US09195698B2

A search server system having one or more processors and memory receives a search query including filter criteria. The filter criteria specify operands and a logical relationship. In response to the search query the server identifies index portions sorted in a same sort order. The server identifies matching entities that match the search query by identifying index entries having a first identifier and matching filter(s) of a first operand and identifying, index entries having a second identifier that is sequentially adjacent to the first identifier in the sort order and matching filter(s) of a second operand. When index portion(s) associated with the first operand include index entries having a respective identifier between the first identifier and the second identifier and matching the filter(s) of the first operand, the server marks a respective entity associated with the respective identifier as matching the search query and sends search results to the client.
US09195687B2

In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for creating, exporting, viewing and testing, and importing custom applications in a multitenant database environment. These mechanisms and methods can enable embodiments to provide a vehicle for sharing applications across organizational boundaries. The ability to share applications across organizational boundaries can enable tenants in a multi-tenant database system, for example, to easily and efficiently import and export, and thus share, applications with other tenants in the multi-tenant environment.
US09195683B2

Each information processor executes a mission which allows participation of users of a plurality of information processors using wireless communication. While the mission is being executed, a mission beacon including personal score information is repeatedly transmitted to an unspecified apparatus from each of the information processors. Each information processor calculates a total score based on the personal score information included in the mission beacon of each of other information processors and determines whether the mission has been successful or not based on the total score.
US09195667B2

Method, system, and computer program product to archive data objects, by providing an object store and a shadow object store each configured to store one or more data objects, the object store and the shadow object store residing in different storage devices, creating a first object stored in the object store, the first object having at least one attribute, and responsive to receiving a request to archive the first object, transferring the first object to the shadow object store, and creating, in the object store, a reference to a location of the first object in the shadow object store, the first object remaining accessible through the object store and the shadow object store following the transfer.
US09195664B2

An electronic device is configured to exchange data with a mobile storage device. The device monitors for a first event corresponding to the storage device being unmounted. In response to detecting the first event, the device records a first time. After the first event, the device monitors for a second event corresponding to the storage device being mounted. In response to detecting the second event, the device records a second time. After the second event, the device performs a scan of the storage device, stores the scanned data in a database, and records a storage path corresponding to the scanned data in the database. The device monitors for a third event corresponding to completion of the scan, and records a third time. The device retrieves a dataset with a timestamp between the first time and the third time and displays the dataset and the timestamp.
US09195658B2

Managing direct attached cache and remote shared cache, including: receiving from an enclosure attached server, by an enclosure that includes enclosure cache, a request for data; determining, by the enclosure, whether the data has been requested by a predetermined number of enclosure attached servers; and responsive to determining that the data has been requested by a predetermined number of enclosure attached servers, marking, by the enclosure, the data as enclosure level cacheable.
US09195653B2

Applications can be localized by localization experts to allow them to be used by a broader customer base. The localization can be done given interface context to produce more applicable results. A localization expert may determine that certain content within the interface context should be localized, however is not localizable by the expert. The localization expert may indicate that the content is localizable and the developer may receive the indication and provide the localization expert with updated interface context allowing localization of the previously un-localizable content.
US09195651B2

A computer-implemented technique includes receiving, at a server, a source code for a computer application executable by a computing device. The server extracts one or more translatable messages in a source language from the source code. The server inserts a hidden unique identifier for each of the one or more translatable messages to obtain a first modified source code, wherein each specific hidden unique identifier is operable to identify a corresponding specific translatable message during execution of the first modified source code by the computing device. The server transmits the first modified source code to the computing device. The server receives one or more translated messages from the computing device, the one or more translated messages being in a target language and having been input at the computing device in response to execution of the first modified source code. The server then outputs the one or more translated messages.
US09195641B1

A method and apparatus of processing communications with a mobile station are disclosed. One example method may include receiving a message from the mobile station and processing the message by parsing the message and performing a natural language interpretation of the message and processing the parsed message to determine the user's requested objective. In response, the method may further provide generating a response to the message based on the user's requested objective and sending the response to the mobile station acknowledging the user's requested objective. Live agents may be notified to check the status of a message and continually override automated message responses to ensure the integrity of the responses.
US09195629B2

