| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US09990619B2 |
Holding manner learning apparatus, holding manner learning system and holding manner learning method
A holding-manner learning apparatus includes a storage part and a hardware processor that functions as a designating module, an acquisition module, a calculation module, a storing module, and an output module. The designating module designates a target object from storage storing therein a feature amount for recognizing an object. The acquisition module acquires an image by photographing an object. The calculation module calculates a similarity degree between the feature amount of the object in the image and the feature amount of the target object. The storing module stores, according to the similarity degree calculated, the image and similarity degree in a first table or a second table in an associated manner. The output module outputs an electronic file presenting the image and similarity degree in the first table to indicate a proper holding manner and/or the image and similarity degree in the second table to indicate an improper holding manner. |
| US09990617B2 |
Consumer opt-in to information sharing at point of sale
Concurrent first and second uses of a consumer's credit card are made during a POS transaction to effect information sharing. The first use includes conventionally executing a primary transaction, while the second use includes a presentation to the consumer at POS with information sharing opt-in and/or privacy notices from the consumer's financial institution. |
| US09990607B1 |
Balanced network and method
A low-latency, high-bandwidth, and highly scalable method delivers data from a source device to multiple communication devices on a communication network. Under this method, the communication devices (also called player nodes) provide download and upload bandwidths for each other. In this manner, the bandwidth requirement on the data source is significantly reduced. Such a data delivery network is scalable without limits with the number of player nodes. In one embodiment, a computer network includes (a) a source server that provides a data stream for delivery in the computer network, (b) player nodes that exchange data with each other to obtain a complete copy of the data stream, the network nodes being capable of dynamically joining or exiting the computer network, and (c) a control server which maintains a topology graph representing connections between the source server and the player nodes, and the connections among the player nodes themselves. In one embodiment, the control server is associated with a network address (e.g., an IP address) known to both the source server and the player nodes. The data stream may include, for example, a real-time broadcast of a sports event. |
| US09990606B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring and tracking radio-frequency identification tags
Systems and methods are provided for measuring and tracking radio-frequency (RFID) tags. Inlay data, converting data, and tag scan data can be received from entities in the supply chain and stored in a database. The tag scan data, including measurement and performance data, can be stored and used for applications such as determining whether RFID tags are defective. The tag scan data, inlay data, and converting data can be analyzed to produce analytic data for reporting and failure prediction purposes. Inlay-SKU combinations of RFID tags can be validated to ensure that the correct inlays are being utilized for RFID tags intended for particular products. More accurate inventory data may be obtained and costs for re-tagging products that have defective RFID tags may be reduced. Entities in the supply chain can also be assisted to comply with various quality control, licensing, and tracking requirements related to the RFID tags. |
| US09990605B2 |
Systems and methods for labeling consumer items with unique identifiers
In some embodiments, methods of tracking uniquely labeled products are provided. An item representing one unit of a consumer product may be labeled with a unique label via automatically generating a random identifier unique to the item, associating the randomly-generated identifier with the item in a record of an electronic database, creating a label comprising a substrate and the randomly-generated identifier, applying the label to the item, and tracking the item via obtaining the randomly-generated identifier from the label. Products labeled with unique identifiers via such methods are also provided. |
| US09990599B1 |
Method and system for multidisciplinary research collaboration
A system and method for multidisciplinary team collaboration may include an algorithm for determining suitable relationships between the team members; a visualization interface for illustrating and managing members in separate groups according to their profiles, expertise, work output, and/or project roles; and the analysis of how members interact and use knowledge content. In the disclosed method, lived-work practices and/or knowledge content may be incorporated in the system to account for human behavior and expand upon existing documented work processes. |
| US09990587B2 |
Machine learning heterogeneous edge device, method, and system
A machine learning heterogeneous edge device, method, and system are disclosed. In an example embodiment, an edge device includes a communication module, a data collection device, a memory, a machine learning module, a group determination module, and a leader election module. The edge device analyzes collected data with a model, outputs a result, and updates the model to create a local model. The edge device communicates with other edge devices in a heterogeneous group. The edge device determines group membership and determines a leader edge device. The edge device receives a request for the local model, transmits the local model to the leader edge device, receives a mixed model created by the leader edge device performing a mix operation of the local model and a different local model, and replaces the local model with the mixed model. |
| US09990586B2 |
System and method for analyzing and validating oil and gas well production data
A system and method for analyzing and validating oil and gas well production data is disclosed. The system includes a network, a server connected to the network, and a set of wells connected to the network. In a preferred embodiment, the server is programmed to store and execute the method. The method includes the steps of collecting a set of data from the set of wells, performing an first RPI® evaluation on the set of data, creating a matched data set from the set of data, segregating the matched data set into a set of comparison groups, normalizing each comparison group of the set of comparison groups, calculating a set of performance metrics between a subset of the set of comparison groups, and calculating a probability for each performance metric of the set of performance metrics. |
| US09990581B2 |
Insulin dosage assessment and recommendation system
A computer-implemented method is presented for recommending insulin dosage adjustments for a patient having diabetes. The method includes: identifying a plurality of bolus events from patient data; grouping bolus events having a recommended bolus dosage substantially equivalent to the amount of administered insulin into a first subset of bolus events; determining a bolus outcome for each of the bolus events in the first subset of bolus events, where the bolus outcome is expressed in relation to a target range of blood glucose values and is selected from a group including above the target range, in the target range and below the target range; determining whether one of the bolus outcomes is predominant amongst the bolus events in the first subset of bolus events; and generating a recommendation pertaining to insulin dosage for the patient in response to a determination that one of the bolus outcomes is predominant. |
| US09990579B2 |
IC module for different connection technologies
An IC module for installation in a portable data carrier and for electrical connection with an electronic device located in the data carrier supports at least two different connection technologies. It carries for this purpose contacting elements having a first set of contacting pads for a first connection technology and a second set of contacting solder areas for a second connection technology. A contacting pad of the first set of contacting pads in each case is connected electroconductively to a contacting pad of the second set of contacting pads. The connection can preferably be electively effected by a pressure-form technology or by means of connection wires as a soldered connection. |
| US09990572B2 |
Information processing apparatus, print data generation method, and storage medium
To prevent the occurrence of a difference in printing results depending on a printer driver to be used despite that the drawing command originates from a GDI application and is the same. An information processing apparatus including a printer driver configured to generate print data compatible with a printing apparatus from input XPS format drawing data, and in the case where the input XPS format drawing data is XPS format drawing data converted by a conversion module from GDI format drawing data that is generated based on print processing of a GDI application and the XPS format drawing data includes a graphics drawing command specifying an object width of 0, the printer driver changes the graphics drawing command into a graphics drawing command specifying drawing with the minimum object width that can be represented by the printing apparatus and generates the print data based on the drawing data including the graphics drawing command after the change. |
| US09990568B2 |
Method of construction of anomaly models from abnormal data
A method (100) of constructing a probabilistic graphical model (10) of a system from data that includes both normal and anomalous data includes the step of learning parameters of a structure for the probabilistic graphical model (10). The structure includes at least one latent variable (26) on which other variables (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24) are conditional, and has a plurality of components. The method further includes the steps of: iteratively associating one or more of the plurality of components of the latent variable (26) with normal data; constructing a matrix of the associations; detecting abnormal components of the latent variable (26) based on one of a low association with the normal data or the matrix of associations; and deleting the abnormal components of the latent variable (26) from the probabilistic graphical model (10). |
| US09990566B2 |
Point cloud simplification
Some embodiments are directed to a computer implemented method for simplification of a point cloud including a set of points. The method comprises implementing recursive spatial partitioning of the set of points into a hierarchy of clusters, identifying representative points within each cluster in the hierarchy and, for each representative point, defining a point-pair that consists of or includes the representative point and a representative point of an immediate parent cluster. The method further includes calculating a contraction error metric for each point-pair, and iteratively contracting the point-pair with the lowest contraction error metric, updating remaining point-pairs as a result of the contraction, and revising the contraction error metric of the updated point-pairs accordingly. |
| US09990560B2 |
Test strip mobile APP system and method
A mobile device reads a test strip to determine a chemical condition of a fluid. The mobile device transmits the determined chemical condition to a fluid treatment system which treats the fluid in response to the determined chemical condition. |
| US09990554B1 |
Apparatuses, systems and methods for determining vehicle operator distractions
Apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for generating data representative of vehicle operator distractions. More particularly, apparatuses, systems and methods are provided for generating data representative of vehicle operator distractions based on vehicle interior image data. |
| US09990550B2 |
Wide baseline object detection stereo system
When detecting an object of interest, such as a bicyclist passing a truck, two downward looking cameras both capture images of the cyclist and detect the cyclist as a deviation from the flat ground plane. The ground plane is reconstructed using a homography (projection) matrix of each camera and compared. Where the camera images do not agree, the ground is not flat. The cyclist is located as the intersection of the rays extending to either end of the area of disagreement between the images. |
| US09990544B1 |
Data accuracy in OCR by leveraging user data and business rules to improve data accuracy at field level
A method and system provides augmented OCR data to a user of a financial system. The method and system include receiving image data related to an image of a financial document of the user and generating OCR data based on the image data. The method and system further include receiving financial data related to the financial document, analyzing the financial document, and generating the augmented OCR data based on the OCR data and the financial data. |
| US09990543B2 |
Vehicle exterior moving object detection system
The vehicle exterior moving object detection system includes a surrounding-area image input section for capturing images in areas surrounding its own vehicle and delivering the captured images as surrounding-area images, a combined image constructing section for constructing a combined image including a result output from the detection of a moving object by combining the surrounding-area images, and an output section for presenting the combined image to the user. The vehicle exterior moving object detection system includes a movable-component region setting section for setting shapes and layout of movable components of the own vehicle in the surrounding-area images and calculating regions for the movable components of the vehicle, and a moving object detecting section for being supplied with the movable-component regions calculated by the movable-component region setting section and the surrounding-area images from the surrounding-area image input section, performing a process of detecting a moving object, and outputting a detection result. |
| US09990526B2 |
System for capturing a coded image
An aimer module for a mobile device and method of use can assist in capturing a barcode image. The aimer module can receive light from a lamp of the mobile device and generate a light pattern on the surface containing a barcode, including through the use of a grating, a configuration of mirrors, light pipes, or other methods for bending or controlling the lamp source of the mobile device. Registration of the light pattern and the barcode in or near the scan area can enable a camera of the mobile device to capture and decode the barcode. |
| US09990524B2 |
Eye gaze detection controlled indicia scanning system and method
By tracking a user's eyes, an indicia scanning system can make educated guesses as to what the user is interested in. This insight could be useful in dynamically configuring a camera system, configuring an indicia decoding process or even as a method to select data that the user is interested in. |
| US09990514B2 |
Joint ownership of protected information
Disclosed herein is a system and method for managing collaborative electronic data that is owned by two different users who belong to different organizations. Both users are also granted ownership rights of collaborative electronic data created by the users. Users then contribute to the collaborative electronic data by providing information that may be confidential to their organization. The users want to ensure that they can cut off access to the confidential information if and when the relationship between the users or organizations sours. When one of the users with ownership privileges decides to end the cooperation with the other users, that user simply revokes access to the collaborative electronic data to the other user. As a result of the revocation all users are no longer able to see or access at least a portion of the collaborative electronic data to protect confidential information of all the parties. |
| US09990511B1 |
Using encrypted backup to protect files from encryption attacks
The present disclosure relates to protecting files from attacks by malicious encryption programs. According to one embodiment, an endpoint system detects access to a file by an application and creates a copy of the file in temporary storage. The endpoint system determines whether the application has encrypted the file, and upon determining that the application has encrypted the file, the endpoint system creates an encrypted backup copy of the file using the copy in temporary storage and a trusted key and stores the encrypted backup copy in a secure storage location. |
| US09990508B1 |
Notification of application permissions
Methods for notification of application permissions are provided. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a first application programming interface (API) call by an installed application on a device, determining a sensitivity level of the received first API call, determining whether an author of the installed application is an authorized author by determining whether a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) certificate used to deliver binary code to the device during the process of installing the application is owned by a trusted entity or has been validated by a trusted entity when the determined sensitivity level of the received first API call is associated with a restricted API classification, and allowing the received first API call access to its associated API when the author of the installed application is determined to be an authorized author. |
| US09990506B1 |
Systems and methods of securing network-accessible peripheral devices
In one embodiment, a method is performed by a computer system. The method includes accessing information related to enterprise usage of a plurality of network-accessible peripheral devices and identifying, from the information, discrete content-imaging events that occurred on the plurality of network-accessible peripheral devices. In addition, the method includes determining particular users associated with the discrete content-imaging events on a per-event basis and determining particular content to which the discrete content-imaging events relate on a per-event basis. Further, the method includes abstracting correlated data related to the discrete content-imaging events into a standardized format, the correlated data comprising data related to the particular users and the particular content, the standardized format enabling expression of the discrete content-imaging events by user and by type of content-imaging activity. |
| US09990499B2 |
Dynamic security testing
A method and system for discovering and testing security assets is provided. Based on source definition data describing sources to monitor on the one or more computer networks, an example system scans the sources to identify security assets. The system analyses the security assets to identify characteristics of the server-based applications. The system stores database records describing the security assets and the identified characteristics. The system queries the database records to select, based at least on the identified characteristics, one or more target assets, from the security assets, on which to conduct one or more security tests. Responsive to selecting the one or more target assets, the system conducts the one or more security tests on the one or more target assets. The system identifies one or more security vulnerabilities at the one or more target assets based on the conducted one or more security tests. |
| US09990494B2 |
Techniques for enabling co-existence of multiple security measures
Various embodiments are directed enabling anti-malware software to co-exist with protective features of an operating system. An apparatus may include a processor component including an IDT register storing an indication of size of an IDT; a monitoring component to retrieve the indication and compare the indication to a size of a guard IDT in response to modification of the IDT register to determine whether the guard routine is to inspect the IDT and a set of ISRs; and a cache component to overwrite the IDT and set of ISRs with a cached IDT and cached set of ISRs, respectively, based on the determination and prior to the inspection to prevent the guard routine from detecting a modification by an anti-malware routine, the cached IDT and cached set of ISRs generated from the IDT and set of ISRs, respectively, prior to the modification. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US09990492B2 |
Systems and/or methods for automatically protecting against memory corruption vulnerabilities
Certain example embodiments described herein relate to techniques for automatically protecting, or hardening, software against exploits of memory-corruption vulnerabilities. The techniques include arranging a plurality of guard regions in the memory in relation to data objects formed by the application program, identifying an access by the application program to a guard region arranged in the memory as a disallowed access, and modifying the execution of the application program in response to the identifying, the modifying being in order to prevent exploitation of the memory and/or to correctly execute the application program. |
| US09990490B2 |
Generic privilege escalation prevention
An apparatus, method, computer readable storage medium are provided in one or more examples and comprise accessing an application, identifying an access token of the application, determining if the access token is a system token, and responsive to the access token failing to be a system token, enabling a runtime module. |
| US09990482B2 |
Temporal security for controlled access systems
An apparatus for authenticating a user to gain access or entry. A correct final time interval count is associated with execution of a secure system act; it is revealed to or known by the user prior to ending the secure system act. A counter determines a final time interval count representing a number of time intervals from the beginning to the end of the secure system act. A validation unit validates the user as a valid user if the secure system act matches a correct secure system act and the final time interval count matches a correct final time interval count. If both determinations are affirmative the validation unit produces an authentication signal. In turn a control unit generates a control signal that permits access or entry to the user. |
| US09990475B2 |
Apparatus and method of in-application licensing
Apparatus and methods for licensing include executing a base application on a device, initiating a transaction with an application store to obtain access to a subordinate licensable item that is usable by the base application, receiving a transaction receipt corresponding to the transaction for the subordinate licensable item, and obtaining, from a license server, a subordinate license that corresponds to the subordinate licensable item. Additionally, the apparatus and methods may include storing a base license for a base application on a device, acquiring a subordinate license for a subordinate licensable item usable by the base application, receiving a request to execute the base application, enforcing, by a license agent service on the device, the base license with respect to executing the base application, and enforcing, by the base application, the subordinate license during execution of the base application. |
| US09990472B2 |
System and method for segmentation and automated measurement of chronic wound images
Disclosed are systems and methods for automated monitoring of the size, area or boundary of chronic wound images. The disclosure includes use of a probability map that measures the likelihood of wound pixels belonging to granulation, slough or eschar, which can then be segmented using any standard segmentation techniques. Measurement of the wound size, area or boundary occurs automatically and without user input related to outlining, filling in, or making measurement lines over the image on a display. |
| US09990471B2 |
Systems and methods for facilitating integrated behavioral support
The present invention includes various embodiments of a BSA system that facilitates the collection of relevant health-related data on a continuous basis, integrates such data with pertinent personal and aggregate information, enables users to purchase (directly and indirectly) health-related goods and services, and provides credit, discounts and other economic benefits in connection with such purchases that are determined dynamically based upon the nature and extent of users' interaction with the system. The BSA system facilitates a dynamic feedback process by continually monitoring user interaction and medical and financial behavior, which results in dynamic adjustments to their credit levels and offers of discounts and other promotions, which in turn incentivizes users to continue participating in the process (thereby modifying their system interactions and behavior, and thus perpetuating this feedback loop). As a result, users are incentivized to actively participate in the process and thereby enhance their wellness while reducing healthcare costs. |
| US09990470B2 |
Cardiac mapping system and method for voltage-based evaluation of electrograms
Systems and methods for evaluating electrograms are described. An example method of evaluating an electrogram such as an atrial and/or ventricular electrogram containing a plurality of data samples each having a voltage includes selecting an activity interval for the electrogram, calculating an energy level for each window of a plurality of windows of the electrogram based on the voltages of the data samples in each window, assigning the calculated energy levels to a plurality of bins, and calculating an index based at least in part on a number of energy levels assigned to a particular bin of the plurality of bins. |
| US09990467B2 |
Electronic system with health monitoring mechanism and method of operation thereof
An electronic system includes a control unit configured to generate a firmware register and store a system health information to the firmware register; and a communication unit, coupled to the control unit, configured to retrieve at least a portion of the system health information and communicate the portion of the system health information in response to a singular read request independent of an operational status of a host device. |
| US09990463B2 |
System for automated design of multi-body machine
A system for automated design of a machine having multiple driven bodies is disclosed. The system may have a multi-body database with at least one of a parts section and a launch code section. The system may also have one or more processors configured to cause a listing of components selectable for inclusion within a machine to be shown on a display device, and to receive a selection of an input component and the multiple driven bodies from the listing via an input device. The processors may also be configured to retrieve data regarding the selected input component and the multiple driven bodies from the at least one of the parts section and the launch code section, and to generate a design for at least one new support component in the machine based on the input component, the multiple driven bodies, and the data. |
| US09990457B2 |
Switching circuit including wire traces to reduce the magnitude of voltage and current oscillations
A device includes an electrical circuit having one or more parallel layers and one or more electronic components of a switching circuit configured to operate at one or more frequencies mounted to several layers of the electrical circuit. Wire traces electrically connecting the one or more electronic components have cutouts with predetermined patterns and dimensions formed along edges where AC current flow is concentrated to increase an effective edge length of the wire traces to reduce oscillation and heat loss of the traces. |
| US09990455B1 |
Arrangement and method for facilitating electronics design in connection with 3D structures
An electronic arrangement for facilitating circuit layout design in connection with three-dimensional (3D) target designs, the arrangement including at least one communication interface for transferring data, at least one processor for processing instructions and other data, and a memory for storing the instructions and other data. The at least one processor being configured, in accordance with the stored instructions, to cause: obtaining and storing information in a data repository hosted by the memory, receiving design input characterizing 3D target design to be produced from a substrate, determining a mapping between locations of the 3D target design and the substrate, and establishing and providing digital output comprising human and/or machine readable instructions indicative of the mapping to a receiving entity, such as a manufacturing equipment, e.g. printing, electronics assembly and/or forming equipment. |
| US09990452B2 |
Low power corruption of memory in emulation
Aspects of the disclosed technology relate to techniques for corrupting memories in emulation. After a power domain in a circuit design being emulated in an emulator is powered down, a main memory model for a memory in the power domain is corrupted and a cache memory model for the memory is invalidated. The cache memory model is a hardware model in the emulator and the main memory model is a software model in a workstation coupled to the emulator. The cache memory model stores a subset of data that are stored in the main memory model. The combination of the main memory model and the cache memory model is used to model the memory. |
| US09990446B2 |
Predictive shimming for flexible surfaces
A method and apparatus for forming a number of filler members. The apparatus comprises a surface model generator and an analyzer. The surface model generator generates a first surface model of a surface and a second surface model of a flexible surface. The surface and the flexible surface are to be mated to form a mated surface and a mated flexible surface. The analyzer performs a structural analysis using the first surface model and the second surface model to identify a predicted final shape of the mated flexible surface. The predicted final shape of the mated flexible surface is used to form the number of filler members to fill a number of spaces between the mated surface and the mated flexible surface. |
| US09990444B2 |
Apparatus and method for supporting visualization of connection relationship
In a search server, a page collection unit collects Internet pages. An index generation unit generates an index of the pages. An index-tree generation unit generates an index tree representing the connection relationship among the pages in a tree structure, and in which a page linked from multiple pages is represented by different nodes in a duplicated manner. When a search word input unit inputs a search word in a client, a search-result generation unit of the search server generates a search result on the basis of the index. For the index tree, a search-result-tree generation unit, for example, highlights nodes containing the search word, and deletes nodes, each of which does not contain the search word and is not a branch point into multiple branches which contain the search word. The search-result-tree generation unit outputs the resulting search result to a search result display unit of the client. |
| US09990431B2 |
Rich web page generation
A system and method for generating a rich web page based at least in part on target data for third party content file. The system includes a targeting module and a graphic user interface module (“GUI module”). The targeting module determines the third party content file for the user generated content file based at least in part on social data describing a user activity. The targeting module retrieves the target data for the third party content file. The GUI module is communicatively coupled to the targeting module for receiving the retrieved target data from the targeting module. The GUI module generates a rich web page for the third party content file based at least in part on the retrieved target data. |
| US09990424B2 |
System for processing data received from various data sources
Techniques are provided for processing and categorizing data received from data sources. The processing and categorizing of the received data comprises: determining whether the digital data can be associated with one or more categories by determining whether a first match between one or more image characteristics of the one or more categories and one or more image characteristics of the digital data is found; in response to determining that the first match is found: associating the one or more categories with the digital data; determining, based at least in part on the one or more categories, one or more applications that are to be used to process the digital data; in response to determining the one or more applications that are to be used to process the digital data, initiating the one or more applications to process the digital data. |
| US09990420B2 |
Method of searching and generating a relevant search string
A computer implemented method of searching for records. The method comprises generating a relevant search string based on extracted text and related contextual information. |
| US09990417B2 |
Boolean-query composer
Provided is a process of refining Boolean queries, the process including: obtaining a query; searching a corpus of documents based on the query; selecting narrowing terms that pertain to respective subsets of the responsive documents; selecting broadening terms related to the query; instructing the user's computing device to present a graphical user interface comprising: graphical representations of the narrowing terms; graphical representations of the broadening terms; and one or more user inputs by which the user refines the query by adding a selected narrowing term or a selected broadening term; obtaining a user selection of a broadening term or a narrowing term; forming a refined query based on the user selection; searching at least part of the corpus based on the refined query to identify refined responsive documents; and instructing the user's computing device to present an updated graphical user interface with information about the refined responsive documents. |
| US09990414B2 |
Cognitive architecture with content provider managed corpus
A method for controlled sharing, in a cognitive computing system having a memory and a processor, of content from a variety of content providers may include receiving, by the cognitive computing system, an inquiry, wherein the inquiry is directed to at least one content topic. The method may then include identifying, by the cognitive computing system, the at least one content topic, and determining that a cognitive component of the cognitive computing system managed by a content provider has access to a content repository addressing the at least one content topic. The method may further include distributing, by the cognitive computing system, the inquiry to the cognitive component. The method may additionally include receiving a response from the cognitive component. |
| US09990413B2 |
Method and device for generating music playlist
A method for generating a music playlist includes: classifying a plurality of songs into first songs and second songs, the first songs being sample songs with mood vectors, and the second songs being new songs with no mood vectors; comparing physical attributes of the first songs to physical attributes of each second song; determining which first song of the first songs has physical attributes most similar to the physical attributes of each second song; assigning the mood vector of the determined first song having the most similar physical attributes to each second song; and generating a music playlist containing songs, all with mood vectors, by combining the second songs with mood vectors assigned thereto and the first songs. |
| US09990408B2 |
System and methods for integrated performance measurement environment
A system for integrated performance measurement environment comprises a plurality of distributed file systems; a database, wherein the database further comprises a layout details table, a layout definition table, and at least one raw data master file; at least one network; an extract-transform-load module in a memory; and a business logic module in the memory, wherein the business logic module further comprises metrics catalog and business intelligent plug-in blocks; and a collaboration module in the memory; and methods performing the same including extracting, transforming, and loading data into the system, retrieving data in accordance with rules in metrics catalog and business intelligent plug-in blocks, drilling down the metrics catalog and business intelligent plug-in blocks, and collaborating over the system. |
| US09990405B2 |
Comparison of anonymized data
In an approach for comparing items of anonymized data, a processor receives a plurality of items of data, each item comprising an anonymized ordered list of words, wherein each word is anonymized in one or more forms and is associated with a respective item of data. A processor compares a first set and a second set of the plurality of items of data by: comparing each of the one or more forms of each word in the first set with the corresponding form of each corresponding word in the second set, scoring each comparison of each word based on a degree of matching between each of the one or more forms of each word in the first set with the corresponding form of each corresponding word in the second set, and computing a total score for the comparison of the first item and the second item based on the scoring. |
| US09990391B1 |
Transactional messages in journal-based storage systems
A journal manager of a multi-data-store storage system receives a transaction which includes a message to be stored in the storage system's journal if the transaction request is accepted for commit. The journal manager performs a conflict detection operation, accepts the transaction request, and stores a corresponding committed transaction entry including the message in the journal. A write applier associated with a registered materialization node of the journal reads the committed transaction entry and applies a write indicated in the entry. A registered message subscriber of the journal reads the committed transaction entry asynchronously with respect to the write applier, and reads the contents of the message without applying the write. |
| US09990381B2 |
Biosensors for biological or chemical analysis and systems and methods for same
Method of analyzing signal data from a biosensor including a detection device having an array of light detectors. The method includes obtaining signal data from the light detectors. The signal data includes light scores that are based on an amount of light detected by the light detectors during a plurality of imaging events. The method also includes analyzing the light scores from a group of light detectors for each of the plurality of the imaging events. The method also includes determining respective crosstalk functions of the light detectors in the group. Each of the crosstalk functions for a corresponding light detector is based on the amount of light detected by other light detectors in the group. The method also includes analyzing the signal data for each of the imaging events using the crosstalk functions to determine characteristics of the analytes-of-interest. |
| US09990375B2 |
Map data processing device for vehicle
In a map data processing device for a vehicle, a map database has first map data of a road on which the vehicle travels. A map data computing module computes second map data of the road based on a surrounding environment and a traveling state of the vehicle. An update data computing module computes update data for updating the map database, based on a reliability of the second map data. An update determining module then compares the first map data with the update data. When both disagree with each other, the update determining module determines whether to update first map data with the update data, based on a frequency of discrepancy and the reliability. A data processing module executes a processing of updating the map database in accordance with a determination result by the update determining module. |
| US09990369B2 |
Method and apparatus for scanning files
A method and apparatus for scanning files, wherein the method comprises: during the traversing of a directory, performing first processing on the traversed directory, the first processing comprising: acquiring a directory attribute of the traversed directory, and determining whether the traversed directory is a remapped directory according to the acquired directory attribute, and if so, performing no scanning processing on the traversed directory, and if not, performing scanning processing on the traversed directory, with the scanning processing comprising: scanning various files in the traversed directory to acquire a scanning result, and/or, performing second processing on various sub-directories in the traversed directory; and the second processing comprises: traversing the various sub-directories, and performing the same processing as the first processing on the traversed sub-directories. The IO overhead and CPU overhead during scanning can be effectively reduced by means of the present invention, thus improving the file scanning efficiency. |
| US09990360B2 |
Method and apparatus for motion description
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for describing motion. The method may include receiving a set of eventualities (114). The set of eventualities (114) may describe at least one of a domain event and a domain state. The at least one of the domain event and the domain state may be derived from a set of spatio-temporal data (102) and the set of eventualities (114) may be associated with a particular region and a particular time period. The method may include organizing the set of eventualities to generate a document plan. The method may further include generating, using a processor, a linguistic representation of the set of eventualities using the document plan. |
| US09990353B2 |
Natural language interface for software customization
A system is provided. The system includes one or more hardware processors, a memory storing a plurality of parsing mechanics, each parsing mechanic of the plurality of parsing mechanics being associated with a plurality of functions provided by a software system, and a natural language interface engine, executing on the one or more hardware processors. The natural language interface engine configured to receive a first execution job from a user device of the natural language interface engine, the first execution job including a first sentence in a natural language, identify a first parsing mechanic from the plurality of parsing mechanics based on natural language contents of the first sentence, identify, from the identified first parsing mechanic, that a first function of the plurality of functions is associated with the first parsing mechanic, execute a first function call to the first function, and provide results to the user device. |
| US09990351B2 |
Patent drafting system
Systems and methods are disclosed to analyze a patent document by receiving patent application text including background, description of drawings, description and claims; generating a claim chart showing claim dependencies; checking for antecedent, support in drawings, support in the description; generating a navigable claim hierarchy; and generating a diagnostic message for the patent document. |
| US09990350B2 |
Videos associated with cells in spreadsheets
Systems for associating videos with cells of a spreadsheet are provided. Both dynamic data and static data may be associated with a single cell of the spreadsheet. Upon association, parameters (including video attributes, image attributes and audio attributes) may be viewed and/or manipulated by a user, providing video and audio processing functionality within a spreadsheet. Controls may be provided for playing the video and/or playing the video in response to spreadsheet data satisfying a condition. Text transcriptions (e.g., speech-to-text) of an audio track associated with a video file may be inserted as subtitles into the video or a plurality of individual frames for the video. Spreadsheet operations (e.g., sort and/or filter operations) may also be performed on a range of cells based on parameters of an associated video. |
| US09990349B2 |
Streaming data associated with cells in spreadsheets
Systems for associating streaming data with cells of a spreadsheet are provided. Both dynamic data and static data may be associated with a single cell of the spreadsheet. Upon association, parameters (including stream attributes, image attributes and audio attributes) may be viewed and/or manipulated by a user, providing stream processing functionality within a spreadsheet. Controls may be provided for playing the streaming data and/or playing the streaming data in response to spreadsheet data satisfying a condition. Spreadsheet operations (e.g., sort and/or filter operations) may also be performed on a range of cells based on parameters of associated streaming data. |
| US09990345B1 |
Converting RNG files to extensible and nonextensible XML schemas
