An aspect of the present invention is an optical modulator including a substrate, a plurality of optical waveguides, and a plurality of modulation electrodes provided on the substrate in order to modulate light propagating through the optical waveguides. The modulation electrodes include signal electrodes, to which modulation signals are supplied, and ground electrodes. The signal electrodes include first and second signal electrodes. The ground electrodes include a first ground electrode provided between the first and second signal electrodes, a second ground electrode provided on the opposite side of the first signal electrode from the first ground electrode adjacent to the first signal electrode, and a third ground electrode provided on the opposite side of the second signal electrode from the first ground electrode adjacent to the second signal electrode. A concave groove is formed in each of the first to third ground electrodes. |
| US09746739B2 |
See-through dimming panel
A see-through dimming panel includes first and second transparent substrate layers and suspended-particle-device (SPD) layer therebetween. A first transparent conductor layer is between the first transparent substrate layer and the SPD layer, and a second transparent conductor layer is between the second transparent substrate layer and the SPD layer. A first electrode is electrically coupled to the first transparent conductor layer. Second and third electrodes are electrically coupled to opposite ends of the second transparent conductor layer. An electric potential difference applied between the first and second electrodes controls a transmittance level of the SPD layer. An electric potential difference applied between the second and third electrodes, which results in a transverse electric field, controls a speed at which the transmittance level of the SPD layer decreases when the electric potential difference applied between the first and second electrodes controls is decreased. |
| US09746734B2 |
Pixel structure and manufacturing method thereof, display panel and display device
The present invention relates to a pixel structure and a manufacturing method thereof, a display panel and a display device. The pixel structure comprises a plurality of columns of pixels, a data line is provided between every two adjacent columns of pixels, each pixel comprises a pixel electrode and a thin film transistor comprising a gate, an active layer, a source and a drain, wherein, a gate protective layer is provided between the gates and the active layers, grooves, each of which is at least partially located between two adjacent columns of pixels, are provided in the gate protective layer, for opposite ends of the pixel electrodes of the two adjacent columns of pixels and the data line between the two adjacent columns of pixels, one is located in the groove, and the other is located on a part of the gate protective layer without the groove. |
| US09746728B2 |
Display panel with metal connecting line area including protective layer and display device
A display panel and a display device are provided to better protect a metal connecting line area in a peripheral wiring region, improve the protection degree and prevent the wire breakage. The display panel includes a gate insulating layer (102) disposed on a gate metal layer (101); and a protective layer (103), a passivation layer (105) and an indium tin oxide (ITO) coating layer (107) disposed on the gate insulating layer in sequence. The display panel and the display device can increase the film thickness in the peripheral wiring region, and hence can protect the entire peripheral wiring region and particularly the metal connecting line area exposed outside a color filter panel and improve the protection degree. |
| US09746726B2 |
Liquid crystal display, a method improving the response time thereof, and an array substrate
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display, a method improving the response time thereof, and an array substrate. The array substrate comprises a substrate and multiple pixel units provided in the array on the substrate. Each said pixel unit comprises a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode that are used to generate a first electric field to control liquid crystal molecules deflected from an initial direction to a predetermined angle spaced from each other provided along a first direction, and a third pixel electrode and a fourth pixel electrode that are used to generate a second electric field to control liquid crystal molecules deflected from the predetermined angle to the initial direction spaced from each other provided along a second direction. Compared with the prior art, the present invention can improve the response time of the liquid crystal display, thereby improving the display quality. |
| US09746723B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device improves an aperture ratio and stabilizing a storage voltage, including a first substrate; a second substrate opposed to the first substrate; a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate; a gate line and a data line on the first substrate; a semiconductor layer overlapping the gate line; a first drain electrode overlapping the gate line and the semiconductor layer and connected to the data line; a first source electrode overlapping the gate line and the semiconductor layer; a first sub-pixel electrode connected to the first source electrode; a second drain electrode overlapping the gate line and the semiconductor layer and connected to the first drain electrode; a second source electrode overlapping the gate line and the semiconductor layer; and a second sub-pixel electrode connected to the second source electrode. The second source electrode overlaps the gate line more than the first source electrode does. |
| US09746720B2 |
Array substrate, liquid crystal display panel and display device
Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an array substrate, a liquid crystal display panel and a display device. The array substrate comprises a base substrate and a thin film transistor provided on the base substrate, and the thin film transistor comprises a gate electrode, an active layer, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The array substrate further comprises: a common electrode provided above the thin film transistor, and a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode both electrically connected with the drain electrode of the thin film transistor. The first pixel electrode is provided below the common electrode and is insulated from the common electrode, and the second pixel electrode is provided above the common electrode and is insulated from the common electrode. |
| US09746715B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, electronic apparatus, and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display device
According to an aspect, a liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate on which a metallic layer and an insulating layer are laminated; a second substrate having a color filter and a protection layer laminated thereon; a liquid crystal; a seal material provided so as to seal the liquid crystal; a liquid crystal injection inlet formed on an outer circumference of the seal material; a first protrusion formed of at least one of the metallic layer and the insulating layer in the vicinity of each side of the liquid crystal injection inlet on the first substrate; and a second protrusion formed of at least one of the color filter and the protection layer on a position facing the first protrusion on the second substrate. |
| US09746713B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display panel is provided and includes a pair of substrates arranged face to face so as to sandwich a liquid crystal layer, a lower electrode formed on a lower substrate, an upper electrode formed on the lower substrate through an insulating layer, in which plural slits are formed in each sub-pixel, wherein each of the plural slits is formed as an aperture in which both ends thereof in the longitudinal direction are closed, and an alignment film formed so as to cover a surface of the upper electrode and the insulating layer. The plural slits have different widths at both ends of slits in a longitudinal direction, and a rubbing direction of the alignment film is a direction crossing longitudinal edges of each of the slits. |
| US09746694B2 |
Lens set, method of designing lens and method of manufacturing lens
There is provided a progressive addition lens for spectacles including a distance portion and a near portion having different powers, wherein an equivalent spherical power of the distance portion is plus; and a first lens and a second lens having different addition powers from each other, and a difference between vertical surface power in the distance portion and vertical surface power in the near portion on an object-side surface of the first lens, and a difference between vertical surface power in the distance portion and vertical surface power in the near portion on an object-side surface of the second lens are the same. |
| US09746692B1 |
Wearable electronic device with articulated joint
Apparatuses, systems for electronic wearable devices such as smart glasses are described. The wearable device can comprise a frame, an elongate temple and an articulated joint. The frame can define one or more optical element holders configured to hold respective optical elements for viewing by a user in a viewing direction. The temple can be moveably connected to the frame for holding the frame in position when the device is worn by the user. The articulated joint can connect the temple and the frame to permit movement of the temple relative to the frame between a wearable position in which the temple is generally aligned with the viewing direction, and a collapsed position in which the temple extends generally transversely to the viewing direction. The articulated joint can include a base foot fixed to the frame and oriented transversely to the viewing direction. |
| US09746678B2 |
Light wave separation lattices and methods of forming light wave separation lattices
Light wave separation lattices and methods of formation are provided herein. In some embodiments, a light wave separation lattice includes a first layer having the formula ROXNY, wherein the first layer has a first refractive index; and a second layer, different from the first layer, disposed atop the first layer, and having the formula R′OXNY, wherein the second layer has a second refractive index different from the first refractive index, and wherein R and R′ are each one of a metal or a dielectric material. In some embodiments, a method of forming a light wave separation lattice includes depositing a first layer having a predetermined desired refractive index atop a substrate by a physical vapor deposition process; and depositing a second layer, different from the first layer, atop the first layer, wherein the second layer has a predetermined second refractive index different from the first refractive index. |
| US09746676B2 |
See-through computer display systems
Aspects of the present invention relate to providing see-through computer display optics. |
| US09746664B1 |
MEMS-based display with high-strength cover glass
An apparatus includes one or more light sources configured to provide light having at least three different colors and a backlight layer configured for diffusing the light. A MEMS-based shutter layer includes a plurality of pixel elements having shutters programmably controlled to allow light from the backlight layer to pass through the shutter layer when the MEMS-based shutter is in an open configuration and to block light from passing through the shutter layer when in a closed configuration. A processor is configured to control the provision of the different colored light from the one or more light sources to the backlight layer and configured to control the passage of light from the backlight layer through the plurality of pixel elements to provide a predetermined image on the display apparatus. A hard, scratch resistant cover glass layer is stacked above the MEMS-based shutter layer. The MEMS-based shutter layer is stacked above the backlight layer without any intermediate layer between it and the backlight layer, and the cover glass layer is stacked above the MEMS-based shutter layer without any intermediate layer between the shutter layer and the cover glass layer. |
| US09746662B2 |
Endoscope observation system
An endoscope observation system includes a light source section generating different types of light in at least partly different wavelength bands for observation of a polarized light-based observation image and for observation of a non polarized light-based observation image, respectively; an irradiation side polarization separation element subjecting the illumination light from the light source section to polarization separation; a light reception side polarization separation element performing polarization separation, in a particular wavelength band of the light from the observation target, by transmitting polarized light with a predetermined polarization component while reflecting polarized light with a polarization component other than the predetermined polarization component, and in a wavelength bend other than the particular wavelength band, exhibiting same transmission and reflection characteristics for both polarized light and non polarized light; and an image pickup element receiving the transmitted or reflected light. |
| US09746658B2 |
Objective for microscope
An objective for a microscope includes, in order from an object side, a first lens group with positive refractive power, a second lens group with positive refractive power, and a third lens group with negative refractive power. When NA represents a numerical aperture of the objective, FN represents a field number of the objective, β represents a magnification of the objective, ε represents an Airy disk diameter on an axis to a d-line of the objective, φmax represents a maximum value of an effective diameter of a lens included in the objective, and hexp represents a radius of an exit pupil of the objective, the objective satisfies the following conditional expressions: 0.8≦NA≦1.5 (1) 1000≦FN/|β|/ε≦10000 (2) 1.7≦φmax/2/hexp/NA≦4 (3). |
| US09746651B2 |
Zoom lens system and camera system
A zoom lens system according to the present disclosure includes, in order from an object side to an image plane side, a first lens group having positive optical power; a second lens group having negative optical power; a third lens group having positive optical power; and a subsequent lens group including a fourth lens group, a fifth lens group, and a sixth lens group. The first lens group comprises, in order from the object side, a first lens element having negative optical power; a second lens element having positive optical power; a third lens element having positive optical power; and a fourth lens element having positive optical power. The fifth lens group in the subsequent lens group has negative optical power. The first lens group is fixed with respect to the image plane in zooming from a wide-end to a tele-end upon image shooting. |
| US09746644B2 |
Optical image capturing system
An optical image capturing system includes, along the optical axis in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens, a second lens, a third lens, a fourth lens, a fifth lens, a sixth lens, and a seventh lens. At least one lens among the first to the sixth lenses has positive refractive force. The seventh lens can have negative refractive force. The lenses in the optical image capturing system which have refractive power include the first to the seventh lenses. The optical image capturing system can increase aperture value and improve the imaging quality for use in compact cameras. |
| US09746642B2 |
Photographing lenses and photographing apparatus
A photographing lenses and a photographing apparatus including the photographing lenses. The photographing lenses include: a first lens having a positive refractive power and a convex object-side surface; a second lens having a negative refractive power and a flat surface facing an object side or an image side; a third lens having a refractive power; a fourth lens having a negative refractive power and a meniscus shape concave toward the object side; and a fifth lens which is concave toward the image side in a region around an optical axis of the photographing lenses, wherein the first to fifth lenses are sequentially arranged in a direction from the object side to the image side. |
| US09746641B2 |
Imaging lens
An imaging lens includes a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; and a third lens group having negative refractive power, arranged in this order from an object side to an image plane side. The first lens group includes a first lens having positive refractive power, a second lens having negative refractive power, and a third lens having positive refractive power. The second lens group includes a fourth lens and a fifth lens. The third lens group includes a sixth lens having negative refractive power and a seventh lens. |
| US09746629B2 |
Fiber-bundle assembly for maintaining a select order in an optical fiber cable
A fiber-bundle sub-assembly includes an array of fiber bundles each having at least one optical fiber. The fiber bundles have select relative positions in the array. The sub-assembly includes first and second connecting elements that run along the array and that are secured to axially staggered top and bottom anchors to define first and second connecting spans that cross first and second sides of the array, with the first and second sides defined by first and second sets of fiber bundles. The first and second connecting spans are respectively attached to the first and second sets of fibers bundles to maintain the select relative positions of the fiber bundles even when the connecting spans are cut near one of the anchors during processing. A loose-tube cable that includes the fiber-bundle sub-assembly and a method of connectorizing the fiber bundles while maintaining their select positions are also disclosed. |
| US09746627B2 |
Semiconductor laser module
A semiconductor laser module includes a semiconductor laser element outputting a laser light; an optical fiber; an optical component disposed at an outer periphery of the optical fiber and fixing the optical fiber; a first-fixing agent fastening the optical component and the optical fiber; a light-absorbing element disposed at an outer periphery of the optical component and fixing the optical component; a first light-blocking portion disposed between an end into which the laser light is incident of the optical fiber and the optical component; and a housing accommodating therein the semiconductor laser element, an end into which the laser light is incident of the optical fiber and the first light-blocking portion. The optical component has an optical transmittance at a wavelength of the laser light, and the light-absorbing element has an optical absorptivity at a wavelength of the laser light. |
| US09746625B2 |
Optical module
The embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an optical module, comprising a housing, an adaptor and an optical sub-module being provided inside the housing, the adaptor being fixed with the optical sub-module, wherein an optical port component is also provided inside the housing, the optical port component is located at one side of the adaptor far away from the optical sub-module, and an opening is formed at one end of the optical port component far away from the adaptor; a through hole for the optical port component is formed on an end surface of the optical port component close to the adaptor, the adaptor can pass through the through hole for the optical port component to be fixed with the optical port component, and an optical fiber can be inserted into the adaptor from the opening. |
| US09746621B2 |
Optical fiber connection system including optical fiber alignment device with optical fiber cleaner
The present disclosure relates to system and method for cleaning an end face of a bare optical fiber (100). The system and methods include inserting the end face of the bare optical fiber (100) through a layer of material (500) that includes electrospun fibers. |
| US09746605B2 |
Optical fiber
An optical fiber 1A comprises an optical transmission member 10 including a core 12 and a clad 14, a primary resin layer 22, and a secondary resin layer 24. The effective area of the optical transmission member 10 is 130 μm2 or larger. The transmission loss of the optical transmission member 10 at a wavelength of 1550 nm is 0.165 dB/km or smaller. The Young's modulus of the primary resin layer 22 is 0.7 MPa or lower, and the Young's modulus of the secondary resin layer 24 is 600 MPa or higher and 1500 MPa or lower. The difference between the transmission loss when the optical fiber 1A is wound at a tension of 80 g around a bobbin on which a metal mesh member having vertical wires of a 50-μm diameter and horizontal wires of a 50-μm diameter are wound and spaced at a pitch of 150 μm, and the transmission loss of an optical fiber coil is 1.0 dB/km or smaller. |
| US09746603B2 |
Light guide
A light guide includes a body transmittable to light and a plurality of light guiding elements. The body includes a first end face on an end thereof. The body further includes a light emitting portion, a deflecting portion, and two lateral sides. The light emitting portion and the deflecting portion are opposite to each other. Each of the two lateral sides is connected to the light emitting portion and the deflecting portion. The first end face is connected to the deflecting portion and each of the two lateral sides. Each light guiding element includes a curved face. The curved face is a conical surface or a part of the conical surface. The curved face is coupled to the deflecting portion. The light guiding elements can be arranged on the deflecting portion in one or more rows to control the light output directions and to reduce the illuminating angle. |
| US09746602B2 |
Backlight device and display device including the same
A backlight device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes, a light guide plate including a convex portion and a recess portion, a lower cover including a lateral surface cover part positioned adjacent to the convex portion, the lower cover surrounding the light guide plate, and a fixing member positioned between the light guide plate and the lateral surface cover part of the lower cover, in which the lateral cover part includes an opening, and the fixing member includes a first hook surrounding the convex portion and a second hook protruding through the opening of the lateral surface cover part. |
| US09746599B2 |
Display device and method of fabricating the same
A display device includes: a display panel including a display region and a peripheral region; a transparent protector disposed to cover the display panel; a bezel print pattern disposed between the display panel and the transparent protector and configured to form a light shield region corresponding to the peripheral region; at least one light guide film disposed between the display panel and the bezel ink pattern in the light shield region; an ultraviolet (UV)-proof printed circuit board (PCB) disposed between the display panel and the light guide film and in contact with the light guide film; and a UV curing layer formed between the display panel and the transparent protector. |
| US09746596B2 |
Multi-LED/multi-chip color mixing optics
In one aspect, the present invention provides an optic, which comprises a light pipe extending from a proximal end to a distal end about an optical axis, said light pipe being adapted to receive at its proximal end at least a portion of light emitted by a light source. The optic further comprises a central reflector optically coupled to said distal end of the light pipe for receiving at least a portion of the light transmitted through the light pipe and reflecting said received light, a peripheral reflector optically coupled to said central reflector for receiving at least a portion of said reflected light, and an output surface. The peripheral reflector is configured to redirect at least a portion of the light received from the central reflector to said output surface for exiting the optic. |
| US09746593B2 |
Patchwork Fresnel zone plates for lensless imaging
Described are imaging devices that employ patchworks of diffractive structures as focusing optics. Each diffractive structure best focuses light over a relatively narrow cone of incident angles, and provides suboptimal focusing for incident angles outside that cone. Different diffractive structures best focus different angular ranges, with the patchwork thus providing an overall focusable response for the relatively broad range of angles required to image a scene. Images can be captured without a lens, and cameras can be made smaller than those that are reliant on lenses and ray-optical focusing. |
| US09746581B2 |
Compact, interleaved radiation sources
Compact, dual energy radiation scanning systems are described comprising two particle beam accelerators, each configured to accelerate charged particles to different energies, positioned parallel to a direction of movement of an object to be inspected. The accelerator may be positioned perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system, instead. Bend magnet systems bend each charged particle beam toward a respective target. Alternatively, a single dual energy accelerator capable of accelerating charged particles to at least two different energies is positioned parallel to the direction of movement of the object, or perpendicular to a plane of the conveying system. A single bend magnet system is provided to bend each accelerated charged particle beam toward the same target. The particle beams may be bent through an orbit chamber. Two separate passages may be defined through at least part of the orbit chamber, one for charged particles having each energy. |
| US09746580B2 |
Electronics enabling muon tomography using ambient cosmic radiation
Techniques, systems and apparatus are described for a multimode passive detection system (MMPDS). A MMPDS includes a detector assembly of array of drift tubes arranged as detector modules to generate detector signal data representing electrical responses to cosmic ray charged particles passing through respective detector modules and traversing through a volume of interest (VOI). Detector circuitry measures the generated detector signal data and outputs the measured detector signal data as spatially segregated data streams corresponding to respective detector modules. A clock system distributes a master clock signal throughout the detector circuitry. A computer cluster including nodes of computing devices merges the spatially segregated data streams into temporally segregated data, obtains information on tracks of the cosmic ray charged particles based on the temporally segregated data, reconstructs an image of the volume of interest based on the obtained information, and identifies an object in the VOI based on the reconstructed image. |
| US09746565B2 |
Systems and methods for reducing polarization in imaging detectors
A method is provided including acquiring detection events with a radiation detector that includes a semiconductor plate. Electrons and holes are generated in the semiconductor plate responsive to absorption of ionizing radiation. The holes including groups of holes having different effective masses for corresponding different valence energy bands. The method also includes optically coupling infrared (IR) radiation into the semiconductor plate of the radiation detector. The IR radiation has at least one wavelength selected from a spectral range including wavelengths to which the semiconductor plate is partially transparent. The wavelengths of the IR radiation are configured to excite at least some of the holes from a first group at a first valence energy band to a second group at a second valence energy band, with the holes of the second group having lower effective masses than corresponding holes of the first group. |
| US09746561B2 |
Marker system