A data transfer system includes: a plurality of processors; and a plurality of data transfer units that executes a data transfer from one processor to another processor via a plurality of input ports and a plurality of output ports. The data transfer unit includes: an arbitration unit that executes arbitration of conflicting data sent to a same next destination; and a strength information notification unit that sends strength information indicating a number of conflicts of the arbitrated conflicting data to the next destination. The arbitration unit decides a selection ratio, which is a ratio of selecting each of the input ports and receiving the conflicting data from the selected input port, according to a ratio between the input ports in relation to a magnitude of the number of conflicts indicated by the strength information received from each of the input ports.
US09195628B2

A system includes a first memory, a second memory, a host processor, and a second processor. The first memory is configured to store first layers of a Bluetooth protocol stack including at least a portion of a link manager layer. The second memory is configured to store second layers of the Bluetooth protocol stack. The second layers have higher real-time requirements than the first layers. The host processor is coupled to the first memory. The host processor is configured to execute the first layers. The second processor is coupled to the second memory. The second processor is configured to execute the second layers.
US09195623B2

A plurality of address spaces are assigned to an adapter. To select a particular address space for the adapter, a requestor identifier and address space identifier provided in a request by the adapter are used. Each address space may have a different address translation mechanism associated therewith.
US09195618B2

A system for selecting memory requests. The system includes arbiters and a time ordered list scheduler. Each arbiter selects a memory request for transmission from at least one client. The scheduler is operable to receive and store memory requests from the arbiters and selects a selected memory request for forwarding to a memory system. The scheduler includes a list structure operable to store memory requests received from the arbiters in a fashion to preserve relative time of arrival of the memory requests. The scheduler includes scanners that are prioritized with respect to one another. Scanners are operable to simultaneously scan contents of the list structure from the oldest to newest requests and determine whether a memory request match is found based on associated programmable rules to locate a memory request candidate. A memory request candidate of a highest priority scanner is selected by the scheduler as the selected memory request.
US09195617B2

Semiconductor systems are provided. The semiconductor system includes a controller and a semiconductor memory device. The controller generates a first command signal and receives a foreground data to generate a foreground control signal for controlling a drivability of the foreground data and to generate a second command signal. The semiconductor memory device receives the first command signal to output a pattern data as the foreground data through a foreground input/output (I/O) line, stores the foreground control signal therein in response to the second command signal, and controls the drivability of the foreground data according to the foreground control signal.
US09195616B2

Devices, systems, and methods are described for allowing rules that are applied to one device to be applied to another device based on a user's interaction with only the devices. A rule-copy action, such as simultaneous shaking of the two devices, proximity of the two devices to each other, and/or the relative positions of the two devices, may be detected at one of the devices (e.g., a first device to which the user desires the rules or a copy of the rules to apply). In response to the rule-copy action, another device (e.g., a second device configured to operate according to the at least one rule) may be identified. The at least one rule may then be caused to be applied to the first device in response to detection of the rule-copy action, so as to configure the first device to operate according to the at least one rule.
US09195615B2

A recording apparatus for storing a screen output of at least one display device is disclosed. The at least one display device is connected to at least one processing unit for receiving a plurality of display signals forming the screen output and the recording apparatus is connected to at least one processing unit in a way that the recording apparatus functions independent of the connected processing unit. A recorder is capturing the screen output from the replica of the plurality of display signals thereon and stores into a data repository. An output interface is provided for playing the screen output on an user interface including a mobile device, or a web page or a third party application in communication with the recording apparatus. The recording apparatus may also be accessed from the remote users such that the recorded information may be accessed and played back.
US09195612B2

A memory manager in a computer system that ages memory for high performance. The efficiency of operation of the computer system can be improved by dynamically setting an aging schedule based on a predicted time for trimming pages from a working set. An aging schedule that generates aging information that better discriminates among pages in a working set based on activity level enables selection of pages to trim that are less likely to be accessed following trimming. As a result of being able to identify and trim less active pages, inefficiencies arising from restoring trimmed pages to the working set are avoided.
US09195610B2

A shared resource within a module may be accessed by a request from an external requester. An external transaction request may be received from an external requester outside the module for access to the shared resource that includes control information, not all of which is needed to access the shared resource. The external transaction request may be modified to form a modified request by removing a portion of the locally unneeded control information and storing the unneeded portion of control information as an entry in a bypass buffer. A reply received from the shared resource may be modified by appending the stored portion of control information from the entry in the bypass buffer before sending the modified reply to the external requester.
US09195606B2