A regular language for XML, next generation (RNG) file referencing an RNG schema file is obtained. Subsequently, the referenced RNG schema file is stored in a file directory structure matching a reference definition of the schema in the RNG file. Based on the RNG file, a first nonextensible schema and a first extensible schema are generated each corresponding to the referenced RNG schema file. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described. |
| US09990344B1 |
Method and apparatus for extensibility of user interface binding definitions
Embodiments create a binding specifications file that is compatible with a user interface application from a grammar rich XML file. The grammar rich XML file uses a complex DTD for transformation. The complex DTD may be prone to error if created by the user, therefore, the complex DTD file is automatically created from a schema definition provided by the user or user's agent. The user or user's agent defines a schema for the desired grammar level. Through a series of XSL transformations, the complex DTD file is created. Also, a stylesheet used for transforming the grammar rich XML file is automatically created. The grammar rich XML file provided by the user conforms to the automatically created complex DTD file. Thus, the grammar used in defining bindings of a user interface application is extensible without any requirement to enrich and recompile the application anytime an extension of the language is desired. |
| US09990340B2 |
Batch generation of links to documents based on document name and page content matching
Batch generating of links to documents in which named content is automatically discovered within documents is disclosed. A selection of a plurality of documents is received from a user. Then, a list of search terms each correlated to a hyperlink destination is generated from the received selection of the electronic documents. Each of the plurality of electronic documents is scanned for text strings that match search terms stored in a list. Without user intervention, activatable hyperlinks from the matched text strings in the plurality of electronic documents are generated. Activatable hyperlinks to the respective matched text strings in each of the plurality of electronic documents are appended. |
| US09990333B1 |
Systems and methods for synchronizing the kinematics of uncoupled, dissimilar rotational systems
In one embodiment, a system or method for kinematically synchronizing uncoupled, dissimilar rotational systems pertain to modeling a first rotational system using an equation of motion to obtain a first system model, modeling a second rotational system that is physically dissimilar to the first rotational system using the equation of motion to obtain a second system model, and matching kinematic matching coefficients of the equations of motion for the first and second system models. |
| US09990330B2 |
Simultaneous edge toggling immunity circuit for multi-mode bus
A device is provided comprising a shared bus including a first and a second line, a first subset of devices and a second subset of devices coupled to the shared bus. The first subset of devices may be configured to operate according to a first protocol mode. The second subset of devices may be configured to operate according to a second protocol mode, wherein the second protocol mode is distinct from the first protocol mode. A first device within the first subset of devices may include a receiver circuit adapted to adjust a signal transition occurring on the first line while the second line is in a first logical state so that the signal transition instead occurs when the second line is in a second logical state. The signal transition is adjusted only if it occurs within a threshold amount of time from a second transition on the second line. |
| US09990324B2 |
Two modes of a configuration interface of a network ASIC
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a configuration interface of a network ASIC. The configuration interface allows for two modes of traversal of nodes. The nodes form one or more chains. Each chain is in a ring or a list topology. A master receives external access transactions. Once received by the master, an external access transaction traverses the chains to reach a target node. A target node either is an access to a memory space or is a module. A chain can include at least one decoder. A decoder includes logic that determines which of its leaves to send an external access transaction to. In contrast, if a module is not the target node, then the module passes an external access transaction to the next node coupled thereto; otherwise, if the module is the target node, the transmission of the external access transaction stops at the module. |
| US09990322B2 |
Dual serial/parallel interface devices and switching components
Systems, methods, and devices for communicating with a serial/parallel interface are described herein. In an aspect, a wireless device includes a transceiver configured to output a plurality of transmission paths, and an antenna configured to output a signal corresponding to at least one of the transmission paths. The wireless device further includes a wireless switching component including a radio-frequency switch configured to selectively connect the antenna to one of the transmission paths, a plurality of signal pins, a serial interface including a plurality of serial inputs electrically coupled to at least one pin of the plurality of signal pins, a parallel interface including a plurality of parallel inputs electrically coupled to at least one pin of the plurality of signal pins, a decoder, and a level shifter configured to control the radio-frequency switch, the at least one pin electrically coupled to both a serial input and a parallel input. |
| US09990321B2 |
Selectively connecting a port of an electrical device to components in the electrical device
Techniques are presented herein to enable a port of an electrical device to be selectively connected to either a first component or a second component of the electrical device. The port is configured to physically interface with an external device. The first component and second component perform different functions. A signal directing circuit is coupled to the port, and is configured to selectively connect the port to one of the first and second components. |
| US09990305B2 |
Memory management component having multiple memory management modules and method therefor
A memory management component arranged to receive memory access transactions and provide memory management functionality therefor, and a method of providing memory management functionality within a processing system are disclosed. The memory management component comprises a first memory management module arranged to provide memory management functionality for received memory access transactions in accordance with a paging memory management scheme, and at least one further memory management module arranged to provide memory management functionality for received memory access transactions in accordance with an address range memory management scheme. |
| US09990304B2 |
Multimode storage management system
A storage system includes multiple storage devices that have first partitions with first type interfaces and second partitions with selective underlying exposure (SUE) interfaces. A selected underlying aspect of the second partition is exposed in the storage system. The storage system also includes a multimode storage management system that directs conveyance of information to the storage devices. The multimode storage management system includes a controller that directs activities of the second partitions via the SUE interfaces and the selected underlying aspect of the second partition. |
| US09990296B2 |
Systems and methods for prefetching data
Implementations described and claimed herein provide systems and method for prefetching data. In one implementation, whether a read request for a first data block is part of a sequential access stream is determined. A first trigger for a subsequent data block in the sequential access stream is recorded. A first set of data blocks is prefetched. The first set of data blocks is defined by a first prefetch window associated with the first trigger. A second trigger is recorded for a second subsequent data block in the sequential access stream. A second set of data blocks is prefetched. The second set of data blocks is defined by a second prefetch window associated with the first trigger. A size of the prefetch windows may be dynamically adjusted based on resource contention with the prefetching. |
| US09990286B1 |
Memory tracking using copy-back cache for 1:1 device redundancy
A redundant process controller arrangement includes a primary controller and parallel connected secondary controller each coupled to actuators and sensors coupled to processing equipment. The primary and secondary controllers include a main writable memory including a cache data control algorithm, central processing unit (CPU) with cache memory including cache not supporting write-thru, tracker logic coupled to a control cycle database in a tracked memory region and to a primary tracking buffer. A redundancy link is between the CPUs for passing tracked changes. The algorithm implements memory tracking using copy-back including the primary tracker logic each cycle writing tracked changes into the primary tracking buffer, and at cycle end, transferring tracked changes from the primary tracking buffer to the secondary controller over the redundancy link, and writing tracked changes to the secondary control database. |
| US09990285B2 |
Data access control apparatus
A data access control apparatus of an embodiment includes an update region management apparatus including an update region management unit configured to record, in response to a writing request for data from an input apparatus, management information of a first address region in which the data is stored, a reading request management unit configured to record a second address specified in a reading request from a storage apparatus and a control unit configured to receive the writing request and the reading request, and control processing of the reading request and updating of the update region management unit and the reading request management unit. |
| US09990274B2 |
Testing integrated business systems
Methods, systems, and computer readable medium are disclosed to test a first business system and a second business system. A test of the first business system is performed, wherein the first business system is integrated with the second business system. One or more calls are recorded from the first business system to the second business system during the test of the first business system. The one or more calls from the first business system are identified for a test of the second business system. |
| US09990259B1 |
Systems and methods for online brand continuity
The present disclosure provides a system and method for online brand continuity. Online brand continuity can include a number of Internet or intranet access points via which one or more network addresses can be advertised. A client can be provided with availability of a business image application via at least one of the Internet or intranet access points. |
| US09990258B2 |
Management computer and management program
In a management computer, a memory stores: association information indicating an association among a first physical computer, a virtual computer that is implemented by the first physical computer, a first physical resource that is allocated to the virtual computer, and a user who uses the virtual computer; failure information indicating a failed physical resource; and an upper limit value for a destruction amount as an amount of a physical resource that has failed by being used by the user. A processor calculates the destruction amount, and transmits, upon determining that the first physical resource has failed, that the destruction amount is equal to or less than the upper limit value, and that any of a plurality of physical computers includes the second physical resource, to the first physical computer an instruction to allocate a second physical resource as a replacement for the first physical resource to the virtual computer. |
| US09990256B1 |
Storage management system and method
A method, computer program product, and computing system for identifying a storage target that has become corrupt within a data array. The storage target includes one or more corrupt data portions. A relevant backup copy of the storage target is identified. A “broken” mirror is established between the storage target and the relevant backup copy that identifies one or more differences between the storage target and the relevant backup copy. The storage target is rebuilt by overwriting the corrupt data portions within the storage target with corresponding non-corrupt data obtained from the relevant backup copy. |
| US09990254B1 |
Techniques for data restoration
Techniques for data restoration are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as an apparatus for data restoration. The apparatus may comprise a module to identify a missing or corrupt file. The apparatus may also comprise a module to determine a file fingerprint of the missing or corrupt file from one or more associated databases and a module to determine if one or more clients has a copy of the missing or corrupt file. The apparatus may further comprise a module to request the missing or corrupt file from one or more of the one or more clients. |
| US09990253B1 |
System and method for recovering file systems without a replica
According to one embodiment, recovering file systems without a replica is described. In one example, a method includes discovering an error in a first storage partition of the file system containing a current version of a namespace metadata, finding a second storage partition containing a most recent copy of the namespace metadata, and restoring the found copy of the namespace metadata from the second storage partition to the first storage partition for use as a current version of the namespace metadata. |
| US09990238B2 |
Event notification
A server computer detects an event relating to a plurality of objects in a cloud. The server computer logs event data based on the event in a data store. The server computer examines subscription data to identify applications subscribing to the detected event, wherein the applications are executing in the cloud, and provides event data to the identified applications in the cloud. |
| US09990235B2 |
Determining tasks to be performed by a modular entity
Systems and methods of determining tasks to be performed by a modular entity are disclosed. For instance, data associated with one or more tasks performed by one or more first modular entities within one or more modular computing environments can be obtained. Each first modular entity includes at least one modular component. A performance score can be determined for each task performed by each first modular entity. The performance scores can provide a measure of efficiency of a performance of a task by a first modular entity. An entity profile can be determined for each first modular entity based at least in part on the determined performance scores. At least one task to be performed by at least one modular entity can be determined based at least in part on the determined entity profiles for the one or more first modular entities. |
| US09990229B2 |
Scheduling method and apparatus for applying laxity correction based on task completion proportion and preset time
A real-time multi-task scheduling method and apparatus for dynamically scheduling a plurality of tasks in the computing system are disclosed. In the method, a processor of the computing system determines that laxity correction should be performed for a currently scheduled task, and then acquires a remaining execution time of the currently scheduled task according to an execution progress of the currently scheduled task and a time for which the currently scheduled task has been executed. After acquiring a laxity of the currently scheduled task according to the remaining execution time of the currently scheduled task and a deadline of the currently scheduled task, the processor determines a priority of the currently scheduled task according to the laxity of the currently scheduled task, and re-determines a priority queue according to the priority of the task. Then, the processor scheduling the plurality of tasks according to the re-determined priority queue. |
| US09990219B2 |
Risk-appropriate validation for live operating system migration
Methods and systems for migrating a virtual machine instance between devices include scoring a received migration request against one or more rules in a rule database relating to one or more respective validation sets. Each validation set includes one or more validation subtasks. Each score is compared to a respective threshold to determine if a level of risk according to the respective rule merits performing validation. The migration request is validated by one or more validation sets that correspond to the scores that exceed the respective threshold. |
| US09990211B2 |
Tracking window position in a VDI environment
A method includes displaying a bitmap of unique groups of colored tiles on the display screen and reading a color value of a first pixel in a first tile in the bitmap. Color values of tiles within the first tile's group are determined. The position of the first pixel within the first tile is determined. The position of the first tile's group within the bitmap and the position of the first tile within the bitmap are also determined. The position of the first pixel in the bitmap and the position of the bitmap on the display screen are calculated. A performance metric is calculated based at least in part on the position of the bitmap on the display screen. |
| US09990194B2 |
Preservation of backward compatibility for java card cap files
A method for preserving backward compatibility involves adding a new virtual method to a first version of a code package comprising a plurality of members to obtain a second version of the code package, wherein the plurality of members include a plurality of virtual methods having at least a first virtual method that is assigned a first token number and a second virtual method that is assigned a second token number sequentially after the first token number, converting a set of code that is part of the first version of the code package to obtain a converted file, modifying the converted file to include backward compatibility information associated with a plurality of token numbers assigned to the plurality of virtual methods in the first version of the code package, and adjusting the assigned first and second token numbers at one of linking time and runtime based on the backward compatibility information. |
| US09990176B1 |
Latency reduction for content playback
Methods and devices for determining whether a local version of content is stored on an electronic device associated with a user account on a backend system are described herein. In a non-limiting embodiment, the backend system may track and monitor the content stored on the electronic device using the associated user account. If an individual speaks an utterance requesting a particular content item, the backend system may determine, prior to sending the content to the electronic device, whether a local version is stored within the electronic device's memory. If so, the backend system may instruct the electronic device to output the local version, thereby reducing the amount of bandwidth consumed. The backend system may further be capable of predictively generating and then caching certain audio data to the electronic device. For instance, frequent utterances may be tracked, and likely responses to those utterances may be generated prior to the utterance being spoken so that the response is available substantially instantaneously. |
| US09990172B2 |
Wearable electronic device
A wearable electronic device (100) comprises a sensor (1) providing a sensor signal (s1), which sensor (1) is one of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. A control unit (3) determines, subject to at least the sensor signal (s1), if the wearable electronic device (100) is worn by a user, and provides an output signal (t1) indicative of a result of the determination. |
| US09990152B1 |
Data writing method and storage controller
A data writing method is provided. The method includes writing a first write data into a first physical sub-unit in a storage device according to a first write command; recording a first meta data corresponding to the first write data into the storage device; writing a second write data into a second physical sub-unit in the storage device; recording a second meta data corresponding to the second write data into the storage device. A second write identification code of the second meta data is set to be different from a first write identification code of the first meta data if the second physical unit is closely adjacent to the first physical unit and the second write data is written according to the second write command; and whether the second write data is valid or invalid is determined according to the second meta data if a special event occurs. |
| US09990150B2 |
Method to provide transactional semantics for updates to data structures stored in a non-volatile memory
In a computing system that includes NVRAM, when an application modifies a data structure stored in NVRAM via a transaction, an interface creates a transaction log for the requested change to the data structure. The transaction log tracks or stores the initial value of each field of the data structure in NVRAM to be updated as part of the transaction. After all updates of the data structure have been implemented in nonvolatile RAM and the transaction is complete, the transaction is committed and the transaction log is deleted. If at any point the transaction is interrupted, for example due to an unexpected power loss or process crash, the initial, consistent values for the data structure are used upon start-up of the computing system or reinitialization of the process. |
| US09990149B2 |
Memory device for internally performing read-verify operation, method of operating the same, and memory system including the same
A method of operating a memory device includes writing initial data to non-volatile memory cells of a non-volatile memory cell array, generating a difference value based on a difference between first data related to the initial data written to the non-volatile memory cells and second data related to the initial data written to the non-volatile memory cells, comparing the difference value with a reference value, and generating and transmitting a status signal indicating that the initial data has been successfully written to a controller when the difference value is less than the reference value. The data may be randomized by the controller or the memory device. |
| US09990146B2 |
Apparatus and method of data sequencing
An apparatus includes a data sequencing engine configured to receive first data and an identification of a first data container associated with the first data and to allocate the first data to a first data stream of multiple data streams based on the identification. The apparatus further includes at least one memory configured to store the first data container. The data sequencing engine is further configured to cause the at least one memory to send data in the first data stream to a flash memory in response to detecting a data size of the first data stream satisfies a threshold. |
| US09990143B2 |
Memory system
A memory system includes: a first memory device including a first memory and a first memory controller suitable for controlling the first memory to store data; a second memory device including a second memory and a second memory controller suitable for controlling the second memory to store data; and a processor suitable for executing an operating system (OS) and an application, and accessing data storage memory through the first and second memory devices. |
| US09990142B2 |
Mass storage system and method of storing mass data
A mass storage system for storing mass data generated by a mass data source. The system includes a data buffer coupled to the mass data source, and a file system and command generator. The data buffer caches the mass data. The file system and command generator generates file system data corresponding to the mass data stored in the data buffer. The file system and command generator also automatically configures a SATA host controller so that the SATA host controller will move the cached mass data and the generated file system data to a mass storage device. |
| US09990137B1 |
I/O optimization
Providing I/O operations to a storage device includes selecting a portion of original I/O operations based on a first set of criteria, determining whether to subdivide each of the portion of original I/O operations that are selected according to a second set of criteria different than the first set of criteria, and converting each of the original I/O operations selected for subdivision into a plurality of subdivided I/O operations for different portions of data for a corresponding one of the original I/O operations. The first set of criteria may include whether the I/O operations are for multiple tracks of data. The second set of criteria may include determining a measured amount of performance improvement for previous subdivision operations. Performance of subdivided I/O operations may be monitored. A number of subdivided I/O operations may be limited by a number of available parallel I/O routes. |
| US09990127B2 |
Secure user input mode for electronic devices using randomized mathematical operators and operands
Methods of performing operations on a processor of an electronic device include establishing a programmatic association in a one-to-one relationship between mathematical operators and directions of movement that a user can make when selecting number keys among an arrangement of number keys. A first number is received from a user selection of a first number key, and a second number is received from a user selection of a second number key. A first direction of user movement from the first number key to the second number key is determined, and a first mathematical operator is selected among the mathematical operators that is programmatically associated with the first direction. The first and second numbers are combined using the first mathematical operator to generate an output number, and the output number is provided to a secure program to control user access to a protected operation of the secure program. |
| US09990120B2 |
User interface arrangement and computer program for displaying a monitoring period
The invention relates to a user interface arrangement (1) for displaying and/or playing back video sequences (2), said video sequences (2) each displaying an event and being captured during a monitoring period (12), wherein said user interface arrangement (1) has a control unit (4) and a screen (3). Said control unit (4) controls said screen (3) for showing a display (6), said display (6) comprising a timeline (7) that indicates said monitoring period (12) or a portion of the monitoring period (12). The display (6) comprises at least one marking (8) for chronologically classifying and for indicating the duration of the at least one video sequence (2) on said timeline (7) or in relation to the timeline (7). |
| US09990119B2 |
Apparatus and method pertaining to display orientation
A control circuit detects a touch-based user interaction with a touch-responsive portion of a display and responsively alters a display modality of the display. This touch-responsive portion of the display may be visually non-specific as regards any corresponding touch-based functionality. This touch-responsive portion can comprise a touch-responsive periphery of the display. The touch-based user interaction can comprise a gesture that begins and/or concludes in the touch-responsive portion. The resultant alteration of the display modality can comprise rotating the display about a center point. This rotation can comprise, by one approach, switching from a landscape modality to a portrait modality or vice versa. |
| US09990118B1 |
Dynamic management and display of mobile application installation shortcuts
A user equipment (UE), comprising a display, a processor, a non-transitory memory, a geometry file, a plurality of application descriptors stored in the non-transitory memory, and an application installation shortcut manager stored in the non-transitory memory. Each application descriptor comprises a thumbnail image of an associated application and a uniform resource locator (URL) that identifies a location from which the application can be downloaded. The shortcut manager application presents a thumbnail image of an application descriptor in the display based on the geometry file for a predetermined period of time, receives a selection input for a currently displayed thumbnail image of one of the application descriptors, and downloads and installs the application associated with the selection input on the UE. |
| US09990111B2 |
Systems and methods for managing, selecting, and updating visual interface content using display-enabled keyboards, keypads, and/or other user input devices
A system for managing visual interface content encompassing primary visual interface content and adjunct visual interface content includes a processing unit, a primary display apparatus, a memory, and a set of display-enabled user input apparatuses. The system can be configured to direct or perform visual interface content management operations including selectively establishing associations or mappings between particular adjunct visual interface content and portions of a display-enabled user input apparatus and possibly portions of the primary display apparatus in response to user input; displaying primary visual interface content using the primary display apparatus; displaying adjunct visual interface content using a display-enabled input apparatus, where the first adjunct visual interface content includes visual information that corresponds to a portion of a visual environment absent from the primary display apparatus and which indicates an in-application event; and progressively displaying updated adjunct visual interface content on an automatic basis and/or in response to user input during application program execution using a display-enabled user input apparatus. |
| US09990110B1 |
Private device cloud for global testing of mobile applications
A system for worldwide cloud-based testing of mobile applications includes a plurality of mobile computing devices geographically distributed across a plurality of different countries. One or more servers are connected with the mobile computing devices over one or more networks. The one or more servers run a program for playback of a test composition which includes a timed sequence of clips on the mobile computing devices. The timed sequence of clips include one or more messages each of which instructs a precise gesture-based action applied to at least one object displayed on the touch-sensitive display screen. The precise gesture-based action corresponds to a functional aspect of the mobile application and consists of a plurality of data elements previously captured from inside the mobile application while the mobile application was subject to the gesture-based user input entered via the touch-sensitive display screen. |
| US09990091B2 |
Method and apparatus for blocking accumulation of electrical fast transient (EFT) noise
A charge sensing circuit generates a voltage in a sensing period that is indicative of sensed charge. The generated voltages are accumulated by an accumulator circuit over a number of sensing periods. A noise detection circuit senses when the voltage generated by the charge sensing circuit is outside of a boundary and generates a detection signal in response thereto. A control circuit, in response to the detection signal, controls the accumulator circuit to block accumulation of the voltages generated by the charge sensing circuit during at least the sensing period in which the detection signal is generated. An analog-to-digital converter circuit then converts an accumulated output voltage from the accumulator circuit to a digital value at the end of an accumulation time period that includes the sensing periods. The end of the accumulation time period is delayed by at least one sensing period in response to the detection signal. |
| US09990090B2 |
Touch display device
Disclosed is a touch display device which belongs to the technical field of displays, and solves the technical problem that the existing capacitive touch screens are thick. The touch display device comprises: a sub-pixel unit array, each of the sub-pixel unit being provided a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode therein, with a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer provided between the thin film transistor and the pixel electrode; and an array of common electrodes and a plurality of address lines located between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer, each of the common electrodes being connected to a drive circuit through an address line respectively. |
| US09990078B2 |
Systems and methods for position-based haptic effects
One illustrative system disclosed herein includes a sensor configured to detect a gesture and transmit an associated sensor signal. The gesture includes a first position at a distance from a surface and a second position contacting the surface. The system also includes a processor in communication with the sensor and configured to: receive the sensor signal from the sensor, and determine one or more haptic effects based at least in part on the sensor signal. The one or more haptic effects are configured to provide substantially continuous haptic feedback throughout the gesture. The processor is also configured to generate one or more haptic signals based at least in part on the one or more haptic effects, and transmit the one or more haptic signals. The system includes a haptic output device for receiving the one or more haptic signals and outputting the one or more haptic effects. |
| US09990077B2 |
Array substrate, touch display panel, and detection method
There are provided according to the disclosure an array substrate, a touch display panel, and a detection method. The array substrate includes: a common electrode layer divided into multiple touch electrodes; multiple control circuits respectively connected to the plurality of touch electrodes, multiple first leads, each first lead is electronically connected to the first control terminals and the first input terminals of the control circuits corresponding to the touch electrodes in the same row with the first lead; and multiple second leads, each second lead is electronically connected to the second control terminals and the second input terminals of the control circuits corresponding to the touch electrodes in the same column with the second lead. |
| US09990072B2 |
Display panel with pressure sensor and electronic device with pressing input function
An electronic device with pressing input function includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing. A pressure sensor, a display panel, a protective member, and an arithmetic circuit module are disposed in the housing. In the display panel, a front polarizing plate is disposed on a front face of a liquid crystal panel. The pressure sensor includes piezoelectric films having birefringence, and electrodes formed on opposed faces of one of the piezoelectric films. The pressure sensor is disposed between the liquid crystal panel and the front polarizing plate. The piezoelectric films are arranged such that their uniaxial drawing directions are orthogonal to each other. |
| US09990069B2 |
Electromagnetism and capacitance integrated touch screen, touch display panel and touch display apparatus
An electromagnetism and capacitance integrated touch screen, a touch display panel and a touch display apparatus are provided. Multiple virtual electrodes (generally located between a drive electrode and a detection electrode) in a capacitance touch structure are arranged to be coil-shaped, and the coil-shaped virtual electrode functions as a coil of an electromagnetism touch structure. In this way, the electromagnetism touch structure can be implemented without adding extra structure and process to the capacitance touch structure, thereby achieving compatibility between the electromagnetism touch structure and the capacitance touch structure. |
| US09990066B2 |
Curved display panel, manufacturing method thereof and display device
The invention provides a curved display panel, a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device. The manufacturing method of a curved display panel provided by the present invention comprises steps of: preparing a support plate, which comprises a first base and a metal film deposited on one side of the first base, the thermal expansion coefficient of the first base being different from that of the metal film; bonding a display panel with the support plate; heating the support plate, so that the support plate forces the display panel to bend; and separating the support plate from the display panel, thus forming the curved display panel. The manufacturing method of a curved display panel of the present invention is simple in process and not prone to causing damage to the panel. |
| US09990063B1 |
Techniques for operating electronic paper displays
Techniques for operating electronic paper displays of respective electronic devices are described. One set of techniques described below enhances user experience by utilizing multiple different waveform and/or display-update modes when rendering content on these displays. Another set of techniques are able to render lines on electronic paper displays having variable and arbitrary darkness, despite the restricted color depth inherent in these displays. In addition, this disclosure describes techniques for utilizing supersampling to select which shades to render on an electronic paper display of an electronic device. In still other implementations, the techniques described herein allocate a predefined frame rate of an electronic paper display between multiple different application components requesting to update the display, resulting smooth animation and relatively high-frame updates. |
| US09990061B2 |
Touch Pad with flexible substrate
A touch sensor device is provided that uses a flexible circuit substrate to provide an improved input device. Specifically, the present invention uses a touch sensor controller affixed to the flexible circuit substrate, which is coupled to a sensor component to provide a flexible, reliable and cost effective touch sensor suitable for a wide variety of applications. In one embodiment the touch sensor uses a flexible circuit substrate that provides relatively high temperature resistance. This allows the touch sensor controller to be affixed using reliable techniques, such as various types of soldering. The sensor component can comprise a relatively low-temperature-resistant substrate that can provide a cost effective solution. Taken together, this embodiment of the touch sensor provides reliability and flexibility at relatively low cost. |
| US09990060B1 |
Filtering stylus strokes
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for processing stylus interactions with a device and drawing the results of those interactions in a manner that reduces noise and latency. This includes selecting a filter based on a velocity of an input, the velocity determined by comparing coordinates and timestamps associated with the input events. A first filter may be determined using previous input events to reduce latency and a second filter may be determined using previous and subsequent input events to improve accuracy of the filter selection. An output may be generated using the first filter and/or the second filter to combine the benefits of the reduced latency and the increased accuracy. |
| US09990059B2 |
Ink modes
Techniques for ink modes are described. According to various embodiments, different ink modes are supported, such as a permanent ink mode, a transient ink mode, a shape recognition mode, a text recognition mode, a selection mode, a command mode, an ink note mode, an ink for emphasis mode, and so forth. For instance, embodiments support a permanent ink mode where ink applied to a document becomes part of primary content of the document. A transient ink mode is also supported in which ink applied to a document is processed according to transient ink mode behaviors. According to various embodiments, a visual affordance of a particular active ink mode is presented on a document with which a user is interacting. Further, different ink modes each are associated with different respective visual affordances. |
| US09990058B2 |
Shape changing device
In some examples, a device to facilitate prevention or alleviation of a repetitive motion disorder may include a physical interface and a motor. The physical interface may include a size, a shape, an orientation, and a position. The motor may be operably coupled to the physical interface. The motor may be configured to automatically change at least one of the size, the shape, the orientation, or the position of at least a portion of the physical interface ergonomically and repeatedly during use of the device to facilitate prevention or alleviation of the repetitive motion disorder. |
| US09990045B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting hand gestures with a handheld controller
A method for detecting a user's hand gestures with a handheld controller. The method includes monitoring a first sensor and a second sensor. Each sensor is capable of sensing the presence of the user's thumb. The method further includes sensing the presence of the thumb on the first sensor and then sensing when the thumb is no longer present on the first sensor. A time period is monitored beginning when the thumb is no longer present on the first sensor and ending when the presence of the thumb is sensed on one of the first sensor and the second sensor. Once the time period exceeds a threshold time value, a thumbs-up gesture is registered. |
| US09990043B2 |
Gesture recognition systems and devices for low and no light conditions
Gesture recognition systems for detecting gesture commands in light conditions and in dark conditions including a computing system having a processor and a thermographic camera configured to detect infrared radiation from a gesture made by a user and communicate gesture image information to the processor for carrying out a computer-readable gesture command are shown and described. In some examples, the computing system and the thermographic camera are supported on an eyewear article frame. In some other examples, the computing system and the thermographic camera are components of a mobile device. In even other examples, the computing system and the thermographic camera are components of a desk top computer or a laptop computer. |
| US09990039B2 |
Electronic device
By the feedback including a factor of vector, the operational feeling of a user in a touch input is improved. In the electronic device, the user performs an input by making a contact body such as a finger contacts a contact face serving as a touch pad to move the contact body. The contact face is supported by a housing, and a drive device moves the contact face with respect to the housing. The control unit obtains the position information including the contact position of the contact body with the contact face and the information indicating the movement of the contact position, and moves the contact face based on the obtained position information when the contact body contacts the contact face. |
| US09990030B2 |
Apparatus for the display of embedded information
An apparatus for the electronic display of information, where the apparatus is a substrate incorporating a digital recording medium attached to or embedded within the substrate. The substrate further includes a flexible-substrate display located on an exposed surface of the substrate, where the display is a medium capable of selectively displaying one of at least two possible colors at each pixel location thereon in order to produce a substrate medium that may be modified in accordance with a user's selection. |
| US09990028B2 |
System and method for providing live augmented reality content
A rendering platform for providing live augmented reality content to a user device is disclosed. The rendering platform receives augmented reality content associated with an event via a multicast data channel. A coverage area of the multicast data channel covers a portion of a venue associated with the event. The rendering platform receives a request to present an augmented reality display of the event at the user device within the coverage area. Further, the augmented reality content in the augmented reality display is presented based on the request. |
| US09990024B2 |
Circuits and methods providing voltage adjustment as processor cores become active based on an observed number of ring oscillator clock ticks
A method including receiving an indication of a number of active processing units in a computer processor; in response to receiving the indication, determining an appropriate operating voltage margin for the computer processor; reducing an operating frequency of the active processing units in response to receiving the indication; adjusting a power supply to increase or decrease a voltage to the computer processor in accordance with the appropriate operating voltage margin; and increasing the operating frequency of the active processing units in response to an acknowledgment that the power supply has been adjusted. |