A marker system includes at least one emitter. The emitter(s) emit light responsive to a flow of electrical current there through. The marker system includes a device for acquiring an incoming signal and a circuit for processing the incoming signal. The circuit for processing the incoming signal monitors the device for acquiring the incoming signal to determine if the incoming signal includes any of a plurality of incoming Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and/or munitions-targeting signals. The circuit emits one of a plurality of responses by sending electrical current selectively through the emitter(s) and/or other feedback devices based upon which of the plurality of incoming Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) and/or munitions-targeting signals is detected by the means for processing. |
| US09746551B2 |
Multi-application-transceiver device and methods for target monitoring
A multi-application-transceiver device, control computer, computer implemented method and computer program product for operating the multi-application-transceiver device is disclosed. At least one signal transceiver receives a reflected signal in response to an original signal sent by the at least one signal transceiver. The reflected signal is reflected from at least one target object. A signal conversion unit converts the reflected signal into digital format. A digital signal processor component pre-processes the converted reflected signal using an alterable rule engine with a received rule set to discriminate a state inn change of the at least one target object against an earlier state of the at least one target object in the context of a particular monitoring application. A middleware component communicates with at least one remote computing device wherein communicate includes to send the pre-processed signal to the remote computing device, and to receive from the at least one remote computing device the rule set for the alterable rule engine. The received rule set defines an application specific setting for the at least one signal transceiver and for the digital signal processor component to enable the particular monitoring application. |
| US09746549B1 |
Constant false alarm rate circuitry in adaptive target detection of radar systems
Integrated circuits may include a constant false alarm rate (CFAR) detection circuit, which may identify targets among clutter and noise in a range-Doppler map. The CFAR detection circuit may compute power values for each cell in the range-Doppler map and scan the range-Doppler map cell by cell. For this purpose, the CFAR detection circuit may compute a target value for a cell-under-test and surrounding cells and a noise value for one or more regions in local proximity of the cell-under-test on the range-Doppler map. For example, the CFAR detection circuit may perform a two-dimensional filtering to compute the target value and compute a sum of accumulated power values weighted by predetermined coefficients. The predetermined coefficients may taper at edges of the range-Doppler map and/or at edges of the regions. The CFAR detection circuit may declare a target based on a comparison of the target value and noise value. |
| US09746546B2 |
Method and device for sensing surrounding environment based on frequency modulated continuous wave radar
Disclosed herein are a method and device for sensing a surrounding environment based on a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar. The method for detecting a target based on an FMCW radar includes the steps of: the FMCW radar transmitting a sensing signal for detection of the target, and receiving a response signal in response to the sensing signal; the FMCW radar performing a signal processing on the response signal, and generating a frequency spectrum of a beat signal; the FMCW radar determining a detection frequency band for detection of the target within a valid frequency band of the frequency spectrum; the FMCW radar determining a threshold value to determine a target detection peak value for detection of the target among peak values of the frequency spectrum; and the FMCW radar detecting the target based on the detection frequency band and the threshold value. |
| US09746544B2 |
Position measurement systems using position sensitive detectors
Methods and devices for a remote control device for a display device are disclosed. In one embodiment, the remote control device may comprise a plurality of light sources that each has a light profile angled in a predetermined degree different from other light sources. In another embodiment, the remote control device may comprise a controller; and a plurality of optical detectors coupled to the controller. Each optical detector may generate a pair of electrical signals in response to incident light from a plurality of light sources located on a display device and the controller may calculate the position of the remote control device based on the electrical signals. |
| US09746542B2 |
Lighting apparatus and positioning system
A lighting apparatus that is used in a positioning system and is locatable in plural number in a limited area is provided. The lighting apparatus for use in the positioning includes a power supplier that supplies power, a lighting unit that is lit by the power supplied by the power supplier, and a beacon transmitter. The beacon transmitter operates by the power supplied by the power supplier, and transmits a beacon that is a signal for positioning. The beacon includes a long-distance beacon transmitted with first transmission power and a short-distance beacon transmitted with a second transmission power less than the first transmission power. The beacon transmitter transmits at least the long-distance beacon intermittently. |
| US09746519B2 |
Circuit for securing scan chain data
Methods, devices and circuits are provided for protecting secure data from being read during a scan chain output. A plurality of scan flip-flops is coupled in a scan chain, and an input circuit is configured to shift input data to the scan flip-flops. A protection circuit is coupled to the scan flip-flops, and the protection circuit configured to detect scan-in of data from the input circuit to a designated one of the scan flip-flops. Scan-out of data from the designated scan flip-flop is enabled in response to detection of a scan-in of data from the input circuit to the designated scan flip-flop. Scan-out of data from the designated scan flip-flop is prevented in response to no detection of scan-in of data from the input circuit to the designated scan flip-flop. |
| US09746512B2 |
Arc fault location detection for aircraft wiring
A system for detecting the location of arc faults in an aircraft electrical wiring arrangement is provided. The system comprises a controller, operable to generate a test signal and a directional coupler for coupling the test signal into electrical wiring and for coupling reflected test signals from the electrical wiring to the controller. The electrical wiring comprises one or more wire under test and the controller is further operable to detect test signals reflected from arc faults in the wire under test and to analyze reflected test signals in order to determine one or more arc fault position therefrom. The wire under test may be live and testing can be performed without the need to use invasive in-line components. |
| US09746506B2 |
Nonlinear system identification for optimization of wireless power transfer
A method of detecting whether a receiver coil is near a transmit coil in a wireless power transfer system (WPTS), the method involving: applying a pseudo-random signal to the transmit coil; while the pseudo-random signal is being applied to the transmit coil, recording one or more signals produced within the WPTS in response to the applied pseudo-random signal; by using the one or more recorded signals, generating a dynamic system model for some aspect of the WPTS; and using the generated dynamic system model in combination with stored training data to determine whether an object having characteristics distinguishing the object as a receiver coil is near the transmit coil. |
| US09746495B2 |
Probe device having spring probe
A probe device includes a spring probe and a probe seat. The spring probe includes a needle and a spring sleeve sleeved onto the needle and provided with at least one spring section and at least one non-spring section. The probe seat includes a plurality of dies stacked together and at least one guiding hole through which the spring probe is inserted. An upper edge and a lower edge of the guiding hole of the probe seat are arranged corresponding in position to the non-spring section of the spring sleeve. As a result, the spring probe is prevented from getting jammed due to the contact of the spring section of the spring sleeve with the upper and lower edges of the guiding hole. |
| US09746494B2 |
Specimen support and scanning probe microscope
The present invention makes it possible to easily and efficiently observe a specimen contained in a fluid without using a filtration device separate from a scanning probe microscope by attaching a filter holding part holding a filter to a fluid cell of a specimen support. Therefore, a specimen support 10, for holding a specimen subject to observation by the scanning probe microscope, comprises a fluid cell 11, into which fluid including the specimen is introduced, and a filter unit including a filter 15, which allows the fluid passage and at least a part of the specimen is adhered to. The fluid cell 11 includes a fluid entrance, the filter unit includes a fluid exit opening, and the filter unit is attached to one side of the fluid cell 11. |
| US09746493B2 |
Sample holder for an atomic force microscope
The present invention relates to sample holders for holding a sample, particularly for an atomic force microscope. Such a sample holder comprising a sample dish (1) comprising a bottom (2), and an opening (3) arranged in said bottom (2) for receiving and holding the sample (15). Furthermore the present invention relates to a sample holder system and to a method for transferring an e.g. biological sample (15) from a biopsy tool (18) to a sample holder. |
| US09746487B2 |
Device for storing of fluid containers
A device for container storing is presented. The device comprises storage with at least one storing level including a pipetting storing level for fluid pipetting. Each storing level has storing positions having a container holder to detachably hold at least one container. A handler is movable with respect to the storage for transferring containers with respect to the storing positions. A storing position of the pipetting storing level includes a flat spring to bias a container against the container holder. The flat spring has a through hole to provide a pipette access to a lid of the container. A system for pipetting is also presented, comprising the device and a pipettor movable with respect to the pipetting storing level with at least one pipette for pipetting contained in a container stored in the pipetting storing level. The pipette has a pipette tip to penetrate a lid of the container. |
| US09746484B2 |
Binding partners specific for vitamin D epimers in vitamin D assays
Methods include determining an amount of vitamin D analyte in a sample suspected of containing the vitamin D analyte. A combination is provided in an assay medium that includes the sample, a vitamin D epimer antibody that is specific for epimers of the vitamin D analyte wherein the vitamin D epimer antibody does not bind to any detectable degree to the vitamin D analyte, and a vitamin D antibody that is specific for the vitamin D analyte, and. The assay medium is incubated under conditions for binding of the vitamin D epimer antibody to the epimers of the vitamin D analyte and for binding of the vitamin D antibody to the vitamin D analyte to form a vitamin D antibody-bound complex. The amount of vitamin D antibody-bound complex is determined and related to the amount of vitamin D analyte in the sample. |
| US09746481B2 |
Biomarkers of brain injury
The present invention relates to the field of biomarkers. More specifically, the present invention relates to biomarkers useful in diagnosing brain injuries. Brain injury can include overt or traumatic brain injury, as well as subclinical brain injury (SCI). In one embodiment, a method for diagnosing SCI in a patient comprises (a) collecting a sample from the patient; (b) measuring the levels of a panel of biomarkers in the sample collected from the patient, wherein the panel of biomarkers comprises ASTN1, BAI3, CNDP1, ERMIN, GFAP, GRM3, KLH32, MAGE2, NRG3, NRGN, OMG, SLC39A12, RTN1, and MT3; and (c) comparing the levels of the panel of biomarkers with predefined levels of the same panel of biomarkers that correlate to a patient having SCI and predefined levels of the same panel of biomarkers that correlate to a patient not having SCI, wherein a correlation to one of the predefined levels provides the diagnosis. |
| US09746474B2 |
Acute leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma-specific CD43 epitope and use thereof
The present invention relates to a CD43 epitope expressed on human acute leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma cells and its use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a CD43 epitope expressed on human acute leukemia, lymphoblastic lymphoma cells, but not on mature hematopoietic cells, hematopoietic stem cells and non-hematopoietic cells, and to its diagnostic and therapeutic application on acute leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma. |
| US09746461B2 |
Urine sample analyzer and sample analyzing method
A urine analyzer capable of operating in a urine measurement mode and a body fluid measurement mode, the urine analyzer includes a specimen preparing section configured to prepare a measurement specimen and a detecting section configured to derive signals of particles in the measurement specimen supplied from the specimen preparing section. A computer and a memory including programs on a computer-readable medium that enable the computer to execute operations to control the specimen preparing section and the detecting section in the urine measurement mode and in the body fluid measurement mode. |
| US09746454B2 |
Multifunctional breath analyzer
A multifunctional breath analyzer includes a receptor unit for receiving a breath sample from a test subject, a sensing unit providing a signal corresponding to the concentration of at least one volatile substance within the sample, elements for providing a signal indicative of the dilution of the breath sample, and an analyzing unit/processing unit for the identification and quantification of the volatile substance of the breath sample. The signal processing unit is configured to perform at least two different calculations for the quantification, and the signal processing unit is also configured to automatically display the result of a selected calculation, the selection being based on the signal indicating dilution. |
| US09746452B2 |
Wireless system and method for measuring an operative condition of a machine
System including a sensor configured to be disposed within a reservoir of a machine having moving parts that are lubricated by a liquid in the reservoir. The sensor is configured to obtain a measurement of the liquid that is representative of at least one of a quantity or quality of the liquid in the reservoir. The system also includes a device body operably coupled to the sensor. The device body has a processing unit that is operably coupled to the sensor and configured to generate first data signals representative of the measurement of the liquid. The device body also includes a transmitter that is configured to wirelessly communicate the first data signals to a remote reader. |
| US09746445B2 |
Apparatus for automated non-destructive inspection of airfoil-shaped bodies
An automated blade crawler capable of scanning a multiplicity of non-destructive inspection sensors over a surface of an airfoil-shaped body such as a blade component. The blade crawler is movable in a spanwise direction, thereby enabling a sensor array to inspect the surface area on one or both sides of the blade component in one pass. The sensors concurrently output scan imaging data which is multiplexed, the multiplexed being transmitted (via an electrical cable or wirelessly) to data collection and display hardware at an operations control center. |
| US09746441B2 |
Sensor, sensor kit and method for detecting an analyte
The present disclosure relates to electro-optical sensors, to sensor kits and methods for detecting an analyte in a sample. |
| US09746437B1 |
Cmos-based process for manufacturing a semiconductor gas sensor
A CMOS-based process for manufacturing a semiconductor gas sensor includes the steps of: I) providing a semi-product, II) etching a substrate to remove a portion of the substrate and a portion of a first insulation layer so as to form a gas-sensing cavity, thereby to expose at least one sensing electrode; and III) depositing a gas-sensitive layer to cover the at least one sensing electrode. |
| US09746436B2 |
Detecting device, detecting circuit, sensor module and image forming device
A detecting device includes a substrate having a cavity portion in the surface thereof; a thin-film layer formed over the cavity portion; an on-thin-film layer pattern formed on the thin-film layer; an on-substrate pattern formed on the substrate; and a first terminal, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal. A resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal includes a resistance of the on-thin-film layer pattern, a resistance between the third terminal and the fourth terminal includes the resistance of the on-thin-film layer pattern and a resistance of the on-substrate pattern, and the resistance between the first terminal and the second terminal is less than the resistance between the third terminal and the fourth terminal. |
| US09746434B2 |
Method and system for determining flow distribution through a component
Systems and methods for determining the flow distribution of a fluid through a component with a sensing cable including an optical fiber sensor array aligned with a heating element disposed in the component. An excitation source is configured to propagate at least one heat pulse through the heating element along at least a portion of the sensing cable to affect an exchange of thermal energy between the heating element and the fluid exposed to the sensing cable. An optical signal is adapted to receive a signal from each of a plurality of sensor locations and measure a temperature profile corresponding to the heat pulse at the sensor locations. A control unit is configured to determine a flow of the fluid by determining one or more properties of the fluid exposed to the sensing cable at each of the plurality of sensor locations based on the temperature profile corresponding thereto. The present invention can be effective in accurate and high spatial resolution of flow distributions through vessel components, such as a particulate bed (such as a reactor catalyst bed), a wash bed including packing material, an absorbent bed, a structured bed, a filter, or the like. |
| US09746432B2 |
Spacer accessory for XRF handheld analyzers
Disclosed is an attachable spacer applied to the front base plate of a hand-held and self-contained XRF testing device that holds the face plate at a forwards tilt towards a test sample, and ensures that only the top rim of the face plate ever touches a test sample. The resulting triangular gap minimizes contact between the front plate window and the test surface, prevents the transfer of heat to the XRF testing device's circuitry, and locks in a fixed distance between the face plate of the XRF testing device and the sample being tested. |
| US09746430B2 |
Optical inspecting apparatus
An optical inspecting apparatus includes a first light source, a beam splitter, a first lens, a first light detector, and pinhole plates. The first light source emits a first light beam. The beam splitter transmits or reflects the first light beam. The first lens provides the first light beam to transmit through a transparent substrate of a photomask and forms a first focusing spot on a first surface of the transparent substrate or a top surface of a photomask pattern formed on the transparent substrate. The first light detector detects a first reflection light beam generated by reflecting the first light beam from the first surface of the transparent substrate or the top surface of the photomask pattern. The pinhole plates are disposed in front of the first light detector to filter noise in the reflection light beam. |
| US09746428B2 |
Inline inspection of the contact between conductive traces and substrate for hidden defects using white light interferometer with tilted objective lens
Embodiments include devices, systems and processes for using a white light interferometer (WLI) microscope with a tilted objective lens to perform in-line monitoring of both resist footing defects and conductive trace undercut defects. The defects may be detected at the interface between dry film resist (DFR) footings and conductive trace footing found on insulating layer top surfaces of a packaging substrate. Such footing and undercut defects may other wise be considered “hidden defects”. Using the WLI microscope with a tilted objective lens provides a high-throughput and low cost metrology and tool for non-destructive, non-contact, in-line monitoring. |
| US09746427B2 |
Detection of plating on wafer holding apparatus
The embodiments herein relate to methods and apparatus for detecting whether unwanted metallic deposits are present on a bottom of a substrate holder used in an electroplating apparatus. The presence of such unwanted deposits is harmful to electroplating processes because the deposits scavenge current that is intended to cause electroplating on a substrate. When such current scavenging occurs, the electroplating results on the substrates are poor. For instance, features positioned near the edge of a substrate are likely to plate to an insufficient thickness. Further, where such current scavenging is great, the overall thickness of the material plated on the substrate may be too thin. As such, there is a need to detect when such unwanted deposits are present, such that plating under these poor conditions may be avoided. This detection will help preserve costly wafers. |
| US09746426B2 |
System and method for capturing illumination reflected in multiple directions
An optical inspection system in accordance with the disclosure can be configured to simultaneously capture illumination reflected in multiple directions from the surface of a substrate, thereby overcoming inaccurate or incomplete characterization of substrate surface aspects as a result of reflected intensity variations that can arise when illumination is captured only from a single direction. Such a system includes a set of illuminators and an image capture device configured to simultaneously capture at least two beams of illumination that are reflected off the surface. The at least two beams of illumination that are simultaneously captured by the image capture device have different angular separations between their reflected paths of travel. The set of illuminators can include a set of thin line illuminators positioned and configured to supply one or more beams of thin line illumination incident to the surface. For instance, two beams of thin line illumination can be directed to the surface at different angles of incidence to a normal axis of the surface. |
| US09746421B2 |
Apparatuses, indicators, methods and kits with timed color change indication
An apparatus, method and kit includes one or more use protocol indicators having a color changeable dye, the dye being translucent or having a first color upon immediate exposure to an environment and for a defined time thereafter and the dye changing color after exposure to the environment for the defined time. A dual environment indicator includes a first indicator color changeable dye being translucent or having a first color upon immediate exposure to a first environment and changing color after exposure to a second environment and a second indicator color changeable dye being translucent or having a first color upon immediate exposure to the second environment and for a defined time thereafter and changing color after exposure to the second environment for the defined time. A time exposure indicator comprises at least one color changeable dye disposed to change color in a sequential manner. |
| US09746417B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining concentration using polarized light
An apparatus and method for determining the concentration of chiral molecules in a fluid includes a first polarizer configure to polarize light in substantially a first plane to provide initially polarized light. A second polarizer is capable of polarizing the initially polarized light in a plurality of planes, at least one of the plurality of planes being different from the first plane, to provide subsequently polarized light. One or more receivers are included for measuring an intensity of the subsequently polarized light in one or more of the plurality of planes. |
| US09746415B2 |
Sample holder, detector mask, and scope system
A detector mask transmits selectively a plurality of probe particles to a particle detector, the detector mask includes: a plate including a plate wall disposed in the plate and enclosing a transmission orifice arranged in a transmission profile to: transmit probe particles having a trajectory coincident with the transmission orifice, block probe particles having a trajectory external to the transmission orifice, and form a probe particle beam comprising the probe particles transmitted by the transmission orifice to the particle detector, wherein the transmission profile includes a sector, a semi-circle, an annular sector, or a combination including at least one of the foregoing first transmission profiles. |
| US09746411B2 |
Apparatus and method for evaluating gas barrier properties
An apparatus for evaluating gas barrier properties, containing a polymer-containing support for supporting a sample, a chamber on a permeation side, and a detection unit, in which the support is connected with an opening of the chamber on the permeation side, and in which glass transition point of the polymer contained in the support is 100° C. or higher. |
| US09746398B2 |
Apparatus and method for automated analysis
An automated analyzer is offered which can dilute an analyte repeatedly without contamination due to carry-over and thus can yield reliable analysis results. The analyzer has an analyte turntable for holding analyte containers in which analyte is stored, a dilution turntable for holding dilution containers for storing a diluent, a dilution probe for aliquotting a liquid between two containers held on these two turntables, respectively, a diluent vessel for storing a diluent, and a diluent supply mechanism for supplying the diluent into the diluent vessel. The dilution probe has a function of aliquotting the diluent stored in the diluent vessel into the dilution containers held on the dilution turntable. The diluent vessel has a diluent discharging mechanism for discharging the diluent from inside the diluent vessel. |
| US09746396B2 |
Tire transport method, tire transport and fastening apparatus, and tire inspection system
Provided is a tire transport method for a tire inspection system in which a tire transported from the upstream side is fastened by an upper rim and a lower rim, and a measurement is performed, wherein the method includes transport stem in which a transport mechanism having a pair of transport units split in the width direction transports the tire to a fastening position for fastening, and a parting step in which the pair of transport units is parted in the width direction, such that it is possible for the lower rim to pass between the pair of transport units. |
| US09746391B2 |
Fluid monitoring device with disposable inner liner with sensor integration
A fluid monitoring assembly includes a segment of tubing having a wall defining a lumen through which the fluid passes and a sensor at least partially embedded within a wall of the tubing. The assembly includes a housing having first and second portions connected to one another at a hinge, the housing defining an interior portion configured to hold the segment of tubing and the sensor. The housing may be opened and closed as needed using a fastener. |
| US09746379B2 |
Cooling systems for imaging devices
An imaging assembly includes a base member defining an expansion chamber therein, the base member defining a gas inlet for receiving a compressed gas and a gas outlet for expelling expanded gas, and a focal plane array assembly mounted to the base member including a sensor and a lens. |
| US09746370B2 |