A cache memory eviction method includes maintaining thread-aware cache access data per cache block in a cache memory, wherein the cache access data is indicative of a number of times a cache block is accessed by a first thread, associating a cache block with one of a plurality of bins based on cache access data values of the cache block, and selecting a cache block to evict from a plurality of cache block candidates based, at least in part, upon the bins with which the cache block candidates are associated.
US09195605B2

Embodiments of the current invention permit a user to allocate cache memory to main memory more efficiently. The processor or a user allocates the cache memory and associates the cache memory to the main memory location, but suppresses or bypassing reading the main memory data into the cache memory. Some embodiments of the present invention permit the user to specify how many cache lines are allocated at a given time. Further, embodiments of the present invention may initialize the cache memory to a specified pattern. The cache memory may be zeroed or set to some desired pattern, such as all ones. Alternatively, a user may determine the initialization pattern through the processor.
US09195597B2

According to one embodiment, a system for recalling a data set, includes logic integrated with and/or executable by a hardware processor, the logic being configured to receive a request to open a data set, determine whether the requested data set is stored to a lower tier of a tiered data storage system in multiple associated portions or to a higher tier of the tiered data storage system, move each associated portion of the requested data set from the lower tier to the higher tier of the tiered data storage system when at least one portion of the requested data set is stored to the lower tier of the tiered data storage system, and assemble the associated portions of the requested data set into a single data set to form the requested data set on the higher tier of the tiered data storage system.
US09195594B2

Systems and methods presented herein provide for locating data in non-volatile memory by decoupling a mapping unit size from restrictions such as the maximum size of a reducible unit to provide efficient mapping of larger mapping units. In one embodiment, a method comprises mapping a logical page address in a logical block address space to a read unit address and a number of read units in the non-volatile memory. The method also comprises mapping data of the logical page address to a plurality of variable-sized pieces of data spread across the number of read units starting at the read unit address in the non-volatile memory.
US09195587B2

A dynamic read case designation is determined for each of multiple wordline regions, respectively, of each of a number of single-level cell logic groups within a computer memory. The dynamic read case designation for any given one of the multiple wordline regions specifies a wordline read voltage to be used in reading memory cells of each wordline within the given one of the multiple wordline regions. The number of single-level cell logic groups are folded into a multi-level cell block. The folding includes reading the memory cells of each wordline of each of the multiple wordline regions of each of the number of single-level cell logic groups using a wordline read voltage corresponding to the dynamic read case designation, as determined for the wordline region within which the read memory cells reside.
US09195571B2

An automatic test apparatus for embedded software, an automatic testing method thereof and a test scenario composing method may be used to detect an unpredictable problem as well as a predictable problem that may occur under user's conditions and reproduce various events. The automatic testing apparatus may include a keyword composer which extracts a keyword from status information output by executing the embedded software, and composes a keyword list using the extracted keywords, an output analyzer which analyzes the output from the execution of the embedded software based on the composed keyword list, a control command generator which loads at least one scenario previously stored in accordance with the analysis results, and generates an instruction list corresponding to a predetermined event status, and a test processor which processes the embedded software to reproduce the event status based on the generated instruction list.
US09195567B1

In an approach for generating a compiler listing using Debugging With Attributed Record Format (DWARF) debugging data, a processor receives DWARF debugging data associated with source code of a programming language. A processor extracts information from the DWARF debugging data, wherein the information comprises at least source code lines, variable declaration lines, and variable reference lines. A processor generates a compiler listing based on the information extracted from the DWARF debugging data, wherein the compiler listing includes at least a symbol table, and cross-reference information.
US09195557B2

The present invention is a fault tree analysis system, comprising: k/n conjunction weeding means for weeding a conjunction including disjoint basic k/n gates and/or disjoint simple k/n gates and removing the conjunction if its order is greater than a given maximal order of minimal cut sets.
US09195540B2

The present invention is a method for accessing more than one block of correctable information at a time when it is most efficient to access more bits of information at a time on a given dimension, for example from a multiple bit per cell (MLC) memory element, than the error correction algorithm can correct. Since it may be more efficient to access more bits of information at a time on a given dimension than the error correction algorithm can correct, that access is performed in this most efficient way, but the information is divided into correctable blocks within this information such that the error correction algorithm can still compensate for a serious fault along a given dimension. Furthermore, the present invention can be employed even when the number of bits retrieved along a given dimension is less than the number of correctable bits when it is desired to protect against a given number of faults which could, in total, exceed the number of correctable bits.
US09195536B2