| US09990020B2 |
Use of link layer discovery protocol-media endpoint discovery to avoid false legacy powered device detection in power over ethernet systems and networks
Described herein are systems, devices, techniques and products for minimizing disruption to network systems due to false detection of a Power over Ethernet (PoE) Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) as a Powered Device (PD). The disclosed systems, devices, techniques and products provide a way for a PSE to identify itself and avoid being detected as a legacy PD. The disclosed systems, devices, techniques and products further provide a way for a PSE to identify devices that do not require power from the PSE, such as another PSE or a device that is not a PD, and disable automatic PD detection, disable PoE, or otherwise prevent injection of power/current to the other device. |
| US09990019B2 |
Apparatus for powering an electrical consumer via a data connection
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for powering an electrical consumer (3, 4, 5) via a data connection (6, 7, 8). The apparatus comprises a power supply (2) for supplying power to the electrical consumer via the data connection, a data receiving unit (9) for receiving data to be sent to the electrical consumer, and a controller (10) for activating the supply of power to the electrical consumer via the data connection, if data to be sent to the electrical consumer have been received and the supply of power to the electrical consumer is deactivated. The electrical consumer itself does therefore not need to receive power from the apparatus, in order to stay alert to be able to react on data connection activity, thereby reducing the power consumption. |
| US09990005B2 |
Display device and electronic device having drainage structure
A display device makes a touch input through interception of light that passes through a touch area on a display panel defined by an optical guide portion. The display device includes a gap formed between at least one side end portion of the display panel and the optical guide portion surrounding the display panel, and the optical includes at least one drainage hole and a drainage path configured to guide a liquid that flows into the gap to the drainage hole. |
| US09989997B2 |
Wearable electronic device including a formable display unit
Particular embodiments described herein provide for a wearable electronic device, such as a bracelet, watch, wristband or armband that includes a circuit board coupled to a plurality of electronic components (which may include any type of components, elements, circuitry, etc.). One particular example implementation of a wearable electronic device may include a strap portion and a display portion that is secured to the strap portion. The display portion can include a formable display unit that comprises a formable material layer configured to be manipulated in one or more directions. The formable material layer can be configured to be manipulated in a first direction from a default position to a deformed position, which can be held until the formable material layer is manipulated in a second direction back to the default position. |
| US09989990B2 |
Connector with staggered electrical pins
A receptacle connector may include a housing for housing a first pin and a second pin. The first pin may be of a first length and configured to be coupled to a first corresponding pin of an information handling resource received by the receptacle connector, the first pin comprising two contact bumps for maintaining electrical contact with the first corresponding pin. The second pin may be of a second length and configured to be coupled to a second corresponding pin of the information handling resource. The second length may be substantially shorter than the first length such that when the information handling resource is inserted into the receptacle connector, the first corresponding pin engages with the first pin before the second corresponding pin engages with the second pin. The second pin may comprise one contact bump for maintaining electrical contact with the second corresponding pin. |
| US09989974B2 |
Method and apparatus of mass flow controlling for use in integrated gas delivery system
An apparatus of mass flow controlling for use in an integrated gas delivery system, comprising an input terminal, a sensor unit, an electromagnetic valve, and a control unit. The control unit comprises an A/D converter, a microprocessor, and a valve control circuit. The A/D converter converts a flow rate setting signal inputted by the input terminal into a first digital signal, and converts a flow rate detection signal outputted by the sensor unit into a second digital signal. The microprocessor further comprises a control module and a calculation module. The valve control circuit opens the electromagnetic valve according to the first control signal only, and further regulates an openness of the electromagnetic valve according to the first control signal and the second control signal. It is concluded that response time of the mass flow control apparatus of the present invention is shorten, and control quality is improved. |
| US09989971B2 |
Vehicle management system and vehicle management method
A vehicle management system for managing vehicles used by users has a usage managing unit configured to accept a user's request for using to use one of the vehicles, and manage the vehicles and parking spaces in which the vehicles are parked, an acquisition unit configured to acquire energy information from the vehicles, the energy information indicating a remaining amount of energy used for traveling of the vehicle, a determination unit configured to compare the remaining amount acquired by the acquisition unit with a remaining amount threshold that represents a shortage of energy, determine that the vehicle needs supply of energy when the remaining amount is lower than the remaining amount threshold, and specify a recovery vehicle that has been determined as needing supply of energy as a recovery vehicle, and a command outputting unit configured to output a recovery command for recovering the recovery vehicle from the parking space. |
| US09989968B2 |
Going back and charging system for sweeping robot and method for controlling the same
A going back and charging system for a sweeping robot and a method for controlling the same are provided. The system includes: a charging station, configured to emit infrared signals to divide an area in front of the charging station into six different signal regions; six infrared receiving tubes; and a going back and charging control device, configured to control the six infrared receiving tubes to be turned on if the sweeping robot needs to be charged, to control the sweeping robot to walk toward the middle near field region if any one of the six infrared receiving tubes receives an infrared signal emitted from the charging station, and to control the sweeping robot to continue to walk until the sweeping robot docks with the charging station successfully if the fifth infrared receiving tube and the sixth infrared receiving tube receive an infrared signal of the middle near field region. |
| US09989962B2 |
Self-traveling cleaner, controlling apparatus, and automatic cleaning system
An automatic cleaning system is configured by a single controlling apparatus, and a plurality of self-traveling cleaners. When the controlling apparatus has received from a self-traveling cleaner a dust location signal containing a dust location detected by the self-traveling cleaner, it writes the received information into a storage unit. When the controlling apparatus has received from one of the plurality of self-traveling cleaners, with respect to dust which is not removed by any self-traveling cleaner, a signal requesting a reservation of removing the dust, the controlling apparatus will not accept from any other of the plurality of self-traveling cleaners a signal requesting a reservation of removing the dust, until receiving from the one self-traveling cleaner information indicating that removing of the dust has been completed or information indicating that the removing of the dust has been stopped. |
| US09989961B2 |
Antenna positioning system
An antenna positioning system includes an outdoor unit with a rotating antenna driven by a motor, and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit via a communications link, such as a cable or a wireless link, that enables the indoor unit to control the outdoor unit. On startup, the processor of the indoor unit directs the antenna to search for available signals. The resulting signal information is stored and displayed on a user interface on the indoor unit. The user can then select a desired signal and the processor of the indoor unit will automatically rotate the antenna to the appropriate angular position. Both the search procedure and repositioning of the antenna rely on accurate calibration of the antenna's angular velocity to determine the antenna's angular position, rather than relying on a position sensor. |
| US09989960B2 |
Alerting system
A program for light commercial building system (LCBS) solutions. Solutions and other systems may incorporate lightweight alerting service, auto-adjustment of gateway poll rates based on the needs of various consuming applications, detecting loss of space comfort control in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, HVAC capacity loss alerting using relative degree days and accumulated stage run time with operational equivalency checks, and HVAC alerting for loss of heat or cool capacity using delta temperature and dependent system properties. Also, incorporated may be triggering s subset of analytics by automatically inferring HVAC equipment details from controller configuration details, ensuring reliability of analytics by retaining logical continuity of HVAC equipment operational data even when controllers and other parts of the system are replaced, and an LCBS gateway with workflow and mechanisms to associate to a contractor account. |
| US09989955B2 |
System configuration management using encapsulation and discovery
System configuration management using encapsulation and discovery is provided. The configuration management may include requesting, by a first electronic control unit comprising a processor, feature information associated with a second electronic control unit. The feature information may include data related to a set of features implemented by the second electronic control unit. The configuration management may also include loading, by the first electronic control unit, an internal control for a first feature of the set of features based on a determination that the first feature is not loaded on the first electronic control unit. |
| US09989954B2 |
Generating optimized tool paths and machine commands for beam cutting tools
A facility for automated modelling of the cutting process for a particular material to be cut by a beam cutting tool, such as a waterjet cutting system, from empirical data to predict aspects of the waterjet's effect on the workpiece across a range of material thicknesses, across a range of cutting geometries, and across a range of cutting quality levels, all of which may be broader than, and independent of the actual requirements for a target workpiece, is described. |
| US09989944B2 |
Temperature control voting system
A temperature voting system which receives votes indicating the temperature preferences of a plurality of occupants within a given HVAC zone, and adjusts a set-point temperature of a corresponding HVAC system accordingly. The votes may be received via a mobile device, an employee workstation, or from one or more biomedical devices. Each occupant may manually enter and submit a vote for their preferred set-point temperature, or a software application may be configured to automatically cast a vote for the corresponding occupant according to user-configurable preferences or current metabolic state. The received votes may be weighted according to a status of the voter, and aggregated to determine an appropriate set-point temperature. In some embodiments, near-field communication devices, GPS location technology, or other technology may be used to automatically detect the presence of an occupant within a HVAC zone and cast the occupant's vote for a corresponding HVAC zone. |
| US09989932B2 |
Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece includes: a 6 o'clock information display unit that displays one display mode among a plurality of display modes including a barometric display mode in which a barometric pressure is displayed, using a first display hand; a 10 o'clock information display unit that displays a change in the barometric pressure using a second hand in a case in which the display mode displayed by the 6 o'clock information display unit is the barometric display mode; a 2 o'clock information display unit that displays the barometric pressure using measurement display hands in the case in which the display mode displayed by the 6 o'clock information display unit is the barometric display mode; and a time display unit that displays a time using an hour hand and a minute hand irrespective of the display mode. |
| US09989931B2 |
Charging assembly for wrist watch and wrist watch
A wrist watch charging assembly is provided. The wrist watch charging assembly may include a charging cord, a charging port connector and a charging head that are electrically connected to two ends of the charging cord, and a mobile pin electrically connected to a circuit board inside the watch case, wherein the charging cord is fixed relative to the watch band, and the charging head is attached onto the watch case by means of magnetic adhesion to be in electrical contact with the mobile pin. A wrist watch that has an integrated wrist watch charging assembly is also provided. The end of the charging head for connecting the mobile pin is optionally snapped into a holding groove on the watch band, and the charging port for external connection is optionally snapped into a charging port cap on the watch band. |
| US09989926B2 |
Systems and methods for positionally stable magneto-optical trapping over temperature
Systems and methods for positionally stable magneto-optical trapping over temperature are provided. In certain embodiments, an atomic sensor may include at least one laser source configured to produce at least one laser; one or more optical components, wherein the one or more optical components direct the at least one laser; and a vacuum cell, wherein the one or more optical components direct the at least one laser into the vacuum cell, wherein the one or more optical components and the vacuum cell are bonded together and components within the atomic sensor are fabricated from materials having similar coefficients of thermal expansion. |
| US09989922B2 |
Adjustable auxiliary temperature compensation system
A balance wheel including a rim connected to a hub with at least one arm, wherein the balance wheel includes an adjustable auxiliary temperature compensation system mounted in the space defined by the rim to allow adjustable temperature compensation of the balance wheel. |
| US09989916B2 |
Image forming apparatus having coupling structure between cartridge and driver unit
An image forming apparatus having a cartridge, a driver unit, a first universal joint, and a second universal joint, is provided. The cartridge is detachably attached to the image forming apparatus and has a first joint to receive a driving force from the image forming apparatus. The driver unit is configured to supply the driving force to the cartridge. The first universal joint is rotatable about a first axis and extends in a first direction based on the driving force. The second universal joint is coupled with the first universal joint and is rotatable along with the first universal joint. The second universal joint has a second joint coupled with the first joint and is rotatable along with the first joint. |
| US09989914B2 |
Cleaning roller and cleaning device
A cleaning roller including a shaft including a rotational axis extending in an axial direction and an elastic layer covering the shaft. The elastic layer includes a base covering the shaft and a first helical protrusion protruding from the base and having a first helical ridge. |
| US09989907B2 |
Image information apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming portion configured to form a developer image on a recording material, a fixing portion configured to heat-fix the developer image to the recording material, a first motor configured to drive the image forming portion, a second motor configured to drive the fixing portion, and a control portion configured to control the first motor and the second motor. The second motor is a stepping motor. The control portion allows the second motor to start rotation at a speed in a self-start region, temporarily stops the second motor at a timing at which the first motor is activated, then allows the second motor to restart rotation at a speed in the self-start region, and changes the speed of the second motor to a speed outside of the self-start region before the recording material arrives at the fixing portion. |
| US09989904B2 |
Fixing device and image forming apparatus for preventing separation of a fixing rotator and a holder
A fixing device includes a fixing rotator unit. The fixing rotator unit includes a fixing rotator formed into a loop; a holder to hold an end in a longitudinal direction of the fixing rotator; a pressure rotator disposed opposite the fixing rotator to press against the fixing rotator; a pressure pad disposed inside the loop to receive pressure from the pressure rotator via the fixing rotator to form an area of contact between the fixing rotator and the pressure rotator; a stay to support the pressure pad against the pressure from the pressure rotator; and a positioner to secure the holder and to position the stay with one end of the stay projecting outwards from the positioner. The positioner has a limited moving distance in a thrust direction. The limited moving distance is shorter than a length of a part of the holder entering the loop. |
| US09989903B2 |
Fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image on a recording material at a nip portion
Provided is a fixing apparatus for fixing a toner image on a recording material while conveying the recording material on which the toner image has been formed at a nip portion that includes a roller, a heating unit configured to heat the roller from outside the roller, the heating unit receiving power supplied from a power supply, a backup unit forming the nip portion with the roller, and a power shutdown member configured to operate in response to an abnormal temperature of the backup unit and shut down power supply to the heating unit. |
| US09989888B2 |
Method of manufacturing developer container
A method of manufacturing a developer container including a frame configured to define a developer containing portion, a first electrode, and a second electrode arranged on a surface of the frame and having a surface opposed to the first electrode, a developer amount in the developer containing portion being detected based on a capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode, the method including: holding a conductive resin member constituting the second electrode on a mold configured to mold the frame, a surface of the conductive resin member being in contact with a surface of the mold configured to mold a surface of the frame on a side of the developer containing portion; injecting a resin to be formed into the frame, into the mold on which the conductive resin member is held; and curing the resin to form the frame to which the second electrode is fixed. |
| US09989882B2 |
Development device and image forming apparatus
A development device includes: a developer carrier including a magnet roller and a sleeve around the magnet roller; and a restriction member provided opposed to the sleeve surface. When a region on the surface opposed to the restriction member is defined as a first region and regions adjacent to the first region are defined as second and third regions, a magnetic flux density is largest in the second region. When a position where the density is largest in the second region is defined as a reference position, a position where the density is a predetermined value in the second region is defined as a downstream position, and a position where the density is the predetermined value in the third region is defined as an upstream position, the width between the reference position and the upstream position is longer than the width between the reference position and the downstream position. |
| US09989881B2 |
Exposure device and image forming apparatus
An exposure device includes: a substrate that includes a plate-shaped main body that extends in one direction, a plurality of light emitting elements that are mounted on one surface of the main body, and a heating element that is mounted on the other surface of the main body generates heat in accordance with a light emitting operation of the light emitting elements; a housing that includes resin and that extends in the one direction, has a frame shape in which a through hole is formed, and to an inside of the through hole of which the substrate is fixed so that a thickness direction of the substrate is a penetrating direction of the through hole; and a suppression member that extends in the one direction, is fitted in the through hole, and suppresses thermal deformation of the housing. |
| US09989877B2 |
Transfer belt and image formation apparatus
A transfer belt transfers a toner image carried on a first main surface to a recording medium. When the transfer belt is pressed by using a lower block provided with a hole and an upper block with pressurization force increased at a prescribed rate and thereafter kept constant, E [-] and t0 are curve-fitted to a function E=α×exp(−t0/τ) defined by a time constant τ [s] with respect to an amount of displacement of the transfer belt and a constant α [-], where E [-] is calculated as (a−b)/b, a [μm] represents a maximum value of an amount of displacement of a measurement region, b [μm] represents an amount of displacement of the measurement region after converged, and t0 [s] represents a time period from start of pressurization until the maximum pressurization force, and time constant τ satisfies a condition of 0.015≤τ≤0.1. |
| US09989876B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for calculating a toner degradation rate
An image forming apparatus includes a toner pattern bearer to bear a first toner pattern having a first image area and a second toner pattern having a second image area different from the first image area. A toner adhesion amount detector detects a toner adhesion amount of toner of each of the first toner pattern and the second toner pattern. A toner degradation rate calculator calculates a first deviation in the toner adhesion amount of the first toner pattern and a second deviation in the toner adhesion amount of the second toner pattern based on the toner adhesion amount detected by the toner adhesion amount detector. The toner degradation rate calculator compares the first deviation with the second deviation and calculates a toner degradation rate based on a comparison result. |
| US09989873B1 |
Toner compositions with antiplasticizers comprising purine derivative
Disclosed herein include styrene-acrylic-based compositions containing a purine derivative antiplasticizer with particles having a core-shell type structure and methods for their preparation. |
| US09989871B2 |
Electrostatic charge image developing toner, electrostatic charge image developer, and toner cartridge
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles including an amorphous resin and a crystalline resin, wherein, when the toner particles are subjected to a measurement to determine an area ratio of the crystalline resin present on a surface of the toner particle before and after being heated at a temperature of 50° C. and a humidity of 50% RH for a week, a relationship between an area ratio a (%) of the crystalline resin present on a surface of the toner particles before being heated and an area ratio b (%) of the crystalline resin present on a surface of the toner particles after being heated satisfies Expression (1): 0.05≤(b−a)/b≤0.50. |
| US09989868B2 |
Photoconductor, image forming method using the same, method of manufacturing the photoconductor, and image forming apparatus
Disclosed herein is a photoconductor containing an electroconductive substrate and a photosensitive layer, wherein, in a curve obtained by the steps (I) through (V) described herein, a surface of the photosensitive layer has a WRa (LML) of from 0.02 μm to 0.03 μm, a WRa (LHL) of from 0.006 μm to 0.01 μm, and a WRa (HLH) of 0.001 μm or less, where the arithmetical mean roughness (WRa) are defined as Ra in JIS-B0601:2001 and WRa (HHH) to WRa (LLL) represent individual Ra's as described herein. |
| US09989861B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
A substrate table of an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed which comprises a barrier configured to collect liquid. The barrier surrounds the substrate and is spaced apart from the substrate. In this way any liquid which is spilt from the liquid supply system can be collected to reduce the risk of contamination of delicate components of the lithographic projection apparatus. |
| US09989855B2 |
Chemical supply unit capable of automatically replacing a canister and a substrate treatment apparatus having the same
A substrate treatment apparatus includes a substrate treatment unit configured to provide a chemical solution to a substrate to treat the substrate, and a chemical supply unit configured to supply the chemical solution to the substrate treatment unit. The chemical supply unit includes a loader configured to load a canister containing the chemical solution to the chemical supply unit, a clamp configured to clamp the canister in place, a chemical supply line through which the chemical solution is supplied to the substrate treatment unit, and a coupler configured to couple the chemical supply line to the canister. The chemical supply unit is capable of automatically replacing the canister and the substrate. |
| US09989846B2 |
Method for patterning incorporating misalignment error protection
Substrate patterning techniques herein protect against overlay misalignment. Techniques include using a combination of relief patterns in which one relief pattern includes openings filled with a particular photoresist and these openings have a width that is insufficient to enable wave propagation of electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths greater than a predetermined threshold wavelength. Accordingly, actinic radiation above a certain wavelength cannot affect the photoresist within these relatively small openings. Photoresist filled within these openings can be removed by specific developers with the openings partially uncovered, which helps ensure features and connections are fabricated as designed. |
| US09989844B2 |
Pellicle for reticle and multilayer mirror
A pellicle that includes graphene is constructed and arranged for an EUV reticle. A multilayer mirror includes graphene as an outermost layer. |
| US09989837B2 |
Lighting device and projection device
A lighting device (100) and a projection device, comprising a light source for generating a blue excitation light (110), a base board (130), and a wavelength conversion material layer (140) covered on the base board (130). The wavelength conversion material layer (140) absorbs a part of the blue excitation light and emits an excited light. The color coordinate of the excited light is within the pre-configured color area, so that a mixed light combined by the excited light and the remaining blue excitation light not absorbed by the wavelength conversion material layer (140) exits the wavelength conversion material layer (140). The color coordinate of the mixed light is closer to the pre-set blue light color coordinate than the color coordinate of the blue excitation light. |
| US09989826B2 |
Liquid-crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes: a first substrate on which a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area are defined; a plurality of gate lines disposed in the display area and extending in a first direction; a plurality of data lines disposed in the display area and extending in a second direction, the data lines intersecting the gate lines; and a black matrix extending in the first line to cover the gate lines or in the second direction to cover the data lines, where a width of the black matrix at a location adjacent to a boundary line between the display area and the non-display area is larger than a width of the black matrix at a location adjacent to a center of the display area. |
| US09989824B2 |
Array substrate, display panel and display device having the same, and method thereof
The present application discloses an array substrate comprising a base substrate, a row of a plurality of pixel units, and a first gate line and a first common electrode line adjacent to the row of the plurality of pixel units and on a first side of the row of the plurality of pixel units in plan view of the array substrate. The first gate line and the first common electrode line are spaced apart by a gap; and a light shield at least partially covering the gap for reducing light leakage from the gap. |
| US09989821B2 |
Display substrate structure
A display substrate structure includes a substrate, at least one chip, and a plurality of conductive lines. A display region and a periphery region are defined on the substrate. The periphery region is disposed around the display region, and the chip is disposed in the periphery region. The conductive lines are disposed in the periphery region and at least between the chip and the display region. Each conductive line has a fan-out portion and at least one adjustment portion. Each adjustment portion is electrically connected to the fan-out portion of the same conductive line. The adjustment portion of each conductive line has a winding wire, and at least one of the adjustment portions of the conductive lines has a straight wire, which is electrically connected to and at least partially overlaps the winding wire of the same conductive line. |
| US09989819B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus
Each of branch portions of a pixel electrode and inclined portions of data lines extends in a direction different from an x direction and a y direction in a pixel region and inclined with respect to the y direction. Further, a liquid crystal layer is orientated in a direction different from the x direction and the y direction in the pixel region and inclined with respect to the y direction. |
| US09989813B2 |
Display device and method of manufacturing the same
A display device includes: a first substrate; a wiring unit on the first substrate and including a thin film transistor; a protection layer on the wiring unit and having at least a concave portion; and a light shielding unit on the protection layer, wherein the light shielding unit includes: a light shielding layer; a first column spacer protruding from the light shielding layer; and a second column spacer on the concave portion and protruding from the light shielding layer to be spaced apart from the first column spacer. |
| US09989807B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix shape. Each pixel includes a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode. Two data lines are positioned between two adjacent pixel columns of the plurality of pixels. First subpixel electrodes in a first pixel row and a second pixel row are connected to a first gate line. Second subpixel electrodes in the second pixel row and a third pixel row are connected to a second gate line. A first data voltage applied to the first subpixel electrodes is higher than a second data voltage applied to the second subpixel electrodes. First duration of a first gate signal applied to the first gate line is shorter than second duration of a second gate signal applied to the second gate line. |
| US09989795B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display comprises a cabinet, a screen panel, a liquid crystal display panel, and a backlight unit. The screen panel is fixed to the cabinet while covering an opening of the cabinet. The liquid crystal display panel is located on a rear side of the screen panel and fixed to the screen panel. The backlight unit is bonded and fixed to the cabinet and is a backlight unit for illuminating the liquid crystal display panel. |
| US09989793B2 |
Display device
A display device includes: a display panel having a display area and a non-display area; a light source configured to supply light to the display panel; a bottom chassis on which the light source is disposed; a top chassis coupled to the bottom chassis and not covering an edge portion of the display panel; and a mold unit coupled to the top chassis and covering the edge portion of the display panel, wherein the mold unit may be transparent. |
| US09989790B2 |
Display device
A display device includes a display panel having a curved area and a substantially flat area, a guide unit including a curved area and a first area, and a casing unit. The first area of the display panel extends from a first end of the curved area of the display panel. The curved area of the guide unit supports the curved area of the display panel. The first area of the guide unit supports the first area of the display panel. The casing unit covers at least a portion of the curved area of the display panel. |
| US09989773B2 |
Multi-channel wide field imaging system and optical system for use therein
An optical system for use with a multi-channel wide field imaging system, the optical system including an objective lens, a dichroic element to split light into a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range, the dichroic element positioned to receive near parallel chief rays from the objective lens, a first channel lens system to receive light of the first wavelength range from the dichroic element; and a second channel lens system to receive light of the second wavelength range from the dichroic element. |
| US09989769B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a frame mounted on an observer's head, an image display device attached to the frame and a dimming device 700, the image display device includes an image forming device and an optical device 120, 320 having a virtual image forming region 140, 340 where a virtual image is formed on the basis of light emitted from the image forming device, the optical device 120, 320 overlaps with a portion of the dimming device 700, at the time of operation of the dimming device 700, a light blocking ratio of the dimming device 700 is changed over a range of from an upper region 701U to a lower region 701D and/or over a range of from an inner region 701C to an outer region 701S, and a virtual image forming region facing region 701 has a light blocking ratio higher than the light blocking ratio of the lower region 701D or the outer region 701S. |
| US09989765B2 |
Tile array for near-ocular display
A display device includes a two-dimensional array of tiles. Each tile includes a two-dimensional array of pixels, and a lens, of a two-dimensional array of lenses, configured to direct at least a portion of the respective pattern of light from the two-dimensional array of pixels to a pupil of an eye of a user. Each pixel is configured to output light so that the two-dimensional array of pixels outputs a respective pattern of light. The display device also includes one or more processors coupled with the two-dimensional array of tiles and configured to activate at least a subset of the two-dimensional array of tiles for outputting, from at least the subset of the two-dimensional array of tiles, a collective pattern of light that is directed to the pupil of the eye of the user. |
| US09989761B2 |
Tilting mechanism and display device provided with the same
There is provided a tilting mechanism. The tilting mechanism includes a drive source configured to drive a plate, a movement unit connected to the drive source, a conveyance unit configured to be moved linearly by the movement unit, and a plate support member to which the plate is fixed and which is partially engaged with the conveyance unit so that the plate support member is moved by the conveyance unit. The plate is moved linearly by linearly moving the conveyance unit together with the plate support member. Tilting operation of the plate is performed by tilting the plate support member, the tilting of the plate support member being caused by pushing the plate support member by the conveyance unit, which moves linearly in a state that the linear movement of the plate support member is stopped. |
| US09989755B2 |
Method of producing optical module and optical module
A process of installing optical components as precisely aligning optical axes thereof is disclosed. The process, which relates to an optical module having a signal port and/or a local port, and optical components optically coupling the ports with an active device having a built-in photodiode (PD), includes steps of (a) preparing a reference mirror that emulates a housing with a side to which the ports are attached, (b) aligning an optical axis of the auto-collimator with an optical axis of the reference mirror; (c) replacing the reference mirror with the housing; (d) aligning optical axes of the optical components with the optical axis of the auto-collimator; and (e) installing the optical components within the housing. |
| US09989748B1 |
Upright and inverted microscope
A dual-configuration microscope is provided that may be converted into an upright or inverted microscope. The microscope includes a body having a plurality of planar surfaces, each planar surface configured to support the body on a working surface as the body is tilted between the upright and inverted configurations. The microscope further includes an objective, a condenser, a stage positioned between the objective and the condenser, and a portable display device to display a specimem. |
| US09989744B2 |
Variable magnification optical system, optical device, and method for producing variable magnification optical system
A variable magnification optical system has, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive refractive power; a second lens group having negative refractive power; an aperture stop; a third lens group having positive refractive power; and a rear lens group. Upon zooming from a wide-angle end state to a telephoto end state, at least the rear lens group is moved toward the object side, and distances between the lens groups are varied. Upon focusing from an infinitely distant object to a closely distant object, the third lens group is moved along the optical axis. At least a portion of the rear lens group constitutes a vibration reduction lens group having negative refractive power and moveable perpendicular to the optical axis. An optical apparatus and a method of manufacture are also provided. |
| US09989729B2 |
Ultra stable resonant cavity for gas analysis systems
Systems and methods for detecting trace gases utilize a resonance optical cavity and a coherent light source coupled to the cavity through a cavity coupling mirror. The cavity is constructed of a material having the same or a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the mirror elements defining the cavity. The main (bulk) cavity material may be the same as the main (bulk) material that forms the mirror elements, or it may be different. Such resonant cavity configurations provide improved accuracy and stability as compared to existing cavity configurations based upon similar principles. |
| US09989728B2 |
Plurality of imaging optical systems and image pickup apparatus using the same
A plurality of imaging optical systems includes at least two imaging optical systems having different focal lengths. Each imaging optical system includes in order from an object side, a front lens unit having a positive refractive power, a diaphragm member, a focusing lens unit having a negative refractive power, and a rear lens unit. The front lens unit includes one of a positive lens and a negative lens as a common lens, and each of at least two imaging optical systems from among the plurality of imaging optical systems includes at least one common lens. At the time of focusing, only the focusing lens unit moves on an optical axis. Each imaging optical system satisfies the following conditional expression (1), and the plurality of imaging optical systems satisfy the following conditional expression (2). 0.06<|ffo/f|<0.4 (1) 1.02 |
| US09989725B2 |
Optical imaging lens with a fixing structure
A lens includes a barrel and a first optical element. The barrel includes an inner circumferential surface surrounding an axis and defining an accommodation space, an object side and an image side spaced at two ends of the axis and interconnecting with the accommodation space, and a first mounting portion integrally formed around the inner circumferential surface. The first mounting portion includes a first blocking portion having a first blocking surface corresponding to the object side. The first optical element is received in the accommodation space, and disposed in the first mounting portion, and includes a first body portion and a first stopping portion. The first stopping portion includes a first stopping surface leaning against the first blocking surface. The distance between an outermost edge of the first stopping portion and the axis is greater than the distance between an innermost edge of the first blocking portion and the axis. |
| US09989719B2 |
Optical transceiver
An optical transceiver includes a main board, a fiber joint, a circuit board, a transfer board, metal traces, photoelectric elements, a lens set, a connection base, and an amplifier. The fiber joint is coupled to the lens set and connection base for positioning plural optical fibers. The connection base is coupled to the main board, and the circuit board is electrically connected to the main board. The transfer board is disposed between the fiber joint and circuit board. Each of the metal traces is arranged on both of two neighboring surfaces of the transfer board. The photoelectric elements are respectively coupled to metal traces on the surface of the transfer board facing the fiber joint, and axially aim to the optical fibers, respectively. The amplifier electrically connects the circuit board and the photoelectric elements via the metal traces. |
| US09989717B2 |
Latch mechanism for communication module
Some embodiments include a latch mechanism and an optoelectronic module that includes the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may include a driver, a follower, a pivot member, and a cam member. The driver may be configured to rotate relative to a housing of the optoelectronic module about an axis of rotation. The follower may be configured to be slidably positioned relative the housing. The follower may include a resilient member configured to interface with the housing and may define an opening including a protuberance. The pivot member may be coupled to the driver or to the housing and may define the axis of rotation. The cam member may be coupled to the driver and may be configured to engage the follower from within the opening so as to urge the follower to slide relative to the housing as the driver is rotated between a latched position and an unlatched position. |
| US09989711B2 |
Fiber optic connector and fiber optic cable assembly with fiber optic cable anchored to boot of fiber optic connector
A fiber optic connector and cable assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable can be coupled to the assembly at a demarcation section. All components of the fiber optic cable (e.g., fiber, strength members, jacket, etc.) are fixed relative to each other and relative to the fiber optic connector at the demarcation section. The demarcation section may be located on a boot mounted at a proximal end of the fiber optic connector. For example, the demarcation section may be located at a proximal end of the boot. |
| US09989710B2 |
Multi-fiber ferrule and optical connector including the same
A ferrule for an optical connector includes a body, a cavity extending into the body from a back end of the body, and first and second groups of micro-holes extending into the cavity from a front end of the body. The cavity includes at least one bottom surface extending under an opening in a top surface of the body and below a first plane that extends through or below the first and second groups of micro-holes. The cavity also includes a divider extending under the opening in the top surface of the body, with the divider having a divider surface positioned above the first plane such that the divider surface is offset from the at least one bottom surface. |
| US09989708B1 |
Connector with lateral and angular tolerance
A connector having a front and rear origination and configured to mate with a mating connector, said connector comprising a ferrule defining at least one borehole for receiving a fiber, and having a second diameter less than the opening of the housing through which it extends such that a gap is defined between said ferrule and said orifice to allow said ferrule to move within said orifice angularly and laterally with respect to said axis. A sleeve containing a lens is disposed around a portion of said ferrule forward of the opening of the housing and extends beyond the front end of the ferrule. |
| US09989704B2 |
Digital dispersion compensation module