Method and apparatus for measuring illumination characteristics of a luminaire
A method and associated apparatus are disclosed for measuring illumination characteristics of a luminaire having unknown characteristics. The method includes steps of providing an array of calibrated photodetectors in known locations in proximity to a mounting location, and then illuminating the array with a luminaire having unknown illumination properties. The resulting data is used to calculate the luminous intensity vs. angle from the luminaire and the luminous flux of the luminaire. Methods of calibrating the measurement with a known luminaire are presented along with methods of determining the angular position of the detectors in the array. Color-sensitive detectors can be used to determine the angular distribution and average value of the luminaire's correlated color temperature. |
| US09746366B2 |
Radar level gauging
Method for determining product surface distance in a tank comprising: i) generating a transmission signal as a first pulse train; ii) generating a reference signal having a second pulse train by time delaying said first pulse train; wherein each pulse in said first and second pulse trains have essentially identical waveforms and pulse repetition frequency; iii) guiding said transmission signal towards the product surface; iv) receiving a reflected signal; v) forming a correlation value based on a time correlation between the reference signal and the reflected signal; vi) carrying out steps i) to v) in sequence for at least three different pulse repetition frequencies, until at least three pairs of correlation values and associated pulse repetition frequencies have been stored; vii) determining said distance based on said at least three pairs of correlation values and associated pulse repetition frequencies, and said fixed time delay. |
| US09746364B2 |
Flowmeter having pressure difference sensor in parallel with displacement meter
In a flow meter with a displacement meter (1) a parallel-connected pressure difference sensor (3) has a bypass channel (8) which frees a connection between the inflow side and the outflow side (4, 5) when a piston (7) butts against a maximum stroke stop (9). In the bypass channel (8) is a check valve (11) which prevents the backflow from the outflow side to the inflow side (5, 4) and thus enables a return of the piston (7) purely due to pressure. |
| US09746362B2 |
Thermal flow meter
The present invention provides a thermal flow meter 300 which reduces a stress applied from a fixing portion 3721, which is used to hold and fix a circuit package 400 with respect to a housing 302, to the circuit package 400 and has high reliability. In the thermal flow meter of the invention, the circuit package 400 embedded with a flow rate measurement circuit is formed through a first resin molding process, the fixing portion 3721 is formed along with the housing 302 through a second resin molding process, and the circuit package 400 is enveloped by the fixing portion 3721, whereby the circuit package 400 is held by and fixed to the housing 302. In order to reduce the influence of a stress, generated based on a temperature change of the fixing portion 3721, on the circuit package 400, the fixing portion 3721 is constituted of a thick portion 4714 and a thin portion 4710. Since thickness of a resin of the thin portion 4710 is small, the stress to be generated is small, and a force applied to the circuit package 400 can be reduced. |
| US09746360B2 |
Nonintrusive performance measurement of a gas turbine engine in real time
Performance of a gas turbine engine is monitored by computing a mass flow rate through the engine. Acoustic time-of-flight measurements are taken between acoustic transmitters and receivers in the flow path of the engine. The measurements are processed to determine average speeds of sound and gas flow velocities along those lines-of-sound. A volumetric flow rate in the flow path is computed using the gas flow velocities together with a representation of the flow path geometry. A gas density in the flow path is computed using the speeds of sound and a measured static pressure. The mass flow rate is calculated from the gas density and the volumetric flow rate. |
| US09746358B2 |
Ballast water treatment monitoring system
A system for withdrawing samples of fluids comprises a pitot tube assembly, a flow sensor to measure a flow rate of the sample, and a pump connected to the pitot tube assembly to withdraw a sample, wherein the system is configured to match a sample flow velocity to the flow velocity sensed by a flow sensor on a pitot wand. The pitot tube assembly comprises a housing with a sample outlet and a return sample inlet, an extendable/retractable pitot wand within the housing, wherein the pitot wand includes a passage extending the length thereof to transfer a sample from a pitot tube end to a sealed compartment in the housing connected to the sample outlet; wherein the return sample inlet is connected to a passage in the housing leading to an outlet from the housing, and a flow sensor on an end of the pitot wand. |
| US09746355B2 |
Systems and methods for selective contextual illumination of digital information display devices and other information indication devices
An information indication system for a vehicle, a vessel, an aircraft as well as other equipment, the information indication system configured to indicate a value of a physical parameter to an operator of the vehicle, vessel or aircraft, the information indication system including a dial corresponding to a range of values of the physical parameter and a needle operable to move about the dial, wherein a current location of the needle on the dial indicates the value of a physical parameter within the range of values of the physical parameter, wherein the information indication system is configured to illuminate a portion of the dial in the immediate vicinity of the current location of the needle on the dial. In various embodiments, the information indication system may be a speedometer or a tachometer. |
| US09746345B2 |
Apparatus and method for determining a rotation angle of a rotor
A method and an apparatus for determining a rotation angle of a rotor in a motor with the aid of angle sensors by measurement of reference values and correction of the effected computations. The method is used, for example, in a synchronous motor. |
| US09746343B1 |
Steering command generating system, device, and method for a forward-looking image capture device
Present novel and non-trivial system, device, and method for generating a steering command for at least one forward-looking image capture device are disclosed. The steering command generating system is comprised of a source of navigation data, an avionics system processor (“ASP”) configured to receive the navigation data representative of a wind correction angle (“WCA”); generate steering data as a function of at least the navigation data and representative of a steering command commensurate to an angular difference; and provide the steering data to one or more forward-looking image capture device(s). In another embodiment, the ASP may further receive motion tracking data representative of a head position angular measurement and include the motion tracking data in the function for generating steering data. The angular difference may correspond to the WCA or the measurement of a head position angle. |
| US09746340B2 |
Map storage for navigation systems
When preparing a representation of map display information for use by a navigation device, a set of source map data (600) is subject to a similarity analysis step (601) to try to identify elements in the source map data (600) that are similar in terms of their shape and/or their appearance when displayed. A classification and transformation parameter generation step (602) then classifies elements in the map into groups of similar elements as determined by the similarity analysis (601) and also determines the parameters and conditions under which the identified map elements can be considered to be similar. This is then used to generate a map database that includes a library of predefined map display elements having parametrable aspects, which map display elements can then be used to construct a desired map for display. |
| US09746338B2 |
Binaural navigation cues
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing binaural navigational cures. In one aspect, a method includes presenting audio media in a non-directional playback state that presents the audible media in an original format, iteratively determining a navigational heading relative to a current navigational course, the navigational heading indicative of a direction to face to proceed along a navigational route, and for each iteration, determining whether a change is required to the current navigational course based on the navigational heading. For each determination that a change is not required to the current navigational course, presenting the audio media in the non-directional playback state, and for each determination that a change is required to the current navigational course, changing the non-directional playback state to a directional playback state that presents the audible media in a modified format that is directional from the navigational heading. |
| US09746329B2 |
Systems and methods for augmenting an inertial navigation system
Systems and methods for augmenting an inertial navigation system (INS) include outputting from the INS position information associated with the implement and adjusting the implement based upon a comparison of the position information of the implement and a desired position of the implement. The INS is periodically re-initialized using error estimates generated by a kalman filter as a function of position information from one or more positioning (or measuring) devices, such as a fan laser, an automatic total station (ATS), a GNSS receiver, or a ground based radio positioning system, to correct a drift of the position information that may be caused by inherent characteristics of the INS. |
| US09746327B2 |
Fusion of sensor and map data using constraint based optimization
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for fusion of sensor and map data using constraint based optimization. In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method may include obtaining tracking data for a tracked subject, the tracking data including data from a dead reckoning sensor; obtaining constraint data for the tracked subject; and using a convex optimization method based on the tracking data and the constraint data to obtain a navigation solution. The navigation solution may be a path and the method may further include propagating the constraint data by a motion model to produce error bounds that continue to constrain the path over time. The propagation of the constraint data may be limited by other sensor data and/or map structural data. |
| US09746316B1 |
High-resolution in-line metrology for roll-to-roll processing operations
A substrate is tested with an interferometer in-line in a roll-to-roll processing operation to detect defects and exclude them from further processing. A tilt is introduced in the illumination path of the interferometer to allow detection of best fringes in a selected measurement field of view (FOV) that is smaller than the camera FOV in the direction transverse to the fringes. At each acquisition frame, the measurement FOV is shifted to track the best-fringe position within the camera field of view based on irradiance acquired at the previous step. As a result, the system is able to accommodate substrate flutter and roller runout and maintain focus on the substrate that allows precise identification of defects and their isolation for subsequent processing. |
| US09746313B2 |
Laser centering tool for surface areas
A laser centering tool for surface areas used to find the center point of a surface. The laser centering tool uses single or multiple laser sources to project a plurality of lines on a horizontal or vertical surface. It may comprise of multiple lasers, rotational plates, prism, beam splitter, gear housing, and/or a gear mechanism. At least one center laser line remains stationary between at least two edge laser lines. The edge lasers may be moved to outline the edge of a surface. At least one center laser projects a beam that indicates the center point of the edge lasers. The edge laser lines may be moved by rotational plates, a set of mirrors, or prism. |
| US09746309B2 |
Remote field testing using a permeable core
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for measuring material thickness of one or more casings using a permeable core are presented. A magnetic field is generated using a permeable core and transmitted through one or more casings. Moreover, one or more receivers measure changes to the magnetic field. |
| US09746305B2 |
Uneven surface deflection and amplitude measurement tool
A first aspect of the invention provides an apparatus to indicate an amplitude of an uneven measurement surface. The apparatus may include a frame slidingly supporting a set of pins, each pin including a high point stop and a low point stop; a low point isolator member moveable relative to the frame, the low point isolator member indicating a lowest point of the uneven measurement surface by a respective low point stop of a first; a high point isolator member moveable relative to the frame, the high point isolator member indicating a highest point of the uneven measurement surface by a respective high point stop of a second pin; a low point displacement sensor for identifying a low point displacement; a high point displacement sensor for identifying a high point displacement; and a calculator for calculating a difference between the low point displacement and the high point displacement. |
| US09746300B1 |
Voltage induced porosity in insensitive munition
A method of selectively increasing the sensitivity of an insensitive munition by inducing porosity or Joule heating in munitions assembly comprising a power source, an explosive apparatus and a fuze apparatus wherein the explosive apparatus contains a sensitized main explosive composition comprising a secondary explosive and a sensitizing agent. As a result, the otherwise insensitive munition is rendered sensitive to a propagating wave shock by approximately 10 to 25%. To this end, a voltage is applied across the main conductive explosive composition within the insensitive munition. Voltages above certain thresholds cause the decomposition of the explosive material or conductive binder, which leads to an increase in porosity, and therefore the shock sensitivity. |
| US09746298B2 |
Flechette for direct fire weapons
A flechette for use with a gun barrel having a tapered bore with a diameter at the initial bore section greater than the diameter at the emergent bore. The flechette includes a body constructed of a ductile material and having an elongated axis aligned with the axis of the tapered bore when positioned in the load end of the bore. The body also includes a cylindrical bulkhead as well as a bourrelet that are axially spaced from each other along the flechette and have an outside diameter substantially the same as the diameter at the initial bore section of the tapered bore. An elongated boom is attached at the tail end of the body while a penetrator is attached at the forward end of the body. Upon launch, both the bulkhead and bourrelet are compressed radially inward by the bore reduction so that the body is substantially cylindrical upon exit from the discharge end of the bore. |
| US09746296B2 |
Customizable projectile designed to tumble
A method of making a projectile that tumbles upon impact. The projectile has a leading portion, a leading portion trailing end, and a leading portion side which forms a leading portion acute angle with the leading portion trailing end. A tip extends from the leading portion and has a tip trailing end and a tip side. The tip side forms a tip acute angle with the tip trailing end. |
| US09746290B2 |
Interlocking telescopic rod-type defense spray apparatus
An interlocking telescopic rod-type defense spray apparatus includes: a first tube body, a cap and a second tube body. The first tube body has a receiving chamber for placing an irritant gas can. The cap covers the receiving chamber. A rod body portion of the second tube body includes an upper tube, a lower tube, and a telescopic-rod packing device connecting the upper tube and the lower tube. Two sectioned tube pieces and a spring pin component and a push joint component between the two tube pieces are applied to lock and unlock a relative position relationship between the two tube pieces, so that the defense spray apparatus has composite functions of a rod-piece additional function of a locking configuration of relative positions of the two tube pieces and a press-lever spray irritant gas can of an unlocking configuration of the relative positions of the two tube pieces. |
| US09746248B2 |
Heat pipe having a wick with a hybrid profile
A heat pipe system for conducting thermal energy. The heat pipe system includes a sealed tube having along its length a reservoir region, an evaporator region, and a condenser region, the tube having a first end and a second end and an inside wall. The system also includes a wick disposed adjacent the inside wall of the tube, the wick including a first portion at the first end of the tube and a second portion adjacent the first portion, wherein the first portion of the wick is thicker than the second portion of the wick, and wherein the second portion of the wick does not extend to the second end of the tube. The system also includes a working fluid contained within the tube. |
| US09746238B2 |
Drum washing machine
A drum washing machine having an improved air circulation structure thereof. The drum washing machine includes a cabinet, a tub arranged within the cabinet, a drum rotatably arranged within the tub, a drying unit which heats and circulates air discharged from the tub so as to dry laundry within the drum, the drying unit including a drying duct equipped with a heater to heat air therein, a circulation passage provided such that air circulates between the tub and the inside of the drying duct, and a suction member which is coupled to one side of the drying duct and introduces air outside the tub onto the circulation passage, and a discharge member which is coupled to one side of the tub and discharges part of the air in the circulation passage to the outside of the cabinet. |
| US09746236B2 |
Spray freeze-dried nanoparticles and method of use thereof
The present disclosure relates to a process for reducing particle agglomeration and/or increasing porosity of agglomerated particles, a method for enhancing dispersion of nanoparticles in a polymer matrix, and thermoplastic or thermoset nanocomposites comprising nanoparticles. |
| US09746235B2 |
Infrared float bar
Infrared air float bar for use in floating and drying a continuous planar web of a material in a dryer. Direct radiated or reflected infrared electromagnetic energy from an infrared light source in a removable channel assembly accelerates drying, or evaporation of solvents, or curing of web material passing in proximity to the bar, either by infrared electromagnetic energy, or in combination with convention airflow. The infrared source is cooled by pressurized air passing through an interior portion of the removable air bar channel assembly, and the air is further conducted into fluid contact with the web in an air gap between the emitter and web to promote convective heat transfer and to contribute to the air pressure field supporting web flotation. The removable channel assembly is configured for replacement of the infrared emitter and to allow the setting of the pressurized cooling air flow to the optimum level. |
| US09746232B2 |
Heat exchanger assembly having a heated condensate drainage system
The disclosure presents a heat exchanger assembly for a heat pump system, having a heated condensate drainage system. The heat exchanger assembly includes a manifold with a plurality of pins extending substantially in the direction of gravity. A condensate drainage tray is positioned beneath the manifold. The drainage tray includes a plurality of drainage holes corresponding with the number and position of the pins. The pins extend from the manifold and through the corresponding the drainage holes of the drainage tray. Each of the plurality of pins includes a diameter smaller than the diameter of the drainage hole to allow for condensate to drain through the drainage hole. At least one of the pins includes a distal end and is tapered toward the distal end. The drainage tray may be tilted with respect to the manifold. |
| US09746229B2 |
Hybrid twist tray ice maker
An ice maker includes a harvest motor and an ice tray operably coupled to the harvest motor. The ice tray has a plurality of heat sinks coupled to a bottom section of ice forming cavities on the ice tray. The harvest motor is operable to twist the ice tray for causing the plurality of heat sinks to move relative to each other for releasing ice pieces from the ice forming cavities. |
| US09746226B2 |
Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a compressor compressing a refrigerant, a condenser condensing the refrigerant compressed in the compressor, a refrigerant tube guiding a flow of the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, an expansion device decompressing the refrigerant condensed in the condenser, and an evaporator evaporating the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device. The evaporator includes an evaporation tube through which the refrigerant decompressed in the expansion device flows, a coupling tube through a refrigerant heat-exchanged with the refrigerant of the evaporator flows, and a heat-exchange fin coupled to the evaporation tube and the coupling tube. |
| US09746223B2 |
Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a high-pressure side pressure detection device detecting high-pressure side pressure, a low-pressure side pressure detection device detecting low-pressure side pressure, a high-low pressure bypass pipe connecting a pipe on a discharge side of a compressor and a pipe on a suction side of the compressor, a bypass expansion device disposed in the high-low pressure bypass pipe, a high-pressure side temperature detection device detecting high-pressure side temperature, and a low-pressure side temperature detection device detecting low-pressure side temperature; an outdoor unit side controller that detects circulation composition of refrigerant on the basis of the high-pressure side pressure, the low-pressure side pressure, the high-pressure side temperature, and the low-pressure side temperature; and a relay unit side controller performing at least one of a calculation of evaporating temperature and degree of superheat, and a calculation of condensing temperature and degree of subcooling on the basis of the circulation composition. |
| US09746212B2 |
Refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus
A refrigerating and air-conditioning apparatus suppresses liquid backflow to a compressor with a simple configuration, and reduces annual power consumption.An outdoor unit and an indoor unit are connected to each other by a gas-side connecting pipe and a liquid-side connecting pipe to form a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor heat exchanger, a refrigerant heat exchanger, an expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, and an accumulator are sequentially connected. The refrigerant heat exchanger transfers heat between a high-pressure-side refrigerant flowing between the expansion valve and an outdoor-unit liquid pipe connecting portion and a low-pressure-side refrigerant on an outlet side of the accumulator. |
| US09746199B1 |
Integrated smart actuator and valve device
An integrated device in an HVAC system is configured to modify an environmental condition of a building. The device includes a valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid through a conduit, an actuator comprising a motor and a drive device, and a communications mechanism. The communications mechanism is configured to receive a flow rate setpoint from an external control device of an outer control loop. The device further includes a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine an actuator position setpoint using a cascaded feedback control mechanism based on the flow rate setpoint and a flow rate measurement from a flow rate sensor of an inner control loop. The valve, the actuator, the communications mechanism, and the processing circuit are located within a common integrated device chassis. |
| US09746191B2 |
System for producing heat source for heating or electricity using medium/low temperature waste heat, and method for controlling the same
A system for producing a heat source for heating or electricity, using medium/low-temperature waste heat includes: an absorption-type heat pump (100) supplied with a driving heat source and heat source water to heat a low-temperature heat medium; a regenerator heat exchange unit (210) for supplying a regenerator (110) with a driving heat source using waste heat; an evaporator heat exchange unit (220) for supplying an evaporator with heat source water; a heat medium circulation line (310) for circulating a heat medium; a generation unit (400) branching off from the heat medium circulation line (310) and producing electricity; a heat production unit (500) branching off from the heat medium circulation line (310) and supplying a heat-demanding place with a heat source for heating; and a switching valve unit (600) for controlling the flow of heat medium supplied the generation unit (400) or the heat production unit (500). |
| US09746188B2 |
Recirculating downdraft system for a cooking appliance
Provided is a cooking appliance that includes an oven cavity and an oven door pivotally mounted to a front surface and configured to selectively provide access to an interior of the oven cavity. A cooktop includes a heating element and an inlet of a downdraft system exposed at a top surface of the cooking appliance. An outlet is provided through which air drawn into the downdraft system through the inlet is exhausted to an ambient environment of a room in which the cooking appliance is located. An air duct system conveys air between the inlet and the outlet, and a blower draws air from the ambient environment of the cooking appliance adjacent to the cooktop into the inlet and through the air duct system to be expelled through the outlet back into the ambient environment. |
| US09746186B2 |
Control device for gas taps
A control device for gas appliances comprises at least one control module (20) having a supporting structure that can be associated to a gas tap (10) and defines a housing, contained within which is at least one first part of a circuit arrangement. The control module (20) comprises a command element operable by a user for activating at least one timing function and/or a function of ignition of a gas burner. The first part of the circuit arrangement comprises control elements, electrical-interconnection elements, and detection elements (45) configured for detecting actuation of the command element and supplying corresponding signals to the control elements.The circuit arrangement comprises further control and/or command elements (PSD, IS, F, LE, BC, ISC) and/or an auxiliary module (PSD). |
| US09746183B2 |
Igniter with pilot flame, particularly for gas-fired burners
An igniter with pilot flame, particularly for gas-fired burners, comprising a Venturi tube provided, at the part where the combustible mix exits, with a cap which is fitted detachably and with play on an end portion thereof, and is provided with at least one hole, which is transverse to the end portion, for the outflow of the combustible mix; the Venturi tube comprising two portions: a first portion, at the end of which the cap is present, and a second portion, by means of which it is associated with a gas source, which is extended laterally with respect to an intermediate region of the first portion, the first portion further having, on the opposite side with respect to the exit side of the combustible mix, a removable plug. |
| US09746180B2 |
Multijet burner with charge interaction