According to one embodiment, an error correction decoder includes a storage unit and parity check circuit. The storage unit stores first reliability information corresponding to a hard decision result of each of a plurality of bits which form an ECC (Error Correction Code) frame defined by a parity check matrix, and second reliability information corresponding to a soft decision result of each of the plurality of bits. The storage unit includes a register configured to allow the parity check circuit to steadily read out at least the first reliability information. The parity check circuit executes parity checking of a temporary estimated word based on the first reliability information using the parity check matrix. The parity check circuit executes parity checking once or more before completion of row processing and column processing of the entire parity check matrix by a calculation circuit for each trial of iterative decoding.
US09195532B2

A display processing system (1) includes a display unit (208) that displays the occurrence status information of a failure, which has occurred due to heat accumulation of a server that provides the service, for a predetermined period of time, according to the level of the effect of failure on the service, and also displays the energy efficiency information of the server for the predetermined period of time so as to be associated with the failure occurrence status information.
US09195524B1

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with echo cancellation are described. According to one embodiment, an apparatus includes a plurality of first registers configured to respectively store information related to a performance of a processor and a second register in communication with each of the plurality of first registers. The apparatus also includes logic configured to detect a trigger event; and in response to having detected the trigger event, copy the information related to the performance of the processor respectively in the plurality of first registers into the second register.
US09195517B2

Determining collective barrier operation skew in a parallel computer that includes a number of compute nodes organized into an operational group includes: for each of the nodes until each node has been selected as a delayed node: selecting one of the nodes as a delayed node; entering, by each node other than the delayed node, a collective barrier operation; entering, after a delay by the delayed node, the collective barrier operation; receiving an exit signal from a root of the collective barrier operation; and measuring, for the delayed node, a barrier completion time. The barrier operation skew is calculated by: identifying, from the compute nodes' barrier completion times, a maximum barrier completion time and a minimum barrier completion time and calculating the barrier operation skew as the difference of the maximum and the minimum barrier completion time.
US09195513B2

System and methods are provided for rotating real time execution of data models using an application instance. Input data are received for real time execution of a plurality of data models. An application instance is assigned for executing the plurality of data models simultaneously. Resources of the application instance are automatically distributed based on a set of rotation factors. The plurality of data models are executed simultaneously using one or more data processors. Execution results for one or more of the plurality of data models are output.
US09195511B2

The differentiated service-based graceful degradation layer (DSGDL) allows cloud-based architectures to operate through and recover from periods of limited capability. The DSGDL protects and continues serving higher priority requests with the best possible response even as the underlying cloud-based services deteriorate. The DSGDL offloads lower priority requests to lower-grade secondary capability that can be dynamically provisioned in order to reserve the best capability for maintaining high priority service (e.g., by re-directing lower priority requests to a slightly out-of-date cached dataset, and reserve the primary consistent database for higher priority requests). The DSGDL 1) implements an overlay network over existing cloud services to route and enforce priority requests, and 2) provisions on-demand computing nodes and sites to provide secondary capability for service requests as needed.
US09195507B1

At least one file containing information is transferred across a distributed network environment. The information allows at least one application configured to execute on at least one client workstation to display a portion of a distributed hypermedia document within a browser-controlled window, to respond to text formats to initiate processing specified by the text formats, to identify an embed text format which corresponds to a first location in the distributed hypermedia document and to automatically invoke program code being part of a distributed application located on two or more computers coupled to the distributed hypermedia network, in response to the identifying of the embed text format, in order to enable an end-user to directly interact with an object when the object is displayed within a display area created at the first location within the portion of the distributed hypermedia document being displayed in the browser-controlled window.
US09195504B2

A method for data transfer in a data processing system, and corresponding system and machine-readable medium. One method includes receiving by the data processing system a request for a data structure from a calling process, and splitting the data structure into a plurality of substructures by the data processing system. That method includes transferring the plurality of substructures to the calling process by the data processing system, wherein at least two of the substructures are transferred in parallel, and maintaining a transfer state for each substructure in the data processing system.
US09195499B2