Embodiments of present invention provide a digital dispersion compensation module. The digital dispersion compensation module includes a multi-port optical circulator and a plurality of dispersion compensation units connected to the multi-port optical circulator, wherein at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units includes a first and a second reflectively terminated element and an optical switch being capable of selectively connecting to one of the first and second reflectively terminated elements, and wherein the at least one of the plurality of dispersion compensation units is adapted to provide a substantially zero dispersion to an optical signal, coming from the multi-port optical circulator, when the optical switch connects to the first reflectively terminated element and is adapted to provide a non-zero dispersion to the optical signal when the optical switch connects to the second reflectively terminated element. |
| US09989695B2 |
Back plate assembly and backlight module
A back plate assembly and a backlight module are provided. The back plate assembly includes a back plate, at least one optical film and at least one fixing member. The back plate includes a bottom plate and a sidewall. The optical film is disposed on the bottom plate. The fixing member includes a main body and a protruding member. At least one portion of the main body overlaps with the sidewall. The protruding member is disposed on the main body and is combined with the optical film. |
| US09989693B2 |
Double-sided liquid crystal display device and backlight module thereof
A double-sided liquid crystal display device is provided, which includes a light guide plate, a light source, a first liquid crystal panel, a second liquid crystal panel and a reflective Dual Brightness Enhancement Film (DBEF). The light guide plate has a light incident side, a first light exit surface and a second light exit surface. The light source is disposed adjacent to the light incident side. The first liquid crystal panel is disposed opposite to the first light exit surface, and a first lower polarizer of the first liquid crystal panel faces the first light exit surface. The DBEF is disposed between the first lower polarizer and the first light exit surface, and a direction of light transmission axis of DBEF is in parallel with that of the first lower polarizer, and the direction of light transmission axis of DBEF is perpendicular to that of the second upper polarizer. |
| US09989682B2 |
Mask plate, method for manufacturing color film substrate and color film substrate
A mask plate, a method for manufacturing a color film substrate and a color film substrate for decreasing the segment difference of the color filter layer are disclosed. The mask plate includes a plurality of first regions, each of the plurality of first regions corresponding to each subpixel unit; and a second region between two adjacent first regions. Each first region is respectively provided with one first subregion for forming a color filter layer pattern within an opening region of a black matrix layer, and two second subregions for forming a color filter layer pattern within a non-opening region of the black matrix layer. The first subregion is between the two second subregions. In each second subregion: along the direction away from the first subregion, the transmittance of the second subregion gradually decreases or increases. |
| US09989672B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining weather data confidence
A method, apparatus and computer program product are provided for weather station data usage based on weather data confidence. In the context of a method, the method includes receiving historical weather data associated with a candidate weather station and plurality of weather stations, determining distances between a candidate weather station and respective ones of the plurality of weather stations, and generating a station to station location based model of weather attribute errors associated with the distances between the candidate weather station and the respective weather stations of the plurality of weather stations. |
| US09989665B2 |
Wear resistant electrodes for downhole imaging
Devices and methods for well logging using a wear-resistant electrode are provided. A downhole device may include a drill collar and a first electrode mounted on the drill collar. Further, the first electrode may include a wear-resistant face. The first electrode may be movably coupled within the drill collar, and the first electrode may be configured to extend and retract into a wellbore to maintain contact with a wall of the wellbore. Furthermore, the first electrode may be configured to measure impedance of a geological formation. |
| US09989663B1 |
Auto nulling of induction balance metal detector coils
A metal detector has a large primary transmit coil, a small primary feedback bucking coil, a first receive coil, and a second receive coil. A variable resistance device is connected to the first and second receive coils. A voltage source is connected to the large primary transmit coil. The voltage source is oppositely connected to the small primary feedback bucking coil. A primary voltage is provided to the large primary transmit coil. A reverse primary voltage is provided to the small primary feedback bucking coil. The small primary feedback bucking coil is positioned near the first and the second receive coils. The metal detection methods and apparatus sums up the signals from the two secondary coils. One is over nulled, the other is under nulled. They are close enough to an inductive null to attenuate the stray coupled signals from the primary driving signal and detecting the object. |
| US09989660B2 |
Correcting time shifts
At least some of the example embodiments are methods including: performing Normal MoveOut (NMO) correction on a first Common Depth Point (CDP) gather, the NMO correction based on a reference velocity of sound in water, the NMO correction creates first NMO data with a plurality of traces; selecting a first estimated velocity that makes travel time represented in the traces substantially the same; calculating a zero-offset time shift that represents a difference in travel time as between the reference velocity and the first estimated velocity at a zero-offset trace; performing NMO correction on the first CDP gather based on a final estimated velocity to create second NMO data; adding the zero-offset time shift to each trace of the second NMO data; and then performing reverse NMO correction on the second NMO data to create corrected data. |
| US09989653B2 |
Detector, nuclear medical imaging apparatus, PET-CT apparatus, and PET-MRI apparatus
A detector of an embodiment includes a plurality of photomultipliers, a signal line, and identifying circuitry. The photomultipliers each convert light converted from radiation into an electric signal and output the electric signal. The signal line has a first path and a second path through which the electric signal passes and that have different lengths for each of the photomultipliers. The identifying circuitry identifies the photomultiplier that outputs the electric signal by a time difference between the electric signal passing through the first path and the electric signal passing through the second path. |
| US09989651B2 |
Geopositioning method with trust index, and associated terminal
In the field of satellite geolocation, a geopositioning method with a trust index is implemented by a geopositioning terminal. According to the method, the positioning of the terminal is estimated by geopositioning satellites and the trust index is provided by comparison with at least one pseudo-distance measurement recorded by at least one additional geopositioning satellite, which is different from those used to compute the position of the terminal. |
| US09989640B2 |
Optical apparatus, light sensitive device with micro-lens and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided an optical apparatus including a substrate, a light emitting device, a light sensitive device and a plurality of micro-lenses. The light emitting device is disposed on the substrate and adapted to provide a light beam. The light sensitive device is disposed on the substrate and adapted to receive a light beam reflected from an object, wherein the light sensitive device has a plurality of photosensitive units arranged in matrix. The micro-lenses are disposed above the light sensitive device and respectively opposite to the associated photosensitive units. There is further provided a light sensitive device with micro-lens and a manufacturing method thereof. |
| US09989639B2 |
Wireless water regimen detecting device, system and method based on WIFI
A wireless water regimen detecting device includes a fish finder module, a data communication module connected to the fish finder module and a WIFI module connected to the data communication module, which are arranged within a housing. The wireless water regimen detecting device utilizes the wireless communication way of WIFI to make the display terminal of the fish finder module not be limited to the wireless receiving terminal which is especially prepared for it, but can use existing intelligent terminals with a WIFI wireless communication function, such as smart phone, tablet PC, notebook computer or other portable mobile devices, to display. Sweb operating mode of monopoly serial communication port can be utilized, thus the user can carry on related operation on the webpage of the display terminal by visiting the web server to obtain detecting information of the fish finder module. Much convenience is provided to the user. |
| US09989632B2 |
Measuring system, and portable radio transceiver and measurement pole used in measuring system
To provide a measuring system for guiding a worker to a pile driving point by utilizing a measuring device for performing a distance measurement and an angle measurement by automatic guiding and a controller. The measuring system includes a measurement pole 50 equipped with a prism 52, a measurement device 2 having an automatic guiding function, a memory section 30L, a display section 30G displaying a guiding map, an imaging optical system 30E, and a controller 30C having a transceiver 30D, calculates a difference between present position information and a pile driving point position information, calculates a moving direction of the prism 52 from the current position information and previous position information by the imaging optical system 30E, and when these moving directions are different, calculates a gradient component θ of the controller 30C, and displays a guiding map by amended spaced-apart components Δx″, Δy″ amended by the gradient components. |
| US09989625B2 |
Sky polarization and sun sensor system and method
A system for determining a new orientation and/or position of an object comprises a sky polarimeter configured to record image data of the sky, a signal processing unit, and logic configured to receive and store in memory the image data received from the sky polarimeter. The logic calculates the Stokes parameters (S0, S1, S2,), DoLP, and AoP from the image data, detects obscurants and filters the obscurants (such as clouds and trees) from the image data to produce a filtered image. The logic is further configured to find the Sun and zenith in the filtered image, and to determine the roll, pitch, yaw, latitude and longitude of the object using the filtered image. A method for determining a new position/orientation of an object comprises recording raw image data using a sky polarimeter, calculating S0, S1, S2, DoLP, and AoP from the image data, detecting obscurants and filtering the obscurants from the image data to produce a filtered image, obtaining last known position/orientation data of the object, finding the Sun and zenith in the filtered image, and determining the roll, pitch, yaw, latitude and longitude of the object using the filtered image. |
| US09989614B2 |
Method and apparatus for acquiring a magnetic resonance data set from a target area containing a metal object
In a method and apparatus for acquiring a magnetic resonance (MR) data set from a target area of a patient containing at least one metal object that distorts the basic magnetic field due to susceptibility differences, a slice selection gradient that rises in one direction is used to select a slice from which MR data are to be acquired. At least for at least one outermost edge slice on one side of the slice stack from which the MR data are to be acquired, the polarity of the slice selection gradient is selected as a function of a primary direction of distortion in the edge slice. |
| US09989613B2 |
System and method for externally calibrated parallel imaging in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field
A system and method for accelerated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) includes controlling an RF system of an MRI system to acquire coil calibration data from a subject including a material causing inhomogeneities in a static magnetic field of the MRI system when arranged in the bore of the MRI system. After acquiring the coil calibration data, the RF system is controlled to acquire imaging data from the subject at multiple different resonance frequency offsets. The spectral bin images relate specific resonance frequencies to distinct spatial locations in the static magnetic field of the MRI system. An image of the subject is reconstructed from the imaging data using coil calibration data and the spectral bin data to provide spatial encoding of the image. |
| US09989609B2 |
Method and apparatus for adjusting the parameters of a magnetic resonance image
A method and an apparatus for adjusting the parameters of a magnetic resonance image are disclosed. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for adjusting a parameter at an imaging device that includes: (a) obtaining and storing MR (magnetic resonance) data; (b) calculating a constant by using the MR data; and (c) outputting a magnetic resonance image having a different contrast in real time, when a user manipulation is inputted, by using the constant and a parameter adjusted according to the manipulation. |
| US09989608B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging method and apparatus
In an MRI method and apparatus a BLOCH-SIEGERT method is used to establish a scaling factor of an excitation magnetic field that excites nuclei in a subject. A method involving two flip angles is executed to obtain a spatial distribution of longitudinal relaxation times of the excited nuclei so as to reconstruct a longitudinal relaxation time spatial distribution image, wherein the scaling factor is used to correct the two flip angles. This MRI method and apparatus cannot only obtain the spatial distribution of an excitation magnetic field accurately, but also can greatly reduce scan time, while ensuring a similar image resolution and image signal-to-noise ratio. |
| US09989606B2 |
Multiple shot magnetic resonance imaging with ghosting stability correction
An image dataset comprises multiple shots of imaging data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner (10). The signal power of each shot of the image dataset is normalized (24) to a reference signal power to generate a power normalized shot representation having total signal power matching the reference signal power. A reconstructed image is generated (26) from the power normalized shot representations. Odd/even phase correction (22) may also be performed on the image dataset. The phase correction, normalizing, and generating operations are suitably performed by an electronic data processing device (20). |
| US09989605B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a magnetostatic field magnet formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder; a gradient coil formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder on the inside of the magnetostatic field magnet; a cylindrical part that is formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder on the inside of the gradient coil and includes at least one selected from a sound absorbing material layer and a sound blocking material layer; and a ring part that is substantially ring-shaped, covers the space formed between the magnetostatic field magnet and the cylindrical part on at least one end face of a magnet structure being formed in the shape of a substantially circular cylinder and including the magnetostatic field magnet, the gradient coil, and the cylindrical part, and includes at least one selected from an sound absorbing material layer and a sound blocking material layer. |
| US09989598B2 |
Method for dynamic noise reduction of magnetic field sensor signals and a magnetic field sensor circuit with dynamic noise reduction
A method for dynamic noise reduction of magnetic field sensor signals of a magnetic field sensor circuit with a magnetic field sensor and a switching device, wherein the magnetic field sensor provides a sensor signal to a sensor output, and wherein the switching device comprises a signal comparator, a low pass filter and a multiplexer, and wherein the switching device comprises a signal input interconnected with the sensor signal output and a signal output, and wherein the signal comparator has a first input interconnected with the signal input and a second input interconnected with the low pass filter, and a control signal output interconnected with the multiplexer. In a first method step, the sensor signal is compared to the level of a signal of the low pass filter by means of the signal comparator, and the result is compared to a predetermined threshold value. |
| US09989596B2 |
Discharge state indicator
A circuit for displaying the state of a battery that is almost discharged features a battery, an inductive load, and a controllable switch connected in series. The circuit also includes a display element connected in series with the inductive load and the battery. The controllable switch is opened when a voltage of the battery is lower than a first threshold level and is only closed again when the voltage of the battery is greater than a second threshold level. The circuit may also include a control circuit having a comparator which compares the voltage of the battery with the first threshold level and the second threshold level and triggers the controllable switch accordingly. |
| US09989594B2 |
Monitoring circuit for detecting a switching state of an electrical switching contact and method therefor
The invention relates to a circuit (1) for detecting a switching state of an electrical switching contact (2) in a current supply path (5) for at least one electrical load (3). The monitoring circuit (1) has a monitoring unit (8) and a transformer (9). The transformer has a primary winding (10) connected to the monitoring unit (8) and a secondary winding (11) connected to the electrical switching contact (2). The secondary winding (11) forms a monitoring current circuit (6) together with the electrical switching contact (2) electrically connected to the secondary winding. The monitoring unit (8) is designed to apply electrical power to the primary winding (10) and to determine the switching state of the electrical switching contact (2) in dependence on a measured value (UA) proportional to the current (IA) flowing through the primary winding (10). |
| US09989593B2 |
Modular test environment for a plurality of test objects
The present invention relates to an arrangement for providing a testing environment for the testing of test objects. The testing environment includes a first test object receiving apparatus and a second test object receiving apparatus, each of which are configured to receive a test object. The testing environment also includes a connection interface configured to connect the first test object receiving apparatus and the second test object receiving apparatus to the testing environment. In one embodiment, the first test object receiving apparatus has a first external connection interface, and the second test object receiving apparatus has a second external connection interface, wherein said first and second external connection interfaces are configured to be selectively coupled with the connection interface of the testing environment. |
| US09989591B2 |
API-based pattern-controlled test on an ATE
Method and apparatus for performing Pattern-Controlled tests on an automatic test equipment (ATE). The ATE includes a diagnostic instrument and a control device. An application programming interface (API) is installed in the control device and operates to interact with a test program and thereby automatically controls the diagnostic instrument to perform a test. The test program is coded in a high-level programming language and defines a plurality of operation events for the test based on user input. The API identifies the operational events and determines respective operational types associated therewith. Events of an operational type are assigned to a respective pattern label. The pattern labels are then aggregated into a pattern burst which is downloaded to the diagnostic instrument. |
| US09989590B2 |
Self-test circuit in integrated circuit, and data processing circuit
A self-test circuit is driven by a multiphase clock signal which includes N number of clock signals in same cycle having phases from first to N-th phases each phase-shifted by 1/N of the cycle. The self-test circuit includes a data selecting circuit, a serialization circuit, and a logical test circuit. The data selecting circuit switches input data that are input as M-bit wide parallel data to the self-test circuit, between normal data and test data for logical test. The serialization circuit performs serial conversion of the input data in N-parallel manner and outputs bits in N-parallel manner, as a single serial output signal at timing corresponding to each phase. In synchronization with timing corresponding to each phase, the logical test circuit imports the serial output signal as N-parallel bit strings each having length equal to M/N number of bits and performs a bit logical test for M number of bits. |
| US09989587B2 |
Apparatus for testing multiple semiconductor dice with increased throughput
A die tester comprising a testing table on which a plurality of dice arranged in an array are mountable, and a first probe and a second probe that are adjustable to a fixed position with a fixed separation distance between the first probe and the second probe. The fixed position corresponds to predetermined test points on the plurality of dice, and the testing table and the first and second probes are movable relative to each other so as to position test points of a first die of the plurality of dice to the first probe and the second probe for testing the first die. The die tester further comprises movable third and fourth probes that are movable relative to each other and positionable to test points on a second die of the plurality of dice for testing the second die. |
| US09989575B2 |
Detection of ECU ground fault with can bus voltage measurements
A method is disclosed for detecting ground faults in a communications system. The method includes measuring a predetermined number of voltage points; determining if the measured voltage points represent recessive or dominant bits; identifying which of the predetermined number of voltage points represent inter-frame bits and which represent frame data bits based on whether the measured voltage points are recessive or dominant; calculating a maximum average voltage for the inter-frame bits; calculating an average frame voltage for all dominant bits within a frame; determining a high average dominant voltage count based on a number of frames for which the average frame voltage is greater than a high voltage threshold; and determining if a ground fault exists based on the average frame voltage and the high average dominant voltage count. |
| US09989574B2 |
System and method for short-circuit detection in load chains
An embodiment method for short-circuit detection includes determining a set of local reference voltages each associated with a respective load chain in a plurality of load chains, and determining a global reference voltage in accordance with the set of local reference voltages. The method also includes determining, for each load chain in the plurality of load chains, a respective per-chain reference voltage in accordance with the global reference voltage, and comparing, for each load chain in the plurality of load chains, the respective per-chain reference voltage relative to a respective measured voltage across each load chain to determine a respective short-circuit condition. |
| US09989573B2 |
Device for detecting welding of relay
In the present invention, the connection between an external power supply and a unit for detecting welding of a relay is disestablished at least when a short circuit is detected, thereby preventing the short circuit from being falsely detected in the event that the short circuit and the welding of the relay can both be detected. A device for detecting welding of a relay detects welding of a relay provided to a path via which a cell is charged by an external power supply. Welding of a power-supply-side relay or a ground-side relay is detected on the basis of a current flowing disproportionately more toward the external power supply than the power-supply-side relay or ground-side relay when a control unit has deactivated the power-supply-side relay or ground-side relay during an interrupting in charging. A disconnecting switch establishes or disestablishes the connection between the external power supply and a weld-detection switch. |
| US09989572B1 |
Method and apparatus for testing interposer dies prior to assembly
A method and a probe device for testing an interposer prior to assembly are described herein. The method includes coupling a plurality of probe tips of a probe device to the plurality of signal interconnect paths of the interposer to be tested. A test signal is provided from the probe device to the plurality of signal interconnect paths of the interposer and a quality characteristic of signal interconnect paths of the interposer is detected based on behavior of the interposer in response to the test signal. |
| US09989568B2 |
Self-contained electrical meter arrangement with isolated electrical meter power supply
An electrical meter and methods of use and operation are disclosed. The electrical meter includes a housing and an electrical interface including a plurality of electrical connections having a predetermined physical layout. The meter further includes a plurality of voltage measurement elements within the housing, each of the plurality of voltage measurement elements connected to at least one of the plurality of electrical connections, and an electrical metering circuit within the housing and configured to detect power consumption based at least in part on monitoring a voltage at each of the plurality of voltage measurement elements. The meter also includes a power supply electrically connected to the electrical metering circuit, the power supply supplying power to one or more circuits of the electrical meter. The meter further includes a low voltage electrical connection dedicated to the power supply and from an electrical service to which the electrical meter is connected. |
| US09989560B2 |
Interference detector for patient monitor
A system is disclosed for detecting and calculating the level of ambient and/or environmental noise, such as electromagnetic interference generated by electric power lines, ambient lights, light dimmers, television or computer displays, power supplies or transformers, and medical equipment. In some embodiments, the system performs frequency analysis on the interference signal detected by light photodetectors and determines the power of the interference signal concentrated in the analyzed frequency bands. The worst-case interference level can be determined by selecting the maximum from the computed power values. In some embodiments, the determined interference signal power can be compared with the noise tolerance of a patient monitoring system configured to reliably and noninvasively detect physiological parameters of a user. The results of the comparison can be presented to the user audio-visually. In some embodiments, the system can be used to perform spot check measurements of electromagnetic interference. |
| US09989556B2 |
Systems and devices for non-destructive surface chemical analysis of samples
Aspects of the present invention include systems and devices useful for surface chemical analysis of solid samples by Tip Enhanced Raman Spectrometry (“TERS”), and particularly it relates to devices useful for chemical analysis of molecular compounds located either on or within thin surface layer of solid samples. Even more particularly, aspects of the present invention relate to systems, and devices for non-destructive analysis combining both high sensitivity and high spatial resolution of analysis of chemical compounds located or distributed on the surface of solid samples with obtaining important information regarding vibration spectra of atoms and molecular groups contained in a thin surface layer of solid samples. These objectives are realized by implementation of computer-assisted systems that use sensors to carefully regulate the motion of, and force applied to, probes of atomic force microscopes. |
| US09989551B2 |
Real-time volume confirmation dispensing apparatus and methods
A method of confirming volume during dispensing of a liquid using pressure. The method includes attempting to dispense a volume of the liquid from a dispense port, measuring a pressure associated with the attempted dispense of the liquid and providing a measured pressure signal, determining a liquid dispensing start time and a stop time based on a slope of the measured pressure signal, integrating the measured pressure signal between the start time and the stop time to provide an integrated pressure value, and comparing the integrated pressure value to one or more preset threshold values. Liquid dispensing apparatus are provided, as are other aspects. |
| US09989544B2 |
Sequence scheduling and sample distribution techniques
A technique is disclosed for sample management for use in conjunction with sequencing devices that sequence biological samples, e.g., DNA and RNA. A sequencing device or a network of sequencing devices may be scheduled according to the characteristics of the samples in queue and the capabilities and availability of sequencing devices. Biological samples may be automatically queued and loaded via a sample distribution system. A sample distribution system may be used to reduce operator intervention. |
| US09989540B2 |
Diagnostic and monitoring system for Huntington's disease
The invention provides assays that identify Huntington's disease and monitor the progression and severity of conditions associated with variant Huntingtin protein (Httn). In particular, the invention provides assays that monitor the severity and progression of Huntington's Disease as well as predict the onset of symptoms. The invention also provides assays for identifying drugs for treating Huntington's disease. |
| US09989539B2 |
Method for detecting injury to the brain
Provided is a method for detecting injury to the brain comprising: a) determining the level of a tight junction (TJ) protein in exosomes isolated from a test sample from a subject, wherein the TJ protein is occludin, claudin-3, claudin-5, claudin-12, ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3, JAM-A, JAM-B or JAM-C, or any combination thereof; b) comparing the level of the TJ protein in the test sample to the level of the TJ protein in a control sample, wherein an elevated level of the TJ protein in the test sample relative to the level of the TJ protein in the control sample indicates that the subject has an injury to the brain. |
| US09989536B2 |
Specific and high affinity binding proteins comprising modified SH3 domains of FYN kinase
The present invention relates to a method for the production of a library comprising recombinant derivatives of the SH3 domain of the Fyn kinase of SEQ ID NO: 1 as well as a method for selecting from a library comprising recombinant derivatives of the SH3 domain of the Fyn kinase of SEQ ID NO: 1 one or more of said derivatives having a specific binding affinity to a protein or peptide. |
| US09989529B2 |
Method for detection of Legionella bacteria employing purified antigen-specific antibodies
The present invention involves extracting from Legionella bacteria, particularly L. pneumophila bacteria, an essentially protein-free O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen, coupling this antigen to an activated chromatographic column through a protein space molecule which is first conjugated to the antigen, utilizing the column thus prepared for the affinity purification of raw polyvalent antibodies to the same Legionella bacterium from which the O-polysaccharide or carbohydrate antigen was separated—thereby obtaining antigen-specific antibodies which are useful for the rapid detection of the corresponding Legionella bacterium or its antibody in human bodily fluids such as urine, sputum, blood and the like or in environmental samples suspected of harboring theLegionella bacterium. |
| US09989527B2 |
Lateral flow assay systems and methods
In one aspect, a diagnostic test system includes a housing, a reader, and a data analyzer. The housing includes a port for receiving a test strip. The reader obtains separable light intensity measurements from localized regions of an area of the detection zone exposed for optical inspection, wherein each of the localized regions is characterized by at least one surface dimension smaller than the first dimension. The data analyzer identifies ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the at least one test region and computes at least one parameter from the identified ones of the light intensity measurements. In another aspect, the reader obtains a respective set of light intensity measurements from each of multiple corresponding regions of the exposed surface area of the detection zone, and the data analyzer computes at least one parameter from at least one of the sets of light intensity measurements. |
| US09989525B2 |
Diffraction based biosensor containing two diffractive gratings
The present disclosure provides a diffraction based biosensor containing at least two diffraction gratings. The first grating is referred to as an in-coupling diffraction grating and the coherent light source (laser) is directed to illuminate the in-coupling grating, and the biosensor is configured such that a selected order of the light beam diffracted from the in-coupling diffraction grating illuminates a second biosensor grating coated with analyte-specific receptors which are selected to preferentially bind with analytes being tested for that may or may not be located in a sample being tested. |
| US09989522B2 |
Methods and materials for modulating start-up time and air removal in dry sensors
The invention relates to sensors configured to include compositions disposed in specific regions of the sensor in order to provide the sensors with enhanced functional properties, for example faster start-up times. These compositions include, for example, hygroscopic compositions, gas generating compositions and gas solvating compositions. While typical embodiments of the invention pertain to glucose sensors, the systems, methods and materials disclosed herein can be adapted for use with a wide variety of sensors known in the art. |
| US09989518B2 |
Method for measuring autophagy
This invention relates to a method for measuring autophagy in cells, comprising using, as a probe reagent, a single fluorescent protein, to measure a change in fluorescence properties of the fluorescent probe reagent depending on pH changes associated with autophagy, thereby determining the presence or activity of autophagy, wherein the single fluorescent protein is resistant to degrading enzyme activity in the lysosome or vacuole of the cell, it is not denatured or inactivated under acidic to neutral pH environment, and it is capable of changing excitation spectra or fluorescence spectra when located under the environments of acidic region and neutral region. |
| US09989514B2 |
Poly bag and polywrap detection system
A system for detecting Poly-Bag and Poly Wrap on mail pieces, intended to be a sub-assembly on a mail unit open system that automatically opens wrapped bundles of either letter or flat mail. The system generally includes two orthogonally-opposed but otherwise identical Poly Bag Detectors both controlled by a programmable controller and deploying a swinging pendulum test, plus a Poly Wrap detector employing a rolling friction wheel test. |
| US09989496B2 |
Fixed value residual stress test block and manufacturing and preservation method thereof
A fixed value residual stress test block, comprising a main body (1) and two welded blocks (2); the main body (1) and the welded blocks (2) are all rectangular metal blocks; the welded blocks (2) are welded onto the two opposite side surfaces of the main body (1); the main body (1) is deformed under the upper and lower pressures and generates residual stress. The fixed value residual stress test block has a simple structure. |
| US09989495B2 |
Acoustic monitoring method for additive manufacturing processes
A method of monitoring an additive manufacturing process in which a directed energy source is used to create a weld pool at an exposed build surface of a mass of powdered material, and selectively fuse the powdered material to form a workpiece, the method including measuring acoustic energy generated by the weld pool to generate a measured acoustic profile. |
| US09989491B2 |
Application of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in sensor systems, devices, and related methods
A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters. |
| US09989477B2 |
Simultaneous multi-spot inspection and imaging
A compact and versatile multi-spot inspection imaging system employs an objective for focusing an array of radiation beams to a surface and a second reflective or refractive objective having a large numerical aperture for collecting scattered radiation from the array of illuminated spots. The scattered radiation from each illuminated spot is focused to a corresponding optical fiber channel so that information about a scattering may be conveyed to a corresponding detector in a remote detector array for processing. In one embodiment, a one-dimensional array of illumination beams is directed at an oblique angle to the surface to illuminate a line of illuminated spots at an angle to the plane of incidence. Radiation scattered from the spots are collected along directions perpendicular to the line of spots or in a double dark field configuration. |
| US09989460B2 |
Sensor device for monitoring the state of a lubricant and method for producing said sensor device
Rolling bearings include a plurality of rolling bodies which during operation roll on raceways. In order to reduce friction during rolling, it is customary to supply the rolling bearings with a lubricant. However, the quality of the lubricant can deteriorate during operation due to long-term stress, aging, or thermal influences, or get lost in gaps etc. The objective addressed by the invention is that of providing a sensor device, which can be operated in a functionally reliable manner. This objective is achieved by a sensor device for monitoring the state of a lubricant in a lubricant chamber, including a transmitter platform, wherein on the transmitter platform, a plurality of diode devices are arranged, having a measurement window device, wherein the measurement window device is arranged between a measuring chamber and the lubricant chamber, having a receiving device, wherein at least one of the diode devices comprises a die and a plastic dome. The plastic dome and the die are connected by way of a contact surface, wherein the contact surface is arranged on an upper side of the die. |
| US09989448B2 |
Specimen processing systems and methods for holding slides
At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to an automated slide processing apparatus configured to apply at least one reagent to a specimen carried by a microscope slide. The slide processing station can include a support element with a support surface, at least one vacuum port, and a sealing member having a non-round shape. In an uncompressed state, the sealing member can extend upwardly beyond the support surface. In a compressed state, the sealing member can be configured to maintain an airtight seal with a backside of the microscope slide as the microscope slide is pulled against the support surface by a vacuum drawn via the at least one vacuum port. |
| US09989443B2 |
Sampling point for a particle detector
A sampling point for use with an aspirating particle detection system. The sampling point includes: a body; a plurality of apertures in the body for drawing an air sample from an ambient environment; an outlet for delivering the sampled air, at a predetermined sample flow rate, from the body into a sampling pipe of the network of sampling pipes; and a means for maintaining the predetermined sample flow rate regardless of the presence or absence of ambient flow of air about the body. A particle detection system, and air sampling system are also described. |
| US09989437B2 |
Vibration generator moving vibrator by magnetic field generated by coil and vibrator-mounted holder used in vibration-generator
A vibrator-mounted holder is attached to a casing of a vibration generator which moves a vibrator to generate a vibration when used. The vibrator-mounted holder includes a vibrator, a vibrator retention unit retaining the vibrator, a fixing unit fixed to a casing, and an arm. The vibrator includes a magnet having a plate shape parallel to a horizontal surface and a yoke arranged on the magnet. The arm connects the fixing unit to the vibrator retention unit, and supports the vibrator retention unit in a manner that the vibrator retention unit is displaceable with respect to the fixing unit. The yoke has a projecting portion which is projected downward and fixed to the vibrator retention unit. The arm is connected to a portion, at which the projecting portion is arranged, within the vibrator retention units. |
| US09989436B1 |
Method and device for detecting the location and magnitude of a leak in a pipe measuring aberrant electromagnetic radiation from within a pipe
Method and device for detecting the location and magnitude of a leak in a pipe by measuring aberrant electromagnetic radiation from within the pipe. A probe comprising three orthogonally oriented coils coupled to a control unit and an electrode are inserted into a pipeline trailing a metered wire. The coils detect an anomalous current flow when a leak is encountered, enabling the magnitude and location of the leak to be detected. |
| US09989423B2 |
Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine using acoustic interference
Systems and methods for measuring temperature in a gas turbine are disclosed. The method can include directing a first acoustic signal towards a gas path in a turbine; directing a second acoustic signal towards the gas path in the turbine; receiving the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal at a downstream gas path location; combining the first acoustic signal and the second acoustic signal to create a combined acoustic signal, where a portion of the first acoustic signal cancels out a portion of the second acoustic signal; and determining a temperature of the gas path based at least in part on the combined acoustic signal. |
| US09989417B2 |
Temperature measurement arrangement
Disclosed is a system for dielectrically processing a product in a radio frequency (RF) cavity. The system may include a cavity; an RF feeding module that includes a plurality of radiating elements configured to feed RF radiation into the cavity, and a plurality of dummy loads for receiving RF energy coupled from the cavity into the radiating elements; and the system includes a processor configured to (a) estimate an effect operating the system at each of a plurality of sets of operating parameters will have on the temperature of each of the dummy loads; (b) choosing among the plurality of sets of operating parameters at least one set based on the estimation; and (c) controlling the system to operate at the chosen at least one set of operating parameters. |
| US09989400B2 |
Method to provide a quality measure for meter verification results
A system for evaluating a flow rate measurement includes a flowmeter and a diagnostic system. The diagnostic system is configured to perform a diagnostic test for detecting a physical change in the flowmeter that could impair operation of the flowmeter, output a result of the diagnostic test, evaluate a reliability of the diagnostic test using information about a process condition, and output an indication of the reliability of the diagnostic test. |
| US09989394B2 |
Automatic shut off valve
A shut off valve featuring a flow conduit with a fluid inflow end and a fluid outflow end, at least one electrically actuated flow control element coupled to the conduit with a blocking state and a flow state, control circuits coupled to the element and a local power source coupled at least to the control circuits. Wherein, in response to a received signal from a displaced source, the control circuits switch the element from the flow state to the blocking state. |
| US09989392B2 |
Method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter and corresponding Coriolis mass flowmeter