A multijet burner system includes a plurality of fuel nozzles, each configured to support a respective flame, a plurality of charge electrodes, each positioned and configured to apply a charge potential to a fluid flow corresponding to a respective one of the plurality of fuel nozzles, and a charge controller operatively coupled to each of the plurality of charge electrodes and configured to control a voltage potential applied to each respective charge electrode. By selecting the magnitude and polarity of a charge potential applied to individual ones of the flames of the plurality of burners, the flames can be made to change positions, move to selected positions, and redistribute themselves within a volume. |
| US09746168B1 |
Light-emitting touch buttons
A light-emitting touch button can include a first printed circuit board (PCB), a second PCB, and a pin coupling the first PCB to the second PCB. The first PCB can include first electronics to detect a touch event on a touch surface. The second PCB can include second electronics to control light emission. The pin can communicate the detected touch event from the first electronics to the second electronics. The touch button can also include a housing including one or more walls defining one or more light-emitting regions. One or more light sources can be disposed within the one or more light-emitting regions. The second electronics can control light emitted from the one or more light sources based at least in part on the detected touch event. The one or more walls can collimate the light emitted from the one or more light sources to the touch surface. |
| US09746167B2 |
Electrical wiring device having a bidirectional light pipe for use in an ambient environment
A light pipe device having a first light pipe branch including a first light flux interface at a first-first end thereof and a second light flux interface disposed at a first-second end thereof; a second light pipe branch including a third light flux interface at a second-first end thereof and a fourth light flux interface disposed at a second-second end thereof a bidirectional lens disposed at one of the ends; and an interface region coupled between the first and second light pipe branch, the interface region being further coupled to the bidirectional lens, the interface region being configured to direct light propagating in the first light pipe branch out of the bidirectional lens and into an ambient environment, the bidirectional element being configured to direct ambient light from the ambient environment into the interface region, the interface region being configured to further direct the ambient light into the second light pipe branch. |
| US09746157B2 |
Quantum dot/remote phosphor display system improvements
A display system comprises light sources configured to emit first light with a first spectral power distribution; light regeneration layers configured to be stimulated by the first light and to convert at least a portion of the first light and recycled light into second light, the second light comprising (a) primary spectral components that correspond to primary colors and (b) secondary spectral components that do not correspond to the primary colors; and notch filter layers configured to receive a portion of the second light and to filter out the secondary spectral components from the portion of the second light. The portion of the second light can be directed to a viewer of the display system and configured to render images viewable to the viewer. |
| US09746139B2 |
Light tube and power supply circuit
A replacement light tube for replacing a fluorescent light tube includes a bulb portion extending between a first end and a second end, the bulb portion comprising a support structure, a plurality of white light emitting diodes (LEDs) and an elongate light-transmissive cover. The support structure has a first surface extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of LEDs are supported by the first surface and arranged between the first end and the second end. The elongate light-transmissive cover extends between the first end and the second end and over the first surface of the support structure. A first end cap and a second end cap are disposed on the first end and the second end, respectively, each configured to fit with a socket for a fluorescent light tube. A power supply circuit is configured to provide power to the plurality of LEDs. The plurality of LEDs are arranged to emit light through the elongate light-transmissive cover and at least a portion of the power supply circuit is packaged inside at least one of the end caps. |
| US09746134B2 |
Method of storing and using natural gas in a vehicle
A method of storing and using natural gas (NG) in a vehicle includes selecting a vehicle having an NG tank for fueling an engine of the vehicle. The tank service pressure rating is 3600 psi (pounds per square inch) and an NG adsorbent is in the tank. A first quantity of NG is transferred into the tank from a first source having a first source pressure less than 725 psi. The adsorbent adsorbs a portion of the NG. After transferring the first quantity of NG, the engine is operated until NG is desorbed and consumed by the engine. NG is transferred into the tank from a second source to fill the tank to a second tank pressure of about 3600 psi. The adsorbent adsorbs some of the NG. After transferring the second quantity of the NG, the engine is operated until NG is desorbed and consumed by the engine. |
| US09746133B2 |
Hydrogen storage tank comprising metal hydrides produced through simplified manufacture and storage device comprising at least such a tank
A hydrogen storage material tank including a shell along a longitudinal axis, a hydrogen supply and collection duct along a longitudinal axis, a stack of plural cups around the duct, wherein each cup includes a base perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, a passage allowing installation of the cup around the duct, an outer wall perpendicular to the base, in contact with the shell and an inner wall perpendicular to the base and in contact with the duct, wherein each cup is force-fitted on the duct and each cup includes a mechanism allowing mutual engagement of the cups in one another by mechanical deformation of free ends of the outer walls of the cups. |
| US09746131B2 |
Attachment system
An attachment system is provided which may include a cord, a fastener coupled to a first portion of the cord, a tensioner coupled to a second portion of the cord, and a first fitting arranged to couple either the fastener or the tensioner to the cord. The tensioner is configured to retain a third portion of the cord to maintain the tension in the cord. An attachment system may include a first working component configured to be coupled to the cord, and a first fitting arranged to couple the first working component to the cord. The first working component may have a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the first fitting, and the first fitting may have an actively moveable element configured to retain the cord when the first fitting is positioned in the working component cavity. |
| US09746120B2 |
Apparatus for closing and sealing the open end of a pipe
The tool comprises a front plate for closing the open end of a pipe. A pair of clamping devices are positioned around the pipe and frictionally engage its outer surface. Nut and bolt assemblies connect the front plate with the clamps. These assemblies pull the front plate tight against the pipe end face. A back plate is positioned transversely within the bore of the pipe. The plate has a stem that slidably projects forwardly through a central aperture in the front plate. The back plate carries an O-ring. A nut is threaded onto the stem and functions to draw the back plate forward so that the O-ring seals the interface of the front plate and pipe end face. |
| US09746113B2 |
Bladder and coupled pneumatic coupling system
Disclosed herein is a bladder that may be configured as a supply bladder and as a discharge bladder in a fluid coupler. The bladder may comprise at least one overtube having a lumen in which is positioned a catheter, which may include a fluid passage portion and an inflation portion, wherein the overtube has a first securing edge and a second securing edge, at least one gland nut to be secured to the first securing edge of the overtube, the gland unit may be tightened internally to the first securing edge of the overtube, a cord grip located with the gland unit when the gland nut is secured to the first secured edge, at least one sealing coupler ring to be secured to the second securing edge of the overtube, at least one bladder insert for creating a seal between the overtube and the sealing coupler ring within the catheter, and a plurality of O-rings to be secured inside the sealing coupler ring with a screw unit. |
| US09746104B2 |
Device for laying an elongate element in a stretch of water, associated installation and associated method
This device comprises a drum (42) to be driven in rotation about a central axis (B-B′), wherein the drum (42) defines a circumferential casing (50) for winding the elongate element around the central axis (B-B′), wherein the elongate element is intended to form at least one turn around the central axis (B-B′) on the circumferential casing (50). It comprises a mechanism (44) for driving the turn(s) of the elongate element along the circumferential casing (50). The drive mechanism (44) comprises at least one assembly (80) following movement of the turn in a direction of movement (D) forming a non-zero angle with the local axis of the turn, taken at a contact region of the turn on the movement assembly (80). |
| US09746090B2 |
Container, containing device and method for taking out contained product
A container and method for taking out contained product. The container comprises a container body, a pressure transfer channel, a control valve, a liquid taking channel and an outflow channel, the control valve contains a moving part. The moving part is at different positions along with variation of pressure applied to a variable pressure part, and connection and disconnection of the channels which between the pressure transfer channel and the outflow channel and between the liquid taking channel and the pressure transfer channel are determined by three positions of the moving part. The container can quantitatively take out contained product, is simple in structure and avoid the product to be oxidized or polluted. |
| US09746089B2 |
Spool valve assembly with stationary insert
Valve assemblies and associated methods are disclosed that may include a spool valve and one or more stationary inserts. In some examples, the stationary inserts may be configured to be fixed within a valve bore of a valve body to provide a fluid seal between an outer surface of the insert and the valve bore. Embodiments may also include valve assembly repair kits that may include a spool valve and a stationary insert for repairing a malfunctioning spool valve and methods for installing the same. |
| US09746088B2 |
Device for sealing pipelines
This inventions relates to a plugging machine and a rigid tube provided with a stationary disc integral with the bottom of the tube and oriented almost orthogonal to the tube, with a movable disc paired with the stationary disc. A sealing ring of a resilient material is located between the discs and compressed when the movable disc is pressed against the stationary disc to adhere to an inner surface of the pipeline. The sealing ring is coaxial with respect to the pipeline. The movement of the movable disc is determined by raising or lowering a control rod within the tube by means of sloping sliders made in the lower portion of the rod which engage in respective grooves, likewise sloping, made in an axial shank associated with the movable disc and sliding inside an axial opening of the stationary disc. A component of a force is generated which is parallel to the axis of the discs. The axis is raised or lowered by rotation of a threaded ring engaging in a threading mate at the top of the rod. |
| US09746085B2 |
Labyrinth seal and method for producing a labyrinth seal
A labyrinth seal for sealing a sealing region between a rotor and stator of a rotary machine includes, a base, and a plurality of sealing rings. The sealing rings are formed on the base, project into the sealing region and form, between them labyrinth valleys bounded, laterally, by the sealing rings and, in the floor of the valleys, by the base. The sealing rings, in at least one region, include at least one material which is different from that of the base. |
| US09746083B2 |
Mechanical seal
A seal designed for insertion between a rotating shaft and a fixed casing having an opening through which the shaft is fitted, the seal having a sleeve designed to fit onto the shaft; a first sealing ring fitted to the sleeve; a cup designed to fit inside the opening; and a second sealing ring connected to the cup by a bellows of elastomeric material; the first and second sealing rings cooperate frontally with each other under the axial load exerted by a spring interposed between the cup and the second sealing ring; and the bellows is connected in angularly free manner to the cup to prevent self-induced torsional oscillation and noise resulting from it. |
| US09746082B2 |
Dust-resistant structure for tooling machine
A dust-resistant structure for a tooling machine is disclosed. The tooling machine includes a front plate including an accommodation member and a shaft supporter disposed inside the accommodation member. The dust-resistant structure comprises a bridging ring, a dust-resistant rubber ring and a dust-resistant sealing cover. The bridging ring is disposed corresponding to the front plate, and includes a ring body, an inside-ring region corresponding to the accommodation member, and at least one pressure release member formed in the ring body and interconnecting with the inside-ring region for releasing pressure. The dust-resistant rubber ring is assembled to the ring body and disposed in the inside-region region with an inner rim contacting the accommodation member to block dust. The dust-resistant sealing cover includes a cover body assembled to and shielding the accommodation member for blocking dust; and an assembling hole formed in the cover body and penetrated by the dynamic module. |
| US09746070B2 |
Electronic control of a transmission
A recreational vehicle is provided including a power source, such as an engine or an electric motor, and a transmission having a variable gear ratio. A sub-transmission coupled to an output of the transmission includes a plurality of selectable gear configurations including park gear and at least one of a forward gear, a neutral gear and a reverse gear. An electronic controller is operative to electronically control the gear configuration of the sub-transmission in response to a set of conditions. |
| US09746069B2 |
Axle assembly
An axle assembly that is configured with reduced weight and an internal configuration that is configured to reduce losses through, for example, higher efficiency gearing, low viscosity lubricant and reduced lubricant levels as compared with current production automotive axle assemblies that are configured with a similar overall gear ratio and capacity. |
| US09746057B2 |
Drive mechanism for OPTO-mechanical inspection system
A drive mechanism to move an optical component sensitive to particles is described. The drive mechanism has high precision in rotation, great reliability and durability life, no backlash, and far less particle contamination. The drive mechanism can be advantageously used in high precision rotation driving processes for opto-mechanical inspection systems that require high movement precision and no-contamination. In one embodiment, two pulleys are used with their axes to be parallel from each other, two bands are used to rotate the pulleys in opposite directions. An eccentric disk mechanism is used to fine-tune the distance between the two pulleys so that tensions on the two bands can be optimized. |
| US09746054B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
The present disclosure provides a multiple speed transmission having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gearsets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier member with pinion gears. The input member is selectively interconnected with at least one member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets, and the output member is continuously interconnected with another member of one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. At least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09746047B2 |
Sound reduction or vibration damping apparatus and structural member
Provided is a sound reduction or vibration damping apparatus that has a new sound control principle where the sound control principle is totally different from a known passive or active sound control apparatus. A sound reduction or vibration damping apparatus 1 includes a mass portion 11, spring portions 12a and 12b placed between the mass portion 11 and a structural member 13, and a control unit 4 for causing the spring constants of the spring portions 12a and 12b to continue changing. The sound reduction or vibration damping apparatus 1 is mounted on the structural member 13 to reduce sound passing through the structural member 13 or sound generated from the structural member, or damp the vibration of the structural member 13. |
| US09746041B2 |
Electric brake device
An electric brake device includes a brake rotor, a brake pad, an electric motor, a linear motion mechanism, and a controller. The controller includes a motor angular velocity control section to control an angular velocity of the electric motor; and a motor angular velocity limiting section to limit the angular velocity of the electric motor such that an angular velocity ωb of the electric motor in a no-load state when the electric brake device shifts from a non-braking state to a braking state, and an angular velocity ωr of the electric motor in a no-load state when the electric brake device shifts from the braking state to the non-braking state satisfy |ωb|>|ωr|. |
| US09746030B2 |
Method for producing an extruded bearing journal
In a method for producing an extruded bearing journal, the bearing journal is extruded in an extrusion tool by means of at least one extrusion punch and, after the extrusion of the bearing journal, reworking of the bearing journal is performed in order to improve the cylindricity of the bearing journal at least over a section of the longitudinal extent of the bearing journal. During the reworking, the bearing journal is arranged, at least over a section of its longitudinal extent adjoining its free end, in a cavity that is delimited in a radial direction of the bearing journal by a wall surface surrounding the lateral surface of the bearing journal, and a reworking punch which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the bearing journal is moved toward the free end of the bearing journal and is pressed against the face surface of the bearing journal and, in this way, a plastic deformation of the bearing journal, with a flow of material of the bearing journal, is effected. |
| US09746018B2 |
Speed nut
A speed nut for fastening a work piece to a stud includes a fastener plate defining an opening on a surface. The speed nut further includes a prong extending inwardly from an edge of the opening, the prong includes a root portion connecting with the fastener plate and a terminal end defining a single-threaded hole within the opening and configured to ratchet over threads of the stud. The root portion and the terminal portion are arranged offset from each other such that the prong plastically deforms in response to the work piece being removed from the stud. |
| US09746016B2 |
Fastening device and method for fastening an element in a keyhole-shaped cutout in a wall
A fastening device for fastening an element in a keyhole-shaped cutout in a wall includes a retaining element which in the fastened state of the fastening device is designed to rest against a front side of the wall, and to at least partially cover an edge of a narrower opening of the key-shaped section in a wall. The fastening device also includes a support element which in the fastened state of the fastening device is designed to engage through a wider opening of the keyhole-shaped cutout in the wall, and to support the fastening device against a lateral edge of the wider opening during fastening. |
| US09746012B2 |
Self-centering vial clamp
A self-centering vial clamp is provided. The self-centering vial clamp includes a clamp body including a vial aperture and two or more jaw slots spaced around the vial aperture, two or more clamp jaws spaced around the vial aperture, with a clamp jaw including a vial contact face and one or more jaw projections configured to engage a jaw slot of the clamp body, and two or more lever arms coupled to the two or more clamp jaws. A lever arm of the self-centering vial claim is configured to be manually pivoted, wherein the lever arm translates the pivoting motion into a sliding motion of the corresponding clamp jaw. Interacting lever gears formed on the lever arms constrain the two or more clamp jaws to move substantially in unison during the manual pivoting, aligning the vial. |
| US09746010B2 |
Noise control of cavity flows using active and/or passive receptive channels
An apparatus comprises a surface that is configured to be exposed to a fluid stream and a cavity wall that forms at least a portion of a cavity. A first channel opening is formed in the surface, and a second channel opening is formed in the cavity wall. A channel extends from the first channel opening in the cavity wall to the second channel opening in the surface. |
| US09745997B2 |
Speed sensor insert with bearing spacer indexing for a turbocharger
A number of variations may include a turbocharger bearing housing comprising a bearing bore, a rolling element bearing assembly including an inner race and an outer race having a plurality of ball bearings disposed therebetween, wherein the rolling element bearing assembly is disposed within the bearing bore, a shaft for rotating the rolling element bearing assembly, located and supported within the inner race, a tubular bearing spacer, having at least one radial opening, positioned within the bearing bore, a mounting bore, a generally tubular insert mounted in the mounting bore and extending into the at least one radial opening of the tubular bearing spacer, and a rotational speed sensor mounted to the tubular insert via threaded fitting or friction fit. |
| US09745996B2 |
Fan
A fan casing includes an impeller housing, a mixed-flow impeller located within the impeller housing, and a motor for driving the impeller. The impeller includes a hub connected to the motor, and a plurality of blades connected to the hub, each blade comprising a leading edge located adjacent the air inlet of the impeller housing, an inner side edge connected to and extending partially about the outer surface of the hub, an outer side edge located opposite to the inner side edge, and a blade tip located at the intersection of the leading edge and the outer side edge. The leading edge comprises an inner portion located adjacent the hub, and an outer portion located adjacent the blade tip, and wherein the inner portion is swept rearwardly from the hub to the outer portion, and the outer portion is swept forwardly from the inner portion to the blade tip. |
| US09745984B2 |
Fan and pressure-increasing blade assembly thereof
A fan includes a frame and an impeller including a hub, a plurality of first blades, a first ring-shaped structure, and a plurality of second blades. The first blades are disposed around the hub. The hub and the first blades are surrounded by the first ring-shaped structure connected with the ends of the first blades, and a central area is structured therebetween. The second blades are connected with an outer rim of the first ring-shaped structure. The frame includes a base, an axle tube portion disposed on the base, and a receiving portion. The impeller is disposed on the axle tube portion. The receiving portion includes plural third blades disposed around the base corresponding to the central area. The first and third blades are matched to each other to be assembled for transforming a tangent velocity into a static pressure to increase the pressure generated by the central area. |
| US09745974B2 |
Pump using multi voltage electronics with run dry and over current protection
A pump system features a power adapter and a pump having a signal processor. The power adapter includes voltage settings that respond to a voltage setting by a user and provide a selected voltage. The signal processor receives signaling containing information about the selected voltage supplied to a motor to run the pump, and also containing information about whether a current draw of the pump is lower than a predetermined low current level or is higher than a predetermined high current level; and determines whether to shut off the pump after a predetermined time, based on the signaling received. |
| US09745963B2 |
Energy weight storage
A first weight system for storing energy comprises a support platform with a lifting station having a plurality of vertically extending shafts, a cable and a motor located at ground level. This weight system hoists a heavily weighted device upwardly along the vertically extending shafts; holds it in a raised position and then lowers it along these same shafts to turn the motors and generate energy. The weighted device can include one or more flat rectangular containers or a weighted box. A second system employs a pair of containers connected to one another on an inclined track by a cable that can be moved about a guide wheel at a top of the track. The track further includes a media collection area, container filling area and means for conveying media from the bottom to the top of the inclined track. A third system pulls a plurality of large heavy wheels up an inclined track with wind power for subsequent lowering to turn a motor and generate energy. |
| US09745959B2 |
Inrush current protection for wind turbines and wind farms
A wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a transformer having a low-voltage side and a high-voltage side. The transformer is configured to step up a voltage of the low-voltage side of the transformer to a voltage of an external grid. The wind turbine further includes an electrical power generating unit which is connected to the low-voltage side of the transformer and configured to feed an ac-power to the low-voltage side of the transformer. A charging device of the wind turbine is connected to the low-voltage side of the transformer and configured to charge the low-voltage side of the transformer when the generator does not feed ac-power to the low-voltage side of the transformer. |
| US09745955B2 |
Wind turbine blade
A wind turbine blade having an elongated blade body extending along a longitudinal axis and having an upper skin and a lower skin, the lower skin spaced from the upper skin in a thickness direction of the blade body, the upper skin and/or lower skin having a laminated layer, the laminated layer having an outer layer wherein the outer layer forms part of the upper and/or lower skin respectively, an inner layer spaced from the outer layer in the thickness direction; and an intermediate layer sandwiched between the outer layer and inner layer, the intermediate layer having a plurality of heat transfer paths within the intermediate layer for transferring heat. |
| US09745951B1 |
Self-positioning robotic subsea power generation system
A self-propelled, robotic power generating system remains submerged in deep water areas, tethered within steady-state, generally unidirectional sea currents in non-tidal areas for the continuous production of turbine-generated electricity that is transmittable by multipurpose undersea power cable to onshore electric grids. System aspects include a shore-to-system communication means to remotely manage all system functions; a sea current intake consisting of a cone-like, retractable current amplifier to significantly increase the energy density of the currents passing through the amplifier to the turbine; a self propulsion means to move the system to maintain a desirable location within a prescribed area that may be subject to meandering currents; a snorkel-like vertical air conduit for ballast control; a seawater pumping means for ballast control; a retractable marine wildlife protector to cover the sea current intake; and a remotely retractable anchor means to maintain the generating system in a target position for extended time periods. |
| US09745948B1 |
Marine propeller and method of design thereof