Mechanisms are provided for executing a batch job associated with a mobile device. A batch job data structure is retrieved that defines a batch job having a plurality of operations to be executed and a scheduling rule having one or more criteria is retrieved. The one or more criteria comprises at least one of a geographical position criteria or a geographical movement criteria for defining a position or path of motion of the mobile device required for initiating execution of the batch job. A determination is made as to whether one of current or predicted future position or path of motion of the mobile device satisfies the criteria of the scheduling rule. In response to the current or predicted future position or path of motion of the mobile device satisfying the criteria of the scheduling rule, execution of the batch job is initiated.
US09195492B2

Technologies related to secure system time reporting are generally described. In some examples, responses to some system time requests may be manipulated to prevent leaking information that may be of interest for timing attacks, while responses to other system time requests need not be manipulated. In particular, responses to system time requests that are separated from a previous system time request by a predetermined minimum value, or less, may be manipulated. Responses to system time requests that are separated from a previous system time request by more than the predetermined minimum value need not be manipulated. Furthermore, secure system time reporting may be adaptively deployed to servers in a data center on an as-needed basis.
US09195483B2

A method may include, in a chassis configured to receive a plurality of modular information handling systems and a plurality of modular information handling resources, exposing a first virtual function instantiated on a management processor disposed in the chassis to a switch interfaced between a modular information handling system and the management processor. The method may also include communicating, by the management processor, an input/output request from the modular information handling system received by the first virtual function to at least one of a second virtual function instantiated on a first storage controller communicatively coupled to the management processor and a third virtual function instantiated on a second storage controller communicatively coupled to the management processor. The method may further include receiving, by the management processor, an acknowledgment of completion of the input/output request from at least one of the second virtual function and the third virtual function.
US09195475B2

Example embodiments relate to data relay by a server. In one example implementation, a master server may load a temporary operating system and a slave server may load a temporary operating system. The master server may then receive a command from a user via a user interface of a computing device. The master server may relay the command received from the user to the slave server.
US09195473B2

The present disclosure provides a method for sharing an internal storage of a portable electronic device on a host electronic device and an electronic device configured for same. The internal storage is automatically mounted and dismounted as a network drive on the host electronic device in response to connection events and disconnection events.
US09195467B2

Improvements Relating to Single Instruction Multiple Data (SIMD) Architectures A parallel processor for processing a plurality of different processing instruction streams in parallel is described. The processor comprises a plurality of data processing units; and a plurality of SIMD (Single Instruction Multiple Data) controllers, each connectable to a group of data processing units of the plurality of data processing units, and each SIMD controller arranged to handle an individual processing task with a subgroup of actively connected data processing units selected from the group of data processing units. The parallel processor is arranged to vary dynamically the size of the subgroup of data processing units to which each SIMD controller is actively connected under control of received processing instruction streams, thereby permitting each SIMD controller to be actively connected to a different number of processing units for different processing tasks.
US09195462B2

A technique for tracing processes executing in a multi-threaded processor includes forming a trace message that includes a virtual core identification (VCID) that identifies an associated thread. The trace message, including the VCID, is then transmitted to a debug tool.
US09195459B2

A memory device is provided with an instruction decoding unit, a control and logic unit, a first memory, and a second memory. The memory device serves to decode an inputted instruction and producing a decoding signal. The control and logic unit serves to produce a control signal based on the decoding signal. The first memory has a first memory array and a first page buffer, and the second memory with a second memory array and a second page buffer. When the inputted instruction is a preset instruction, the preset instruction is used to simultaneously execute data access on a first memory and access the backup data on a second memory based on a same data.
US09195454B2

Aspects of the subject disclosure provide a card reader for receiving payment card information at a mobile point-of-sale terminal. In some implementations, a reader of the subject technology can include a memory, a conditioning module and a 3.5 mm audio plug including an audio bus that is configured for insertion into a headphone port of a host device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer. Implementations of the subject technology also include a microprocessor configured to perform operations for determining whether a newer firmware version is available for the card reader or whether a download of such a firmware needs to be completed, and in response to determining such a download is needed, performing a download of the firmware via the audio plug during periods of inactivity.
US09195449B1

In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving, by a first computer system, a data stream transmitted from a second computer system over a network connection between the first computer system and the second computer system, wherein the data stream comprises executable code of a software program; extracting, by the first computer system, the executable code of the software program from the data stream; allocating, by the first computer system, an amount of dynamic memory for the executable code of the software program; loading, by the first computer system, the executable code of the software program directly into the allocated dynamic memory; and executing, by the first computer system, the software program by launching the executable code of the software program loaded in the allocated dynamic memory.
US09195448B2