A method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter (1) having at least one measuring tube (2) and at least one sensor (3), wherein the sensor (3) emits an electric sensor signal depending on the temperature of the sensor (3), the sensor (3) is mechanically coupled to the rest of the Coriolis mass flowmeter (1) via a connection (5) and the connection (5) has a thermal resistance. To provide a method for operating a Coriolis mass flowmeter that makes recognition of a change in the connection possible an electric excitation signal is generated, the excitation signal is impressed in the sensor (3), the sensor signal influenced by the excitation signal is detected, a change between the detected sensor signal and a reference signal is determined and the change between the detected sensor signal and the reference signal is associated with a change in the thermal resistance. |
| US09989382B2 |
Detecting movement of a seatbelt sensor
Provided herein are approaches for detecting movement of a seatbelt sensor. In some approaches, a detector includes a sensor housing coupled to a plate of a vehicle restraint system, and a sensor disposed within the sensor housing, wherein the sensor is operable to sense a position of a magnet in proximity to the sensor. The detector further includes a magnetic field accumulator (e.g., a pole-piece) coupled to the sensor, wherein the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another, and wherein the sensor receives an indication of a magnetic field accumulated by the magnetic field accumulator as the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another. A change in the magnetic field distribution correlates to a change in position of the plate, to which the magnet is coupled. |
| US09989371B1 |
Determining handoff checkpoints for low-resolution robot planning
Methods, apparatus, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for determining and assigning intermediate handoff checkpoints for low-resolution robot planning. In various implementations, a global path planner may identify a task to be performed by a robot in an environment. In various implementations, the global path planner may determine, based at least in part on one or more attributes of the environment or the task, an intermediate handoff checkpoint for the robot to reach by a scheduled time while the robot performs the task. In various implementations, the global path planner may determine that a measure of reactivity that would be attributable to the robot upon the robot being assigned the intermediate handoff checkpoint satisfies a reactivity threshold. In various implementations, the global path planner may provide, to a local path planner associated with the robot, data indicative of the intermediate handoff checkpoint. |
| US09989369B2 |
Proactive re-routing of vehicles to control traffic flow
Aspects of the present disclosure include a navigation system and computer-implemented methods for proactively re-routing vehicles to control traffic flow. Consistent with some embodiments, the navigation system seeks to reduce traffic flow along primary navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively short travel times) by re-routing vehicles to alternative navigation routes (e.g., routes with relatively longer travel times) using incentives. As an example, upon detecting a vehicle traveling along an alternative route instead of a primary route, the navigation system updates a data structure that represents a user account of a vehicle occupant to reflect an increased account balance. Consistent with some embodiments, the amount of value provided to an occupant of a vehicle traveling along an alternative routes may be obtained from user accounts of occupants of other vehicles that are traveling along a primary route. |
| US09989368B2 |
Identifying closed roads and routes
A set of smart devices includes a first smart device physically placed at a first geolocation and a second smart device physically placed at a second geolocation. The first and second smart devices obtain their first and second current geolocations. The first smart device sends the first current geolocation and a first roadway status information indicating a start of the roadway to a mapping service over a wireless communications network, and the second smart device also sends the second current geolocation and a second roadway status information indicating an end of the roadway to the mapping service. The first and second roadway status information may further indicates that the roadway defined by the first and second current geolocations is a closed roadway or a detour. The mapping service may calculate routes based on the first and second geolocations and the first and second roadway status information. |
| US09989363B2 |
Hemispherical resonator gyro
A hemispherical resonator gyro includes: a vibration mode shape extractor to extract, based on sine and cosine wave signals corresponding to an actuator drive frequency and radial displacement of a hemispherical resonator, a vibration mode shape excited in the hemispherical resonator; a drive frequency corrector to cause, based on a resonance phase characteristic of the hemispherical resonator, the actuator drive frequency to match resonance frequency of the hemispherical resonator; a nodal quadrature vibration controller to generate, based on a vibration amplitude of a nodal quadrature vibration and azimuth orientation of wave antinode of a resonance mode, an actuator DC drive signal to suppress the nodal quadrature vibration; and a resonance controller to generate an actuator AC drive signal to control the vibration amplitude to be a constant value, and detect a rotational angle in an angle measurement axis direction from the azimuth orientation of wave antinode of the resonance mode. |
| US09989356B2 |
Shape measuring apparatus
A shape measuring apparatus includes: an irradiating part configured to irradiate work with a linear line laser, the irradiating part including: a light source configured to produce laser light; a first optical member configured to linearly spread the laser light from the light source and generate the line laser; and a second optical member, provided between the light source and the first optical member, configured to adjust an area of irradiation with a line laser on the work; a first sensor configured to receive a line laser reflected by the work and capture an image of the work; a lens configured to form an image of a line laser reflected by the work on an imaging surface of the first sensor; and a control part configured to control adjustment of the area of irradiation with the line laser on the work by the second optical member. |
| US09989347B2 |
Method and apparatus for inspecting workpieces
A series of nominally identical workpieces is received from a manufacturing process and measured on a measuring apparatus. They are received at a non-ambient temperature because of heat introduced during the manufacturing process, but they are placed on the measuring apparatus in a repeatable manner, e.g. by a robot, such that their non-ambient temperatures when measured are repeatable. One of the workpieces is measured as a reference workpiece at the non-ambient temperature, and these measurements are compared to calibrated values obtained from an external source, in order to generate an error map or error function. The error map or error function is used to correct measurements of subsequent workpieces of the series which are measured at the repeatable non-ambient temperature. |
| US09989342B1 |
Case orientation device
A case orientation device may include an input chute coupled to a discharge chute via a funnel. The input chute may have a width dimension which may be greater than the length dimension of the ammunition case. The discharge chute may have a width dimension which may be less than the less than the length dimension of the case. The funnel may transition from the width dimension of the input chute to the width dimension of the discharge chute. A splitter may be disposed in the funnel, and the splitter may have a tipping surface which may be oriented towards the input chute. A case may enter the input chute in a horizontal orientation, may be rotated out of the horizontal orientation via contact with the tipping surface, and may be forced into a vertical orientation to enter the discharge chute in the vertical orientation. |
| US09989341B2 |
Stun grenades and methods of assembling stun grenades
Stun grenades may include a fuze configured to ignite a delay material secured to a housing including a delay chamber in which the delay material is located. A handle of the fuze may be located over a final payload chamber of the series of payload chambers, payload material in the final payload chamber being configured to ignite after ignition of payload material in each other payload chamber of a series of payload chambers. Methods of assembling stun grenades may involve positioning an obstruction in a port extending between a delay chamber and a payload chamber of a series of payload chambers surrounding the delay chamber in a housing. A delay material may be packed in the delay chamber. The obstruction may be removed, and a payload material may be positioned in the payload chamber and the port. |
| US09989332B1 |
Shooting angle fitting method for integrated precision photoelectric sighting system
The invention belongs to the technical field of sighting mirrors, and specifically relates to a shooting angle fitting method for an integrated precision photoelectric sighting system. The invention puts forward a precision photoelectric sighting system, which is simple in shooting calibration and quick and accurate in sighting, adapts to any environmental factor, can furthest reduce the use of sensors and realizes double-eye sighting. The invention provides a shooting angle fitting method for an integrated precision photoelectric sighting system. The system comprises a view field acquisition unit, a display unit, a ranging unit and a sighting circuit unit; the sighting circuit unit is provided with a memory card, the memory card stores the shooting angle fitting method, and precise shooting under any environment is realized using the integrated precision photoelectric sighting system. |
| US09989325B2 |
Secure smartphone-operated gun lock with means for overriding release of the lock
A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed adjacent the trigger of a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun keys are provided to transmit gun lock/unlock data to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to a gun control signal transmitted by one of the gun key devices with priority over a gun control signal transmitted by another gun key device. The logic device automatically locks the gun when it is located in a proscribed area, such as within a school zone or outside a prescribed protected area. The logic device also locks the gun when the gun user is intoxicated or acting in an irrational manner. Once locked, the user must set a timer which allows the gun to be unlocked only after a specified “wait” time. In case of emergency, when the gun must be available for immediate use, the user can override the safety features and unlock the gun by speaking a “secret word” or phrase. |
| US09989321B2 |
Heat dissipation device
A heat dissipation device includes a heat dissipation member, a heat transfer member, and a reinforcing member. The heat transfer member has one side attached to the heat dissipation member, and two opposite lateral edges thereof are respectively provided with at least one connection portion and at least one through hole. The reinforcing member is connected to the other side of the heat transfer member, and two opposite lateral edges thereof are respectively formed with at least one mating connection portion for correspondingly connecting to the connection portion. The reinforcing member is provided at a central portion with an opening. With these arrangements, the heat transfer member can bear a larger locking force when the heat dissipation member is locked thereto, and is also prevented from deformation. |
| US09989319B2 |
Plate heat exchanger
A Plate and Shell type plate heat exchanger, which comprises a plate pack, a shell surrounding the plate pack, and end plates mainly in the direction of the ends of the plate pack and inlet and outlet connections for a first heat exchange medium and a second heat exchange medium arranged through the end plate. The plate pack of the heat exchanger is arranged inside the shell in an acentric manner, so that the midpoint of the cross-section of the plate pack deviates substantially from the midpoint of the cross-section of the shell in the vertical direction and/or lateral direction of the cross-section. |
| US09989313B2 |
Smelting ladle and method for improving use efficiency thereof
A smelting ladle and a method for improving use efficiency thereof. The smelting ladle includes a housing, a working layer, and a permanent layer. The method includes: 1) rebuilding the working layer to have an outer layer and an inner layer, the inner layer being a consumable working layer which contacts with molten steel and steel slag, and the outer layer being a circulating working layer which contacts with the permanent layer or directly contacts with the housing; 2) allowing the smelting ladle to work, when the thickness of the consumable working layer is reduced to be between 0 and 20 mm, removing a residue of the consumable working layer and masoning a new consumable working layer for the smelting ladle; and 3) repeating 2) until the circulating working layer reaches a designed service life thereof, and casting a new circulating working layer for the smelting ladle. |
| US09989310B2 |
Dryer exhaust heat recovery
Waste heat is extracted from the exhaust (20) of a biomass dryer (14) in a grain alcohol plant (10). A boiler circuit (74) provides high pressure steam to a balance of the plant (64). A recovered energy circuit (76) extracts heat from the exhaust via a dryer exhaust condensing economizer (24) and provides a steam mixture (60) to satisfy an intermediate pressure steam demand of the balance of the plant, thereby bypassing a portion of the boiler circuit. Working fluids in the boiler and recovered energy circuits are intermixed in a boiler feed vessel (72). Dryer exhaust condensate (30) may be used in an exhaust gas scrubber (22) upstream of the dryer exhaust condensing economizer to remove pollutants and to saturate (26) the exhaust gas for improved heat transfer. Heat transfer may be further improved by operating the dryer exhaust condensing economizer at an elevated pressure. |
| US09989304B2 |
Method for utilization of lean boil-off gas stream as a refrigerant source
This invention relates to a system and method for liquefying natural gas. In another aspect, the invention concerns an improved liquefied natural gas facility employing a closed loop methane refrigeration cycle. In another aspect, the invention concerns the utilization of lean boil-off gas. |
| US09989303B1 |
Refrigeration device comprising a transport securing element
A refrigeration device having a heat-insulated inner container, which is configured to delimit a cooling chamber for storing refrigerated goods, wherein the inner container has a lateral container wall. The refrigeration device includes a shelf mounted on the inner container, wherein the shelf has a lateral shelf edge, and a transport securing element for securing the shelf during transport of the refrigeration device, wherein the transport securing element is positioned between the lateral container wall and the lateral shelf edge, and wherein the transport securing element is formed with a recess, which is configured to enclose the lateral shelf edge. |
| US09989299B1 |
Cooler
A cooler includes a bottom, a top, a left side, a right side, a front, and a back defining an interior. A plurality of lights extends along at least one of the back corners of the cooler. The interior of the cooler is divided into a bottom insulated portion for storing items that must remain cold and a top non-insulated portion for storing utensils, and other items without temperature requirements. The top of the cooler includes a food preparation surface. Optionally, the cooler includes a handle having at least one light directed toward the top of the cooler. |
| US09989292B2 |
Ice cube manipulation via heat
An ice making device includes heating and cooling elements that control the formation of ice within a cavity. The ice making device may include one or more fluid inlets that supply liquid water to the cavity, and one or more fluid outlets that drain water from the cavity after formation of ice having a desired shape. |
| US09989291B2 |
Ice machine discharge assembly ratchet structure
An ice machine includes an ice discharge gear to which an output of a motor is transmitted. The ice discharge gear is configured to rotate about a rotation axis, a cam member is disposed at a first axial side of the ice discharge gear and provided with a ratchet structure between the cam member and the ice discharge gear, and an ice discharge shaft is connected to the cam member in a facing relationship with the cam member and configured to scrape out ice pieces with ice discharge claw portions during rotation of the ice discharge shaft. A flat or substantially flat sleeve is disposed at a second axial side of the ice discharge gear so as to face the ice discharge gear across a gap, and an elastic member is interposed between the sleeve and the ice discharge gear. |
| US09989287B2 |
Refrigerator and control method thereof
A control method includes initially operating a compressor at the same RPM as an operating RPM of the compressor during a previous cycle, adjusting the RPM in consideration of an operation rate of the previous cycle such that the RPM is increased when the operation rate is greater than a first set value, reduced when the operation rate is less than a second set value, and maintained when the operation rate is within a range between the first set value and the second set value, and operating the compressor at the adjusted RPM, the first set value being greater than the second set value. |
| US09989285B2 |
Purging apparatus
A purging apparatus for removing a non-condensable gas from a refrigeration system is described and which includes a low temperature liquid refrigerant storage tank for enclosing refrigerant, which is supplied by the refrigeration system, and a condenser having a main body, which lies in conductive heat transferring relation relative to an exterior facing surface of the storage tank and progressively to the low temperature liquid refrigerant within, and wherein the condenser, is maintained at a reduced temperature by the low temperature liquid refrigerant enclosed within the storage tank, and wherein foul gas generated by the refrigeration system is processed by the condenser in a manner so as to remove non-condensed refrigerant, and return the condensed refrigerant to the storage tank while releasing non-condensable gases to the ambient environment. |
| US09989284B2 |
Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus uses R32 as refrigerant, and includes a compressor, condenser, expansion mechanism, evaporator, accumulator, branching flow path, opening degree adjustment valve disposed in the branching flow path, injection-use heat exchanger and a first injection flow path. The accumulator has an inside space to separate and accumulate refrigerant. The injection-use heat exchanger causes heat exchange between refrigerant flowing through the main refrigerant flow path and that has passed through the opening degree adjustment valve of the branching flow path. The first injection flow path guides the refrigerant that has flowed through the branching flow path and exited the injection-use heat exchanger to the inside space of the accumulator. A distal end of the first injection flow path is located in a height position separated by a dimension from a bottom of the inside space. The dimension is 0 to 0.3 times a height dimension of the inside space. |
| US09989279B2 |
Refrigerant vapor compression system with intercooler
A refrigerant vapor compression system includes a compression device having at least a first compression stage and a second compression stage, a refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger disposed downstream with respect to refrigerant flow of the second compression stage, and a refrigerant intercooler disposed intermediate the first compression stage and the second compression stage. The refrigerant intercooler is disposed downstream of the refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger with respect to the flow of a secondary fluid. A second refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger may be disposed downstream with respect to refrigerant flow of the aforesaid refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger, and a second refrigerant intercooler may be disposed intermediate the first compression stage and the second compression stage and downstream with respect to refrigerant flow of the aforesaid refrigerant intercooler. |
| US09989274B2 |
Battery compartment for an HVAC controller
An HVAC controller may include a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly releasably securable to the first sub-assembly. The first sub-assembly may include a housing having the back and a cover, a printed circuit board at least substantially enclosed by the housing, a battery compartment formed in the back of the housing for receiving one or more batteries, and a display exposed for viewing through an aperture in the cover of the housing for viewing the display by a user. The printed circuit board may include one or more battery terminals that extend from the printed circuit board through the back of the housing and into the battery compartment. In some cases, the battery compartment may define a cup-shaped reservoir that may be configured to collect leakage from one or more of the batteries. |
| US09989272B2 |
Air conditioner
In an air conditioner, one of a linkage mode or a non-linkage mode is selected by a user as a control mode of an external device. In the air conditioner, when the linkage mode is selected, on/off control of the external device by using a human detection sensor is permitted during operation, whereas on/off control of the external device by using the human detection sensor is inhibited during suspension of operation. In the air conditioner, when the non-linkage mode is selected, on/off control of the external device by using the human detection sensor is always permitted, irrespective of whether the air conditioner is in operation or not. |
| US09989256B2 |
Injection system for a turbine engine combustion chamber configured for direct injection of two coaxial fuel flows
An injection system for a turbine engine combustion chamber is provided. The injection system includes a first annular deflector surrounded by the bowl of the injection system and extending in the downstream direction from the downstream transverse surface that delimits the downstream side of the swirler. The first deflector has a free downstream end offset in the upstream direction from a downstream end of the bowl, so as to guide an air film output from the first orifices formed through the bowl. The internal radius of the cross section of the first annular deflector increases from the downstream transverse surface as far as the downstream end of the first annular deflector. |
| US09989253B2 |
Combustion instability control method
A gas turbine combustion instability control device has a combustion unit provided with a hollow combustion chamber, a gas turbine connected to the inside of the combustion chamber and a dynamic pressure sensor which is provided to the inside of the combustion chamber and measures the combustion dynamics of the inside of the combustion chamber; a diagnosis module which processes combustion dynamic pressure signals (p) according to the combustion dynamics measured by the dynamic pressure sensor to calculate the kurtosis value (k) of the dynamic pressure signals, and compares the same with a kurtosis reference value (kth) to evaluate the combustion instability; and a combustion control unit for controlling the operation of the combustion part according to the determination of the diagnosis module. |
| US09989251B2 |
System for gasifying waste, method for gasifying waste
The invention provides a system for reducing the volume of bulk material, comprising a transportable container; a single chamber adapted to receive said transportable container; a means for establishing a plurality of controlled atmospheres within said chamber; a plurality of electrically-charged heating elements capable of heating said chamber to at least 1200 F; and an waste heat generator in fluid communication with the chamber. A method for simultaneously thermally degrading different waste differently in a single chamber, comprising filling each container within a plurality of containers with preselected waste and placing each container within the chamber at preselected positions; establishing a controlled atmosphere within the chamber and applying heat to the waste for a time and at a temperature sufficient to gasify the waste; collecting thermal degradation data during gasification; and applying the collected data to an algorithm to adjust the temperature and oxygen concentrations for each preselected position. |
| US09989250B2 |
Automatic gas torch ignition in an oxygen rich environment
A method of starting an auto-ignition gas torch includes increasing a flow of oxygen above zero and increasing a flow of fuel gas to a level lower than the flow of oxygen for improved start reliability. In one form, the flow of oxygen is from about two times to about six times higher than the flow of fuel gas. |
| US09989247B2 |
Pyrolysis-combustion dual-bed system for eliminating contamination by combustion of high-sodium coal
A pyrolysis-combustion dual-bed system comprises a fluidized bed, a cyclone separator, a coal ash distributor, an ash-coal mixer, a lower pyrolysis bed, a return feeder and a cleaner, wherein the cyclone separator is connected with an upper lateral side of the fluidized bed, the outlet end of the cyclone separator is connected with the inlet end of the coal ash distributor; the two outlets of the lower pyrolysis bed are respectively connected with the inlet of an external bed and the inlet of the cleaner; the outlet of the external bed is connected with the inlet of the return feeder; the return feeder close to the lower lateral side of the fluidized bed is connected with the inlet on the lower lateral side of the fluidized bed; and the outlet of the cleaner is connected with the inlet of the lower lateral side of the fluidized bed. |
| US09989243B2 |
Textile optics—solution for robust flexible light treatment pads
A method of bonding a silicone-based element to a textile based element is provided. The method comprises steps that enable a user to bond a silicone-based element to a textile based element using a fibrous material to strengthen the bond. An assembly constructed according to the method is also provided. This assembly is particularly suited to being disposed against skin due to the high biocompatibility of silicone, particularly PDMS. |
| US09989240B2 |
LED lamps for retrofit on high wattage metal halide ballasts
According to some embodiments, a system and housing provide a lamp including a heat sink including: an annular tube including a first end and a second end, a plurality of fins extending radially from an exterior surface of the annular tube, wherein a length of each fin extends from the first end of the annular tube to the second end of the annular tube; a plurality of light sources in thermal contact with the heat sink; a driver circuit operative to provide the input voltage and current for the plurality of light sources; and a capper positioned at the second end of the annular tube, wherein the capper is operative to be received in a socket. Numerous other aspects are provided. |
| US09989238B2 |
Low light failure, high power led street lamp and method for manufacturing the same
A low light failure high power LED street lamp and a manufacturing method therefor. Color mark is made on tail end of N-type semiconductor element (6) or P-type semiconductor element (7); then N-type and P-type semiconductor element (6, 7) are arranged in matrix manner between upper beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (8) and lower beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (9), so that head end of N-type semiconductor element (6) is connected with tail end of P-type semiconductor element (7) or tail end of N-type semiconductor element (6) is connected with head end of P-type semiconductor element (7), then lower beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (9) is attached, through graphene thermal conductive greaseon layer (4), on backside of circuit board (2) which is mounted with LED bulbs (3), and heat sink (15) is mounted on upper beryllium-oxide ceramic wafer (8), then circuit board (2) together with heat sink (15) are mounted into street lamp housing (1). |
| US09989234B2 |
Interior aircraft LED light unit
An interior aircraft LED light unit includes at least one printed circuit board, on which a plurality of LEDs are connected to a power source, each one of the plurality of LEDs having a predetermined distance to the power source, and each one of the plurality of LEDs being associated with a respective thermal transfer member having a predetermined size, for transferring heat away from the respective LED, wherein, for at least some of the plurality of LEDs the predetermined size of the respective thermal transfer member varies with the predetermined distance of the LED to the power source. |
| US09989220B2 |
Lighting module and housing
A lighting device is provided. The light device (1) comprises a light source (2), a driver (3) for providing an output to said light source (2), and a first housing (4). The first housing (4) comprises a blister pack with at least one compartment suitable for locating said light source (2) and driver (3). A second housing (6) may also be provided and the second housing (6) may advantageously comprise a luminaire. |
| US09989218B2 |
Methods and apparatus for adjusting a lighting parameter in a light management system based on user action
Methods and apparatus for adjusting at least one lighting parameter based on user action. For example, methods and apparatus adjust one of a minimum set point and a maximum set point in response to a user manipulation of a component of a light management system (10, 110). The adjusted at least one of the minimum set point and the maximum set point are adjusted based on a measured interior illuminance value after the user manipulation. The set points may be indicative of user desired levels of interior illuminance. |
| US09989217B2 |
Beam framing system for an automated luminaire
Described are an improved automated luminaire and automated luminaire system with both a spot light and wash light mode of operation, which employs an improved beam shutter blade system that serves as framing shutters in spot light mode and barn doors in wash light mode. |
| US09989211B2 |
Vehicle lamp with particular sealing gasket
A vehicle lamp has a housing for holding a circuit board, and a gasket mounted on the housing to waterproof the circuit board. A fastening portion is provided on the gasket to fasten the circuit board to the housing. A lid member is provided which is connected to the housing to fasten the gasket. |
| US09989204B2 |
Substrate tensioning systems
An example embodiment of substrate tensioning system is disclosed that may comprise a frame including four sides and channels, wherein the channels may comprise a first surface, a second surface that opposes the first surface, and an edge truss retention feature. The substrate tensioning system may further comprise at least one substrate including four major edges and a first surface, wherein each major edge is configured with one or more edge trusses configured from corresponding folds in the at least one substrate, such that the edge trusses may be configured at an angle relative to the first surface of the substrate. The at least one substrate may attach to the frame, wherein each edge truss may nest inside, and be secured inside a corresponding frame channel, wherein a perimeter edge of each outermost edge truss may be engaged by the corresponding frame channel's edge truss retention feature. |
| US09989192B2 |
Pressure reducer with flow selector for gas cylinder
A device for regulating the pressure and/or flow of pressurized gas, comprising a body with a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas passage connecting the outlet with the inlet, a pressure reducer and a flow selector arranged downstream of the pressure reducer, a hand-wheel rotatably mounted on the body and cooperating with the flow selector for adjusting the flow, and a pressure indicator located at the center of the hand-wheel. The device comprises also a shaft rigidly fixed to the body and rotatably bearing the hand-wheel, the shaft supporting the pressure reducer and comprising a gas channel fluidly connected to the gas passage in the body. |
| US09989182B2 |
Method of forming a sealed joint between a tubular article and a sheet article
A method of forming a sealed joint between a tubular article (10) and a thin sheet article (14) wherein the articles (10, 14) are made of metallic materials that are capable of fusion welding together. One step in the method involves locating an end of the tubular article in a collar (20) surrounding a hole (12) formed in the thin sheet article (14). An end (22) of the tubular article (14) is positioned to lie substantially flush with a proximal end (24) of the collar (20). Next the ends (22, 24) of the collar and the tubular article are fusion welded forming a circumferential bead (26) creating an integral joint. Consequently in effect the previously separate a tubular article (10) and a thin sheet article (14) become a single piece. |
| US09989180B2 |
Attachment for air valve
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a mouth engaged in a housing and having a compartment for engaging with either a US or French inflation valve, a barrel engaged into the housing and engaged onto the mouth, an actuator slidably engaged in the housing and engageable with the barrel, and a cam member is engageable with the actuator for selectively forcing the actuator and the barrel to compress the mouth to grasp either of the inflation valves to the housing, a tube is slidably engaged in the actuator and extendible into the mouth, and a catch is slidably engaged in the actuator and engageable into the actuator for selectively engaging with and for retaining the tube to the actuator. |
| US09989173B2 |
Flexible pipe
The present invention provides a flexible pipe having excellent blister resistance in a high-temperature and high-pressure environment even though including a thick resin pipe. The flexible pipe includes a resin pipe having a thickness of greater than 5 mm. The resin pipe is formed from a resin having a CO2 permeability coefficient P(CO2) of 20×10−9 cm3·cm/cm2·s·cmHg or lower at 150° C., a CH4 permeability coefficient P(CH4) of 10×10−9 cm3·cm/cm2·s·cmHg or lower at 150° C., a ratio D(CO2)/S(CO2) between a CO2 diffusion coefficient D(CO2) and a CO2 solubility coefficient S(CO2) of 3×10−5 Pa·m2/s or higher at 150° C., and a ratio D(CH4)/S(CH4) between a CH4 diffusion coefficient D(CH4) and a CH4 solubility coefficient S(CH4) of higher than 15×10−5 Pa·m2/s at 150° C. |
| US09989171B2 |
Lifting device
Lifting device (1) suitable for lifting a tube or pipeline (25) with respect to a supporting girder (26) with an H profile or I profile, whereby the lifting device (1) at least contains the following elements: —a supporting body (2); —gripping means (3) on the supporting body (2) that can grip over opposite side edges (30,32) of a free flange (30) of the girder (26), and with which the supporting body (2) can be suspended from this free flange (30) of the girder (26) with an H profile or I profile; and, —lifting means (4) provided on the supporting body (2) on either side of the gripping means (3), with which the tube or pipeline (25) can be lifted with respect to the supporting body (2). |
| US09989144B2 |
Motor coupling device
A motor coupling device for connecting a drivetrain of a hybrid vehicle to a motor and transferring a driving torque of the motor to the drivetrain, the motor coupling device comprising: a coupling plate connected to a rotation shaft of the motor and engaging with a connecting plate of the drivetrain; and a first backlash compensation unit installed at one surface of the coupling plate, interfering with the connecting plate, and compensating for backlash when a motor reverse torque is generated. |
| US09989136B2 |
Starting device
A starting device where the lock-up clutch is a single-plate clutch including a piston having a friction material that is in frictional engagement with the input member; and the piston and the input element of the damper mechanism are coupled to each other on a radially inner side of the plurality of pendulum mass bodies so as to rotate together. |
| US09989129B2 |
Intelligent belt drive system and method
In one aspect the invention relates to a tensioner that is capable of precognitively anticipating when it is desirable to increase the tension in a belt or other endless drive element so as to prevent belt slip prior to events that would raise the risk of it. |
| US09989128B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A multiple speed transmission includes 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 continuously 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 eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are achieved by the selective engagement of the plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. |
| US09989120B2 |
Balancer
A balancer, attachable via its attaching portion to a rotatable body, and rotatable together therewith about its rotation axis, includes: weights of same mass and shape; and a weight holder with storage chambers for housing the weights, respectively, such that the weights can oscillate in arbitrary directions. The weight is shaped similar to and smaller than the chamber. The chamber is a cylindrical space extending alongside its central axis; and has concave curved ends perpendicular to the central axis. Midpoints of the central axes of the chambers are contact points on a circumference of a circle having the rotation axis as its center and being on an arbitrary plane perpendicular to the rotation axis; and are positioned so that they create a rotational symmetry around the rotation axis. The balancer can correct dynamic imbalance in rotatable bodies, such as machine tools, at both low-speeds and high-speeds of rotation. |
| US09989115B2 |
Disc brake system
A brake system including a piston brake system and an integral parking brake system. The brake system includes a brake piston having a piston bore, and a brake pad. The parking brake system includes a rotary to linear stage mechanism located at least partially within the piston bore. During a brake apply, the brake piston and the brake pad are moved against a brake rotor to create a clamp force. During a parking brake apply, the rotary to linear stage mechanism transfers torque into a linear force to move the same brake piston and the same brake pad against the brake rotor to create a clamp force. |
| US09989108B2 |
Method for determining connection state of engine clutch
A method for determining a connection state of an engine clutch includes: a stroke sensing operation of sensing, by a controller, a change of an actuator stroke of the engine clutch; a first pressure comparing operation of determining whether or not an actuator pressure of the engine clutch exceeds a first set pressure and is then changed to below the first set pressure when the actuator stroke is increased; a torque comparing operation of comparing transfer a torque of the engine clutch with a set torque when the actuator pressure exceeds the first set pressure and is then operated to below the first set pressure; and an open determining operation of determining that the engine clutch is in an open state when the transfer torque of the engine clutch is the set torque or less. |
| US09989090B2 |
Slewing roller bearing with sealing arrangement
A slewing bearing providing a first ring, a second ring, the rings being concentric around a central axis (X1), at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings in order to form an axial thrust that can transmit axial forces, at least one row of rolling elements arranged between the rings in order to form a radial thrust that can transmit radial forces, and at least one sealing assembly arranged between the first ring and the second ring. The sealing assembly provides first sealing means being arranged outside second sealing means, an annular sealed chamber being defined between the first sealing means and second sealing means. |
| US09989075B2 |
Working cylinder
A cylinder has first and second coupling partners. The first coupling partner is a cylindrical tube. The second coupling partner is a closing element. One coupling partner is inserted axially into the other coupling partner. Each of the coupling partners has an annular groove. The groove of the inserted coupling partner is an external groove. The groove of the remaining coupling partner is an internal groove and the grooves of the coupling partners lie opposite one another. The working cylinder includes a spring-loaded coupling ring, and which when deformed in a tensioning direction, can be fully accommodated by the groove of one coupling partner and which, when deformed in the release direction, engages in the grooves of both coupling partners. The inserted coupling partner is oversized in relation to the remaining coupling partner and provides a additional frictional connection. |
| US09989066B2 |
Low power and low noise fan-scroll with multiple split incoming air-streams
The disclosure relates to a blower assembly having a blower housing, an impeller adapted for rotation about an axis A-A disposed in blower housing, and an intake plenum cooperating with the interior first surface of the blower housing to define an air entrance passage for receiving an incoming air flow. The intake plenum includes means to split the incoming air flow into a plurality of air streams and direct the air streams to predetermined portions of the impeller susceptible to stall conditions as the impeller rotates about the axis A-A. The means to split the incoming air may include a splitter plate disposed in the air entrance passage or at least one port defined in a portion of the air intake plenum adjacent the impeller. |
| US09989064B2 |
Balance piston for multiphase fluid processing
A rotating machine including a rotor operable to rotate about a centerline axis and subjected to axial thrust loads along the centerline axis during operation; a balance piston engaged with the rotor; a stator positioned around the balance piston and the rotor wherein a fluid passageway extends between the internal face of the stator and the external face of the balance piston; the fluid passageway including at least one cavity. A balance piston for a rotating machine including at least two segments arranged with a shift in diameter between each other. |
| US09989054B2 |
Compact ultrahigh pressure dynamic seal assembly with pressure activating backup ring
The invention features a seal assembly for a high pressure liquid system. The seal assembly includes a seal carrier having abuse portion defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a bore. The seal carrier also includes a seal disposed within the bore of the seal carrier. The seal carrier also includes a backup ring disposed within the bore of the seal carrier. The seal carrier also includes a hoop ring disposed substantially between the seal and the backup ring, the hoop ring having a proximal surface and an outer surface. |
| US09989053B2 |
Housing for high-pressure fluid applications
A housing for use in high-pressure fluid applications, and in particular a structure for the fluid end of a multi-cylinder reciprocating pump used in oilfield, wherein the structure includes features such as ruled surfaces and increased sidewall thickness to improve resistance to stress applied and has an extended the service life. |
| US09989051B2 |
Linear compressor
A linear compressor is provided that may include a shell in which a discharge port may be provided, a cylinder disposed in the shell to define a compression space for a refrigerant, a piston disposed to be reciprocated in an axial direction within the cylinder, a discharge valve disposed on or at one side of the cylinder to selectively discharge the refrigerant compressed in the compression space, a valve spring coupled to the discharge valve to provide a restoring force, and a stopper coupled to the valve spring to restrict deformation of the valve spring. The stopper may include a guide recessed in a direction in which the valve spring is deformed to reduce an impulse between the stopper and the valve spring. |
| US09989047B2 |
Micro-gas pressure driving device
A micro-gas pressure driving device includes a miniature gas transportation module, a covering plate and a tube plate. The miniature gas transportation module includes a convergence plate, a resonance membrane and a piezoelectric actuator. When the piezoelectric actuator is activated to feed a gas into an input tube of the tube plate, the gas is sequentially transferred through a first input chamber, a second input chamber, an inlet, a convergence channel and a central opening of the convergence plate, a central aperture of the resonance membrane, and transferred downwardly through the piezoelectric actuator and an output chamber, and outputted from an output tube of the tube plate. The first input chamber is arranged between the covering plate and the input tube. The second input chamber is defined between the covering plate and the convergence plate. The output chamber is defined between the tube plate and the piezoelectric actuator. |
| US09989045B2 |
Manual piston air pump having high flow electric rotary pump