A marine propeller has an outer hub having a central axis and a blade having a blade root attached to the outer hub and extending radially outward from the outer hub toward a blade tip. The blade has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The propeller has a diameter between about 15 inches and about 17 inches and a pitch between about 14 inches and about 24 inches. The blade has a progressive rake angle such that a first local rake angle at the blade root is less than a second local rake angle at the blade tip. A combination of the diameter, pitch, and progressive rake angle provides a marine vessel to which the marine propeller is coupled with minimum drag while the marine vessel is operating at less than a maximum vessel speed. A method of designing a propeller is also disclosed. |
| US09745936B2 |
Variable angle multi-point injection
A nozzle for injecting liquid includes a nozzle body defining a flow channel and a swirl ante-chamber in fluid communication with the flow channel. An injection point orifice is defined in the swirl ante-chamber. The flow channel feeds into the swirl ante-chamber to impart a tangential flow component on fluids entering the swirl ante-chamber to generate swirl on a spray issuing from the injection point orifice. A second flow channel can be included in fluid communication with the swirl ante-chamber. The second flow channel feeds into the swirl ante-chamber in cooperation with or in opposition to the first flow channel. The first flow channel, second flow channel, and swirl ante-chamber are configured and adapted to adjust spray angle of a spray issuing from the injection point orifice by varying flow apportionment among the first and second flow channels. |
| US09745926B2 |
Fluid line coupling
A fluid line coupling for a mechanical and fluidic coupling may include a fluid-carrying first component and a fluid-carrying second component. A pipe body may be at least one of integrated with and attached to the first component. A connection piece may be arranged coaxially to the pipe body in an inserted position, the connection piece being at least one of integrated with and attached to the second component. A securing clip may be disposed on an outer side of the pipe body and surround the pipe body in a circumferential direction at least 180°. The securing clip may be radially adjustable relative to the pipe body between a securing position in which the connection piece is secured to the pipe body in the inserted position, and a releasing position in which the connection piece is unsecured to the pipe body in the inserted position. |
| US09745918B2 |
Gas turbine engine with noise attenuating variable area fan nozzle
A nacelle assembly for a high-bypass gas turbine engine includes a core nacelle defined about an engine centerline axis. A fan nacelle is mounted at least partially around the core nacelle to define a fan bypass flow path. A variable area fan nozzle is in communication with the fan bypass flow path. The variable area fan nozzle has a first fan nacelle section and a second fan nacelle section. The second fan nacelle section is axially movable relative to the first fan nacelle section to define an auxiliary port at a non-closed position to vary a fan nozzle exit area and adjust fan bypass airflow. The second fan nacelle section includes an acoustic system that has an acoustic impedance located on a radially outer surface. |
| US09745915B2 |
Internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine is provided. Facing pistons eliminate a cylinder head, thereby reducing heat losses through a cylinder head. Facing pistons also halve the stroke that would be required for one piston to provide the same compression ratio, and the engine can thus be run at higher revolutions per minute and produce more power. An internal sleeve valve is provided for space and other considerations. A combustion chamber size-varying mechanism allows for adjustment of the minimum size of an internal volume to increase efficiency at partial-power operation. Variable intake valve operation is used to control engine power. |
| US09745908B2 |
System and method for evaluating operating capability of a prime mover
A method of evaluating operating capability of a prime mover includes: starting the prime mover with a minimum load requirement threshold; obtaining a reference prime mover operation parameter for the prime mover; comparing the reference prime mover operation parameter with a standard prime mover operation parameter to determine a reference matrix; and adjusting via a TRS controller a standard operation threshold based on the reference matrix to obtain an optimal operation threshold. |
| US09745894B2 |
Compressor air provided to combustion chamber plenum and turbine guide vane
A gas turbine having a combustion chamber with exhaust section through which combustion gas is exhaustable, plenum chamber and compressor are provided. The plenum chamber is coupled to the compressor wherein a first quantity of compressed fluid is injectable therein at a radially inner wall of the plenum chamber. A guide vane section with at least one airfoil is coupled to the exhaust section so combustion gas is flowable against the airfoil. The exhaust section and guide vane section are housed inside the plenum chamber. The airfoil has a first flow chamber where a second quantity of compressed fluid is flowable through the guide vane section from the compressor in the direction from the inner wall to a outer wall of the plenum chamber before being discharged. The second quantity of compressed fluid streamable through the guide vane section is larger than the first quantity of the compressed fluid. |
| US09745887B2 |
Engine cooling system
An engine cooling system, capable of reducing vehicle weight caused by employing a Rankine cycle and capable of improving Rankine cycle performance, including some inlet-side cooling water of a radiator is used as a heating source for a first evaporator and some outlet-side cooling water of a sub-radiator is used as a cooling source for a condenser, a coolant that has passed through an expander, a second evaporator, and a compressor in a cooling cycle for an air conditioner, vaporized, cooled and liquefied by passing through a side to be cooled of the condenser in the Rankine cycle. |
| US09745881B2 |
System for recycling exhaust heat from internal combustion engine
A system for recycling exhaust heat from an internal combustion engine is based on a recycling type of circulating a working fluid using the exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine. The system may include an EGR line configured to circulate a portion of exhaust gas generated from the internal combustion engine to an intake side, a working fluid circulation line configured to rotate a turbine with a working fluid vaporized by heat transferred from the EGR line, and an EGR side heat exchange unit configured to thermally connect the EGR line to the working fluid circulation line to cool an EGR gas by transferring heat from the EGR gas to the working fluid. |
| US09745879B2 |
Apparatus for facilitating reducant decomposition and mixing
According to one embodiment, an apparatus (50) for mounting to an inner wall (33) of an exhaust tube (32) includes a tube engagement surface (52) and an exhaust engagement surface (54A). The tube engagement surface comprises a convex surface of a constant first radius of curvature about a first axis. The exhaust engagement surface is adjacent the tube engagement surface, and includes a concave surface of a second radius of curvature about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. |
| US09745877B2 |
Exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine
In an exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine which is provided with an NOx catalyst arranged in an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine, the present invention has for its problem to be solved to suppress an increase in exhaust emissions, which results from processing for raising the temperature of the NOx catalyst, to a small level. In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the exhaust gas purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the invention is constructed such that when an amount of increase in the NOX removal rate becomes smaller with respect to an amount of rise in the temperature of the NOx catalyst, the execution of temperature raising processing is deferred, and processing to make small the flow rate of exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and processing to make small the amount of smoke discharged from the internal combustion engine are executed. |
| US09745866B2 |
Moisture separator unit for steam turbine and steam-turbine stationary blade
A steam turbine stationary blade is configured to be a stationary blade structure having a hollow structure. The steam turbine stationary blade is provided with a slit disposed on a stationary blade surface. The pressure of a stationary blade hollow is reduced to suction a liquid film through the slit for removing the liquid film formed on the stationary blade surface. An opening portion of the slit is covered with a sheet in a meshed pattern formed of a fine mesh thereby reducing an accompanied steam amount so as to effectively remove the liquid film. |
| US09745863B2 |
Method of manufacturing rotary machine, method of plating rotary machine, and rotary machine
Provided is a method of manufacturing a rotary machine, which includes: a casing forming process of forming a casing of the rotary machine that has multiple opening parts and suctions and discharges a fluid; a surface activating process of supplying a pretreatment liquid into the casing, then discharging the pretreatment liquid from the casing through the opening parts, and activating an inner surface of the casing after the casing forming process; a plating process of performing supply and discharge of a plating liquid into and from the easing through the opening parts to circulate the plating liquid and plating the inner surface of the casing after the surface activating process; and an assembling process of providing a rotating body that is rotatable relative to the casing so as to he covered from an outer circumference side by the casing plated in the plating process. |
| US09745859B2 |
Radial-inflow type axial flow turbine and turbocharger
An object is to provide an axial flow turbine of radial-inflow type whereby it is possible to suppress a decrease in turbine efficiency due to tip leakage, and a turbocharger having the same. An axial flow turbine of radial-inflow type includes a housing having a scroll part for swirling working fluid flowing into the housing (40) along a circumferential direction of a rotation shaft and a bend part (52) for changing a flow direction of the working fluid flowing inwardly in the radial direction from the scroll part into a direction along the axial direction to direct the working fluid to turbine blades (30). The bend part includes a tip-side inner wall surface (60) of a bend shape at least in a region at an upstream side, in the axial direction, of a portion (36H) of a leading edge (36) of the turbine blades, the portion being adjacent to a hub. The bend shape of the tip-side inner wall surface along the axial direction has a minimum curvature radius Rmin at a position XZ near the turbine blades, and a curvature radius R (>Rmin) at the upstream side of the position XZ. |
| US09745856B2 |
Platform for ceramic matrix composite turbine blades
The present disclosure provides for a turbine wheel having a blade platform disposed to compliantly secure ceramic turbine blades to a rotatable disk. The platform includes opposing ends to engage a portion of an airfoil of each turbine blade and radial extensions to engage a portion of a root of each turbine blade. |
| US09745849B2 |
Methods for treating field operated components
A method for treating a field operated component is disclosed which includes providing the component including a ceramic matrix composite and removing a first portion of the component, forming a first exposed surface on the component. The method further includes providing a second portion including the composite, the second portion having a second exposed surface including a conformation adapted to mate with the first exposed surface. The second portion is positioned in association with the component so as to replace the first portion, and the second portion and the component are joined to form a treated component. Another method is disclosed wherein the component is a turbine component which further includes removing an environmental barrier coating from the component, arranging and conforming the first exposed surface and the second exposed surface to define a joint, and applying an environmental barrier coating to the treated component. |
| US09745848B2 |
Drilling fluid analysis using time-of-flight mass spectrometry
An example method for analyzing drilling fluid used in a drilling operation within a subterranean formation may comprise placing a TOF-MS in fluid communication with a drilling fluid. The drilling fluid may be flowing through a fluid conduit coupled to a drilling assembly. A chemical composition of the drilling fluid may be determined using the TOF-MS. And a formation characteristic may be determined using the determined chemical composition. |
| US09745843B1 |
Method for determining position with improved calibration
The method and system for determining position with improved calibration allows a device to initiate activity at the proper location, such as navigating a drill bit through a rock formation. A position sensor having an oscillation element with a range of displacement in a set direction according to gravity generates a position data signal based on an amount of displacement in the set direction. A temperature sensor detects temperature and duration of the temperature. A plastic bias value is determined by a processor module based on the temperature data signal, the duration of the temperature, and the position data signal so as to account for bias and hysteresis errors. A position value is set according to the plastic bias value so that the position value is more accurate. The activity of the terminal device is initiated or maintained according to the position value calibrated by the plastic bias value. |
| US09745840B2 |
Electric powered pump down
A method of operations in a subterranean formation, including driving a pump with an electrically powered motor to pressurize fluid, inserting a tool into a wellbore that intersects the formation, and directing the pressurized fluid into the wellbore above the tool to push the tool into the wellbore. |
| US09745836B2 |
Time delayed secondary retention mechanism for safety joint in a wellbore
Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a safety joint that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The safety joint can include a body configured to be disposed in the wellbore, a primary retention mechanism, a secondary retention mechanism, and a time delay mechanism. The primary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint. The secondary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint in response to the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint. The time delay mechanism can generate a time delay between the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint and the secondary retention mechanism preventing the actuation of the safety joint. |
| US09745833B2 |
Optimizing oil recovery and reducing water production in smart wells
A method and non-transitory program carrier device tangibly carrying computer executable instructions for adjusting downhole valve settings in order to optimize oil recovery and reduce water production from a well. The method and non-transitory program carrier device are particularly advantageous in wells with intelligent completions that are often referred to as smart wells. In the oil and gas industry, an Internal Control Valve (ICV) is an important tool for both reactive and proactive approaches to adjust ICV settings to improve oil recovery. |
| US09745829B2 |
Pressure differential device
In one aspect, a pressure differential device including: an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid restricting member fluidly associated with the inlet and the outlet, wherein the fluid restricting member is configured to provide a first backpressure at a first setting and a second plurality of backpressures at a plurality of second settings. In another aspect, a method to control backpressure including: providing a fluid line with an inlet fluid flow; supplying the inlet fluid flow into a pressure differential device; expelling an outlet fluid flow out of the pressure differential device; pressurizing the inlet fluid flow to a first backpressure at a first setting of the pressure differential device; pressurizing the inlet fluid flow to a second plurality of backpressures at a plurality of second settings of the pressure differential device. |
| US09745828B2 |
Valve seat assembly, downhole tool and methods
A circulation tool includes a tubular outer body having a main bore and at least one flow port in a wall thereof, and a valve seat assembly including a valve body, a valve member, and locking elements are movably mounted within the outer body main bore. The valve seat assembly is biased towards a first position in which flow through the outer body flow port is prevented and the locking element is in the extended position, restricting passage of the valve member along the valve body bore and out of the valve body. The valve seat assembly is movable to a second position in which the locking element is in the retracted position, permitting passage of the valve member along the body bore and out of the body. The valve seat is also movable to a third position in which flow through the outer body flow port is permitted. |
| US09745826B2 |
Tools and methods for use in completion of a wellbore
A ported tubular is provided for use in casing a wellbore, to permit selective access to the adjacent formation during completion operations. A system and method for completing a wellbore using the ported tubular are also provided. Ports within the wellbore casing may be opened, isolated, or otherwise accessed to deliver treatment to the formation through the ports. |
| US09745825B2 |
Method for deploying subsurface safety valve having integral pack off
To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger. |
| US09745823B2 |
Downhole communication and control system and method for non-sequential downhole operations
A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order. |
| US09745816B2 |
Method of subsea containment and system
A method and system of subsea containment which includes the steps of lowering the running tool into a subsea containment system, wherein the subsea containment system comprises an annular preventer, engaging the running tool to a target, closing the annular preventer, pulling up the target, and circulating fluid about the target. In a preferred method, rotating the running tool, cutting tubing, circulating the fluid at of the circulation line through the outlet, pulling the running tool out of the subsea containment system, and/or opening the annular preventer also performed. The target may be any item found in a subsea environment including a tubing hanger, a casing hanger, a tubing, a seal assembly, a component of a wellhead, or a component of the downhole completion. |
| US09745814B2 |
System and method for casing milling
A method and/or system is provided for milling an opening into a tubular positioned in a well bore using coiled tubing. Surface equipment includes a programmable controller at the surface, which is utilized for controlling an injector motor so that an encoder for monitoring movement of said coiled tubing string produces less than a predetermined maximum number of pulses for a given time interval. |
| US09745798B2 |
Movable barrier seal assembly
A seal assembly for an upward acting door that is positionable between an open and closed position. The seal assembly contains a base member having a first and second flexible sealing member extending therefrom for sealing engagement with the door. The base member is mounted adjacent the door to facilitate sliding engagement between the door and the first and second seal members as the door is moved between the open and closed positions. |
| US09745797B2 |
Method for operating a motorized shade
An architectural covering is provided. The architectural covering includes: shade material; the shade material operatively connected to a motor unit such that movement of the motor unit causes movement of the shade material; the motor unit comprising a DC motor and a shaft connected to the DC motor; a power supply unit electrically connected to the motor unit; a controller unit electrically connected to the motor unit, the controller unit having a microprocessor; and a rotation detector configured to detect rotation of the motor unit and upon detection of rotation of the motor unit transmit a signal to the microprocessor, wherein the microprocessor of the controller unit is configured to power an encoder unit in response to determination of manual movement of the shade material. A motor and control unit for an architectural covering may be provided. |
| US09745794B2 |
Apparatus for sealing door of an enclosure
An apparatus for sealing an enclosure having a front and a back and an opening on the front. A door with an inner face and an outer face, and the door is rotatably mounted to the front of the enclosure and configured to cover the opening when the door is closed. A first rim surrounds a periphery of the opening and has a first outer edge. A first gasket is attached to the first rim and configured to form a watertight seal between the front of the enclosure and the door when the door is closed. A second rim on the door is sized to surround the periphery of the opening when the door is closed. A second gasket is attached the second rim and configured to form a watertight seal between the front of the enclosure and the door when the door is closed. |
| US09745792B2 |
Nickel-aluminum blocker film multiple cavity controlled transmission coating
The invention provides a glazing sheet and a coating on the glazing sheet. The coating comprises, in sequence moving outwardly from the glazing sheet, a dielectric base coat comprising oxide film, nitride film, or oxynitride film, a first infrared-reflective layer, a first nickel-aluminum blocker layer in contact with the first infrared-reflective layer, a first dielectric spacer coat comprising an oxide film in contact with the first nickel-aluminum blocker layer, a second infrared-reflective layer, a second nickel-aluminum blocker layer in contact with the second infrared-reflective layer, a second dielectric spacer coat comprising an oxide film in contact with the second nickel-aluminum blocker layer, a third infrared-reflective layer, a third nickel-aluminum blocker layer in contact with the third infrared-reflective layer, and a dielectric top coat comprising an oxide film in contact with the third nickel-aluminum blocker layer. Also provided are methods of depositing such a coating. |
| US09745791B1 |
Corner flashing insert for recessed windows
A corner flashing insert including a one-piece, pre-formed flashing with an outside wall, a recessed jamb leg in the vertical plane and a recessed sill leg in the horizontal plane, the recessed sill leg in the horizontal plane having a rear surface, the recessed jamb leg in the vertical plane having a first vertical height with a first distance from a top of the jamb leg in the vertical plane to the rear surface of the recessed sill leg in the horizontal plane. The corner flashing insert also includes a recessed back leg in the vertical plane having a second vertical height with a second distance from where the recessed back leg in the vertical plane joins the recessed jamb leg in the vertical plane to the rear surface of the recessed sill leg in the horizontal plane. The first vertical height is greater than the second vertical height. |
| US09745788B2 |
Door device for a household appliance, household appliance comprising such a door device and method for actuating a door device for a household appliance
A door device for a household appliance includes a door having in particular a first vertical longitudinal side, a second vertical longitudinal side disposed opposite the first longitudinal side, and a top side extending between the longitudinal sides The door device further includes a door opening device for automatically opening the door, wherein a handle element is designed in particular on the second longitudinal side and/or a handle element is designed in particular on the top side. The door has at least one detection sensor, which is designed to detect a finger in a detection region around or on the handle element, and a control unit, which is designed to control the door opening device in response to information received from the detection sensor. |
| US09745787B2 |
Movable closure system
Improvements to movable closure systems which aid installability and reliability of said systems can include wheels running along the top and bottom of individual slidable elements, the wheels oriented horizontally and disposed within a track configured for receiving the horizontal wheels. The horizontal wheels reduce the vertical profile of the track-engaging portions of the slidable elements, enabling more of the slidable element to be used for glass or other aesthetically-preferable transparent materials. A track leveling system enables installers to more easily deploy and properly tune the system between floors and casings which are not perfectly flush. A compression jamb permits closure of the system via slidable elements pressing into the jamb to deflect it in order to better seal the closure comprised of the individual slidable elements. A durable hinge mechanism permits the sliding elements to rotate in order to stack the sliding elements at one end of the system. |
| US09745784B1 |
Tilt window latch and method
A latch and method for a double sash tilt window includes a locking mechanism and a rack having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the rack is connected to the locking mechanism while the distal end of the rack is affixed to a slide bolt. The latch also includes a cam and a gear, the cam positioned on the gear and the gear enmeshed with the rack so that rotating the gear operates the slide bolt which prevents the window from tilting. |
| US09745774B2 |
Lock cylinder
A lock cylinder includes a housing, in which a sleeve having a cylinder core accommodated therein is rotatably supported. The cylinder core has spring-loaded tumblers forming a form closure with recesses arranged in the sleeve when a key engaging the tumblers is removed. Inside the housing, the sleeve is coupled to a coupling element by means of a disengaging sleeve. The coupling element is supported inside the housing and connected to a bearing in a rotationally-fixed manner. The bearing supports an output element. At least one of the sleeve and the coupling element forms a form closure with the bearing to block the rotation of the output element if an improper object is used in operative connection with the cylinder core. |
| US09745772B2 |
Back-type expanding and opening foldable sunshade apparatus
Disclosed is a back-type expanding and opening foldable sunshade apparatus. The back-type expanding and opening foldable sunshade apparatus can be used directly on the back of a person or used together with a backpack by placing in the backpack, can adjust the opening extent and position of the shade in a lockable manner, and the width of the shade is expanded transversely when opening, thereby shading more effectively; and during use, the shade can be quickly opened, and when being not in use, the shade can be easily folded into a small device on the back or concealed in an interlayer of a backpack, thus being convenient and attractive. |
| US09745767B2 |
Swimming pool pressure cleaner including automatic timing mechanism
A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly including a cam wheel that is fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switches the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner. |
| US09745763B2 |
Systems for restoring, repairing, reinforcing, protecting, insulating and/or cladding structures with locatable stand-off components