Techniques provide include analyzing a first node, associated with a first version of an service, to extract first configuration metadata; analyzing the first node, associated with a second version, subsequent to the first version, of the a service, to extract second configuration metadata; determining, based upon a comparison of the first configuration metadata and the second configuration metadata, that the first node has not been modified between the first version and the second version; generating a first image of the node for distribution in conjunction with the service in response to the determining that the particular node has not been modified; and caching the first image for use in conjunction with the service.
US09195443B2

A compiler may optimize source code and any referenced libraries to execute on a plurality of different processor architecture implementations. For example, if a compute node has three different types of processors with three different architecture implementations, the compiler may compile the source code and generate three versions of object code where each version is optimized for one of the three different processor types. After compiling the source code, the resultant executable code may contain the necessary information for selecting between the three versions. For example, when a program loader assigns the executable code to the processor, the system determines the processor's type and ensures only the optimized version that corresponds to that type is executed. Thus, the operating system is free to assign the executable code to any of the different types of processors.
US09195437B2

The invention teaches a method for creating and managing a website as an object oriented system, comprising: providing on a system server a plurality of hierarchical classes of objects, each of the classes representing one aspect of the storage, presentation and logic of a website; providing on a web server an interface operable to present representations of objects instantiating the plurality of hierarchical classes and receive commands meant to one of: instantiate a new object, destroy a presented object, and change a property of a presented object; and storing on a database server objects as a traversable tree in accordance with the plurality of hierarchical classes.
US09195434B2

A true random number generator, a method of generating a true random number and a system incorporating the generator or the method. In one embodiment, the generator includes: (1) a ring oscillator including inverting gates having power inputs and (2) a time-varying power supply coupled to the power inputs to provide power thereto and including power perturbation circuitry operable to perturb the power provided to at least one of the power inputs.
US09195433B2

The present invention provides for a communications cable for processing an input signal. Specifically, the present invention includes a communication cable having an input connector structured to receive an input signal, an audio enhancement module configured to process the input signal using a plurality of processing components in order to create an output signal, and an output connector structured to transmit the output signal.
US09195431B2

Systems and techniques for removing a sound recording from an audio recording (e.g., an audio recording embedded in a media file) are presented. The system can include an identification component, a first subtraction component and a second subtraction component. The identification component identifies a sound recording in a mixed audio recording. The first subtraction component determines a local linear transformation of the sound recording and subtracts the local linear transformation of the sound recording from the mixed audio recording to generate a new mixed audio recording. The second subtraction component compares one or more segments of the sound recording with one or more corresponding segments of the new mixed audio recording and reduces a power level of the new mixed audio recording based at least in part on correlation of the one or more corresponding segments with the one or more segments.
US09195430B2

An image display terminal includes an image display control unit, a display range setting unit, a display range sending unit and a graph expression receiving unit. The image display control unit displays a background image in a display screen. The display range setting unit sets display range data of a coordinate system to an image display region of the display screen. The display range sending unit sends the display range data to at least one other image display terminal which displays the background image displayed on the image display terminal. After the display range data is set to an image display region of the other image display terminal, the graph expression receiving unit receives, from the other image display terminal, graph expression data for a graph figure displayed on the image display region of the other image display terminal.
US09195428B2

In some embodiments, a notebook including a main display, a main graphics subsystem, and an auxiliary display subsystem, but typically not an auxiliary display, wherein the notebook is configured to display on the main display one or both of data from the auxiliary display subsystem (or a scaled or otherwise processed version of such data), and data from the main graphics subsystem. Preferably, the notebook is configured to display a scaled version of data from the auxiliary display subsystem on part of the main display's screen. Other embodiments are timing controllers and other circuitry for use in such a notebook and methods for displaying data from such a notebook's auxiliary display subsystem on all or part of the main display's screen. The notebook can include a timing control subsystem for asserting to the main display one or both of display data from the auxiliary display subsystem (or a processed version thereof) and display data from the main graphics subsystem. The timing control subsystem can include a scaler for receiving raw auxiliary display data and a multiplexer having inputs for receiving the output of the scaler and display data from the main graphics subsystem.
US09195425B2