A triple action air pump includes a manual pump mechanism and an electrical pump mechanism. The mechanical pump mechanism has a piston mounted within a cylindrical housing, a shaft having a first end coupled to the piston and a second end that passes out of the cylindrical housing via an aperture in an end of the cylindrical housing, and a handle coupled to the second end of the shaft. The mechanical pump mechanism operates on both upstrokes and down-strokes of the handle. In one embodiment, the cylindrical housing has a single inner chamber and the electrical pump mechanism is mounted within the same chamber as the piston. In a second embodiment, the cylindrical housing has two separate inner chambers, with the mechanical pump mechanism mounted within one chamber and the electrical pump mechanism mounted within the other chamber. |
| US09989036B2 |
Wind turbine blade lightning bypass system
A wind turbine blade is described having a lightning bypass system located at the root end of the blade. The lightning bypass system comprises a stay bolt formed from an electrically insulating material having a conductive core. The conductive core of the stay bolt provides a conductive path for a lightning down conductor system through the root end of a wind turbine blade to the turbine hub or nacelle, bypassing any sensitive root end components of the wind turbine blade. |
| US09989033B2 |
Horizontal axis wind or water turbine with forked or multi-blade upper segments
Efficiency of a horizontal axis wind/water turbine (HAWT) is increased by the addition of a secondary blade associated with each main blade. The secondary blade is preferably a blade segment paralleling the main blade only in the outer reach of the main blade. The secondary blade travels rotationally ahead of the main blade and axially behind it, in an area in which air has not been disturbed by the main blades and in which disturbance of air by the secondary blade is not seen by the main blades. In one embodiment the secondary blade is carried by its associated main blade. In another embodiment, the secondary blades are carried by a ring or wheel which rotates with the main blades and the axle to which they are attached. |
| US09989032B2 |
Control device for spark ignition type internal combustion engine
To alleviate or eliminate a problem of unburned fuel discharged to the outside of a cylinder in a case in which an air fuel mixture is insufficiently combusted in a combustion chamber. During the expansion stroke in which a high voltage is applied to an ignition plug via an ignition coil, and a spark discharge is caused to occur at the ignition plug, thereby the air fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is ignited and combusted, in a case in which deterioration of combustion state is detected, a microwave electric field is created in the combustion chamber prior to an opening timing of an exhaust valve at an end stage of the expansion stroke, thereby plasma is generated and enlarged in the combustion chamber. |
| US09989025B2 |
Injector assembly
A distal end portion of an injector is fitted into a mounting member. A fuel joint having a connecting pipe portion is connected to a proximal portion of the injector. A joint pressing member which restricts the displacement of the fuel joint in the direction away from the mounting member is fixed by fastening to the mounting member. The injector is fixed to the mounting member by restricting the displacement of the fuel joint by the joint pressing member. |
| US09989023B2 |
Methods and systems for increasing airflow through a charge air cooler to decrease charge air cooler condensate
Methods and systems are provided for increasing airflow through a charge air cooler (CAC) in order to purge condensate from the CAC. In one example, a method includes increasing airflow through the CAC while maintaining torque by selectively deactivating one or more engine cylinders and increasing boost. The number of deactivated cylinders may be based on an amount of condensate within the CAC. |
| US09989021B2 |
Engine control valve in a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an engine control valve (100), comprising a flap (112) rotatably mounted in a valve body (126) around an axis (114) separating said flap into a first part (112A) and a second part (112B), said flap (112) being able to cooperate with sealing means carried by the valve body (126) in a closed position to stop the flow of a fluid through said flap for which the first part (112A) of the flap (112) sealingly cooperates with first sealing means (122A) and the second part (112B) of the flap (112) sealingly cooperates with second sealing means (124B). According to the invention, the first sealing means (122A) and the second sealing means (124B) are mounted securely so as to slide along the valve body (126). |
| US09989020B2 |
Auto-ignition internal combustion engine with exhaust-gas turbocharging and exhaust-gas recirculation
Embodiments of an internal combustion engine are provided. In one example, an engine includes at least one cylinder, an intake system for supplying charge air to the at least one cylinder, an exhaust-gas discharge system for discharging exhaust gas from the at least one cylinder, a first exhaust-gas turbocharger including a first turbine arranged in the exhaust-gas discharge system and a first compressor arranged in the intake system; and an exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system. The EGR system includes a line which branches off from the exhaust-gas discharge system and opens into the intake system, a second exhaust-gas turbocharger comprising an EGR turbine arranged in the line on a shaft and an EGR compressor arranged in the line on the shaft upstream of said EGR turbine, and an EGR cooler positioned between the EGR turbine and the EGR compressor. |
| US09989016B2 |
Electronic controlled fuel enrichment system
An apparatus for delivering a fuel-air mixture to an engine is provided. The apparatus includes: a carburetor having one or more passages and one or more chambers, wherein at least some of the passages and chambers are in communication with one another; and a fluid pump communicated with the carburetor and pumping fluid into or out of the carburetor to influence an fuel-to-air ratio of a fuel and air mixture delivered from the carburetor. |
| US09989015B2 |
Launcher stage comprising a temporary support structure for temporarily supporting nozzle sections allowing access to the core of the engine
A stage of a space launcher including an engine core, a tank secured above the engine core, and a nozzle including a first deployable nozzle section secured below the engine core, the nozzle further including a second and a third section configured to be situated extending from each other when the nozzle is in a deployed propulsion configuration. The stage further includes a structure for temporarily supporting nozzle sections mounted on the tank, configured to change the nozzle to a configuration for accessing the engine core wherein the nozzle sections are inserted into each other, with the third section bearing against a lower support of the temporary structure. |
| US09989008B2 |
Elongate cooling channel inlet for cooling channel pistons and method for operating
The invention relates to a piston for an internal combustion engine, having a piston lower part, an upper part, an internal cooling channel having at least one coolant inlet opening and at least one outlet opening defined by a rim hole. The rim hole having a screw thread into which at least one tubular element is inserted and selectively positioned relative to the cooling channel for regulating the coolant level in a cooling channel. |
| US09989005B1 |
Method and apparatus for modifying an automobile engine control unit
A secondary controller for controlling the performance of an automobile is described. The secondary controller can be configured to temporarily reprogram one or more vehicle controllers, such as the engine control unit, after the automobile has been powered on. The secondary controller can substitute command sets with different command sets by rewriting the corresponding portion of RAM. The secondary controller can receive vehicle information from the engine control unit to determine the particular type of vehicle to locate the particular command in RAM in order to rewrite the command set. In one embodiment, the secondary controller communicates with the vehicle controller via the vehicle's diagnostic port, such as an OBD-II port. In another embodiment, the secondary controller can be configured to control a variable displacement engine in a vehicle to command the vehicle to operate using all available cylinders. |
| US09989001B2 |
Discrete time rate-based model predictive control method for internal combustion engine air path control
A discrete time rate-based model predictive controller for air path control for a diesel engine regulates VGT position and EGR valve position to specified set points by coordinated control of intake manifold air pressure and EGR rate. The controller may be configured to measure or estimate at least one of the intake manifold pressure and EGR rate. A non-linear discrete time rate-based predictive model may be used, as developed by the controller. |
| US09988997B2 |
Method and system for engine temperature control
Methods and systems are provided to improve engine temperature control. Cylinders scheduled for deactivation may have their exhaust retained in the cylinder by holding an exhaust valve closed on the preceding firing cycle. In this way soot emissions on reactivation are reduced. |
| US09988993B2 |
Feed forward technique and application for injection pressure control
A control method is provided for using a feed forward technique. The method includes, but is not limited to using a setpoint value of a controlled variable to calculate a compensation of the closed loop static error, summing said contribution to the setpoint value, operating an estimation of the closed loop error to obtain a feed forward contribution. |
| US09988986B2 |
Gas turbine engine thermal management system
The present disclosure provides systems and methods related to thermal management systems for gas turbine engines. For example, a thermal management system comprises a thermally neutral heat transfer fluid circuit, a first heat exchanger disposed on the fluid circuit, and a second heat exchanger disposed on the fluid circuit. |
| US09988982B2 |
Turbine engine with a combustion chamber outer flange of sandwich type
A turbine engine has inner and outer annular covers containing an annular combustion chamber and an annular nozzle. The combustion chamber is held in position inside the outer annular cover between two radial holder rings that are nested at least in part one within the other and that have their radially outer first ends secured to the outer annular cover by fasteners and their radially inner second ends in the form of combs holding in position between them a transverse rim of the annular combustion chamber so as to enable a cooling stream to flow towards the annular nozzle and so as to hold the annular combustion chamber axially while leaving it free to move at least radially. |
| US09988973B2 |
Water injector for aviation cooling system
A water injector for an aviation cooling system includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween. A conduit extends through the body from the first end to the second end. A spray nozzle is fluidically connected to the conduit and arranged at one of the first end and the second end. A mounting plate is arranged at the other of the first end and the second end. The mounting plate is configured and disposed to secure the body to an aviation cooling component. A filter is supported at the body and is fluidically exposed to the conduit. The filter is configured and disposed to capture particulate flowing into the water injector towards the spray nozzle. |
| US09988970B2 |
Suction tube unit of stratified scavenging engine
A suction tube unit connected between a cylinder block and a carburetor in a stratified scavenging engine has a suction tube for mixture made of an elastic material; and a suction tube for stratified scavenging air made of an elastic material. The suction tube for mixture and the suction tube for air have, at respective inlet ends connected to the carburetor, respective wall portions which face each other and have complementary shapes. A clearance space is provided between the wall portions of the suction tube for mixture and the suction tube for air. |
| US09988967B2 |
Cooling system, device and method for a vehicle
A cooling system includes a cooling loop containing a cooling fluid configured for circulation through an engine, an auxiliary alternator configured to be driven by the engine for powering auxiliary loads of the rail vehicle, and a canned pump positioned within the cooling loop and being configured to circulate the cooling fluid through the cooling loop. The canned pump includes an integrated induction motor for driving the pump. The system further includes an electronic control system electrically connected to the auxiliary alternator and configured to electrically power the induction motor of the canned pump independently of a mechanical output of the engine. |
| US09988962B2 |
Exhaust emission control system of internal combustion engine
An exhaust emission control system of an internal combustion engine may include a filter, a temperature raising device, a differential pressure detecting device, and an electronic control unit. The filter may include a first region as a part of the filter, and a second region as another part of the filter. The electronic control unit may be configured to calculate a first deposition amount such that a calculated deposition amount is larger as a proportion of a magnitude of the first differential pressure reduction amount to the length of the first oxidation period is larger. The electronic control unit may be configured to calculate an amount of the particulate matter deposited in the second region based on a length of the second oxidation period and a second differential pressure reduction amount. |
| US09988949B2 |
Method and system for variable cam timing device
Methods and systems are described for an engine with a cam torque actuated variable cam timing phaser. Phaser positioning control is improved by reducing inaccuracies resulting from inadvertent spool valve and/or phaser movement when the spool valve is commanded between regions. In addition, improved spool valve mapping is used to render phaser commands more consistent and robust. |
| US09988941B2 |
Shroud device of a jet engine
A shroud device of a jet engine, including a radially internal shroud appliance and a radially external shroud appliance. The internal shroud appliance is embodied with a radially internal ring-shaped shroud part and a radially external ring-shaped shroud part. The internal shroud appliance includes multiple blades that extend substantially in the radial direction between the internal shroud part and the external shroud part. The radially external shroud appliance is embodied with a radially internal ring-shaped shroud part and a radially external ring-shaped shroud part. The external shroud appliance includes multiple blades that extend substantially in the radial direction between the internal shroud part and the external shroud part. The internal shroud appliance is embodied as a first one-piece cast structural component and the external shroud appliance is embodied as a second one-piece cast structural component. |
| US09988940B2 |
Latching actuation mechanism for nacelle mounted latching system
An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a first fan cowl pivotable on a hinge from a first position to a second position. A latching actuation mechanism is disposed under the nacelle, engages the hinge, and is actuated by movement of the hinge between the first position and the second position. |
| US09988939B2 |
Fixed vane-type turbocharger
A fixed vane-type turbocharger is provided with a fixed vane in a conduit between a bearing housing and a turbine housing. The fixed vane is configured by a movable member disposed on one of the mutually opposing front faces of the bearing housing and the turbine housing so as to be capable of forward and backward movement, and by vanes which are fixed to the front face of the movable member. A pressing member presses the movable member so that the distal ends of the vanes are brought into pressure contact between the rear face of the movable member and either the bearing housing or the turbine housing with the other opposing front face of these. The pressing member contacts the rear face of the movable member within a range in the radial direction where the vanes are disposed, and presses within this range. |
| US09988930B2 |
Compressor monitoring method
A method of predicting the condition of a compressor with respect to rotating stall is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: i) comparing the difference between the largest and smallest values of a variable occurring during a time period with a difference threshold, the variable at any given time being dependent on the compressor exit pressure at that time, and ii) predicting either that the compressor is in rotating stall or that the compressor is not in rotating stall in dependence upon the result of the comparison. |
| US09988928B2 |
Systems and methods for determining turbomachine engine safe start clearances following a shutdown of the turbomachine engine
System and methods for predicting a turbomachine engine safe start clearance following a shutdown of the turbomachine engine is provided. The system includes a controller operatively connected to a plurality of temperature detecting means (TDM). The TDMs are arranged at an upper and lower part of the engine casing, and are configured to sense parameters of the engine and to transmit the sensed parameters to the controller. The controller is configured to receive the sensed parameters and to determine, via a control application of the controller, whether components of the engine have sufficient clearance. The controller is further configured to transmit the clearance information, e.g., to a user. Based on the clearance information, the turbomachine engine is restarted. |
| US09988924B2 |
Rotor blade tip clearance control
A gas turbine engine comprising first and second axially spaced turbine rotor stages (46, 48) and a turbine casing (56) radially outside the rotor stages. A first seal segment arrangement (58) forms a cavity (64) radially between the first turbine rotor stage (46) and the turbine casing (56). A first air source (82) is coupled to the first seal segment arrangement (58). A second seal segment arrangement (70) forms a cavity (74) radially between the second turbine rotor stage (48) and the turbine casing (56). A heating chamber (84) is provided radially between the second seal segment arrangement (70) and the turbine casing (56). A duct (86) is coupled between the first air source (82) and the heating chamber (84). |
| US09988922B2 |
Impingement baffle for a gas turbine engine and gas turbine engine
An impingement baffle for a gas turbine engine is provided. The impingement baffle is a one piece impingement ring with one opening and with fastening elements at both free ends of the impingement ring to enable the closing of the impingement ring. A gas turbine engine including at least one such an impingement baffle is also provided. |
| US09988919B2 |
Dual compliant seal
The present disclosure relates generally to a seal between two circumferential components. The seal comprises a first rope seal partially disposed within a first retainer, a second rope seal partially disposed within a second retainer, a carrier including a first end operatively coupled to the first retainer and a second end operatively coupled to the second retainer. |
| US09988915B2 |
Stator segment
One exemplary embodiment of this disclosure relates to a stator segment. The stator segment includes a first circumferential end face, and a second circumferential end face. Further, the first and second circumferential end faces are misaligned relative to one another. |
| US09988912B2 |
Thermal regulation channels for turbomachine components
A turbomachine component (e.g., a blade, vane, or any other suitable component) is defined at least partially in a radial direction and an axial direction orthogonal to the radial direction and includes a body defining an outer surface configured to be in thermal communication with a gas path flow in the axial direction. The component includes a thermal regulation channel system defined within the body which includes at least one radial channel configured to allow thermal regulation flow in the radial direction, and at least one axial channel configured to allow thermal regulation flow in the axial direction. |
| US09988910B2 |
Staggered core printout
A core for gas turbine engine component comprises a body extending between first and second ends to define a length, and extending between first and second edges to define a width. A plurality of core extensions are formed as part of the body. The plurality of core extensions are positioned to be staggered relative to each other such that at least two adjacent core extensions are variable relative to each other in at least one dimension. A gas turbine engine component is also disclosed. |
| US09988908B2 |
Gas turbine engine airfoil
A gas turbine engine include a combustor section arranged between a compressor section and a turbine section. A fan section has multiple fan blades. A geared architecture couples the fan section to the turbine section or compressor section. The fan blades include an airfoil that has pressure and suction sides. The airfoil extends in a radial direction from a 0% span position at an inner flow path location to a 100% span position at an airfoil tip. The airfoil has a relationship between a trailing edge dihedral and a span position. The trailing edge dihedral positive from the 0% span position to the 100% span position. A positive dihedral corresponds to suction side-leaning and a negative dihedral corresponds to pressure side-leaning. |
| US09988907B2 |
Blade features for turbocharger wheel
A turbocharger including a wheel having suction surfaces and hub surfaces contoured to reduce secondary flow. The suction surfaces are radially contoured with a sinusoidal component, and further have a chamfered edge at the shroud edge. The hub end-walls are contoured both streamwise and cross-stream with sinusoidal components. |
| US09988904B2 |
Plow bit assembly
A plow bit for a bit holder including a recess of a mining plow is disclosed. The plow bit also has a bit shank configured to be inserted into the recess of the bit holder. The bit shank has a front shank face, which is concave. The bit shank also has a rear shank face disposed on an opposite side of the bit shank with respect to the front shank face. The bit shank further has a first lateral shank face connected to the front shank face and the rear shank face. The first lateral shank face includes a first groove extending from the front shank face in direction of the rear shank face. The groove receives a securing pin. |
| US09988897B2 |
Optimizing electromagnetic telemetry transmissions
An electromagnetic telemetry system adjusts telemetry parameters which may include carrier frequency, signal amplitude and/or data encoding protocol to achieve reliable data transmission and to conserve power. In some embodiments, sweep signals transmit a range of carrier frequencies and the parameters are determined in part by analyzing the received sweep signals. In some embodiments, different parameters are selected automatically based on a mode of drilling. |
| US09988896B2 |
Method and system for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic telemetry signal to or from a downhole location
Methods, techniques, and systems for transmitting a data frame of an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry signal to or from a downhole location can be performed using multi-channel transmissions in which at least two different channels at two different frequencies are used to send a long header and the data frame. At least a portion of the long header is transmitted at a first frequency, and at least a portion of the data frame and any remaining portion of the long header not transmitted at the first frequency are transmitted at one or more additional frequencies different from each other and the first frequency. In one example, only two channels are used: one channel is used to transmit all of the long header, another channel is used to transmit all of the data frame, and either of the channels is used to transmit an identifier identifying the type of the data frame. |
| US09988895B2 |
Method for determining hydraulic fracture orientation and dimension
Method for characterizing subterranean formation is described. One method includes: placing a subterranean fluid into a well extending into at least a portion of the subterranean formation to induce one or more fractures; measuring pressure response via one or more pressure sensors installed in the subterranean formation; and determining a physical feature of the one or more fractures. |
| US09988885B1 |
Method of initiating a percussion initiator
According to an aspect a deformable member is provided, wherein the deformable member is configured for use in a ballistic transfer module. The ballistic transfer module includes the deformable member, a booster holder, a booster and a detonating cord. A method of initiating one or more percussion initiators of a perforating gun assembly using the ballistic transfer module and deforming the deformable member is also provided. |
| US09988882B2 |
Gravel packing apparatus having locking jumper tubes
A gravel packing apparatus has first and second joints each including a sand control screen assembly a slurry delivery subassembly positioned exteriorly of the sand control screen assembly. Each slurry delivery subassembly includes a transport tube extending longitudinally along the sand control screen assembly. A jumper tube extends between and is sealably coupled to the transport tube of the first joint and the transport tube of the second joint. A first locking assembly is operably coupled between the jumper tube and the transport tube of the first joint and a second locking assembly is operably coupled between the jumper tube and the transport tube of the second joint. |
| US09988879B2 |
Zonal allocation for multilayered subterranean reservoirs
A system, method, and software are provided for use in modeling zonal allocation in multilayered subterranean reservoirs. Information associated with a wellbore that is in fluid communication with producing zones of a multilayered subterranean reservoir is provided. A methodology is selected to compute zonal splits for the wellbore and zonal splits for the wellbore are automatically computed using the selected methodology and the information associated with the wellbore. |
| US09988878B2 |
One trip cleaning and tool setting in the cleaned location
A combination tool allows delivery of a tool such as a packer or bridge plug with a variety of well cleanup tools that are retracted for running in. Once in the vicinity of where the plug or packer is to be set or if an internal diameter is to be targeted using clean up tools after passing a restriction, an inner mandrel can be activated such as in conjunction with a j-slot to selectively extend one or more cleaning tools against the force of a return spring out though openings in an outer housing. Circulation is established either through an open port or by opening a circulation port with mandrel movement. Just the zone near where the packer or bridge plug is to be set is cleaned. The cleaning tools retract after use with further mandrel movement. The packer or plug is picked up into position and set and the bottom hole assembly is removed. The plug or packer can be set in a variety of ways. |
| US09988871B2 |
Apparatus and method for data transmission from a rotating control device
A rotating control device (RCD) for use with a drilling unit includes a body having a flange formed at an end thereof for coupling to the drilling unit; a seal assembly for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing assembly for supporting rotation of the seal assembly relative to the body; a releasable connection connecting the bearing assembly to the body; a transmitting assembly rotatable with the seal assembly; and a receiving assembly attached to a non-rotating portion of the RCD. |
| US09988861B2 |
Anti-recoil control design using a hybrid riser tensioning system in deepwater drilling
A riser data logging system can be installed on the riser top to provide real time information of the riser, instead of or in addition to relying on sensors installed on a tensioner. The riser recoil detection system can thus be made independent of any motion of the vessel. This logging system can feedback the riser top acceleration, velocity, position, and the wire-line tensions into a controller. By comparing the acceleration difference between the riser top and the vessel body, the controller can provide more reliable and faster detection of events occurring on a vessel, potentially detecting the condition within one second. If the acceleration exceeds a certain limit, the electrical tensioners are able to reduce the wire-line tension nearly instantaneously, providing a much more effective anti-recoil control that conventional hydro-pneumatic tensioners. |
| US09988860B2 |
Method and apparatus for elevating the tapered stress joint or flex joint of an SCR above the water
A removable riser hang-off connector is equipped with a flexible element that, in one embodiment, comprises rubber-encapsulated steel plates. The connector is designed for attachment to a hang-off collar provided on a steel catenary riser below the tapered stress joint or flex joint. Connection of the removable riser hang-off connector may be made by an ROV. With the removable riser hang-off connector attached, the tapered stress joint and/or flex joint may be raised out of the water (for inspection, maintenance, repair or replacement) by lifting the upper end of the SCR out of its porch receptacle with a chain jack (or other lifting device) and inserting the removable riser hang-off connector into the porch receptacle. This temporarily supports the SCR in an elevated state with the tapered stress joint and/or flex joint above the surface of the water. |
| US09988859B2 |
Impact dampening apparatus
An apparatus for dampening vibrations in a drill string has a tubular housing with an upper sub connected to a first end, having a threaded connection for engagement with the pipe or drillstring. A piston is positioned in the bore of the tubular housing and longitudinally movable in the bore; the dimensions of the piston and bore permit limited fluid flow around the piston. Connected to the piston and extending out of the second end of the housing is a bottom sub. Mating and engaging profiles in the tubular housing and lower sub allow longitudinal movement between them, but no relative rotation. A spring member, which may be a mechanical spring, an elastomeric member, a compressed gas, or some combination thereof, biases the piston and lower sub out of the tubular housing. |
| US09988853B2 |
Retention of multiple rolling cutters
A cutting tool may include a tool body. At least one blade extends radially from the tool body, and cutters are coupled to the at least one blade. At least one retention component contributes to the retention of at least two of the plurality of cutters. |
| US09988852B2 |
Underreamer with adjustable cutter block expansion
An underreamer for increasing a diameter of a wellbore. The underreamer includes a body having an axial bore extending at least partially therethrough. A sleeve is arranged and designed to move a first axial distance within the body. A cutter block is movably coupled to the body. The cutter block is arranged and designed to move at least the first axial distance with respect to the body to contact the sleeve in response to hydraulic pressure in the bore. The cutter block moves from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter as the cutter block moves the first axial distance. |
| US09988850B2 |
Symmetrical seal
A downhole seal system for roller cone drill bits includes a seal gland having a width larger than it depth. In one implementation, the seal gland includes a protrusion along its base on which a seal element seats. The seal element is a single, annular seal element with a recess formed therein so as to define two lobes. The seal element seats in the gland so that the recess engages the protrusion. The lobes function as separate seal elements, although they are a single unitary seal element disposed in a single gland. |
| US09988847B2 |
Downhole mud motor with adjustable bend angle
An example downhole motor may include a first housing and a second housing coupled to the first housing at a movable joint. A turbine may be within the first housing in selective fluid communication with a bore of the first housing. A biasing mechanism may be coupled to the movable joint and the turbine. The biasing mechanism may alter an angle between a first longitudinal axis of the first housing and a second longitudinal axis of the second housing by altering an orientation of the movable joint. |
| US09988837B2 |
Variable force brake for a window covering operating system
An operating system for a window covering includes at least one spring motor, at least one variable force brake, and at least one lift spool assembly operatively coupled to a panel for raising and lowering a panel. An effective shaft is operatively coupled to and synchronizes the spring motor, the variable force brake, and the lift spool. The variable force brake comprises a one-way clutch operatively coupled to the shaft. A brake member is operatively engaged with the one-way clutch to apply a brake force to the one-way clutch when the shaft is rotated. The magnitude of the brake force applied to the one-way clutch is determined by the rotational position of the shaft. |
| US09988836B2 |
Cellular material for window coverings and method of making same
In a cellular material a first panel having a series of lengthwise accordion folds across the width of the panel, alternate folds projecting toward the front of the panel and the back of the panel is attached to a second panel of material in a manner to create a series of P-shaped cells having a back, an upper cell wall and a lower cell wall in which the upper cell wall and the lower cell wall are curved in a same direction. |
| US09988833B2 |
Static hinge disabler
A static hinge disabler is provided for preventing the operation of a door hinge. The static hinge disabler includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a channel, and a cap. The first sidewall is substantially parallel to the second sidewall. The channel is disposed between the first sidewall and the second sidewall and configured to receive at least a portion of the door hinge therein. The first sidewall and the second sidewall are statically connected such that the channel does not change shape. The first sidewall and the second sidewall therefore prevent the door hinge from operating while the door hinge is disposed within the channel. |
| US09988827B2 |
Magnetic key assembly
Magnetic keys, bow caps and key components are described. In one aspect, the present application describes a key. The key includes a blade and a bow connected to the blade. The bow is for applying torque to the blade. The bow defines a key ring aperture located near a top of the bow. The top is the portion of the bow furthest from the blade. The key also include a magnet fixedly coupled to the bow by placement within the key ring aperture to provide a magnetic field on at least one side of the key. |
| US09988810B2 |
Fire barrier for wall sheathing materials
A sheathing material includes a layer of ceramic paper to help prevent the burning of the sheathing during a fire. The material may include insulation disposed between the ceramic paper and the substrate to further reduce damage to the substrate, and may include a thin layer of wood or paper placed over the ceramic paper to protect the ceramic paper and to allow the sheathing to be used in a manner similar to that of a conventional sheathing material. |
| US09988809B2 |
Construction block anchoring system
A system for anchoring a wall including superposed rows of construction blocks to an adjacent upstanding structure, each row including a plurality of the construction blocks, the system comprising: an inter-block element insertable between adjacent ones of the construction blocks and securable thereto; and an anchor including an anchoring portion securable to the upstanding structure and a coupler, the coupler securing the anchor and the inter-block element to each other with the anchoring portion at a predetermined distance from the inter-block element and such that with the anchoring portion operatively secured to the upstanding structure and the inter-block element operatively inserted between the adjacent ones of the construction blocks and secured thereto, the anchoring portion and the inter-block element are movable vertically relative to each other over a predetermined range of motion with the anchor remaining secured to the inter-block element. Also a wall including the system. |
| US09988796B2 |
Pull-out sprayhead with improved magnetic coupling system
Pull out sprayhead (1) for a faucet, comprising: an inlet fitting (10), provided with a coupling end (10d) connectable to a extractable water supply pipe; a supply mouth (11a) in fluid connection with said attachment end (10d); and a magnet (12) fixed at the inlet fitting (10) and prearranged to allow a releasable connection of said pull-out sprayhead (1) to a faucet neck (20), said magnet (12) being arranged in a housing chamber (13), defined between an outer wall of said inlet fitting (10) and a covering nut (14), within which an insulating sleeve (30) is placed, distinct from the covering nut (14) and interposed between the inlet fitting (10) and the magnet (12), so as to minimize the heat flow occurring between a supplied fluid and the magnet (12) through the inlet fitting (10). |
| US09988795B2 |
Lip shroud for a dragline lip
A lip shroud for a dragline lip configured to prevent wear on the dragline lip and to prevent decoupling therefrom during operations. The lip shroud comprises of a first sidewall having a first abutment surface provided with an opening; a second sidewall having a second abutment surface wherein the second sidewall has a securing portion configured for coupling to a lock device on the dragline lip; and a center wall having a third abutment surface, the center wall connecting the first sidewall and the second sidewall wherein the first, second and third abutment surfaces define a channel to receive an edge portion of the dragline lip. |
| US09988789B2 |
Earth removal and sand mining system and method
An earth removal and sand mining system is provided, comprising a modular floating platform having an elongated U-shaped open channel defining an operating area; a gantry positioned above the operating area, wherein the gantry includes a crane and trolley operable along a predefined path within the operating area; a hoist extending from the trolley; and a pump operatively suspended from the trolley, wherein the pump includes a slurry discharge hose. The platform includes an adjustable drag line connected to the pump to enable control of the pump position. |
| US09988788B2 |
Vacuum-excavation apparatus
The present disclosure describes a vacuum-excavation apparatus that is connectible to a vehicle. The vacuum-excavation apparatus comprises a vacuum tube with an input end; a vacuum assembly for generating a suction force at the input end and drawing a stream of fluidized debris-material into the vacuum tube. The apparatus also includes a boom assembly for supporting the vacuum tube and a tank for receiving the stream of fluidized debris-material from the vacuum tube. The tank provides a boom mount for pivotally connecting the boom assembly and for providing fluid communication between the vacuum tube and the tank. The apparatus also includes an evacuation tube for providing fluid communication between the tank and the vacuum assembly and for distributing at least a portion of stress-loads that are generated by the boom assembly. |
| US09988786B2 |
Skid steer loader lift linkage assembly
A lift linkage assembly for a work machine having a work tool. The lift linkage assembly includes a frame, a boom arm, an upper link, a lower link, and a hydraulic actuator. The boom arm is configured to be pivotally coupled to the work tool and has a surface that defines a longitudinal axis. The upper link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The lower link has a first end pivotally coupled to the frame and a second end pivotally coupled to the boom arm. The hydraulic actuator has a rod that is pivotally coupled to the boom arm and moves between a retracted position and an extended position. The upper link, lower link, and hydraulic actuator are each spaced from the longitudinal axis. |
| US09988785B2 |
Four brakes system for the doors of excavator buckets
A brake system for the doors of excavator buckets which increases the braking force of the doors, allowing the use of heavier caps with more shield, increasing the durability and reliability, cushioning the blows of the door against the frame of the bucket and decreasing the likelihood that the whole system is deregulated at the same time. |
| US09988775B1 |
Concrete i-beam for bridge construction
A beam used for construction, particularly of short- to mid-span bridges. A beam can include flanges extending from a web that are joined to flanges of another beam. When joined two beams form an open internal void. The beams can be manufactured from concrete and include an embedded reinforcement cage. Manufacture of the beams utilizes a formwork that can be filled in a single pour. |
| US09988771B2 |
Road finisher with heated tamper bar
A road finisher includes a screed plate extending at right angles to the working direction of the road finisher, a tamper bar disposed rearwardly and/or forwardly of the screed plate in the working direction, wherein at least one electrically operated heating element is configured to heat up a heating surface facing a road subsurface, the heating element comprising a heating layer at least partially obtained through thermal spraying onto a substrate surface, and a piston rod with connecting means to a tamper bar drive. The tamper bar is connected to the piston rod with an upper surface of the tamper bar contacting a lower surface of the piston rod, wherein the piston rod is single-pieced with regard to its connecting means and its lower surface, and the heating layer is located between the piston rod and the tamper bar, especially applied to the lower surface of the piston rod. |
| US09988756B2 |
Laundry treating apparatus with liquid spraying function
The present invention relates to a dryer having a liquid spraying function, and according to one aspect of the present invention, a laundry treating apparatus including a plurality of laundry treating courses which have different laundry treating methods is provided. The apparatus comprises: a drum for receiving the laundry; a hot air supply means for supplying hot air to the inner side of the drum; a spraying means for spraying a fragrant solution to the inside of the drum; a manipulating means including a course selecting means for selecting the laundry treating courses; and a controller for controlling the apparatus according to the instructions inputted by the manipulating means, wherein a plurality of laundry treating courses includes at least one scent spray course for spraying the fragrant solution during the laundry treating process, and the course selecting means comprises a scent spray course selecting means for selecting one of the scent spray courses. |
| US09988751B2 |
Laundry treating appliance and methods of reducing tub contact therein
Methods of reducing a likelihood of contact between a rotating laundry-container, such as a basket or drum, located within a tub of a laundry treating appliance where the method includes accelerating a rotational speed of the rotating laundry-container during an extraction cycle speed ramp, monitoring the friction associated with the rotating laundry-container during the speed ramp and comparing to a threshold and altering the accelerating of the rotational speed of the rotating laundry-container when the comparing indicates the threshold is satisfied. |
| US09988741B2 |
Heat treatment method and heat treatment device for single crystal sapphire
Provided is a sapphire single crystal heat treatment method comprising the steps of: charging a sapphire single crystal into a chamber; raising the temperature in the chamber to a target temperature by heating the chamber; holding the temperature in the chamber at a constant temperature; and cooling the inside of the chamber to room temperature, wherein the temperature raising step comprises: a first temperature raising step of raising the temperature to a first set temperature at a temperature raising rate of 4° C./min to 5° C./min; and a second temperature raising step of raising the temperature to a second set temperature at a temperature raising rate of 1° C./min or less after the first temperature raising step has been completed. The temperature raising process is executed in a multi-stage, to reduce the temperature raising time and prevent a sapphire single crystal from being affected by heat. |
| US09988740B1 |
Shaped induction field crystal printer