Apparatus covering at least a portion of a surface of an existing structure with a repair structure comprise: a plurality of longitudinally and transversely extending panels connected to one another in edge-adjacent relationship; and a plurality of standoffs connected to the panels and extending from the panels toward the existing structure. Each panel comprises a panel connector component which extends longitudinally along the panel and from an interior surface of the panel toward the existing structure, and each standoff comprises a standoff connector component complementary to the panel connector component. The connector components are shaped such that a connection formed therebetween comprises deformation of at least one of the panel connector component and the standoff connector component and creates corresponding restorative deformation forces that prevent relative movement between the panel and the standoff under the force of gravity. |
| US09745753B1 |
Notched polymer roofing batten with measured detachable sections
A notched plastic roofing batten with a pair of side walls having V-shaped notches at regular intervals therealong such that measured sections of the batten can be removed to achieve a desired overall length in the field by manually cutting or breaking the batten at one of the V-shaped notches. |
| US09745750B2 |
Modular composite pole
A modular composite utility pole has a plurality of sections, each with a tapered hollow tube having a plurality of plies, wherein a first end has a larger diameter than a second end, wherein each section is adapted to join at least one adjoining section at a joint wherein the first end of an upper section overlaps the second end of a lower section, the lower section having a ledge proximate to the second end of the lower section, with a fastener passing through the joint via apertures in the sections, and wherein, when the modular composite utility pole is erected, the joint is self-located by the joint features, and wherein substantially all vertical load is transferred between sections via the a surface of the second end of the upper section resting upon the ledge of the lower section. Also disclosed are individual sections and methods of making them. |
| US09745748B2 |
Ceiling system
A ceiling system including: a ceiling structure suspended in an interior space. The ceiling structure includes: a perimeter frame defining a central opening, the perimeter frame comprising a fabric gripping member; a support grid comprising a plurality of intersecting struts defining a plurality of grid openings, the support grid disposed within the central opening and coupled to the perimeter frame; a plurality of acoustic ceiling panels, each of the acoustic ceiling panels mounted to the support grid and disposed in one of the grid openings; and a tensioned fabric sheet having a perimeter portion that is engaged by the fabric gripping member of the perimeter frame, the tensioned fabric sheet located below the acoustic ceiling panels and covering the central opening. |
| US09745745B2 |
Ceiling framework
A ceiling framework includes main beams and cross beams, which are connected to one another and transversally to one another by connectors borne by one type of beams among the main beams and the cross beams, and engaged in apertures made in the other type of beams among the main beams and the cross beams, so as to receive tiles. For each beam having the apertures, the apertures are marked with symbols on each face of the beam, the symbols marked on each face being repeated sequentially over the length of the beam, the period of the sequences of symbols on each face being equal to a given tile size. The marking is the same on either face of the beam, starting with the same symbol on each left-hand or right-hand end for each observed face. |
| US09745732B2 |
Toilet odor control device
A toilet odor control device according to the present invention has an air filtration unit and a mounting and air intake unit that allows the two units to be separated from and reattached to one another by sliding the air filtration unit relative to the mounting and air intake unit. This feature allows convenient access to the air filtration unit to change filter cartridges and batteries in the air filtration unit without removing the entire device from a toilet. The mounting and air intake unit is provided with adjustable members for receiving fasteners for fastening the mounting and air intake unit to a toilet at a location intermediate of a toilet seat and the rim of a bowl of a toilet. |
| US09745728B2 |
Pop-up drain assembly
A pop-up drain assembly for a sink has drain piping, a stopper in the drain piping, a pivot rod for opening and closing the stopper and tends not to clog because the pivot rod is not within a fluid flow path. In one embodiment the stopper has flow diverter plates that channel fluid flowing through the drain piping away from the pivot rod so that hair, waste and debris does not catch on and accumulate on the pivot rod. In another embodiment the stopper and the pivot rod are engaged through magnetic coupling, and the pivot rod does not protrude into the fluid flow path. The stopper is preferably variable in length for adjustment to fit different distances from the pivot rod to the top of the drain piping. |
| US09745709B1 |
Marine floating docking system and method of use
A floatation device configured to fit around a dock pier. The flotation device includes a body having a first circular section; a second circular section that form a circular opening to receive the dock pier therebetween; and a fastener configured to secure the first circular section to the second circular section. |
| US09745708B2 |
Device for the damming of a liquid in a liquid basin
A device for the damming of a liquid in a liquid basin including a tubular enclosure suitable for arrangement at an edge of the liquid basin, wherein a longitudinal direction of the tubular enclosure extends substantially parallel to the edge, wherein the enclosure encloses a liquid-fillable space, wherein the enclosure, at an exterior side thereof, facing the liquid basin, is provided with a skirt for being supported by a sloping underground of the liquid basin, seen from the edge, wherein the support during use is carried out in such a way, that a contact surface present between the skirt and the underground remains substantially free from liquid from the liquid basin, wherein the enclosure, near the lower side of the side during use facing the liquid basin, is provided with one or more filling openings, arranged above the skirt, that during use create an open liquid connection between the space and the liquid in the liquid basin. |
| US09745694B2 |
Treatment of fibers for improved dyeability
The present technology is directed to devices and methods for dyeing a fiber, including pretreatment of the fiber before contacting it with a dye. The present technology is also directed to methods of improving the dyeability of a fiber, as well as increasing the efficiency of the dyeing process and minimizing waste and loss of dye. |
| US09745686B2 |
Dryer comprising a dismountable member
The present invention relates to a dryer (1) comprising a body (2), a drum (3) disposed inside the body (2), wherein the laundry to be dried is placed, an opening (4) which is situated on the body (2), a dismountable member (5) which is placed into the body (2) by being passed through the opening (4), whereon the particles in the air leaving the drum (3) are accumulated and a lid (6) which covers the opening (4) so as to close the front of the dismountable member (5). |
| US09745681B2 |
Embroidery hoop mounting apparatus and method
An apparatus for mounting a dual hoop assembly onto a selected area of an article includes: a frame; a platen assembly mounted upon the frame, the platen assembly including a face panel movable relative to the frame in at least two dimensions, the face panel configured to carry an article to which a dual hoop assembly is to be mounted; a pressing arm mounted upon the frame and carrying a press configured to support a first portion of a dual hoop assembly, the pressing arm movable relative to the frame to move the press in a travel path toward the platen assembly; and a positioning plate mounted upon the frame and extending between the platen assembly and pressing arm, the positioning plate configured to support a second portion of the dual hoop assembly in the travel path of the press. |
| US09745667B2 |
Method of fabricating wafer
A method of fabricating a wafer according to the embodiment comprises the steps of growing an wafer on a surface of the wafer in a growth temperature; and cooling the wafer after the wafer has been grown, wherein a stepwise cooling is performed when cooling the wafer. |
| US09745666B2 |
Continuous czochralski method and apparatus
The present invention relates to a Czochralski growth apparatus and method, preferably a continuous Czochralski growth apparatus and method, in which solid feedstock provided from a delivery system during ingot growth is substantially prevented from entering the growth zone of a crucible. In this way, an ingot having exceptionally consistent properties is produced. |
| US09745665B2 |
Method and apparatus for electrolytically depositing a deposition metal on a workpiece
For improving the current transfer during the electrolytic metallization of workpieces, a method is proposed: (a) providing a metal depositing apparatus 17, in which the workpiece, at least one anode 40, 41 and a metal deposition electrolyte AE are arranged and which has a device for electric current generation 60 and at least one current feeding device 31 with in each case at least one electrical contact element 34, 35 for making electrical contact with the workpiece; (b) bringing the at least one electrical contact element 34, 35 into contact with the workpiece; and (c) feeding electric current to the workpiece via the at least one electrical contact element 34, 35 in order that the deposition metal deposits on the workpiece. Before method step (b), in a further method step (d), deposition metal is deposited on the at least one electrical contact element 34, 35. |
| US09745652B2 |
ZR-based amorphous alloy
A Zr-based amorphous alloy is provided; the formula of the Zr-based amorphous alloy is (Zr, Hf, Nb)aCubNicAldRee, where a, b, c, d, and e are corresponding atomic percent content of elements in the Zr-based amorphous alloy, 45≦a≦65, 15≦b≦40, 0.1≦c≦15, 5≦d≦15, 0.05≦e≦5, a+b+c+d+e≦100, and Re is one of or any combination of elements La, Ce, Po, Ho, Er, Nd, Gd, Dy, Sc, Eu, Tm, Tb, Pr, Sm, Yb, and Lu, or Re is combined with Y and one of or any combination of elements La, Ce, Po, Ho, Er, Nd, Gd, Dy, Sc, Eu, Tm, Tb, Pr, Sm, Yb, and Lu. |
| US09745650B2 |
Austenite heat-resisting cast steel
Provided is austenite heat-resisting cast steel with reduced precipitation of ferrite phase during the application of thermal load to stabilize the austenite structure for improved heat resistance. The austenite heat-resisting cast steel contains elements of 0.1 to 0.6 mass % of C, 1.0 to 2.5 mass % of Si, 1.0 to 3.5 mass % of Mn, 0.05 to 0.2 mass % of S, 14 to 24 mass % of Cr, 5 to 20 mass % of Ni, 0.1 to 0.3 mass % of N, 0.01 to 1.2 mass % of Zr, 0.01 to 1.5 mass % of Cu, 0.01 to 1.5 mass % of Nb, Fe as a remainder and unavoidable impurity. The elements satisfy the following expressions: Mn—S≧1.0; and C−(1/12Cr−32Zr)>0, where symbols for elements in these expressions represent values indicating content of the elements corresponding to the symbols in a unit of atomic %. |
| US09745648B2 |
Powder
The present invention concerns a new metal powder which is useful for coating cast iron parts. The invention also relates to a method for coating cast iron parts by using the new metal powder. Of special importance is the possibility to use the metal powder for coating the surfaces of glass moulds. The invention also relates to metal parts, such as cast iron parts, or glass moulds which are coated by the metal powder. |
| US09745647B2 |
Wrought magnesium alloy
An extrusion of a magnesium-based alloy consisting of, by weight: 0.5 to 1.5% manganese, 0.15 to 0.4% rare earth including lanthanum wherein the lanthanum content of the alloy is 0.15% to less than 0.3%, and up to 0.1% strontium, the balance being magnesium except for incidental impurities which includes zinc. |
| US09745642B2 |
Method for heat treating a metal tube or pipe, metal tube or pipe, and heat treatment furnace
A method for heat treating a metal tube or pipe is provided to perform heat treatment in such a manner that metal tubes or pipes (1) to be accommodated in a heat treatment furnace are laid down on a plurality of cross beams (22) arranged along a longitudinal direction of the metal tubes or pipes with the distance between adjacent cross beams being in a range of 200 to 2500 mm. This makes it possible to inhibit bending and scratches of the metal tubes or pipes without causing discoloration and deterioration of the manufacturing efficiency for the metal tubes or pipes. When the metal tubes or pipes (1) are laid down on the cross beams (22), spacers may be interposed between the metal tubes or pipes (1) and the cross beams (22) on which they are laid down. |
| US09745641B2 |
Forming of metallic glass by rapid capacitor discharge
An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time frame of Less than 1 second. |
| US09745639B2 |
High-strength steel sheet excellent in workability and cold brittleness resistance, and manufacturing method thereof
The invention relates to a steel sheet having a tensile strength of 1180 MPa or more, which excels in workability and cold brittleness resistance. The high-strength steel sheet contains 0.10% to 0.30% of C, 1.40% to 3.0% of Si, 0.5% to 3.0% of Mn, 0.1% or less of P, 0.05% or less of S, 0.005% to 0.20% of Al, 0.01% or less of N, 0.01% or less of O, as well as Fe and inevitable impurities. The steel sheet has: (i) a ferrite volume fraction of 5% to 35% and a bainitic ferrite and/or tempered martensite volume fraction of 60% or more; (ii) a MA constituent volume fraction of 6% or less (excluding 0%); and (iii) a retained austenite volume fraction of 5% or more. |
| US09745629B2 |
In vitro method for screening for candidate compounds for preventing and/or attenuating ageing of the skin, and/or for hydrating the skin
The identification and the use of compounds which activate the expression of at least one gene selected from LARGE, HS6ST2 and ST8SIA1 is provided. An in vitro method for screening for candidate compounds includes: (a) bringing at least one test compound in contact with a sample of keratinocytes in vitro; (b) measuring the expression of at least one gene selected from LARGE, HS6ST2 and ST8SIA1, in the keratinocytes; and (c) selecting the compounds for which an activation of at least 1.4 fold of the expression of at least one of the LARGE, HS6ST2 and ST8SIA1 genes is measured in the keratinocytes treated in (a) compared with the untreated keratinocytes. The candidate compounds may be useful for preventing and/or attenuating ageing, and/or for hydrating skin. |
| US09745627B2 |
High throughput screening of populations carrying naturally occurring mutations
Efficient methods are disclosed for the high throughput identification of mutations in genes in members of mutagenized populations. The methods comprise DNA isolation, pooling, amplification, creation of libraries, high throughput sequencing of libraries, preferably by sequencing-by-synthesis technologies, identification of mutations and identification of the member of the population carrying the mutation and identification of the mutation. |
| US09745624B2 |
Methods for sequential DNA amplification and sequencing
Homogenous detection during or following PCR amplification, preferably LATE-PCR, utilizing fluorescent DNA dye and indirectly excitable labeled primers and probes, improves reproducibility and quantification. Low-temperature homogeneous detection during or following non-symmetric PCR amplification, preferably LATE-PCR, utilizing fluorescent DNA dye and indirectly excitable labeled mismatch-tolerant probes permits analysis of complex targets. Sequencing sample preparation methods following LATE-PCR amplifications reduce complexity and permit “single-tube” processing. |
| US09745622B2 |
Method for detecting the methylation of colorectal-cancer-specific methylation marker genes for colorectal cancer diagnosis
The present invention relates to a method for detecting the methylation of colorectal cancer-specific marker genes for colorectal cancer diagnosis, and more particularly to a method of detecting colorectal cancer-specific marker genes, which are methylated specifically in colorectal cancer cells, to provide information for diagnosing colorectal cancer. The use of the inventive method for detecting methylation and the inventive composition, kit and nucleic chip for diagnosing colorectal cancer makes it possible to diagnose colorectal cancer at an early transformation stage, thus enabling the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer. In addition, the inventive method enables colorectal cancer to be effectively diagnosed in an accurate and rapid manner compared to conventional methods. |
| US09745616B2 |
Methods and compositions for detecting target nucleic acids
The present invention provides compositions, apparatuses and methods for detecting one or more nucleic acid targets present in a sample. Methods of the invention include utilizing two or more ligation probes that reversibly bind a target nucleic acid in close proximity to each other and possess complementary reactive ligation moieties. When such probes have bound to the target in the proper orientation, they are able to undergo a spontaneous chemical ligation reaction that yields a ligation product that is directly detected or that is amplified to produce amplicons that are then detected. The present invention also provides methods to stabilize sample RNA so that degradation does not significantly affect the results of the analysis. |
| US09745615B2 |
Instrument for cassette for sample preparation
A parallel preceding system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system. |
| US09745607B2 |
Methods of producing 6-carbon chemicals using 2,6-diaminopimelate as precursor to 2-aminopimelate
This document describes biochemical pathways for producing 2-aminopimelate from 2,6-diaminopimelate, and methods for converting 2-aminopimelate to one or more of adipic acid, adipate semialdehyde, caprolactam, 6-aminohexanoic acid, 6-hexanoic acid, hexamethylenediamine, or 1,6-hexanediol by decarboxylating 2-aminopimelate into a six carbon chain aliphatic backbone and enzymatically forming one or two terminal functional groups, comprised of carboxyl, amine or hydroxyl group, in the backbone. |
| US09745605B2 |
Method for producing medium-chain ω-hydroxy fatty acids, α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, and ω-amino fatty acids from long-chain fatty acids by biotransformation
The present invention relates to a transformant which is transformed to express Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMO), a method for producing C5-C14 medium-chain ω-hydroxy fatty acids, α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, ω-amino fatty acids, or alcohols from C16-C20 long-chain fatty acids by biotransformation using the transformant, a method for producing a fatty acid derivative having an ester group which is introduced into the chain thereof from keto fatty acid using the BVMO, and novel ω-hydroxy fatty acids which are prepared by the method. Degradation products such as C5 to C14 ω-hydroxy fatty acids, α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, ω-amino fatty acids, alcohols can be produced in a large amount from C16 to C20 long-chain fatty acids contained in a medium by biotransformation using a transformant capable of expressing BVMO of the present invention. Therefore, it can be widely used to produce ω-hydroxy fatty acids, α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, ω-amino fatty acids or alcohols in a more safe and economic manner. |
| US09745603B2 |
Biological production of multi-carbon compounds from methane
Multi-carbon compounds such as ethanol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, isobutanol, tert-butanol, fatty (or aliphatic long chain) alcohols, fatty acid methyl esters, 2,3-butanediol and the like, are important industrial commodity chemicals with a variety of applications. The present invention provides metabolically engineered host microorganisms which metabolize methane (CH4) as their sole carbon source to produce multi-carbon compounds for use in fuels (e.g., bio-fuel, bio-diesel) and bio-based chemicals. Furthermore, use of the metabolically engineered host microorganisms of the invention (which utilize methane as the sole carbon source) mitigate current industry practices and methods of producing multi-carbon compounds from petroleum or petroleum-derived feedstocks, and ameliorate much of the ongoing depletion of arable food source “farmland” currently being diverted to grow bio-fuel feedstocks, and as such, improve the environmental footprint of future bio-fuel, bio-diesel and bio-based chemical compositions. |
| US09745598B2 |
miRNA-regulated differentiation-dependent self-deleting cassette
Targeting constructs and methods of using them are provided for differentiation-dependent modification of nucleic acid sequences in cells and in non-human animals. Targeting constructs comprising a promoter operably linked to a recombinase are provided, wherein the promoter drives transcription of the recombinase in an differentiated cell but not an undifferentiated cell. Promoters include Blimp1, Prm1, Gata6, Gata4, Igf2, Lhx2, Lhx5, and Pax3. Targeting constructs with a cassette flanked on both sides by recombinase sites can be removed using a recombinase gene operably linked to a 3′-UTR that comprises a recognition site for an miRNA that is transcribed in undifferentiated cells but not in differentiated cells. The constructs may be included in targeting vectors, and can be used to automatically modify or excise a selection cassette from an ES cell, a non-human embryo, or a non-human animal. |
| US09745596B2 |
Identification and use of KRP mutants in wheat
The invention provides a wheat cell, part, tissue culture or whole plant comprising at least one disrupted KRP gene of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods of increasing weight, size, and/or number of one or more organs, and/or yield of a wheat plant by utilizing the disrupted KRP genes of the present invention. Furthermore, methods of breeding wheat plants to produce new wheat plants having increased weight, size, and/or number of one or more organs, and/or yield are provided. The present invention provides isolated Kinase Inhibitor Protein (KIP) Related Protein (KRP) polynucleotide sequences and isolated KRP polypeptide sequences and methods of their use. |
| US09745588B2 |
Transcription terminator sequences
The present invention provides new transcription termination signal sequences, especially a polynucleotide comprising at least two consecutive transcription termination signals, characterized in that consecutive transcription termination signals comprise at least a first and a second transcription termination signal that are at most 1000 nucleotides apart, and at least one of the termination signal has or encodes a RNA hairpin structure. |
| US09745581B2 |
Methods of treating and diagnosing diseases using agents that regulate the alternative splicing pathway
A method of determining a treatment for an inflammatory disorder in a subject, is disclosed. The method comprises determining an amount of SRSF6 in a sample from the subject, wherein an amount of the SRSF6 is indicative of the treatment. Methods of diagnosing inflammatory disorders and treating same are also disclosed. |
| US09745578B2 |
Targeting microRNA miR-409-3P to treat prostate cancer
The present invention describes methods of treating cancer, cancer metastasis, and drug resistant cancers using miRNA inhibitors; for example, inhibitors of miR-409-5p, miR-409-3p, miR-154*. Also described are methods of using the miRNA as biomarkers; for example, to predict responsiveness to a cancer drug, to detect a disease state of cancer. |
| US09745577B2 |
Reducing intron retention
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions, polynucleic acid polymers, assays, and kits for inducing processing of a partially processed mRNA transcript to remove a retained intron to produce a fully processed mRNA transcript that encodes a full-length functional form of a protein. Also described herein are methods and compositions for treating a disease or condition characterized by impaired production of a full-length functional form of a protein or for treating a disease or condition characterized by a defective splicing in a subject. |
| US09745573B2 |
Compositions and methods for preparing oligonucleotide solutions
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for generating a pool of oligonucleotides. The invention finds use in preparing a population or subpopulations of oligonucleotides in solution. The pool of oligonucleotides finds use in a variety of nucleic acid detection and/or amplification assays. |
| US09745572B2 |
Method for identifying antibiotic targets
Provided are methods for identifying differentially represented genes, the method comprising the steps of generating a pool of mutant bacteria by transposon mutagenesis with an activating transposon (TnA), wherein the TnA comprises a promoter such that transposon insertion into bacterial DNA increases the transcription of a gene at or near the insertion site; growing bacteria from the mutant pool in the presence of different amounts of said antibiotic to produce two or more test cultures; and comparing the distribution of TnA insertions between test cultures. |
| US09745568B2 |
Optofluidic microdevice for in-vitro laser surgery and transfection involving cells and microorganisms
A device for use in laser optical transfection of biological targets including an optofluidic microdevice and a piece of optical glass. The optofluidic microdevice has a central vertical outlet and a microchannel network that includes a plurality of entrapping channels with narrowings. The microchannel network is fused with the optical glass. In one aspect the device is used with a petri dish having an optical window. In another aspect the device is used with a well plate having a plurality of wells and associated optical windows. In a third aspect the device is used with a barrier. Each of the aspects forms a peripheral space around the optofluidic microdevice capable of retaining a live culture of biological targets and material that is desired to be injected into those biological targets. Polymer tubing is inserted into the central vertical outlet which connects the device to an external pump. The external pump provides an inward suction force which draws the biological targets from the peripheral space into the microchannel network. The biological targets are then captured at the openings or within the narrowings in the entrapping channels of the microchannel network where they can be transfected by laser light emitting from a laser through the optical glass. |
| US09745563B2 |
Amylase-deficient strain
The present invention relates to a mutant microbial host cell which has been modified, preferably in its genome, to result in a deficiency in the production of a polypeptide having α-amylase activity AmyC or an homologous thereof. It has been surprisingly found that when the mutant microbial host cell according to the invention is used in a method to produce a compound of interest, for example an enzyme, an improved purity of the product is obtained. |
| US09745555B2 |
Bacteriophage and antibacterial composition comprising the same
Provided is a novel bacteriophage ΦCJ21 (KCCM11363P). In addition, the present invention relates to an antibacterial composition including the bacteriophage ΦCJ21 (KCCM11363P) as an active ingredient. Further, provided is a method of preventing and/or treating infectious diseases by Clostridium perfringens in animals except for humans using the bacteriophage ΦCJ21 (KCCM11363P) or the antibacterial composition containing the bacteriophage ΦCJ21 (KCCM11363P) as an active ingredient. |
| US09745550B2 |
Synthetic surfaces for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes
Synthetic surfaces suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes contain acrylate polymers formed from one or more acrylate monomers. The acrylate surfaces, in many cases, are suitable for culturing stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in chemically defined media. |
| US09745547B2 |
Method for controlled operation of a biotechnological apparatus and bioreactor system