In one embodiment, a request to print content at a network connected printer is received from a requestor computer system via a network. Upon receipt of the request, a release code is created to authorize printing of the content when provided at the printer, and job information for the request and data associating the information with the code are stored in memory. The code, and a network address to connect the requestor system to a web site hosted by a payment validation computer system, are sent to the requestor system via the network. The code is received from the validation system, the code previously provided to the validation system by the requestor system. The job information is sent to the validation system. A payment validation is received from the validation system. The content is sent to the printer, for printing upon provision of the code at the printer.
US09195418B2

A print control system 1 has a control server 10 that transmits print data, and a printer 12 that communicates with the control server 10 through an asynchronous duplex communication path, receives print data sent by the control server 10 through the communication path, and prints based on the received data.
US09195413B2

A system and method for providing printing services to a mobile device connected to a network provides a remote print service provider server and local printers. The mobile device transmits a printer location request to the remote print service provider server. The remote print service provider server determines a physical location of the mobile device; determines which local printers are located within a predetermined parameter of the physical location of the mobile device; and transmits information to the mobile device identifying physical locations of local printers with respect to the physical location of the mobile device. The mobile device selects a local printer identified by the remote print service provider server and transmits, to the remote print service provider server, a print request. The remote print service provider server transmits the print request to the selected local printer.
US09195412B2

A system is provided for transforming an in-use RAID array from a first array configuration having a first parameter to a second array configuration having a second parameter while preserving a logical data structure of the RAID array. The system includes an extent reservation component, and a data migration component for reading unmigrated data from an area of an array arranged according to the first array configuration and writing the data to an area of the array arranged according to the second array configuration using reserved extents to store migrated data. The system also includes a first I/O component for performing I/O according to the first array configuration on unmigrated data prior to its reading by the data migration component, and a second I/O component for performing I/O according to the second array configuration on the migrated data after writing the migrated data.
US09195410B2

According to the prior art, when requesters having different I/O access processing abilities compete when accessing a target, latency is extended via accesses from a requester having a lower I/O access performance, according to which the number of I/Os issued per unit time (data processing quantity) cannot be increased, and the processing performance of the system cannot be improved. According to the present invention, when requesters compete in accessing a target, the request having a lower requester performance (having a longer processing time per single I/O) is processed (started) in a prioritized manner. Thereby, the number of I/O processes per unit time can be increased, and the processing performance of the whole storage system can be improved.
US09195408B2

A method for accessing data in a directory-less dispersed storage (DS) network. In various embodiments, the method begins when a DS processing unit receives a read request for data stored in accordance with a dispersed storage error encoding function. Estimated storage metadata is determined based on the identity of the data, the identity of the requesting unit, and data storage preferences of the requesting unit. The estimated storage metadata is used to determine a target set of storage units. Next, a retrieval request is sent to one or more storage units of the target set. If a favorable response is received (e.g., a read threshold number of storage units return encoded data slices), the data is decoded and forwarded to the requestor. Otherwise, the storage metadata is re-estimated and used to determine a second target set of storage units for solicitation. This process continues until a favorable response is received.
US09195407B2

A storage processor is configured to identify a first disk drive and a second shadow drive associated with the first disk drive to an initiator. The storage processor receives storage commands from an initiator. When the storage commands access the first disk drive, the storage processor issues a first storage operation to the first disk drive. When the storage commands access the second shadow drive, the storage processor issues different storage operations to the first disk drive that are not supported by the initiator.
US09195402B1

Systems and methods that substantially or fully remove a commanding server from a data path (e.g., as part of a data migration, disaster recovery, and/or the like) to improve data movement performance and make additional bandwidth available for other system processes and the like. Broadly, a network interface card (e.g., host bus adapter (HBA)) of a tape drive may be configured in both a target mode to allow the tape drive to be a recipient of control commands from a server to request and/or otherwise obtain data from one or more source tape drives, and in an initiator mode to allow the tape drive to send commands to the one or more tape drives specified in the commands received from the server to request/read data from and/or write data to such one or more tape drives.
US09195393B1