A crystal printer for fabricating a crystalline part, where the printer includes a crucible for holding a magnetic material that will be fabricated into the part. The printed also includes a heat sink being operable to cool the crucible and a plurality of shaped induction field generators disposed around the crucible and being operable to generate time-varying shaped magnetic fields. A controller controls the plurality of induction field generators so as to generate the time-varying shaped magnetic fields in a manner so that the magnetic fields interact with the material to heat selective areas within the material so that unheated areas in the material are cooled by the heat sink to harden the part into a desired crystalline orientation. |
| US09988730B2 |
Method of forming a metal layer and method of manufacturing a substrate having such metal layer
In a substrate like a printed circuit board comprising an insulator and a copper layer laminated on part of the insulator, said insulator outer surface and said copper layer outer surface are simultaneously subjected to a process (1) comprising treatment with an alkali metal hydroxide solution, a process (2) comprising treatment with an alkaline aqueous solution containing an aliphatic amine, a process (3) comprising treatment with an alkaline aqueous solution having a permanganate concentration of 0.3 to 3.5 wt % and a pH of 8 to 11, a process (4) comprising treatment with an acidic microemulsion aqueous solution containing a thiophene compound and an alkali metal salt of polystyrenesulphonic acid, and a process (5) comprising copper electroplating, which are implemented sequentially. |
| US09988727B2 |
Composite electrodes for the electrolysis of water
An electrode is provided that is suitable for use with the electrolysis of water in a liquid electrolyte medium, the electrode formulated by the following formulation method: a) dissolving, in a volatile solvent or a mixture of volatile solvents, at least one ion-conducting polymer binder that allows, in the solid state, the diffusion of the gases formed during electrolysis; b) adding, to the solution obtained in step a), at least one electrocatalytic material in the form of divided powder, in order to obtain a mixture; and c) depositing the mixture obtained in step b) on a metallic or metallic-type conductive support or collector, said support or said collector being openwork and chemically stable in an aqueous medium, steps a) and b) being able to be implemented simultaneously, successively or to be reversed. |
| US09988724B2 |
Inorganic polarizing plate having trapezoid shaped metal layers and production method thereof
An inorganic polarizing plate, which contains: a substrate transparent to light in a wavelength range for use; linear metal layers; linear dielectric layers; and linear light-absorbing layers having a light absorbing function, provided in this order, wherein the linear metal layers are aligned being apart from each other on the substrate at a pitch shorter than wavelengths of the light; each of the linear dielectric layers is provided on each of the linear metal layers; each of the linear light-absorbing layers is provided on each of the linear dielectric layers; and a cross-sectional shape of the linear metal layer cut in a direction orthogonally crossing a longitudinal direction thereof is a trapezoid with a bottom base at a side of the substrate, and an upper base at a side of the linear dielectric layer, where the bottom base is longer than the upper base. |
| US09988718B2 |
Directed energy deposition with cooling mechanism
A material deposition system and method for cooling a component after material deposition. The method of deposition and cooling comprising a platform, a deposition head, and a cooling mechanism. The platform adapted to support a component for the addition of material. The deposition head including a material depositor configured to deposit material on a surface of a component supported on the platform an and an energy source configured to energize material deposited onto a surface of a component supported on the platform to bond the material to the component. The cooling system including bristles. |
| US09988717B2 |
Substrate processing apparatus
There is provided a substrate processing apparatus which supplies a processing gas onto a surface of a substrate on a substrate mounting table from a gas nozzle. The apparatus includes: a ring member installed in a leading end side of to the gas nozzle rather than a through-hole and including an inner peripheral surface on which the gas nozzle inserted into the through-hole is mounted, at least one of contours of an outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface being set to a spiral curve or a polygon obtained by linearly approximating the curve; and a pedestal part on which the ring member is mounted at left and right positions spaced apart from each other in a circumference direction of the ring member. A height of a position at which the gas nozzle is supported by the ring member is adjusted with a rotation of the ring member. |
| US09988715B2 |
Interface engineering during MGO deposition for magnetic tunnel junctions
Methods of fabricating magnetic devices are described herein. Methods involve exposing a magnetic film, such as a CoFeB film, to a reducing agent before, during, or after depositing a metal oxide film using atomic layer deposition or chemical vapor deposition. Some methods include exposing the magnetic film in cycles involving exposure to a reducing agent, exposure to a magnesium-containing precursor, and exposure to an oxidant. Methods are suitable for depositing a magnesium oxide layer on a CoFeB layer to form part of a magnetic tunnel junction. |
| US09988705B2 |
Reactive sputter deposition of silicon films
Reactive sputter deposition method and system are disclosed, in which a catalyst gas, such as water vapor, is used to increase the overall deposition rate substantially without compromising formation of a dielectric compound layer and its optical transmission. Addition to the sputtering or reactive gas of the catalyst gas can result in an increase of a deposition rate of the dielectric oxide film substantially without increasing an optical absorption of the film. |
| US09988704B2 |
Manufacturing method of nitrided steel member
A manufacturing method of a nitrided steel member and the nitrided steel member include: performing a nitriding treatment on a steel member made of a carbon steel or an alloy steel in an atmosphere of a nitriding treatment gas in which when the total pressure is set to 1, a partial pressure ratio of NH3 gas is set to 0.08 to 0.34, a partial pressure ratio of H2 gas is set to 0.54 to 0.82, and a partial pressure ratio of N2 gas is set to 0.09 to 0.18, at a flow speed of the nitriding treatment gas set to 1 m/s or more, at 500 to 620° C.; and thereby, forming an iron nitride compound layer having a thickness of 2 to 17 μm on a surface of the steel member. |
| US09988703B2 |
System, apparatus, and method for monitored thermal spraying
A system (100), apparatus (110), and method (900) for monitored thermal spraying. One or more sensors (610) are used to capture one or more types of measurements (650) to monitor the thermal spraying process. A processor (710) can analyze a waveform (750) of measurements (650), such as electrical measurements (652). The processor (710) can then initiate a response (770) such as a warning (772) or an automatic adjustment (790) that is triggered by an identified operating condition (800). |
| US09988698B2 |
Method of hardening articles and articles comprising the same
Disclosed herein is a method comprising disposing on a base article a nickel-titanium alloy; where the nickel is in an amount of about 58 to about 62 weight percent and titanium in an amount of about 38 to about 42 wt %, based on the total weight of the nickel-titanium alloy; and applying a pressure of 12 to 20 kilopounds per square inch at a temperature of 1400 to 2100° F. for a period of 1 to 8 hours to form a nickel-titanium alloy coating on the base article. Disclosed is an article comprising a base article; and a nickel-titanium alloy; where the nickel-titanium alloy is disposed on the base article; where the nickel is in an amount of about 58 to about 62 weight percent and titanium in an amount of about 38 to about 42 wt %, based on the total weight of the nickel-titanium alloy. |
| US09988691B2 |
System for airborne bacterial sample collection and analysis
An aerosol biological collector/analyzer, and method of collecting and analyzing an aerosol sample for diagnosis is provided. In particular, the current invention is directed to an airborne aerosol collection and bacterial analysis system and method, capable of collecting an airborne aerosol sample and preparing it for analysis via aerodynamic shock in a single-step. |
| US09988688B2 |
Compositions for detecting mutant anaplastic lymphoma kinase in lung cancer
Novel gene deletions and translocations involving chromosome 2 resulting in fusion proteins combining part of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) kinase with part of a secondary protein have been identified herein in human solid tumors, e.g. non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Secondary proteins include Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Protein-Like 4 (EML-4) and TRK-Fusion Gene (TFG). The EML4-ALK fusion protein, which retains ALK tyrosine kinase activity, was confirmed to drive the proliferation and survival of NSCLC characterized by this mutation. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant ALK kinase polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, recombinant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides. The disclosed identification of this new fusion protein enables methods for screening for compounds that inhibit the proteins, and methods for inhibiting the progression of a cancer characterized by the mutant polynucleotides or polypeptides. |
| US09988668B2 |
Apparatus for amplification of nucleic acids
Described herein is a chip-based apparatus for amplifying nucleic acids, a cartridge housing the apparatus, and methods of using the apparatus for amplification of nucleic acids. More specifically, this invention provides integrated semiconductor chip, manufactured with standard semiconductor manufacturing process, with on-chip circuitry to perform thermal management and optical sensing necessary for amplification of nucleic acids. The apparatus and methods embodied in this invention makes it possible to build a disease diagnosis and prognosis tool that is easy to use, portable and disposable. |
| US09988665B2 |
Methods for determining protein binding specificity using peptide libraries
A method for determining protein binding specificity using a screen of a peptide library is provided. The method can be used to determine binding specificity for human NAD+-dependent deacetylase SIRT1, and to identify the most efficiently deacetylated peptide sequences. The method can be also used to screen a combinatorial H4 histone N-terminal tail peptide library to examine the binding preferences of a α-phos (S1) H4 antibody toward all known possible H4 histone modification states. |
| US09988659B1 |
In vivo conversion of nucleosides in plasmid DNA
The instant invention provides for the assembly of large DNA oligonucleotide constructs by the self-assembly of multiple oligonucleotide fragments, wherein the assembly is guided by the hybridization between non-standard nucleotides that form non-standard nucleobase pairs orthogonal to the standard T:A and C:G nucleobase pairs. Adding nucleobase pairs increases the information density of the fragments, minimizing off-target hybridization. The invention further provides rules and methods for converting non-standard pairs into standard pairs using polymerase copying with conversion. |
| US09988657B2 |
Enzymatic hydrolysis of disaccharides and oligosaccharides using alpha-glucosidase enzymes
A method is disclosed for hydrolyzing an alpha-1,3 or alpha-1,6 glucosyl-glucose linkage in a saccharide (disaccharide or oligosaccharide). This method comprises contacting the saccharide with an alpha-glucosidase enzyme such as transglucosidase under suitable conditions, during which contacting step the enzyme hydrolyzes at least one alpha-1,3 or alpha-1,6 glucosyl-glucose linkage of the saccharide. This method is useful for reducing the amount of oligosaccharides in a filtrate isolated from a glucan synthesis reaction, for example. |
| US09988654B2 |
Methods, reagents and cells for biosynthesizing compounds
This document describes biochemical pathways for producing 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA methyl ester from precursors such as 2-oxoglutarate using one or more of a fatty acid O-methyltransferase, a thioesterase, a CoA-transferase and a CoA ligase, as well as recombinant hosts expressing one or more of such enzymes. 2,3-dehydroadipyl-CoA methyl ester can be enzymatically converted to adipyl-CoA using a trans-2-enoyl-CoA reductase, and a methylesterase, which in turn can be enzymatically converted to adipic acid, 6-aminohexanoate, 6-hydroxyhexanoate, caprolactam, hexamethylenediamine, or 1,6-hexanediol. |
| US09988653B2 |
Method and apparatus for CO2 sequestration
Processes, methods, and apparatus for carbon sequestration utilizing catalysis schemes configured to provide high concentrations of hydrated CO2 in proximity with a sequestration agent are provided. Reactants are combined with catalyst such that at least two regions of controlled catalytic activity form encompassing at least the interface between a sequestration agent and an aqueous solution containing dissolved CO2. Suitable reactants include various sequestration agents, catalyst, and carbon dioxide dissolved in an aqueous solution (seawater, for example). Possible products include bicarbonate and metal cations. |
| US09988645B2 |
Vectors with modified initiation codon for the translation of AAV-REP78 useful for production of AAV
The present invention relates nucleic acid constructs for the production of recombinant parvoviral (e.g. adeno-associated viral) vectors in insect cells, to insect cells comprising such constructs and to methods wherein the cells are used to produce recombinant parvoviral virions. The insect cells preferably comprise a first nucleotide sequence encoding the parvoviral rep proteins whereby the initiation codon for translation of the parvoviral Rep78 protein is a suboptimal initiation codon that effects partial exon skipping upon expression in insect cells. The insect cell further comprises a second nucleotide sequence comprising at least one parvoviral (AA V) inverted terminal repeat (ITR) nucleotide sequence and a third nucleotide sequence comprising a sequences coding for the parvoviral capsid proteins. |
| US09988641B2 |
Compositions and methods for producing starch with novel functionality
This invention disclosure relates to novel maize starch. The starch can be made from the newly developed waxy sugary-2 double-mutant maize that has low activity of Granule Bound Starch Synthase I (GBSSI), which results in low amylose level. The starch from newly developed waxy sugary-2 double-mutant is freeze-thaw stable and has high viscosity. In comparison with the starch of the existing waxy sugary-2 double-mutant maize, the new waxy sugary-2 double-mutant maize starch showed, inter alia, improved pasting profile, starch granule integrity, larger starch granule size, and higher viscosity. |
| US09988634B2 |
Polynucleotide molecules for gene regulation in plants
This invention provides polynucleotide molecules and methods for regulating genes in plants, e. g., by providing RNA for systemic regulation of genes. Various aspects of the invention provide polynucleotide molecules and methods for regulating endogenous genes and transgenes in a plant cell and polynucleotide molecules. |
| US09988624B2 |
Microbial strain improvement by a HTP genomic engineering platform
The present disclosure provides a HTP microbial genomic engineering platform that is computationally driven and integrates molecular biology, automation, and advanced machine learning protocols. This integrative platform utilizes a suite of HTP molecular tool sets to create HTP genetic design libraries, which are derived from, inter alia, scientific insight and iterative pattern recognition. The HTP genomic engineering platform described herein is microbial strain host agnostic and therefore can be implemented across taxa. Furthermore, the disclosed platform can be implemented to modulate or improve any microbial host parameter of interest. |
| US09988618B2 |
Psicose epimerase and psicose production method using same
The present invention provides a novel psicose epimerase derived from Flavonifractor plautii and capable of converting fructose to psicose. The novel psicose epimerase according to the present invention possesses an activity producing psicose by epimerizing the carbon-3 position of fructose, and has maximal activity for the conversion of fructose to psicose at a relatively high temperature and a pH less than or equal to neutral, has excellent thermal stability, and can mass-produce psicose from fructose in a high yield for a short amount of time. Therefore, the psicose epimerase according to the present invention is advantageous in the industrial production of psicose, and it is expected that the psicose produced thereby can be usefully utilized in the functional sugar industry and also as materials for health food, medicine, cosmetics, and the like using the psicose. |
| US09988617B2 |
Engineered heme-binding compositions and uses thereof
Described herein are heme-binding compositions and methods relating to their use, e.g. methods of treatment of, for example, sepsis and rhabdomyolysis. |
| US09988616B2 |
Polypeptides having xanthan degrading activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having xanthan degrading activity, catalytic domains and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides and catalytic domains. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides and catalytic domains. |
| US09988615B2 |
Carbohydrate degrading polypeptide and uses thereof
The invention relates to a polypeptide having hemicellulase activity. The invention features the full length coding sequence of the novel gene as well as the amino acid sequence of the full-length functional protein and functional equivalents of the gene or the amino acid sequence. The invention also relates to methods for using the polypeptide in industrial processes. Also included in the invention are cells transformed with a polynucleotide according to the invention suitable for producing these proteins. |
| US09988612B2 |
T7 RNA polymerase variants with expanded substrate range and enhanced transcriptional yield
Disclosed are T7 RNA polymerase variants with enhanced transcriptional activity. T7 RNA polymerase variants are known which have the ability to incorporate modified ribonucleotides into growing RNA molecules. However, these variants have relatively low levels of transcriptional activity. Presented herein are mutations that increase the transcriptional activity of the variants with broad substrate range. |
| US09988605B2 |
Method for preparing endocrine aggregate of insulin-producing beta cells from human pluripotent stem cells
The present invention prepared insulin-producing endocrine cells by inducing the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells or human induced pluripotent stem cells into definitive endoderm (DE), pancreatic endoderm (PE), endocrine progenitors (EP), and endocrine cells (EC) stepwise in that order. Particularly, the present invention established the conditions for the formation of an insulin producing endocrine aggregate (EA) from the endocrine cells. Especially in this invention, it was confirmed that the endocrine aggregate has the cell proliferation potential at a significant level and has the increased insulin productivity as well as the activity of inhibiting cell necrosis and apoptosis. Therefore, the method for preparing the endocrine aggregate of insulin-producing beta cells from human pluripotent stem cells can be effectively used for the examination of the medicinal effect of the conventional antidiabetic agents and of the novel antidiabetic drugs. |
| US09988597B2 |
Method and apparatus for cultivating cells
In a method for cultivating cells, there is provided a container (4) comprising an at least partly flexible container wall structure (41). The container is at least resting on a support structure (2). Into the container's interior space (42) there is introduced a gas, a liquid medium (5) and a cell culture. At least part of said support structure together with the container thus resting thereon are being moved, thereby inducing motion to the liquid medium in the container. An upwardly facing outer surface structure of said support structure comprises an elongate downwardly recessed portion (24, 25, 26) which causes a gutter (7) in the container's bottom wall structure (43). |
| US09988592B2 |
Organic compounds
An aryl-substituted alkanal compound having a molecular weight of less than 300 g/mol and which bears a substituent on the aryl ring ortho to a substituent bearing the aldehyde functionality. Said compounds are useful as perfume ingredients in personal care and household care products. |
| US09988586B2 |
Systems and methods for the use of Fischer-Tropsch tail gas in a gas to liquid process
The present disclosure provides a Fischer-Tropsch tail gas recycling system, including: a Fischer-Tropsch reactor providing a source of tail gas; a first preheater for preheating the tail gas to between about 200 and 300 degrees C.; a hydrogenator for hydrogenating the tail gas; an expansion device for reducing the pressure of the tail gas to between about 2.5 and 5 bar; a second preheater for preheating a feed gas comprising the tail gas and steam to between about 500 and 600 degrees C.; and a catalytic reformer for reforming the feed gas in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the catalytic reformer operates at about 2 bar and about 1000 degrees C., for example. Optionally, CO2 and/or natural gas are also added to the tail gas and/or steam to form the feed gas. |
| US09988580B2 |
System and method for removing hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents
Mobile treatment systems and methods for use in removing hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents. The systems and methods use a pre-treatment subsystem, a vapor treatment subsystem and a treatment subsystem interconnected by a plurality of piping and valve subsystems. The systems and methods are not dependent on pH and may operate at temperatures as low as −20° C. The systems are easily transported to, and readily assembled at a site and are inexpensive, simple, quick, and extremely effective at removing large-scale quantities of hydrogen sulfide from oilfield effluents. |
| US09988578B2 |
Method of fuel for energetics production
Pressure vessels containing a charge are preheated at pressure of 2 to 5 kPa with liquid heat carrier to maximally 120° C. They are afterheated in another place to maximally 550° C. The pressure vessels are continually added and/or replaced and generated gasses are continuously drawn off, cooled to maximally 60° C. and separated oily condensate. Residual gasses and solid residues are burned after treatment in a cogeneration unit. |
| US09988565B2 |
Rosin ester tackifiers for pressure-sensitive adhesives
Water-dispersible adducted rosin esters, a process for making them, and their use in aqueous tackifier dispersions for pressure-sensitive adhesives are disclosed. Reaction of a rosin with a polyol gives a rosin ester intermediate, which is then reacted with a dienophile to produce an adducted rosin ester. The adducted rosin ester is further esterified with a polyethylene glycol having an Mw<700 to produce the water-dispersible adducted rosin ester. Esterification with the low-molecular-weight PEG imparts good water dispersibility to the adducted rosin ester while maintaining compatibility with other tackifier components. Combination of the aqueous tackifier dispersions with polymer emulsions, particularly acrylics, gives pressure-sensitive adhesives that deliver good loop tack and peel properties compared with commercial alternatives, even when the coat weight is reduced by 20%. |
| US09988563B2 |
Wood adhesive composition
The invention relates to a composition obtained by simultaneously mixing at least one isocyanate, at least one polyether and at least one amino resin, wherein said polyether comprises at least one ethylene oxide moiety and at least one isocyanate reactive group selected from the group comprising hydroxyl, amino, epoxy, and thiol, and wherein said amino resin is the condensation product of an aldehyde with a compound selected from the group comprising urea, melamine, benzoguanamine, glycoluril, acetoguanamine and mixtures thereof. |
| US09988547B2 |
Phosphorus acid functionalized opaque polymer
The present invention relates to opaque polymers functionalized with phosphorus acid groups, composites of TiO2 particles and the opaque polymers, and methods for their preparation. The composites are useful in coatings formulations and have been shown to exhibit improved hiding benefits in coated substrates over compositions containing non-functionalized opaque polymer and TiO2. |
| US09988544B2 |
Ink for inkjet, color filter, manufacturing method therefor, color reflection-type display, and manufacturing method therefor
An ink for a piezoelectric driving-type inkjet for printing on a resin-based ink receiving layer formed on one surface of a reflection-type display contains 30% by weight to 75% by weight of a solvent which hardly dissolves the ink receiving layer and 3% by weight to 30% by weight of an alcohol-based solvent which easily dissolves the ink receiving layer. |
| US09988538B2 |
Binder for a self polishing antifouling coating
A binder for a self polishing and/or antifouling coating composition comprising an oligomer or polymer composition, formed from at least 50% by weight of monomer units of a vinyl ester of versatic acid. |
| US09988526B2 |
Hybrid dendrite copolymers, compositions thereof and methods for producing the same
Hybrid dendrite copolymer compositions include a hybrid dendrite copolymer including at least one ethylenically unsaturated first monomer, at least one second ethylenically unsaturated second monomer and a naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent as an end group. The at least one first and second ethylenically unsaturated monomers are on separate side chains of the naturally derived hydroxyl containing chain transfer agent. Methods of preparing a hybrid dendrite copolymer are also included. |
| US09988525B2 |
Poly(vinyl acetal) resin compositions, layers, and interlayers having enhanced optical properties
Resin compositions, layers, and interlayers comprising two or more thermoplastic polymers and at least one RI balancing agent for adjusting the refractive index of at least one of the resins or layers is provided. Such compositions, layers, and interlayers exhibit enhanced optical properties while retaining other properties, such as impact resistance and acoustic performance. |
| US09988523B2 |
Polypropylene composition combining low sealing initiation temperature, low haze, low hexane solubles and improved tear resistance and melting temperature
Polypropylene composition which combines low sealing initiation temperature (SIT) and high melting point (Tm), furthermore showing a broad sealing window, low hexane solubles and good optical properties, like low haze. |
| US09988521B2 |
Polyphenylene sulfide resin composition, production method thereof and reflector
A polyphenylene sulfide resin composition has excellent heat resistance, flowability and lightweight property as well as surface smoothness and impact resistance. The polyphenylene sulfide resin composition includes 1 to 30 parts by weight of a mica (b) having an aspect ratio of not less than 80, relative to 100 parts by weight of a polyphenylene sulfide resin (a). |
| US09988519B2 |
Antistatic liquid crystalline polymer composition
A liquid crystalline polymer composition having a reduced tendency to create a static electric charge during a molding operation is provided. More particularly, the composition contains an ionic liquid that is distributed within a liquid crystalline polymer matrix. In addition to being electrically conductive, the ionic liquid can exist in liquid form during melt processing, which allows it to be more uniformly blended within the liquid crystalline polymer matrix. This improves electrical connectivity and thereby enhances the ability of the composition to rapidly dissipate static electric charges from its surface. |
| US09988505B2 |
Polyethylene compositions and films formed therefrom
A polyethylene composition comprising an ethylene/α-olefin copolymerized linear low density polyethylene, wherein the polyethylene composition has a Mw of from 100,000 g/mol to 200,000 g/mol, a Mw/Mn of from 4.0 to 9.0, a Mz/Mw of from 4.0 to 7.0, and a Mz+1/Mw of from 4.5 to 13.5, is provided. A film formed of the polyethylene composition is also provided. |
| US09988503B2 |
Thermoplastic starch composition derivatives from agricultural byproducts
A thermoplastic starch composition acquired from compounding a mixture comprising starch-containing agricultural byproducts in 45 to 70% by weight of total composition, the agricultural byproducts having a starch content less than 50% dry weight; thermoplastic synthetic polymer in 25 to 50% by weight of total composition; plasticizer in 1 to 10% by weight of total composition; and coupling agent in 1 to 5% by weight of total composition; the compounding performed at a first temperature which is higher than room temperature. |
| US09988486B2 |
Curing agent for epoxy resins
Amine terminated curing agents for curing water based epoxy resins wherein the equivalent weight of active hydrogen is from 85 g to 105 g obtained by reacting polyamine with salicylic acid and subsequently reacting with epoxy resin. The invention also relates to curing compositions, curable systems, and cured compositions and coatings including such curing agents. The cured coatings find application as coatings for floor surfaces, including surfaces where food use approval is required. The cured coatings have particular application for coating the flooring of shipping containers but the use is not so limited. |
| US09988481B2 |
Polyisocyanate composition, coating composition, coating film and method for producing same, and humidity stabilization method
The present invention provides a polyisocyanate composition wherein the composition is obtained from an aliphatic diisocyanate unit including 1,6-diisocyanatohexane, and has an isocyanurate group, a uretdione group, a uretonimine group, and an iminooxadiazinedione group, and the molar ratio of the uretonimine group to the isocyanurate group is 0.0010 to 0.0050, and the molar ratio of the iminooxadiazinedione group to the isocyanurate group is 0.00050 to 0.30. |
| US09988479B2 |
Functionalized elastomer containing a boron group
The present invention is directed to a copolymer of 1,3-butadiene or isoprene and a monomer of formula I or V wherein R1 is a covalent bond, phenylene, a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a combination of one or more phenylene groups and one or more linear or branched alkane diyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 are independently linear or branched alkyl groups containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or R5 is a linear or branched alkane diyl group containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or a bridging aromatic group. The invention is further directed to a rubber composition including the copolymer, and a pneumatic tire containing the rubber composition. The invention is further directed to a method of making such a copolymer. |
| US09988474B2 |
Process for the polymerization of propylene
The invention relates to a process for the preparation of ethylene-propylene copolymers having —a weight average molecular weight of 800,000-1,800,000, —a molecular weight distribution of 3-8, —an ethylene content of 1-10 wt %, preferably 1.5 to 5.5 wt %. —a melt flow in the range of 1.5-8 dg/min measured with a load of 21.6 kg at 230° C. and —a xylene soluble content of 2-15 wt % by converting propylene into the UHMWEP copolymer without pre-polymerization in the presence of a polymerization catalyst under a condition where the volume ratio of H2 to propylene is at most 0.0020, wherein the catalyst comprises a catalyst component and a co-catalyst, wherein the catalyst component is obtained by a process wherein a compound with formula Mg(OAIk)xCly wherein x is larger than 0 and smaller than 2, y equals 2−x and each Alk, independently, represents an alkyl group, is contacted with a titanium tetraalkoxide and/or an alcohol in the presence of an inert dispersant to give an intermediate reaction product and wherein the intermediate reaction product is contacted with titanium tetrachloride in the presence of an internal donor. |
| US09988468B2 |
Methods of preparing a catalyst
A method of preparing a catalyst comprising a) contacting (i) a silica-support, (ii) an oxotitanium compound, (iii) a chromium-containing compound, and (iv) an optional solvent to form a first aqueous mixture comprising a pre-catalyst and a reaction media having from about 1 wt. % to about 99 wt. % water; b) thermally treating the pre-catalyst by heating to a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 1000° C. for a time period of from about 1 minute to about 24 hours to form the catalyst. A method of preparing a catalyst comprising contacting a hydrated support material comprising silica with a chromium-containing compound to form a first aqueous mixture comprising a chrominated support; contacting the first aqueous mixture comprising a chrominated support with a solution comprising (i) a solvent and (ii) an oxotitanium compound to form a second aqueous mixture comprising a pre-catalyst; and thermally treating the pre-catalyst to form the catalyst. |
| US09988458B2 |
Antibodies against human CSF-1R and uses thereof
The present invention relates to antibodies against human CSF-1R (CSF-1R antibody), methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof. |
| US09988457B2 |
Human C-FMS antigen binding proteins
Antigen binding proteins that bind to human c-fms protein are provided. Nucleic acids encoding the antigen binding protein, vectors, and cells encoding the same are also provided. The antigen binding proteins can inhibit binding of c-fms to CSF-1, reduce monocyte migration into tumors, and reduce the accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages. |
| US09988454B2 |
Peptide core-based multi-arm linkers for treating central nervous system diseases
The present disclosure provides various molecular constructs having a targeting element and an effector element. Methods for treating various diseases using such molecular constructs are also disclosed. |
| US09988452B2 |
Antibody molecules to PD-L1 and uses thereof
Antibody molecules that specifically bind to PD-L1 are disclosed. Combination therapies comprising the anti-PD-L1 antibody molecules are also disclosed. The anti-PD-L1 antibody molecules can be used to treat, prevent and/or diagnose cancerous or infectious conditions and disorders. |
| US09988442B2 |
MFAP4 binding antibodies blocking the interaction between MFAP4 and integrin receptors
Microfibrillar-associated protein 4 (MFAP4) binding antibodies are provided to prevent or to inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and neointima formation in blood vessels. Furthermore, there are provided antibodies that effectively inhibit remodelling of vessels and prevent progression of arteriosclerosis as well as restenosis of vessels. The provided antibodies block the interaction between MF AP4 and integrin receptors. |
| US09988440B2 |
Compositions comprising antibodies targeting factor P
The present invention relates to antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to complement Factor P and used thereof as well as combinations of anti-Factor P antibodies with antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof that bind to complement component 5 (C5). |
| US09988439B2 |
Immunoglobulins and variants directed against pathogenic microbes
Anti-SpA murine, chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies, and variant antibodies having a heavy chain with at least one amino acid substitution are provided. Such antibodies may be used to prevent or treat microbial infections. |
| US09988438B2 |
Anti-HIV dual specificity antibodies and methods of HIV treatment
Dual variable domain immunoglobulins (DVD Igs) are provided capable of tetravalent binding to bispecific sites of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The DVD Igs may be asymmetric and may have more variable domains on either the light chain or the heavy chain of the Igs. The DVD Igs may have specificity for gp41 and gp120. Therapies are provided using DVD Igs to neutralize HIV viral loads. |
| US09988430B2 |
Stable GLP-1 based GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonists
New GLP-1 derivatives, compositions thereof and their use in medicine. |
| US09988427B2 |
Erythropoietin variants
The present invention relates to novel endogenous variants of erythropoietin (EPO) and their use for treatment or prevention of a condition associated with tissue damage due to cell death (apoptosis, necrosis) and inflammation, in particular for neuroprotection, e.g. treatment of acute (for example stroke) and chronic disease (for example ALS) of the nervous system. |
| US09988425B2 |
Immunogens for HIV vaccination
The present invention relates to novel immunogens based on overlapping peptides (OLPs) and peptides derived therefrom useful for the prevention and treatment of AIDS and its related opportunistic diseases. The invention also relates to isolated nucleic acids, vectors and host cells expressing these immunogens as well as vaccines including the immunogens. |
| US09988417B2 |
Process for the preparation of estetrol
The invention relates to a process for obtaining Estetrol or a salt or solvate thereof, the process comprising: a) reacting a compound of formula (IV) or a salt or solvate thereof, wherein R1 is a hydroxyl protecting group selected from a silyl ether, an ether, an ester, a carbamate and a carbonate, and R2 is a hydroxyl protecting group selected from an ether, with an oxidizing agent selected from OsO4 or a source of osmium tetroxide to produce Estetrol or a compound of formula (II) or a salt or solvate thereof wherein R1 is as defined previously; and b) if a compound of formula (II) is obtained in step a), deprotecting said compound to produce Estetrol. |
| US09988416B2 |
Alkynyl nucleoside analogs as inhibitors of human rhinovirus
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or a salt thereof; and therapeutic uses of these compounds. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and compositions comprising these compounds with a therapeutic co-agent, and methods of using the compounds and compositions for treatment of viral infections, especially HRV. |
| US09988409B2 |
Multi-dimensional networks
Described herein are multi-dimensional networks that can include a recurring unit of Formula (I) and a recurring unit of Formula (II), and methods of synthesizing and using the same. |
| US09988405B2 |
O-phenyl chalcone compounds and uses thereof
Disclosed are an o-phenyl chalcone compounds and preparation methods and uses thereof. The o-phenyl chalcone compounds are capable of inhibiting the aggregation of microtubules in tumor cells and influencing the mitosis of the cells, and has a high antitumor activity. The compounds also have inhibitory activity against proliferation on various tumor cells, such as a human ovary cancer cell A2780, a human colon cancer cell HCT8, a human breast cancer cell MCF7, a human lung cancer cell A549, a human colon cancer cell SW480, a human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell CNE2, a human liver cancer cell HepG2 and the like at nanomole concentrations. |
| US09988404B2 |
Ester-modified organosilicon-based surfactants, methods of making same and applications containing the same
There is provided herein a polyalkylene-oxide-free surfactant composition comprising an ester-modified organosilicon having the general formula (I) AOaR4b(BOcR11d)e(C)fDg. There is also provided methods for making the ester-modified organosilicon (I) and agricultural, coating, personal care and home care applications containing the polyalkylene-oxide-free surfactant composition. |
| US09988399B2 |
Bicyclic compounds as ACC inhibitors and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds useful as inhibitors of Acetyl CoA Carboxylase (ACC), compositions thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US09988397B2 |
ERK inhibitors
The present invention provides a compound of Formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, and prodrugs thereof, which are ERK2 inhibitors. The invention also provides a method of inhibiting 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). The invention also provides a method for treating cancer in a patient in need of such treatment, said method comprising administering to said patient an effective amount of at least one compound of Formula (I). |
| US09988391B2 |
TBK/IKK inhibitor compounds and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, useful as TBK/IKKε inhibitors. |
| US09988384B2 |
Aurora kinase inhibitors for inhibiting mitotic progression
The present invention relates to compounds and methods for the treatment of cancer. In particular, the invention provides potent inhibitors of Aurora A kinase, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, and methods of using the compounds for the treatment of cancer. |
| US09988372B2 |
Crystalline form of 5-chloro-N-({(5S)-2-oxo-3-[4-(5,6-dihydro-4H-[1,2,4]triazin-1-yl)phenyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-5-yl}methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide methanesulfonate and pharmaceutical composition comprising same
The present invention relates to a novel crystalline form of 5-chloro-N-({(5S)-2-oxo-3-[4-(5,6-dihydro-4H-[1,2,4]triazin-1-yl)phenyl]-1,3-oxazolidin-5-yl}methyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide methanesulfonate and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. The novel crystalline form of a compound according to the present invention exhibits excellent stability even in high-temperature and humidity environments, and thus can be favorably used to prevent or treat diseases, such as thrombosis, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, inflammation, stroke, angina pectoris, restenosis after angioplasty, and thromboembolism. |
| US09988368B1 |
Chiral synthesis method for producing cis-imidazoline compounds for pharmaceutical use
This invention provides a method for enantioselective synthesis of cis-imidazolines and related structures through chiral resolution. A chiral acid is used to separate enantiomeric precursors of the cis-imidazolines from a racemic mixture by selective crystallization. Both enantiomers can be cyclized into the desired cis-imidazoline by complementary pathways. Compounds can be synthesized according to the invention with an enantiomeric excess as high as 99%. Cis-imidazolines such as Nutlin-3a prepared according to this invention may be used for treating cancer, killing senescent cells, or treating senescence-associated conditions. |
| US09988365B2 |
2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-difluoro-1-(5-substituted-pyridin-2-yl)-3-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)propan-2-ols and processes for their preparation
Provided herein are 2-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-1,1-difluoro-1-(5-substituted-pyridin-2-yl)-3-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl)propan-2-ols and 1-(2,4-difluorophenyl)-2,2-difluoro-2-(5-substituted-pyridin-2-yl)ethanones and processes for their preparation. |
| US09988362B2 |
Method for preparing furan derivatives from biomass
The present invention relates to a method for preparing for a furan derivative from biomass, comprising step (1) of preparing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by reacting biomass and a solid acid catalyst in butanol; and step (2) of preparing a furan derivative by reacting the butanol solution of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, obtained in step (1), with a hydrogenation catalyst. |
| US09988360B2 |
Method for preparation of 2-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one
A method for preparation of 2-methyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one from 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one by contacting 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one with an alkali metal hydroxide and dimethyl sulfate. |
| US09988357B2 |
Methods for preparation of quinazoline derivatives
Methods for preparing compounds having the following structure (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, stereoisomer, or tautomer thereof, wherein R1, R2a, R2b, R3a, R3b, R4a, R4b and R4c, are as defined herein are provided. Related compounds and methods for making the same are also provided. |
| US09988345B2 |
Process and plant for the production of an aqueous solution comprising urea
The present invention regards a process for the production of an aqueous solution comprising urea for use in the removal of nitrogen oxides from combustion gas or fumes, the process being characterized in that it comprises the steps of: —subjecting at least a part of a urea-concentrated aqueous solution comprising residual free ammonia, obtained directly from or downstream of a recovery section of a plant for the production of urea, to washing with carbon dioxide, so obtaining a first vapor phase comprising carbon dioxide and optionally ammonia and a urea-concentrated aqueous solution comprising carbamate and essentially lacking in free ammonia, and —diluting said urea-concentrated aqueous solution comprising carbamate and essentially lacking in free ammonia with water until the desired concentration of urea in aqueous solution is reached. |