A method for controlling electrical power consumption for a first group of functional which can be used for operational management during operation of the bioreactor components during operation comprises, inter alia, adjusting a present power control signal for one or more of the functional components from the first group in order to optimize power consumption, when a comparison shows for the first group of functional components that the currently required total electrical power consumption is greater than a predefined total electrical power consumption, such that, for the first group of functional components, an adjusted total electrical power consumption is not greater than the predefined total electrical power consumption. A biotechnological apparatus comprises a bioreactor, a reactor vessel formed in the bioreactor and having a cultivation chamber, and a temperature control device provided with a heat pump and configured to control the temperature of the cultivation chamber. |
| US09745538B2 |
Methods of recovering oil from microorganisms
Provided herein are methods of recovering oil from microorganisms. The methods are useful, for example, in obtaining nutritional oils and/or lipid biofuels. The methods of recovering oil described herein include contacting a population of microorganisms with one or more enzymes under conditions that cause disruption of the microorganisms, concentrating the disrupted microorganisms, and extracting lipids from the disrupted microorganisms at high temperature in the presence of a salt and in the absence of solvent. |
| US09745535B2 |
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. |
| US09745523B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for hydrotreating
Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for hydrotreating hydrocarbons are provided. An exemplary method includes hydrotreating a hydrocarbon feed comprising heating a hydrotreating zone effluent to produce a heated hydrotreating zone effluent. An indirect heat exchange takes place between the heated hydrotreating zone effluent and hydrocarbon feed to provide a heated hydrocarbon feed. |
| US09745515B2 |
Fire resistant material
The present invention relates to inorganic-organic hybrids (IOHs), methods for their preparation and their use as fire resistant materials or components of fire resistant materials. More specifically, the invention relates to polyamide fire resistant formulations containing IOHs which have application in the production of fire resistant articles or parts thereof for use in the transportation, building, construction and electrical or optical industries. |
| US09745513B2 |
Nematic liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device using same
The present invention provides a liquid crystal composition having negative dielectric anisotropy, large refractive index anisotropy, and low viscosity and containing as a first component, one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (I) and, as a second component, one or two or more compounds represented by general formula (II), wherein dielectric anisotropy (Δ∈) at 25° C. is −2.0 or less. Also, provided is a liquid crystal display device having high contrast, fast response, and excellent display quality without causing image sticking and display defects. |
| US09745504B2 |
Wellbore servicing compositions and methods of making and using same
A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising an amino polyether multicarboxylic acid chelating agent and/or an amino polyether multicarboxylic acid chelating agent precursor, and an aqueous base fluid, and contacting the wellbore servicing fluid with scale deposits on a surface in the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising preparing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising an amino polyether multicarboxylic chelating agent precursor and an aqueous base fluid, and contacting the wellbore servicing fluid with scale deposits on a surface in the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. A scale-removing wellbore servicing fluid comprising an amino polyether multicarboxylic acid chelating agent and/or an amino polyether multicarboxylic acid chelating agent precursor, and an aqueous base fluid. |
| US09745497B2 |
Composition comprising HFC and HFO
The present invention provides a composition comprising a mixture of HFC and HFO and having improved lubrication performance. Specifically, the present invention provides a composition comprising HFC and HFO, wherein the composition comprises 1) at least one of HFC-134a and HFC-134 as the HFC, 2) at least one of HFO-1234yf and HFO-1234ze as the HFO, and 3) at least one member selected from the group consisting of HCFC-1122, HCFC-124, CFC-1113, and 3,3,3-trifluoropropyne as a third component. |
| US09745495B2 |
Waterborne coating composition
In one embodiment, a single component waterborne coating composition includes water; a branched polyester polyurethane dispersion; a polycarbonate polyurethane dispersion blend including a branched polycarbonate PUD and an unbranched, hydroxyl functional, polycarbonate polyurethane dispersion; and a fluorinated acrylic latex resin. In another embodiment, the fluorinated acrylic latex resin may be replaced with a hybrid resin selected from the group consisting of a fluorinated acrylic and polyester polyurethane dispersion hybrid resin and a fluorinated acrylic and polycarbonate polyurethane dispersion hybrid resin. |
| US09745491B2 |
Method for producing crosslinked polymer, crosslinked polymer, and coating composition containing the same
The object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for producing a crosslinked polymer by radical polymerization of a monomer composition, by which method a desired crosslinked polymer can be produced in a high solid content with good productivity (also at a low production cost), and a crosslinked polymer obtained by the production method and a coating composition containing the same.A method for producing a crosslinked polymer having a weight average molecular weight of 15000 to 200000, the method comprising step [I] of obtaining a crosslinked polymer (A) by conducting polymerization of a monomer composition comprising 2 to 30% by weight of a polyfunctional methacrylate having 2 to 4 functional groups (a) and 98 to 70% by weight of one or more polymerizable monomers selected from the group consisting of monofunctional (meth)acrylates, (meth)acrylic acid, and monofunctional vinyl aromatic compounds (b) in an organic solvent in the presence of a radical polymerization initiator in a temperature region where the radical polymerization initiator comes to have a half-life of 4 to 18 minutes. |
| US09745488B2 |
Electrostatic inks and method for their production
The application relates to a method of producing an electrostatic ink composition, the method comprising: mixing a resin and a conductive pigment in a continuous mixer to form a compounded mixture comprising particles comprising the resin and the pigment; adding a liquid carrier to the compounded mixture, such that the particles comprising the resin and the conductive pigment are dispersed in the liquid carrier; and, before, during or after adding the liquid carrier to the compounded mixture: imparting a charge on the particles comprising the resin and the pigment. |
| US09745487B2 |
Yellow thermochromic dyes, inks composition and level indicators
A new leuco dye produces a yellow color while demonstrating also exceptional light and thermal stability under light. |
| US09745479B2 |
Adhesion promoter
Compositions useful for improving the adhesion of coating compositions, such as dielectric film-forming compositions, include a hydrolyzed poly(alkoxysilane). These compositions are useful in methods of improving the adhesion of coating compositions to a substrate. |
| US09745475B2 |
Use of a polymeric emulsion for the surface treatment of particles of mineral matter
The present invention relates to the use of a new polymeric aqueous emulsion for surface treating particles of mineral matter. |
| US09745472B2 |
Asphalt recycling method
An asphalt paving mixture comprising aggregate; liquid asphalt; recycled asphalt material in an amount greater than 10% by weight of said mixture; and an amount from about 0.5% to about 20%, by weight of said liquid asphalt of a recycled asphalt pavement rejuvenating additive, said additive comprising a mixture of amine and glycol is used to form pavement. Incorporation of the recycled asphalt pavement rejuvenating additive permits higher amounts of recycled asphalt material in the mixture to be used to form pavement. |
| US09745469B2 |
Molded articles having a swirl-like or marble-like appearance and compositions for producing same
Polymer compositions are described that contain at least two different immiscible phases for producing molded articles having a swirl-like or marble-like appearance. The first phase, for instance, may contain one or more polyoxymethylene polymers. The second phase, on the other hand, contains one or more polymers that together have a melting point that is from about 5° to about 30° different than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. In one embodiment, the second phase may contain a thermoplastic elastomer, a glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate, or a polyimide and may have a melting point that is higher than the melting point of the polyoxymethylene polymer. The second phase is present in the polymer composition in relatively low amounts, such as in amounts less than about 5% by weight. The second phase can contain a high concentration of colorants that creates a contrast of colors when the molded article is produced. |
| US09745464B2 |
Halogen-free flame retardant resin composition and the use thereof
The present invention relates to a halogen-free flame retardant resin composition, according to parts by weight, the resin composition comprises: (A) a mixture of phenoxyphosphazene compound (A1) and compound (A2) having a dihydrobenzoxazine ring, the mixture comprising 45-90 parts by weight, and the weight ratio of the phenoxyphosphazene compound (A1) and the compound (A2) having a dihydrobenzoxazine ring is between 1:25-1:2; (B) an epoxy resin with epoxy equivalent of 500-2000, the epoxy resin comprising 10-45 parts by weight; (C) a phenolic resin comprising 10-25 parts by weight; and (D) an amine curing agent comprising 0.5-10 parts by weight. The prepreg, laminate, and metal-clad laminate for the printed circuit prepared using the halogen-free flame retardant resin composition, have the advantages of high glass transition temperature (Tg), high thermal resistance, low dielectric dissipation factor, low water absorption as well as a low C.T.E. |
| US09745451B2 |
Swellable compositions, articles formed therefrom, and methods of manufacture thereof
A swellable composition comprises: a matrix material; and a condensed expandable graphite material disposed in the matrix material. A seal arrangement comprises: a swellable member and a sealing member disposed on a surface of the swellable member; wherein the swellable member comprises a condensed expandable graphite material. The condensed expandable graphite material in the swellable composition and the swellable member has a bulk density of about 1 to about 8 g/cm3 and comprises expandable graphite. |
| US09745442B2 |
Epoxy resin composition for neutron shielding, and method for preparing the same
Provided is an epoxy resin composition including a nano-sized radioactive radiation shielding material which has superior shielding effects for against radiation, and to a method for preparing same. In particular, the method for preparing the epoxy resin composition for neutron shielding, includes the steps of: a step of mixing a boron compound powder for absorbing neutrons, optionally a high density metal powder for shielding from against gamma rays and a flame retardant powder, respectively separately or in combination, with an amine-based curing agent to obtain a mixture of a curing agent and a powder; an ultrasonic wave treating step of applying ultrasonic waves to the mixture to coat the surface of the powder with the amine-based curing agent and to disperse the powder in the curing agent; and a dispersing step of mixing and dispersing the amine-based curing agent, that was dispersed and includes the powder treated with ultrasonic waves, in an epoxy resin. |
| US09745440B2 |
Polyurethane foam compositions and process for making same
The present invention generally relates to polyurethane foam composition. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to polyurethane foam compositions that have increased and/or improved fire-retardant properties due to the inclusion of one or more liquid and/or solid fire-retardants. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to polyurethane foam compositions that have increased and/or improved fire-retardant properties due to the inclusion of one or more intumescent materials (e.g., expandable graphite (EG)). In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to polyurethane foam compositions that have increased and/or improved fire-retardant properties due to the inclusion of expandable graphite. |
| US09745439B1 |
Methods of forming aerogels
The present invention relates to methods of forming aerogels. |
| US09745435B2 |
Composition and method for making a cavitated bio-based film
Composition and method for making a multi-layer bio-based film having one or more cavitated layers. In one aspect, the multilayer flexible film has polylactic acid, an inorganic filler, and a cavitation stabilizer making up at least one film layer. In one aspect, the barrier web has a cavitated bio-based film layer. In another aspect, the print web has a cavitated bio-based film layer. |
| US09745431B2 |
BOPP film having low shrinkage
The present invention relates to a new biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film, a process for the preparation of such film as well as the use of a polypropylene for the preparation of such film and an article comprising such film. |
| US09745430B2 |
Elastic monofilm and method of making a disposable hygiene article
The invention relates to an elastic monofilm having a film thickness between 20 μm and 100 μm, comprising an asymmetric styrene-diene triblock copolymer at a content between 35 wt % and 90 wt % as a first polymer substance A and comprising a second polymer substance B. According to the invention, polystyrene is provided at a content between 8 wt % and 40 wt % as the second polymer substance B. |
| US09745422B2 |
Process for the preparation of a mercapto-terminated liquid polymer
Process for the preparation of a mercapto-terminated liquid polymer comprising the steps of: a) reacting (para)formaldehyde with a halo-alcohol to form a reaction mixture comprising bis(2-dihaloalkyl)formal and b) reacting the reaction mixture of step a) with either (i) sodium polysulfide or (ii) a combination of sodium hydrosulfide and sulfur, wherein the process is performed in the presence of a branching agent selected from the group consisting of di-aldehydes and their corresponding actetals and hemi-acetals. |
| US09745421B2 |
Dendronized polymers for nucleic acid delivery
The disclosure provides for dendronized polymers, and the use of the polymers as carriers for the intracellular delivery of nucleic acids. |
| US09745419B2 |
Aqueous polyglycidol synthesis with ultra-low branching
Disclosed herein are glycidol-based polymers, nanoparticles, and methods related thereto useful for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, drug delivery. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. |
| US09745417B2 |
Copolycarbonate and composition comprising the same
Disclosed is a polycarbonate composition including a polycarbonate; and a copolycarbonate, where the copolycarbonate includes an aromatic polycarbonate-based first repeating unit; and aromatic polycarbonate-based second repeating units having siloxane bonds, which include a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 2 and a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 3, where the copolycarbonate has an impact strength at room temperature of 840 to 1000 J/m as measured at 23° C. in accordance with ASTM D256 (⅛ inch, Notched Izod), and the copolycarbonate satisfies Equation 1: TS/TS0≧0.80. [Equation 1] The copolycarbonate in the composition provides an improved chemical resistance and impact strength simultaneously. |
| US09745413B1 |
Polyester macromers containing 1,1-dicarbonyl-substituted 1 alkenes
Disclosed are compositions comprising polyester macromers containing in one or more chains the residue of one or more diols and one or more diesters wherein the residue of the one or more diols and the one or more diesters alternate along the chain and a portion of the diesters are 1,1-diester-1-alkenes, and optionally one or more dihydrocarbyl dicarboxylates, and at least one terminal end comprises the residue of one of the 1,1-diester-1 alkenes and wherein one or more terminal ends may comprise the residue of one or more diols. The chains may contain the residue of the one or more diols and one or more diesters comprising one or more diesters 1,1-diester-1 alkenes and optionally one or more dihydrocarbyl dicarboxylates randomly disposed along the chains. Disclosed are methods of preparing the polyester macromers and incorporating them in a variety of polyester containing compositions such as coatings and films. |
| US09745412B2 |
Process for production of thermoplastic cured epoxy resin with transparency to visible light, and thermoplastic epoxy resin composition
Provided are a thermoplastic epoxy resin composition comprising (A) an epoxy compound having two epoxy groups in one molecule, (B) a compound having two phenolic hydroxyl groups in one molecule, and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of dihexylamine, diheptylamine, di(2-ethylhexyl)amine, N-ethylhexylamine, trihexylamine, dioctylamine, tri n-octylamine, N,N-dimethyl-n-octylamine, and N,N-dimethyldecylamine as (C) a curing accelerator, and a thermoplastic cured epoxy resin with transparency to visible light produced by curing the thermoplastic epoxy resin composition. |
| US09745411B2 |
Resin composition, resin sheet, cured resin sheet, resin sheet structure, cured resin sheet structure, method for producing cured resin sheet structure, semiconductor device, and LED device
A resin composition including an epoxy resin monomer, a novolac resin including a compound having a structural unit represented by Formula (I), and a filler; in which the filler has at least 4 peaks in a particle size distribution measured by laser diffractometry, in which four of the peaks are present respectively in ranges of not less than 0.01 μm and less than 1 μm, not less than 1 μm and less than 10 μm, from 10 μm to 50 μm, and from 20 μm to 100 μm, and in which a peak present in a range of from 10 μm to 50 μm includes an aluminum oxide particle, and a peak present in a range of from 20 μm to 100 μm includes a boron nitride particle. In Formula (I) each of R1, R2 and R3 independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group, or the like. m represents 0 to 2, and n represents 1 to 7. |
| US09745403B2 |
Polymer raw material and polymer material
To provide a polymer material having properties that allow the polymer material to replace a polyimide and a polyamide synthesized from a petroleum raw material, said polymer material being synthesized from a raw material derived from natural molecules. [Solution] This polymer material is obtained by polymerizing a polymer raw material comprising a dimer of 4-amino cinnamic acid or a dimer of a 4-amino cinnamic acid derivative, which are natural molecules, wherein the carboxyl group is protected by an alkyl chain. The TGA curve of a polyamide acid (PAA-1) and a polyimide (PI-1) according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5. |
| US09745377B2 |
Immunological compositions as cancer therapeutics
The present invention concerns antibodies that react immunologically with an epitope comprising VDKSRWQQG (SEQ ID NO: 1), including those that bind to cancer cells, and methods relating thereto. In particular, the antibodies that react immunologically with a particular epitope found in anti-tumor antigen antibodies are not only indicative of favorable therapy using the anti-tumor antigen antibodies, but are therapeutic in and of themselves. |
| US09745367B2 |
Alternative pathway specific antibodies for treating arthritis
A method of selecting a genus of therapeutic antibodies includes selecting antibodies with the following criteria; a) do inhibit cell lysis under conditions wherein the alternative pathway is isolated from the classical pathway; and b) do not inhibit cell lysis under conditions wherein the classical pathway is isolated from the alternative pathway; and c) do not inhibit cell lysis under conditions wherein the classical pathway and alternative pathway are active; and d) do inhibit C3b produced exclusively by the alternative pathway. |
| US09745363B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting thrombogenesis
The invention is directed to a composition comprising an (one or more) isolated peptide comprising a BF01 peptide, variants of a BF01 peptide and/or mutants of a BF01 peptide. In particular aspects, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition. The composition(s) can be used to inhibit thrombogenesis, selectively inhibit the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation and selectively inhibit FX1 in an individual in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of all or a biologically active portion of a BF01 peptide, one or more variants thereof and/or one or more mutants thereof. |
| US09745358B2 |
Peptides and compositions for treatment of joint damage
The present invention provides new protease resistant polypeptides, as well as compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating or preventing conditions related to joint damage, including acute joint injury and arthritis. |
| US09745355B2 |
Binding-site modified lectins and uses thereof
In one aspect, the disclosure provides cross-linked materials that include multivalent lectins with at least two binding sites for glucose, wherein the lectins include at least one covalently linked affinity ligand which is capable of competing with glucose for binding with at least one of said binding sites; and conjugates that include two or more separate affinity ligands bound to a conjugate framework, wherein the two or more affinity ligands compete with glucose for binding with the lectins at said binding sites and wherein conjugates are cross-linked within the material as a result of non-covalent interactions between lectins and affinity ligands on different conjugates. These materials are designed to release amounts of conjugate in response to desired concentrations of glucose. Depending on the end application, in various embodiments, the conjugates may also include a drug and/or a detectable label. |
| US09745341B2 |
Tubulysins and processes for preparing
Processes are described for the preparation of tubulysins. The processes are useful for preparing predetermined mixtures of tubulysins, preparing single tubulysins from mixtures of tubulysins, and for converting one tubulysin into a different tubulysin. The tubulysins described herein are useful in treating diseases and disease states that include pathogenic cell populations. |
| US09745338B2 |
Pro-drug forming compounds
Various prodrug compounds having the general structure: Active agent-(acid)-(linker)-SO2NR1R2 are described herein. Compounds having this general structure were shown to be more orally active than the unmodified parent molecule. |
| US09745331B2 |
Therapeutic bisphosphonates
The invention provides novel pyrophosphate synthase inhibitors of formula I and formula II as well salts thereof; the invention also provides compositions comprising such inhibitors and methods for their use. |
| US09745327B2 |
Bisphenolate transition metal complexes, production and use thereof
Bis phenolate transition metal complexes are disclosed for use in alkene polymerization, with optional chain transfer agent, to produce polyolefins. |
| US09745321B2 |
Fused pyrimidine compound, intermediate, preparation method therefor, and composition and application thereof
Disclosed are a fused pyrimidine compound, an intermediate, a preparation method therefor, and a composition and an application thereof. The present invention provides a fused pyrimidine compound shown in formula I, pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, solvate, and an optical isomer or prodrug of the compound. The present invention further provides applications of the fused pyrimidine compound shown in formula I, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt, the hydrate, solvate, and the optical isomer or the prodrug of the compound in the preparing drugs for curing and/or preventing a kinase-related disease. The fused pyrimidine compound I of the present invention is an efficient PI3 kinase depressor, and can be used to prepare drugs for preventing and/or curing cell-proliferation diseases such as cancer, infection, inflammation, and an autoimmune disease. |
| US09745314B2 |
MDM2 inhibitors and therapeutic methods using the same
Inhibitors of MDM2 and MDM2-related proteins and compositions containing the same are disclosed. Methods of using the MDM2 inhibitors in the treatment of diseases and conditions wherein inhibition of an interaction between p53 and MDM2 provides a benefit, like cancers, also are disclosed. |
| US09745311B2 |
Substituted pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyrazines as FGFR inhibitors
The present invention relates to pyrazine derivatives of Formula I, and pharmaceutical compositions including the same, that are inhibitors of one or more FGFR enzymes and are useful in the treatment of FGFR-associated diseases such as cancer. |
| US09745309B2 |
Method for preparing a sitagliptin intermediate
The present invention provides a method for preparing an intermediate compound of sitagliptin represented by formula I. The preparation method comprises: dissolving a compound represented by formula II into an organic solvent; and under the catalysis of fatty acid and effect of chlorosilane, performing a reduction reaction of carbon-carbon double bonds, so as to obtain the intermediate compound of sitagliptin represented by formula I, R being methyl or formoxyl. The preparation method of the present invention avoids precious metal as a catalyst, and accordingly, the cost is low, the post-treatment is simple, the product has a high yield, chemical purity and optical purity, and de % is greater than 99.6%, and the preparation method can be used in synthesis of sitagliptin and is suitable for industrial production. |
| US09745307B2 |
Compounds that are ERK inhibitors
Disclosed are the ERK inhibitors of formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Also disclosed are methods of treating cancer using the compounds of formula (I). This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I) and an effective amount of at least one other pharmaceutically active ingredient (such as, for example, a chemotherapeutic agent), and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This invention also provides a method of inhibiting ERK (i.e., inhibiting the activity of ERK2) in a patient in need of such treatment comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of at least one compound of formula (I). |
| US09745297B2 |
Compounds as modulators of RORC
The present invention encompasses compounds of the formula (I), wherein the variables are defined herein which are suitable for the modulation of RORC and the treatment of diseases related to the modulation of RORC. The present invention also encompasses processes of making compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutical preparations containing them. |
| US09745296B2 |
Salts, co-crystals, and polymorphs of an anxiolytic compound
The present invention provides amorphous arid crystalline forms of 1-ethyl-6-(indan-2-ylamino)-3-(morpholine-4-carbonyl)-1,8-naphthyridin-4-one (compound 1), and salts, co-crystals, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating and/or preventing a disease, such as a central nervous system disease (e.g., an anxiety disorder), using the amorphous and crystalline forms, and salts, co-crystals, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. |
| US09745294B2 |
2-acylaminopropoanol-type glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors
A compound is represented by Structural Formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A pharmaceutical composition comprises a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. A method of treating a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The subject has type 2 diabetes; renal hypertrophy or hyperplasia associated with diabetic nephropathy; Tay-Sachs; Gaucher's; or Fabry's disease. Methods of decreasing plasma TNF-α, lowering blood glucose levels, decreasing glycated hemoglobin levels, inhibiting glucosylceramide synthase, and lowering glycosphingolipid concentrations in a subject in need thereof respectively comprise administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by Structural Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US09745288B2 |
Compounds and methods for treating cancer by inhibiting the urokinase receptor
Compounds and methods for treating or preventing cancer associated with binding to the urokinase receptor are provided. Biological processes affected by the compounds include cell migration, cell growth, cell adhesion, angiogenesis, cancer cell invasion, apoptosis, tumor formation, tumor progression, metastasis, degradation of the extracellular matrix, pericellular proteolysis, activation of plasminogen, changes in the levels of an extracellular protease, and changes in the levels of a VEGF receptor. |
| US09745284B2 |
2-pyridyloxy-4-ether orexin receptor antagonists
The present invention is directed to 2-pyridyloxy-4-ether compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors. The present invention is also directed to uses of the 2-pyridyloxy-4-ether compounds described herein in the potential treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The present invention is also directed to uses of these pharmaceutical compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. |
| US09745268B2 |
Processes and intermediates in the preparation of C5aR antagonists
Intermediates and methods are provided for the preparation of selected C5aR antagonist compounds. |
| US09745233B2 |
Selective dehydrohalogenation of tertiary halogenated hydrocarbons and removal of tertiary halogenated hydrocarbon impurities from a halogenated hydrocarbon product
A process for converting tertiary halogenated hydrocarbons in a tertiary halogenated hydrocarbon-containing stream to a corresponding unhalogenated or less-halogenated unsaturated hydrocarbon product with the release of hydrogen halide involves contacting the tertiary halogenated hydrocarbon with a sorbent-type dehydrohalogenation catalyst in a reaction zone and optionally passing a stripping gas through the reaction zone to remove vapor phase reaction products from the reaction zone. A process for removing a tertiary chlorinated hydrocarbon impurity from 1,3-dichloro-1-propene involves contacting a mixture containing the 1,3-dichloro-1-propene and the tertiary chlorinated hydrocarbon impurity with a dehydrochlorination catalyst effective to catalyze a conversion of the tertiary chlorinated hydrocarbon impurity to a corresponding unchlorinated or less-chlorinated unsaturated hydrocarbon and hydrogen chloride and distilling the 1,3-dichloro-1-propene to produce a purified cis-1,3-dichloro-1-propene fraction and a purified trans-1,3-dichloro-1-propene fraction. |
| US09745228B1 |
Composting facility
A composting facility includes: a floor for receiving compostable material thereon, wherein the floor is constructed above-grade; a dovetail extending from the floor to allow ingress of a vehicle from a grade level to the floor; one or more channels defined within the floor and extending through the dovetail; a covering extending over the one or more channels to maintain the compostable material away from the channel, the covering defining at least one aperture extending from above the covering into the one or more channels for allowing flowthrough of gases; and an air source for providing air through the channels to provide cooling characteristics to the compostable material or oxygen to aid an aerobic process associated with composting. In operation, liquids draining from the composting material pass through the at least one aperture into the channel and out through a portion of the channel extending through the dovetail. |
| US09745223B2 |
Memorialization products made from biomass and method for making the same
A product comprises a combination of a plurality of solids recovered from a plurality of effluents, an interaction between biomass and at least one fluid providing the plurality of recovered plurality of effluents, and at least one solid forming precursor material, the biomass being of animal or human origin, the interaction comprising at least one of degradation of a plurality of organic molecules comprised by the biomass, destruction of tissues comprised by the biomass, transformation of tissues comprised by the biomass, breakage of protein bonds comprised by the biomass, and removal of organic and inorganic molecules comprised by the biomass, and the combination of the plurality of recovered solids and at least one solid forming precursor material forming the product. |
| US09745222B2 |
Apparatus and methods for producing gypsum wallboard
An apparatus for production of a gypsum product is provided which comprises a conveyer comprising a conveyer belt and means for rotating the conveyer belt; means for forming a gypsum product; and at least one laser scanner positioned over the conveyer belt at the location where the scanner scans at least one edge of the gypsum product which is at least partially set; and the laser scanner is in communication with a processor. Methods for forming a gypsum product with the apparatus are provided as well. |
| US09745217B2 |
System and method for lime stabilization of liquid sludge
A lime stabilization system and method is provided in which thickened liquid sludge and lime are separately delivered, under controlled conditions, to a reaction tank and mixed therein to a predetermined pH, controlled via a programmable logic computer. The weight of liquid sludge in the reaction tank is controlled from the computer via load cells that measure the weight of such liquid sludge in the reaction tank. The computer monitors the amount of liquid sludge and lime delivered to the reaction tank, for mixing therein to a desired pH, for a predetermined amount of time, and the resultant mix is discharged from the reaction tank, to a holding tank, for return to the land. |
| US09745213B2 |
Scale suppression apparatus, geothermal power generation system using the same, and scale suppression method
A scale suppression apparatus capable of suppressing in a low-priced manner the generation of silica-based scale and calcium-based scale in the influent water, a geothermal power generation system using the same, and a scale suppression method are provided. The apparatus includes a first addition unit configured to add liquid containing a chelating agent and an alkaline agent to influent water flowing through a pipe arrangement to make the influent water higher than pH 7, a second addition unit configured to add an acid substance to the influent water to make the influent water lower than pH 7, and a controller configured to alternatively switch between the operation of the first addition unit and the operation of the second addition unit. The controller controls the switching of the first addition unit and the second addition unit based on the signals output from a scale detection unit and a pH meter. |
| US09745208B2 |
Multi-stage bubble column humidifier apparatus
A downcomer apparatus for use in a multi-stage bubble column humidifier. The humidifier comprises at least a first, second and third stage, wherein each of said stages includes an inlet, an outlet and a chamber defined by said stage, in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. In the humidifier, a heated liquid fluid stream flowing downwardly exchanges mass and heat with a cooler carrier gas stream flowing upwardly through the bubble column. A bubble generator comprising a perforated plate, or sparger, passes the carrier gas, such as air, from a lower chamber to form bubbles in a fluid, such as water, forming a bath on an upper chamber. An off-set arrangement of downcomer apparatuses, wherein said apparatus comprises a funnel, a watergate, and a downcomer, is used to prevent a recirculation of humid bubbles from the upper chamber to the lower chamber, thus preventing the air stream from circumventing the bubble generator in the form of the humid bubbles. This arrangement assures the maximum possible performance of the humidifier, as the entire air stream is forced to move through the bubble column, thus maximizing the air-water surface interface for an efficient mass and heat exchange. |
| US09745203B2 |
Non-caking salt composition, preparation process and use thereof
The present invention relates to a sodium chloride composition comprising an iron complex of tartaric acid wherein between 55 and 90% by weight of the tartaric acid is meso-tartaric acid. The present invention furthermore relates to a process to prepare such a sodium chloride composition and to the use of such a sodium chloride composition. |
| US09745202B2 |
Metal cyanometallate synthesis method
A method is provided for synthesizing metal cyanometallate (MCM). The method provides a solution of AXM1Y(CN)Z; where “A” is selected from a first group of metals and M1 is selected from a second group of metals. The method adds a material including M2 to the solution to form a liquid phase material that may be either a suspension or a solution. M2 is selected from the second group of metals. The method adds acid to the liquid phase material. The addition of acid to the liquid phase material decomposes the M2 material into M2-ions. Simultaneous with the addition of the acid, a precipitate of ANM1PM2Q(CN)R.FH2O is formed, where N is in a range of 1 to 2. A variation of the above-described synthesis method is also provided. |
| US09745199B2 |
Mesoporous silicon
A method of making mesoporous silicon from silica, the mesoporous silicon obtained by the method, and uses of the mesoporous silicon are described. The mesoporous silicon may be derived from plants, particularly land-based plants. |
| US09745191B2 |
Auto thermal reforming (ATR) catalytic structures
An autothermal reforming catalytic structure for generating hydrogen gas from liquid hydrocarbons, steam and an oxygen source. The autothermal reforming catalytic structure includes a support structure and nanosized mixed metal oxide particles dispersed homogenously throughout the support structure. |
| US09745189B1 |
MEMS device with isolation sub-frame structure
An embodiment of a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device is provided, which includes a substrate; a proof mass positioned in space above a surface of the substrate, wherein the proof mass is configured to pivot on a rotational axis parallel to the substrate; an anchor structure that includes two or more separated anchors mounted to the surface of the substrate, wherein the anchor structure is aligned with the rotational axis; and an isolation sub-frame structure that surrounds the anchor structure and is flexibly connected to each of the two or more separated anchors of the anchor structure, where the proof mass is flexibly connected to the isolation sub-frame structure. |
| US09745173B2 |
Handrail drive for an escalator or a moving walkway
A handrail drive for driving a handrail of a transportation system has at least one drive device and at least one counterpressure device. The counterpressure device contains at least one taughtening spring and at least one counterpressure-roller. Between the drive device and the at-least one counterpressure-roller, the handrail is arranged approximately in a linear travel direction and, with a press-on force which is caused by the taughtening spring, is pressed by the at-least one counterpressure-roller against the drive device. The handrail drive has a mechanical redirection device, by which the spring-force of the taughtening spring can be redirected into the press-on force of the at-least one counterpressure-roller. |
| US09745169B2 |
Safety system for an elevator, elevator system, and method for operating such a safety system
A safety system for an elevator that includes at least one control unit, which control unit is operable in at least two different operating modes. The safety system has at least one electronic lock connected with the control unit, and is connectable, or connected, with at least one electronic key. The control unit is programmed, or programmable, in such that, in the presence of a connection between the electronic key and the electronic lock, it is only operable in one operating mode of a first subset of the operating modes and, in the absence of a connection between the electronic key and the electronic lock, it is only operable in one operating mode of a second subset of the operating modes. A maintenance mode is only available in the second subset of the operating modes. |
| US09745156B2 |
Sheet feed cassette monitor that highly accurately detects open/close state of sheet feed cassette and presence/absence state of paper sheet, image forming apparatus, and sheet feed cassette monitoring method
A sheet feed cassette monitor includes an actuator with another end portion, a detecting circuit, a plurality of protrusions, a signal monitoring circuit, and a signal determining circuit. When the one end portion is in contact with a paper sheet, the other end portion swings in a first direction. When the one end portion is not in contact with the paper sheet, the other end portion swings in a second direction opposite direction to the first direction. The detecting circuit detects the swinging of the other end portion on the actuator. The plurality of protrusions are convexly installed in an asymmetric manner with respect to a putting-in/taking-out direction of the feed cassette. The signal determining circuit determines a presence/absence state of the paper sheet housed in the sheet feed cassette and an open/close state of the sheet feed cassette based on a pattern of change in the monitored signal. |
| US09745151B2 |
System and method for dispensing bulk material
A system for dispensing bulk material from storage is provided. The system comprises a plurality of stationary storage silos adapted to store the bulk material therein. A plurality of movable hoppers may be moveably positioned adjacent a bulk material chute of each storage silo to unload the bulk material therein. Once loaded with the bulk material, each movable hopper may then be positioned adjacent an input opening of a vehicle to unload the bulk material therein. |
| US09745149B2 |
Material delivery system
The invention relates to material delivery systems and particularly to pulse controlled material delivery systems. |
| US09745142B2 |
Conveyor assembly
In an aspect, a conveyor system for moving a wheeled structure through a service line is provided. The conveyor system comprises at least one endless belt mounted longitudinally through the service line. The belt has an upper transport portion for moving the vehicle through the service line, and a lower return portion with a support deck below the upper transport portion to support the belt. A debris deflector is mounted between the upper transport portion and the lower return portion to protect the lower return portion from debris falling through the support deck. |
| US09745141B2 |
Method for addressing/sequencing linearly interlinked control components of a conveying system
Disclosed is a method for addressing/sequencing at least one control component (170 . . . 177) of a group comprising multiple control components (170 . . . 177) of a conveying system (1), said components being linearly interlinked via a daisy-chain selection line (23). The addressing process starts at any point in the chain and continues to the end of the respective branch of said chain. Subsequently, in one of the two branches the numbering of the control components (170 . . . 177) is reversed. Also disclosed is a conveying system (1) on which said method can be carried out. |
| US09745140B2 |
Device for transportation, separation and orientation of cuvettes
The invention relates to a device, a system and a method for transportation, separation and orientation in a head up position of cuvettes. The invention also relates to using the device or the system for transportation, separation and orientation in head up position of the cuvettes. The device comprises a pipe, a rotating auger, a motor, a guiding plate and a slide rail. The system further comprises at least one cuvette. |
| US09745136B2 |
Segmented articulating conveyor
A segmented articulating conveyor is provided that is articulable between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration. The segmented articulating conveyor has a plurality of conveyor segments forming a conveyor system. The conveyor segments are pivotally connected to one another to permit manual articulation of the conveyor system between straight and articulated configurations. A belt is operably engaged with the conveyor segments, the belt being configured to accommodate an arc of the conveyor system when in the articulated configuration. A motor is operatively engaged with the belt and configured to move the belt. An associated method is also provided. |
| US09745133B2 |
Method and system for conveying articles and an apparatus for doing the same
A conveyor for transporting and elevating articles and a method and system for conveying articles up inclines is provided. The conveyor has a conveyor belt and a plurality of support elements extending outward from the article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt advancing upward along the incline. The support elements prevent conveyed articles from sliding down the conveyor belt on the incline. The article-conveying surface of the conveyor belt may provide a low-friction retention surface to articles leaning away from the conveyor belt on the incline. |
| US09745132B2 |
Tie plate separator and method thereof
Embodiments of a tie plate sorter are disclosed wherein the tie plates are sorted and fed to an output device for further feeding to a tie plate distribution system. The tie plates may be oriented as needed. Exemplary methods are also provided. |
| US09745126B1 |
Scented drawstring bag
The present invention is directed to a thermoplastic bag comprised of a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and back panel are generally joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge of the respective front panel and back panel. The front panel has a distal edge with the distal edge folded over the front panel to provide a hem and an overlap area immediately below the first hem. The overlap encapsulates a scent carrier that provides a scent to the thermoplastic bag. |
| US09745122B2 |
Ingredient capsule for beverage preparation
Capsule (9) for use in a beverage preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising side (10), bottom (12) and top (11) walls defining a closed chamber, said capsule further comprising a beverage dispensing wall able to open for releasing a beverage prepared from said ingredient and said fluid, said capsule comprising a separating wall (14) within the chamber that separates, in a leak-tight manner, an ingredient-containing compartment (15), and a fluid injection compartment (16), said separating wall (14) comprising a one-way valve (17) able to let fluid under pressure flow only from the injection compartment towards the ingredient-containing compartment, said valve being actuated in its open configuration by the injection element (22) of the machine, wherein the one-way valve is either: (i) a spring-mounted ball valve, or alternatively (ii) a flexible resilient O-ring valve mounted in a circular channel of the separating wall. |
| US09745118B2 |
Method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container
A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig. The plastic aerosol container also includes a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The finish portion may be threaded or unthreaded. The finish portion has a side wall, an upper sealing surface, at least one helical thread and a support ledge beneath the helical thread. Reinforcement structure is positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to the pressurization. A method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container is also disclosed. |
| US09745116B1 |
Laundry receptacle with lifting platform
The invention relates a laundry hamper/receptacle having a handle assembly to lift a platform for removal of laundry inside of the hamper. A first handle assembly has singular tubular members with telescoping means connected to a rod affixed to the platform. An alternative handle assembly utilizes a pair of arms providing additional lifting capacity connected to a rod affixed to the platform. |
| US09745114B2 |
Medicine bottle with solid silica flaky drying agent
A medicine bottle with a solid silica flaky drying agent is disclosed. The solid silica flaky drying agent is wrapped in a filter paper and packed inside a bubble cap on which a number of holes are provided for moisture absorption. The bubble cap containing the solid silica flake drying agent can be attached to the cap of the medicine bottle via a baseplate behind a circular locking notch for preventing the solid silica flake drying agent from falling off the cap, or placed at the bottom of the medicine bottle which has a circular locking notch to prevent the solid silica flake drying agent from falling out of the medicine bottle. |
| US09745113B2 |
Structure of inflatable corner packing device
An inflatable corner packing device for protecting corners of a product includes: first and second thermoplastic films having a first section, a second section, and an elbow section connecting the first and second sections in a vertical direction, wherein a plurality of fluid containers each extending in the vertical direction, and the first and second sections and the elbow section each have a right side portion, a left side portion, and a middle portion connecting the right and left side portions, wherein the side portions are inwardly crooked for holding a product therebetween. The first and second thermoplastic films are folded, and the folded films are bonded in the elbow section along a border between adjacent fluid containers in each crooked side portion, leaving a remaining portion of the border unbonded, so that the bonded borders form the elbow section. |
| US09745110B2 |
360° pour beverage container
A beverage container comprises a container body defining an opening and having an interior volume and a 360° pour spout assembly removably coupled to the container body. The pour spout assembly comprises an outer plug and an inner plug at least partially received within the outer plug, the outer plug being removably coupled to the container body and the inner plug being vertically displaceable along a longitudinal container body axis and removably coupled to the outer plug. |
| US09745107B2 |
E-liquid dispenser
An e-liquid dispenser. The e-liquid dispenser may contain and dispense e-liquids for use in e-cigarettes and comprise a hinged container having a bottom housing and a pivotally-attached lid, and a removable e-bottle used to hold and dispense the e-liquid. The e-bottle may be child resistant and may comprise a raised portion on a wall of the e-bottle, wherein the raised portion may match an opening in a wall of the bottom housing such that when the e-bottle is inserted into the bottom housing, it is securely held in the bottom housing. E-liquid is expelled from the e-bottle by a user pressing on the raised portion. The e-bottle may be removed by depressing the raised portion and pushing the e-bottle out of the bottom housing. The removable e-bottle may also include a spout that allows the e-bottle to be refilled so that the e-bottle is reusable. |
| US09745100B2 |
Stack and fold dairy shelves
A shelving system includes a plurality of collapsible containers stacked on one another and on a pallet or dolly. Each collapsible container includes a base and a pair of opposed side walls pivotably connected to the base and movable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base. Each collapsible container further includes a rear wall pivotably connected to the base and movable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base. The rear wall may include a pair of opposed flange portions with a lower central portion therebetween. A front wall is pivotably connected to the base opposite the rear wall and is movable between an upright position and a retracted position outward of the container. The pallet accommodates the stack of collapsible containers and has thin outer columns so that the shelving system can fit into existing store refrigerators. |
| US09745099B2 |
Quarter pallet with hand access hole
A pallet for transporting products thereon includes a top having a product support surface and an opposing underside, and with outer sides extending between the product support surface and the opposing underside. The top includes a hand access hole extending through the top and located at a center of gravity of the pallet. Four feet each extend away from the underside of the top. Each foot has a first opening facing out through the product supporting surface for allowing stacking of such pallets. |
| US09745094B2 |
Method and apparatus for automated opening and dispensing of seed from a container
A method and apparatus for automatically opening a seed packet and dispensing the contents of the same for planting is disclosed. |
| US09745087B2 |
Method and apparatus for securing baled items
One embodiment of the present invention includes an apparatus for securing a wrapping material around an item, such as a baled agricultural item, the apparatus including a main plate and at least one projection, the projection including a heating element and a height adjustment mechanism, wherein the height adjustment mechanism controls a force applied to the wrapping material by the projection and provides a force for moving the projection. |
| US09745085B2 |
Apparatus, system and method for changing a volume
An apparatus, a system and a method for changing a volume are provided. More specifically, a system and a method for changing a volume of a container are provided. The container has an initial height defined between a top end and a bottom end. The container has a first section, a second section and/or a third section. The second section of the container is insertable into the first section and/or the third section. The first section and/or the third section is insertable into the second section of the container. The container holds contents, such as, solids, liquids or gases. The container seals the contents from an environment external to the container. As the contents of the container are removed from the container, the environment may fill the container. The first section, the second section and/or the third section may move to change the volume of the container to remove the environment from the container. |
| US09745083B2 |
Method for thermal stabilization of a communications satellite
A method for thermally stabilizing a communication satellite in orbit around the Earth relies on the discrete rotational symmetry of the pattern of antenna beams of the satellite. Exploiting the symmetry, the orientation of the satellite is changed from time to time by rotating the satellite through a symmetry angle of the rotational symmetry. Because of the symmetry, the beam pattern is unchanged after the rotation; but, because the rotation angle is less than 360°, a different side of the satellite is exposed to sunlight. The use of different thermal radiators and thermal shields on different sides of the satellite means that the thermal budget of the satellite is different after the rotation. By judiciously applying rotations as needed, as the orbit's orientation relative to the Sun evolves in time, it is possible to achieve effective control on the thermal budget of the satellite. |
| US09745082B2 |
Rapid slew and settle systems for small satellites
A new approach for rapid slew and settle of small satellites is based on four single degree-of-freedom control moment gyroscopes with variable speed flywheels (or reaction wheels) in a pyramid configuration, combined with path and endpoint constraint time-optimal control. The path and endpoint constrained time-optimal control can be augmented with momentum management without the use of additional actuators. |