| US09988341B2 |
Bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors and use thereof
The present invention provides novel compounds as bacterial topoisomerase inhibitors with antibacterial activity. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one of the compounds and methods of using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions as antibacterial agents for treating infectious diseases. |
| US09988332B2 |
Preparation of bromine-containing aromatic compounds and their application as flame retardants
The invention relates to compounds of the formula Ar(—CH2C6Br5)y, wherein Ar indicates a structure comprising one or more six-membered aromatic ring(s) and —CH2C6Br5 indicates a pentabromobenzyl group, characterized in that at least one carbon atom of said six-membered aromatic ring(s) is bonded to the benzylic carbon of said —CH2C6Br5 group, wherein y, which indicates the number of the —CH2C6Br5 groups in said compound, is not less than 1. Processes for preparing the compounds and their use as flame retardants are also disclosed. |
| US09988330B2 |
Process and apparatus for the production of higher alcohols
In a process for the production of higher alcohols, i.e. C4+ alcohols, from syngas, the syngas is first reacted in a heterogeneous alcohol pre-converter (A) using an alcohol synthesis catalyst, whereby methanol as the main product in a concentration corresponding to or close to the equilibrium concentration is produced. Then the effluent from the pre-converter is mixed with unconverted wet recycle gas and reacted in a heterogeneous reactor for higher alcohols synthesis (B) containing a higher alcohols synthesis catalyst, and finally the effluent from the reactor for higher alcohols synthesis is separated into (i) unconverted syngas, which is recycled to the higher alcohols synthesis reactor, (ii) methanol and light alcohols, which are recycled to the higher alcohols synthesis reactor, and (iii) the final product consisting of higher alcohols. |
| US09988324B2 |
Process and system for making cyclopentadiene and/or dicyclopentadiene
Processes and systems for making cyclopentadiene and/or dicyclopentadiene include converting acyclic C5 hydrocarbon(s) into CPD in a first reactor to obtain a product mixture, separating the product mixture in a separation sub-system such as compression train to obtain a C5-rich fraction comprising CPD and essentially depleted of hydrogen and C1-C4 hydrocarbons, dimerizing the C5-rich fraction in a dimerization reactor to obtain a product effluent comprising DCPD, followed by separating the product effluent to obtain a DCPD-rich fraction. Multiple-stage of dimerization and separation steps can be optionally used to obtain multiple DCPD-rich fractions of various degrees of purity and quantity. C5-rich fractions from various stages of the process may be recycled to the first reactor, or converted into mogas components after selective hydrogenation. C5-rich fractions and mogas components may be optionally separated to produce value-adding chemicals. |
| US09988306B2 |
Activation of set-delayed cement compositions by retarder exchange
A variety of methods and compositions for cementing with set-delayed cement. In one embodiment a method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising a hydraulic cement, water, and a primary retarder. The method further comprises activating the set-delayed cement composition through a retarder exchange whereby, a secondary retarder is added to the set-delayed cement composition to produce an activated cement composition. The activated cement composition is then allowed to set. |
| US09988304B2 |
Method of strengthening glass by plasma induced ion exchanges in connection with tin baths, and articles made according to the same
Certain example embodiments relate to an improved method of strengthening glass substrates (e.g., soda lime silica glass substrates). In certain examples, a glass substrate may be chemically strengthened by creating an electric field within the glass. In certain cases, the chemical tempering may be performed by surrounding the substrate by a plasma including certain ions, such as Li+, K+, Mg2+, and/or the like. In some cases, these ions may be forced into the glass substrate due to the half-cycles of the electric field generated by the electrodes that formed the plasma. This may advantageously chemically strengthen a glass substrate on a substantially reduced time scale. In other example embodiments, an electric field may be set in a float bath such that sodium ions are driven from the molten glass ribbon into the tin bath, which may advantageously result in a stronger glass substrate with reduced sodium content. |
| US09988291B2 |
Floating treatment bed for plants
Contaminating material is extracted from a body of water by providing a floating bed on which plants such as Cat Tails can be grown with their roots hanging into the body of water over an area where extraction of contaminating material from the body of water is required, growing the plants to take up the contaminating material from the body of water and harvesting the upstanding plant mass by moving the bed to a harvesting machine which cuts away the plant mass leaving at least part of the root mass to continue growing into a new season. The bed can be returned to a location for the next season. |
| US09988283B2 |
Systems and methods for water reclamation
A system reclaiming contaminated water includes a heat exchanger that receives the contaminated water and converts at least a portion of the contaminated water into steam and collects at least a portion of the contaminants within the heat exchanger. A thermal transfer fluid is heated by a heat exchanger is communication with a heat source. The heated fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger to heat the contaminated water. A steam engine is coupled to a generator, the steam engine receives the steam from the heat exchanger to drive the generator to provide power for the system. Steam exhausted from the steam engine is supplied to supplemental heat loads and then condensed in a modular condensing system. The collected contaminants are directed to an evaporation device to remove residual liquid. |
| US09988280B2 |
Production of high purity lithium compounds directly from lithium containing brines
A process for reducing the amount of magnesium in a lithium-containing brine by adding an aqueous solution of KCl to the brine to precipitate at least some of the magnesium as carnallite salt is disclosed. Lithium salts prepared using this magnesium removal process are also disclosed. |
| US09988271B2 |
Method of preparing carbon fibers
A method of producing carbon fiber, yarns, and nonwoven carbon fiber cloths, includes forming suitable polymeric precursor microfibers and/or nanofibers using a centrifugal spinning process and decomposing at least a portion of the polymeric precursor fibers to form carbon fibers. The decomposition may be accomplished by treating the polymeric precursor fibers with acid vapor from an aqueous acid solution at a temperature of less than 250° C. |
| US09988264B2 |
Method of fabricating integrated structure for MEMS device and semiconductor device
A method of fabricating an integrated structure for MEMS device and semiconductor device comprises steps of: providing a substrate having a transistor thereon in a semiconductor device region and a first MEMS component thereon in a MEMS region; performing a interconnect process on the substrate in the semiconductor device region to form a plurality of first dielectric layers, at least a conductive plug and at least a conductive layer in the first dielectric layers; forming a plurality of second dielectric layers and an etch stopping device in the second dielectric layers on the substrate in a etch stopping device region; forming a plurality of third dielectric layers and at least a second MEMS component in the third dielectric layers on the substrate in the MEMS region; and performing an etching process to remove the third dielectric layers in the MEMS region. |
| US09988262B2 |
Temporary mechanical stabilization of semiconductor cavities
A method for fabricating an electronic device is disclosed. In one example, the method comprises providing a semiconductor wafer, forming a plurality of cavities into the semiconductor wafer, filling a stabilization material into the cavities, fabricating a temporary panel by applying a cap sheet onto the semiconductor wafer, the cap sheet covering the cavities, singulating the temporary panel into a plurality of semiconductor devices, fabricating an embedded wafer by embedding the semiconductor devices in an encapsulant, removing the cap sheet of each one of the semiconductor devices, and singulating the embedded wafer into a plurality of electronic devices. |
| US09988261B2 |
Micromechanical device and method for manufacturing a micromechanical device
A micromechanical device, in particular a sensor device, and a method for manufacturing a micromechanical device are provided. The micromechanical device has a housing, the housing including a first cavity, and the housing including a second cavity that is separate from the first cavity. The micromechanical device is configured in such a way that a predetermined first gas pressure prevails in the first cavity, and a predetermined second gas pressure which is reduced compared to the first gas pressure prevails in the second cavity. A heating element is situated in the area of the second cavity. The micromechanical device has a printed conductor, the heating element being heatable with the aid of the printed conductor. |
| US09988259B2 |
Portable fuel storage device
A portable storage device to contain fuel. The device is designed to be relatively light-weight to allow for movement around a fueling facility, and to be delivered to the fueling facility through the air. The device includes a number of separate tanks each configured to contain fuel. A suspension protects the tanks by absorbing external forces that could occur in the event the device is dropped during air delivery. |
| US09988256B2 |
Adjustable soda dispenser holding device and method
An adjustable soda dispenser holding device for securing a soda dispenser to an object including a frame, where the frame includes a horizontal elongated member for abutting a top of the object, a vertical elongated member being connected to the horizontal elongated member and abutting a side of the object, a platform having an inside rim, the inside rim surrounding an opening formed in the platform, and a drip cup for catching drips from a soda dispenser, the drip cup being supported by the inside rim and being rotatable relative to the platform. A method of using an adjustable soda dispenser holding device, including inserting a drip cup into an inside rim surrounding an opening formed in a platform of a frame, where the frame includes a horizontal elongated member and vertical elongated member, and rotating the drip cup relative to the platform. |
| US09988252B1 |
Snatch block with soft hinge
A line-handling block permits a soft attachment to perform the functions of securing the block to the boat, hinging the block's cheeks at one end, and locking the cheeks together positively but releaseably at its other end. The soft attachment so arranged, reinforces the block against destructive strain and aligns the block for a fair lead. Increased force on the soft attachment has the desirable effect of engaging it positively about the block to restrain unwanted opening. The block may be 3D-printed in “sparse mode” with a hard-plastic shell having a lightweight honeycomb interior, hence being so light that it floats if dropped overboard. |
| US09988247B2 |
Mobile crane
A mobile crane includes a counterweight carrier capable of traveling following a movement of a crane main body, the counterweight carrier including a carrier main body on which a counterweight is loaded and a wheel unit attached to the carrier main body and including wheels, a wheel driving device configured to rotate the wheels to thereby cause the counterweight carrier to travel, a loadage detector configured to detect a weight loadage index value, which is an index value of weight of the counterweight loaded on the carrier main body, and a controller configured to cause the wheel driving device to change a driving force of the wheel driving device for rotating the wheels such that the driving force increases as the weight loadage index value detected by the loadage detector increases. |
| US09988245B2 |
Multi-purpose emergency services strap
A multi-purpose emergency services strap for facilitating lifting, transporting or carrying an individual has a strap body with a plurality of independent loops formed in the strap body. The independent loops include at least two adjacent, proximal leg loops formed in the strap body on either side of the midline, end loops on each end of the multi-purpose emergency services strap, and a plurality of adjacent handles formed in the strap body positioned distal to each of the at least two adjacent, leg loops and proximal to the end loops. The multi-purpose emergency services strap also includes a back strap and attachment loops that can be variously configured for many rescue and transport applications for humans and animals. |
| US09988239B2 |
Preventative maintenance by detecting number of switching events of components
A system for providing preventative maintenance of switchable components includes a load-moving system including one or more switchable components. The system also includes a microcontroller configured to operate the one or more switchable components of the load-moving system, to determine a number of switching events of the one or more switchable components and to perform a preventative maintenance action based on determining that the number of switching events is greater than a threshold number of switching events. |
| US09988237B1 |
Elevator management according to probabilistic destination determination
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for smart elevator car destination management according to probabilistic destination determination. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for smart elevator car destination management according to probabilistic destination determination includes predicting a set of passengers requesting use of an elevator car in a bank of elevator cars in a building and determining a probability for each of the passengers that each passenger will select as a destination a particular floor in the building. The method also includes grouping ones of the passengers in the set according to a common floor determined to be probable for the grouped ones of the passengers. Finally, the method includes displaying in connection with the bank of elevator cars an assignment of the grouped ones of the passengers to one of the elevator cars in the bank. |
| US09988235B2 |
Sheet folding mechanism and sheet processing apparatus
According to an embodiment, a sheet folding apparatus comprises a first roller, a second roller configured to be energized to the first roller, form a nip section together with the first roller, fold a sheet in half together with the first roller through the nip section and convey the sheet folded in half together with the first roller and a pressing force adjusting mechanism configured to be capable of increasing and decreasing a pressing force generated at the nip section. The pressing force adjusting mechanism causes a pressing force in a state of being conveying the sheet folded in half to be lower than that in a state of being folding the sheet in half. |
| US09988222B2 |
Supply device for the supply of filled sacks to a palletizing device
The invention relates to a supply device for the supply of filled sacks to a palletizing device, comprising a main supply belt for the supply of a first row of filled sacks on a sliding area of the palletizing device, wherein beneath the main supply belt at least one secondary feed belt is assembled for the supply of another row of filled sacks on the sliding area beneath a first row of filled sacks. |
| US09988203B2 |
Prize packages containing math teaching tools and edible confectionery items
A prize package containing edible confectionery items, such as gum, candy or mints, includes a container, a plurality of edible confectionery items disposed within the container, a number provided on each edible confectionery item disposed within the container, and a reference number provided inside the container. The prize package is a winning prize package if the sum total of the numbers provided on the edible confectionery items disposed within the container matches the reference number provided inside the container. A validation code is provided inside the container for confirming that the prize package is a winning prize package. The validation code may be a bar code, a number code, a QR code, or scratch-off code. The container may be made of paper or plastic, and may have a sleeve or tube shape. |
| US09988202B2 |
Retaining member and insulating vessel incorporating same
A retaining member for use with a vacuum-insulated vessel is described. The retaining member includes a frustoconical body, a cylindrical skirt extending from the frustoconical body, and a deformable member extending along an inner surface of the frustoconical body. The deformable member may have multiple layers. An opening extends through the frustonical body, so that the neck of a bottle may pass through the opening. The vacuum-insulated vessel, in combination with the retaining member, may receive and secure bottles having different heights and widths. The retaining member and vacuum-insulated vessel also eliminates condensation from external surfaces of a bottle positioned therein, maintains the initial temperature of the bottle, and allows a user to pour from the bottle without having to remove the bottle from the vessel. |
| US09988201B2 |
Micro-structured surface with improved insulation and condensation resistance
This invention is a micro-featured surface with improved insulation and condensation resistance comprising: a micro-structure included with the substrate having an arrangement of a first set of micro-features and a second set of micro-features; a first micro-feature horizontal cross section taken from the group consisting of a circle, oval, polygon, and concave portion; a condensation rate less than 0.15 grams when measure by an ambient test method; and an improved hold time of 23.00% or greater as shown by hold testing wherein a micro-feature density is in a range of 5.00% to 25.00%. |
| US09988198B2 |
Ovenable heat-sealed package
A package comprises a heat seal between a first film and a second film. The first film comprises at least 70% of one or more polyamides. The first film also comprises at least one modified layer comprising (1) at least 70% of one or more polyamides and (2) one or more modifiers selected from ethylene/alkyl(meth)acrylate copolymers, ethylene/(meth)acrylic acid copolymers, and ionomers. The second film comprises at least 70%) of one or more polyamides. The package is useful under ovenable conditions. |
| US09988193B1 |
Presentation box for a transaction card
A presentation box for presenting a transaction card may include a hinged lid connected to a hinge edge of the presentation box, the hinged lid to pivot about the hinge edge of the presentation box when moved between a closed position and an open position. The presentation box may further include a presentation apparatus that includes a tether that may be attached to the hinged lid, and a sleeve to receive the transaction card, where the presentation apparatus is to move the transaction card between a first position when the hinged lid is in the closed position and a second position when the hinged lid is in the open position, where the first position is different from the second position. |
| US09988190B2 |
Flexible containers with biased dispensing
Flexible containers having biased dispensing. |
| US09988188B2 |
Method of packing silicon and packing body
When packing a polycrystalline silicon with a two-layer structured packing body comprising an inner bag (1a) and an outer bag (1b), there are used the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) having bottom sections (4a, 4b) provided with a pair of tucked sections, the shape of which is substantially a triangle in plan view, formed by inward-folding the portions continued from both of rectangular side face sections (3a, 3b), and when storing the inner bag (1a) that stores the polycrystalline silicon therein into the outer bag (1b), the bottom sections (4a, 4b) are superimposed with the respective tucked sections (6a, 6b) of the inner bag (1a) and the outer bag (1b) displaced from each other by 90° so that they do not overlap on each other. |
| US09988186B1 |
Tool storage device
A tool storage device stores tools and provides a work surface attachable to a railing of a lift. The device includes a top wall extending from a front side of a box to define a seat with a front side of the box. The seat abuts a railing on a lift such that the box is supported on and positioned against the railing. Each of a pair of tethers is elongated and coupled to the box for extending around the railing and being secured to hold the box to the railing. A front opening into an interior space of the box provides access to the interior space to a person supported on the lift. |
| US09988180B2 |
Pallet
A pallet has an upper deck portion having an upper planar portion and a lower deck portion having a lower planar portion. Ribs extend from one of the planar portions and are vibration welded to the other planar portion. A peripheral lip extends downwardly from the upper deck portion around the periphery of the lower portion. In this manner, the entire upper deck portion, which includes the entire upper surface of the pallet, is vibration welded to the lower deck portion. Further, the peripheral lip of the upper deck portion hides any flash that might be generated by the vibration welding process. |
| US09988179B2 |
Container with thermally fused double-seamed or crimp-seamed metal end
A container includes a metal end applied and sealed to an all-thermoplastic container body by a crimp-seaming or double-seaming operation. The metal end has an outer curl joined to a chuck wall that extends down from the curl. One or both of the inner surface of the container side wall and the outer surface of the chuck wall has/have a heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is crimp-seamed or double-seamed to the container body and the heat-sealable material(s) are heated to soften or melt such that the interface between the chuck wall and the side wall is fused. The interface is oriented along a direction relative to internal pressure exerted on the metal end such that stress on the interface caused by the internal pressure is predominantly shear stress. |
| US09988170B2 |
Method of sterilizing preform and method of sterilizing container made of resin
A sterilization process is performed on a preform or container made of resin after a corona discharge treatment is performed on an inner surface of the preform or container, the corona discharge treatment including applying a voltage produced in a corona discharge to an electrode that passes through an opening part of the preform or container, an insertion step of inserting the electrode to which the voltage is applied into the preform or container through the opening part, and a bottom part treatment step of treating an inner surface of a bottom part of the preform or container by bringing the electrode close to the bottom part until the corona discharge from the electrode changes discharge mode, and the sterilization process including a hydrogen peroxide supplying step of blasting a mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide solution or a mixture thereof to the preform or container. |
| US09988158B2 |
Aircraft load shedding system including supplementary power sources for assuring DC and device for cutting off power to the alternators of a turbine engine during acceleration
A DC electrical generation system for an aircraft propelled by a turbine engine, such as a turbojet, includes at least one electrical energy storage capacity, at least one generator driven mechanically by a rotation shaft of the turbine engine and electrical connections between the electrical energy storage capacity, the generator and the aircraft equipment for powering the above-mentioned equipment with DC current, also including at least one alternative for supplying DC current to the equipment, which are autonomous in relation to any mechanical driving by a rotation shaft of the turbine engine, and a device that can cut-off power to the generator(s) and simultaneously activate the alternative current supply. The power cut-off device for triggering power cut-off and activating the alternative current supply is controlled by a control or operating parameter of the turbine engine. The alternative current supply is preferably formed by one or more supercapacitors. |
| US09988157B2 |
Fan cowl balking latch
A nacelle may include fan cowl panels which may be opened to provide access to the fan case. A latching mechanism may latch a left fan cowl panel to a right fan cowl panel. The latch may create a separation between the fan cowl panels when unlatched. A shoot pin latch may be aligned with a receiver cavity such that the shoot pin latch may be closed when the latching mechanism is closed. If the fan cowl panels are not fully closed, the shoot pin latch may be prevented from closing, and a high visibility handle may indicate that the fan cowl panels are not latched together. |
| US09988155B2 |
System and method for aft mount of gas turbine engine
The present disclosure is applicable to all vehicles having an engine mounted therein. In one embodiment, an aft mount system for a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The aft mount system includes a vehicle chassis and at least one flexible mounting member disposed within the vehicle chassis, wherein when a gas turbine engine is received within the vehicle chassis, an exhaust portion of the gas turbine engine is substantially mounted within the vehicle chassis through engagement with the at least one flexible mounting member. |
| US09988154B1 |
Conductive network for fabrics
An apparatus, method for making, and product by process for a parachute, the parachute having a conductive network and a set of fabrics; the conductive network including a set of conductive elements and a set of devices; wherein a first subset of conductive elements of the set of conductive elements is incorporated with a second subset of fabrics of the set of fabrics and third subset of devices of the set of devices incorporated is incorporated with a fourth subset of fabrics of the set of fabrics. |
| US09988151B2 |
Dehumidification system for use in a vehicle and method of assembling thereof
A dehumidification system for use in a vehicle is provided. The system includes a thermally conductive member coupled to an outer skin of the vehicle, and a duct at least partially circumscribing the thermally conductive member such that an air flow passage is defined between the duct and the thermally conductive member. The thermally conductive member is configured to transmit a temperature of the outer skin to moisture-laden air channeled through the air flow passage. |
| US09988144B2 |
Steering device for an aircraft
A steering device for an aircraft landing gear leg including a main fitting has a steering collar for rotatably mounting on the outside of the main fitting; an actuator having an actuator body; and an actuator arm arranged to move between an extended position and retracted position with respect to the actuator body. The actuator arm is pivoted to the main fitting, and a bracket is pivoted to the main fitting; a second pivot location pivoted to the actuator body; and a third pivot location pivotally connected to one end of a steering arm. The steering arm is pivoted at its other end to the steering collar. Also, an aircraft landing gear with the steering device and aircraft having the landing gear. |
| US09988140B2 |
Counterbalancing unmanned aerial vehicles during operations associated with cell towers
Systems and methods using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to perform physical functions on a cell tower at a cell site include flying the UAV at or near the cell site, wherein the UAV comprises one or more manipulable members; moving the one or more manipulable members when proximate to a location at the cell tower where the physical functions are performed to effectuate the physical functions; and utilizing one or more counterbalancing techniques during the moving ensuring a weight distribution of the UAV remains substantially the same. |
| US09988134B1 |
Systems and methods for controlling movement of a marine vessel using first and second propulsion devices
Systems and methods are for controlling movement of a marine vessel extending along a longitudinal axis between a bow and a stern and along a lateral axis between a port side and a starboard side, having a first propulsion device located closer to the stern than to the bow and steerable about a first steering axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral axes, a second propulsion device located closer to the bow than to the stern and steerable about a second steering axis perpendicular to the longitudinal and lateral axes. An input device is configured to input a request for movement of the marine vessel. A control module is configured to control steering and thrust of the first and second propulsion devices to achieve a resultant movement of the marine vessel commensurate with the request for movement. |
| US09988119B1 |
Protective cover for small land vehicles
A protective covers for small land vehicles has a bottom cover member that is generally in the form of a flat elongated rectangular thin material with two side edges and two end edges attached at a front end edge to a front end edge of a top cover member that has two side portions and two end portions generally in the form of a thin material to cover and drape over a small land vehicle that has handle bars. A peripheral edge of the bottom cover member has a first row of teeth for a zipper and a peripheral edge of the top cover member has a second row of teeth for the zipper. An outer layer of cover material is formed of 420 D water proof treated and UV treated material for the bottom cover member and the top cover member. A first inner layer of cover material is formed of 600 D-PVC material and is attached interior to the bottom cover member, and a second inner layer of cover material is formed of 600 D fabricated of 80 to 90 GSM material and is attached interior to the top cover member. |
| US09988118B1 |
Load-leveling suspended hanger
The invention is a suspended hanger with an adjustable slide that helps to maintain the suspended hanger in a balanced condition. The hanger has a tubular channel with a longitudinal slot. The channel has one or more devices for attaching suspended objects to the channel. Affixed to the channel by means of the slot is a slide that has a frictional breaking mechanism. The braking mechanism uses a lever and compression spring to secure the slide to any position along the channel. When objects are suspended from or removed from the hanger, the slide is adjusted to achieve the balanced condition. The suspended hanger may be suspended overhead by one or more pulleys. The invention is especially suited for holding bicycles, especially three bicycles. |
| US09988106B2 |
Suspension automobile
A suspension automobile comprising an automobile body, wheels and a flow disturbing plate, the wheels connect the flow disturbing plate through connecting devices, and a fluid channel communicating with the outside is formed between the upper surface of the flow disturbing plate and a bottom shell of the automobile body; a power device used for driving the automobile is contained in the body and is suspended along with lift force generated by the body. The invention changes the common sense that the wheels bear all weight generated by the self-weight, loads, and gravitational acceleration of the automobiles when traveling; the body which exceeds 90% by weight of the automobile generates lift force to suspend, the wheels eliminate lift force; meanwhile, a novel propelling force source is found from fluid resistance; the suspension automobile can be driven by various energy including engines and clean energy, thus effectively reduce energy loss. |
| US09988104B2 |
Operator compartment structure
The present invention provides an operator compartment structure for a working machine. The compartment structure comprises a roof having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a floor spaced apart from the roof. A first section of the inner surface of the roof is orientated at an angle to the floor. |
| US09988102B2 |
Modular vehicle
A passenger compartment of the modular vehicle, such as a bus, includes a roof panel and sandwich-type side panels coupled to structural joiners to form the passenger compartment. The side panels and the joiners may include pultruded beams for increased structural integrity. A chassis of the vehicle has channels integrated therein for coupling of the side panels and passenger compartment to the chassis. This coupling to the chassis channel may also include the use of a bonding agent. |
| US09988096B2 |
Grill assembly and method of assembly thereof
Several grill assemblies and methods for assembling the same are claimed and disclosed. In one embodiment, the assembly includes slotted panels with a single deformable wall to fix the slotted panels together. In another embodiment, slotted panels are fixed together using two deformable walls, one deformed subsequently after the other. The general shape of panels and grill assemblies is disclosed. Features of grill assembly members used to mount the grill to separate structural frame members and mount separate assemblies to the grill assembly are also disclosed. |
| US09988094B1 |
Internally stiffened body structure
A vehicle body structure, includes a structural pillar that is located adjacent to a passenger compartment. The structural pillar has an elongate aluminum extrusion that has a peripheral wall that defines a closed cross-sectional shape. The peripheral wall has at least a first portion that is oriented toward the passenger compartment, and a stiffening structure that is connected to the first portion of the elongate aluminum extrusion. |
| US09988090B2 |
Vehicle frame
A vehicle frame includes: a pair of right and left side frames; plural cross members connecting the pair of right and left side frames; and a pair of right and left push members obliquely extending forward and also toward the outside in the vehicle width direction, from right and left ends of one of the cross members in front of a cabin. The frame further includes: a pair of right and left first diagonal members obliquely extending backward from positions opposing the push members across one cross member to connect the one cross member with an intermediate portion of another cross member behind the one cross member; and a second diagonal member obliquely extending backward in V shape from a position opposing the first diagonal members across the other cross member to connect the other cross member with inner surfaces of the right and left side frames behind it. |
| US09988088B2 |
Structure for connecting strut bar for vehicle
A structure for connecting a strut bar is provided to reinforce lateral rigidity of an engine room of a vehicle. The structure includes a first strut bar that has a first end coupled to a dash panel of a vehicle and a second end coupled to a strut housing and a second strut bar that has a first end coupled to the dash panel and a second end coupled to the first strut bar, and is disposed to have a predetermined angle with respect to the first strut bar. Further, a connecting bar has a first end coupled to the first strut bar and a second end coupled to the second strut bar, and connects the first strut bar and the second strut bar to increase lateral rigidity of a vehicle body, diversify load paths during a collision, and tune a degree to which the dash panel is pushed. |
| US09988079B2 |
Independent steering mechanism of controllable hydraulic locking type for left and right wheels
An independent steering mechanism of controllable hydraulic locking type for left and right wheels is provided. The independent steering mechanism includes a power steering mechanism, a steering drive mechanism, a hydraulic locking mechanism and an electronic control unit. Power of the left and right steering motors flows through the worm, the worm gear, the gear to drive left and right racks to translate. Outer ends of the left and right racks are connected to left and right tie rods via spherical hinges respectively. Inner ends of the left and right racks are connected to a piston rod and a cylinder barrel via spherical hinges respectively. A left chamber and a right chamber in the hydraulic cylinder are connected to an oil reservoir via an electro-hydraulic valve. The left and right steering motor controllers for the left and right steering motor and the electro-hydraulic valve controller are communicated via CAN bus. |
| US09988077B2 |
Electric power steering control device
Filters output a vibration-suppression gain for suppressing resonance of a sub frame or shimmy by performing a filter processing on a rotational angle of a motor. The filters have respective frequency characteristics that a gain becomes a maximum magnitude and a phase advances by 90° at a cut-off angle frequency. The cut-off angle frequency of the filter is fixedly set at a resonance frequency of the sub frame. The cut-off angle frequency of the filter is variably set in accordance with a tire rotation frequency. A gain adder adds the respective gains of the filters and outputs an added magnitude to a correcting mechanism as a vibration-suppression gain. The correcting mechanism corrects a motor torque set by an assist map by using the vibration-suppression gain outputted by the gain adder. |
| US09988075B2 |
Steering control apparatus
An update amount calculation processing circuit manipulates a control angle based on an update amount in order to perform feedback-control for causing a steering torque to be adjusted to a target torque. In this case, the update amount calculation processing circuit executes a guard process on the update amount with reference to an estimated amount of change that is a speed equivalent value based on estimation by an induced voltage observer. However, when a command current set by a command current setting processing circuit is zero, the update amount calculation processing circuit determines the estimated amount of change subjected to the guard process to be the update amount. When the command current is zero and the update amount is fixed to a guard value, an electric path between the synchronous motor and a battery is blocked. |
| US09988072B2 |
Steering apparatus
A steering apparatus is provided which can suppress unintended movement of a steering wheel when a clutch is engaged. When a power switch is turned off and a steering wheel is steered, a reaction force control circuit makes a reaction force motor to generate a steering reaction force stronger than a normal steering reaction force to give a driver an appropriate feeling of response according to a steering torque. The strong steering reaction force is applied to a steering shaft to suppress steering of the steering wheel. A steering operation control circuit executes steering operation control, that is, control that makes an actual steered angle equal to a target steered angle based on a steering angle, and then a clutch is engaged. The clutch is engaged after confirmation of an immovable state of steered wheels, and thus rotation of the steering wheel unintended by the driver is suppressed. |
| US09988062B2 |
Connectable dolly
A connectable dolly having a platform with an upper surface, a peripheral edge and a bottom surface, a plurality of caster wheels extends from the bottom surface and are attached thereto, and a connector element is mounted to the platform proximal the peripheral edge and is moveable from a stored position to a deployed position, the connector element having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having an engaging member dimensioned for removably connecting the connectable dolly to a second dolly. |
| US09988059B2 |
Vehicle behavior detection device
A vehicle behavior detection device mounted on an own vehicle detects own vehicle's behavior, in particular driver's right or left turn behavior at an intersection on a roadway. The vehicle behavior detection device is a microcomputer system having a CPU capable of providing an intended direction acquiring section, a turn direction acquiring section, a coincidence judgment section and an information output section. The intended direction acquiring section obtains an intended direction toward which the own vehicle is turning. The turn direction acquiring section acquires a direction to which the own vehicle turns. The coincidence judgment section detects whether or not the intended direction coincides with the turn direction of the own vehicle. The information output section provides warning regarding wide right or left turn of the own vehicle when the judgment result indicates that the intended direction does not coincide with the turn direction of the own vehicle. |
| US09988055B1 |
Vehicle occupant monitoring using infrared imaging
Methods and systems for monitoring vehicle occupants using infrared and other sensors are disclosed. The systems may use infrared sensor data to identify each vehicle occupant using biometric signatures (such as heartbeat or facial recognition). Vehicle occupant characteristics may be determined that include skeletal characteristics of the occupants. Further monitoring of the occupants using sensor data may occur until an abnormal situation is detected. Abnormal situations may include medical emergencies, driver impairment, security threats, or similar situations requiring correcting action. The system may then determine and implement an appropriate response to the abnormal situation. Such responses may include generating alerts, adjusting vehicle environmental controls, taking control of operation of the vehicle (such as an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle), or initiating wireless communication with an outside party, such as an emergency service. |
| US09988053B2 |
Self governed gear box
The present invention relates to a Self-Governed Gear Box (SGGB) functions as an automatic gear box system suitable for any power drive ranging from electrical to mechanical. This is an optimally-performed gear box system, in terms of power loss. The assembly is compact and simple with no additional elements other than gears. For the same reason, it is highly economical, easy to assemble and easy to maintain, with an expected ideal performance. Such a dynamic task of an automatic gear box system is achieved by implementing an algorithm enabling to sense the additional load applied at the input end, created by diverting a small quantity of power from the output end. This is in effect of inducing an engine disturbance as under-drive, under sub-optimum output rpm-torque conditions. As the engine disturbance introduced for sub-optimum output rpm-torque condition is a continuous governance mechanism, the input to output speed ratio assumed also will be continues in a designed range. The engine starts from zero speed when this gear box system is coupled between an engine and a load. Thus it is a continuously variable transmission system. |
| US09988043B2 |
Methods and systems for determining a vehicle spin-out condition
Methods and systems are provided for determining vehicle spin-out conditions including conditions indicative of a vehicle spin-out ahead of the vehicle actually spinning-out. The methods and systems receive motion parameters of a vehicle based on sensed signals from at least one vehicle sensor of an electronic power steering system and an inertial measurement unit. The method and systems estimate pneumatic trail based on a rate of change of self-aligning torque with respect to axle lateral force. The methods and systems determine vehicle spin-out conditions based on the estimated pneumatic trail. The methods and systems control at least one feature of a vehicle in response to the determined vehicle spin-out conditions. |
| US09988040B2 |
Method for preventing an engine from stalling using an estimate of the rotatable speed of said engine
A method prevents the stalling of the engine of a hybrid vehicle (1) equipped with an auxiliary motor (4) and wheels (R1 to R4), pistons (2a to 2d), tank (3), axle (5), drive shaft (6), gearbox (7), connections (8a, 8b), and computer (9). The method uses an estimate of the predicted instantaneous speed of the main engine (2) at its next top dead center, for the purpose of assisting the main engine in a stall situation, via the auxiliary motor which can supply sufficient power to it on a one-off basis to prevent it from stopping. The method defines two levels of instantaneous speed. If the predicted instantaneous speed is located in the intervention zone between the two levels, the auxiliary motor assists the rotation of the main engine to enable it to rotate in the same direction, without stalling. |