An example method to allocate a virtual disk for a virtual machine in a virtualized computing system includes allocating a plurality of virtual machine disk file (VMDK) candidates in a virtual machine file system (VMFS) volume, selecting a subset of VMDK candidates from the plurality of VMDK candidates for having performance scores indicative of higher I/O throughputs associated with the one or more physical hard disks than rest of the plurality of VMDK candidates, and configuring the virtual disk based on the subset of the VMDK candidates. The VMFS volume is supported by one or more physical hard disks in a storage system in the virtualized computing system.
US09195390B2

A method for controlling a display of a vehicular image by a touch panel is provided. The vehicular image is synthesized by a plurality of sub-images. The method includes the following steps: detecting a first touch event on the touch panel to generate touch position information; determining a control parameter according to the touch position information; and switching a viewing-angle stage of the vehicular image according to the control parameter.
US09195386B2

A method includes, detecting a first touch input representing a selection of multiple rows of text displayed on a touch-sensitive display of the electronic device, determining whether a complete row of text has been selected from a start point or to an end point of the selected text, and, displaying a paragraph selection handle proximal to said row, the paragraph selection handle being responsive to a second touch input to place the electronic device in a paragraph selection mode for the selection of text.
US09195384B2

A system includes an industrial monitor configured to receive inputs from a plurality of sensors coupled to a mechanical system. The industrial monitor is configured to determine a plurality of measurements corresponding to operation of the mechanical system based, at least in part, on the received inputs. The system includes a display device communicatively coupled to the industrial monitor, wherein the display device is configured to present a user interface having a plurality of screens, and wherein each of measurement is associated with at least one of the plurality of screens. Further, each screen of the plurality of screens is configured to selectively present a navigational indicator having an appearance when a measurement associated with a different screen has an irregular status.
US09195380B2

An environment risk analysis system includes: a probe terminal configured to acquire environment data including an atmosphere density; an environment analysis client configured to receive threshold data for analysis of an environment risk, specify an analysis-target area in geographic information, output the threshold data and data of the specified analysis-target area, receive an analysis result of the environment risk of the specified analysis-target area, and display data based on the analysis result in layers on the geographic information; and an environment analysis server configured to analyze the environment risk of the specified analysis-target area based on the environment data, the threshold data and the data of the specified analysis-target area, to output the analysis result. The environment analysis server calculates an estimation of a degree of an environmental influence based on the environment data, and calculates an estimation of an exposure rate of the environmental influence.
US09195373B2

A system and a method facilitating navigation in an electronic device and for enabling users of electronic devices to navigate quickly, smoothly, and naturally through electronic books and other documents using multi-touch gestures on a touch sensitive surface of the electronic device. The multi-touch gestures are movements of the multiple touches such as, preferably, a two-finger slide or flick gesture. This gesture is interpreted by the system as a command to navigate to the next or to a previous section of the electronic document, for example, the next chapter in a book or an article or section in a magazine. The device has firmware and/or software capable of analyzing and interpreting the motion, and forwarding the analyzed contents or interpretation to an appropriate software application or other software subsystem that associates the gestures with a set of commands.
US09195370B1

Example techniques are disclosed for leveraging outdoor data. For example, an analysis engine can be trained based on fishing reports or hunting reports to learn various information about hunting or fishing. As another example, data reports can be provided to various agencies based on received hunting reports or fishing reports. As another example, fish reporting menus can be populated on a client device based on location. As another example, a trail camera can be configured to provide hunting analyzes to a user.
US09195369B2

Systems and methods for virtual opening of packages such as boxes and packs of cards are provided herein. Exemplary systems may execute methods via one or more processors, which are programmed to generate a visual representation of a package, receive input from the user, the input indicating opening of the package, and provide feedback to the user corresponding to the opening of the package that at least partially mimics a physical opening of the package.
US09195362B2

A user interface (UI) system where at a UI client engine is associated with an application, and a UI rendering engine is associated with the client engine. The UI client engine receives, from a UI client engine associated with an application, a UI component tree comprising: UI component nodes having associated predefined contextual rendering information, and a custom rendering element node having associated incomplete contextual rendering information; generating UI rendering instructions in accordance with the UI component tree by: for each UI component node, using the predefined contextual rendering information to generate UI component rendering instructions, for the custom rendering element node, retrieving custom rendering instructions generated by the application and generating incomplete rendering instructions based on the incomplete contextual rendering information; and combines the UI component rendering instructions, the incomplete rendering instructions and the retrieved custom rendering instructions; renders the UI in accordance with the generated UI rendering instructions.
US09195348B2

A touch screen panel according to an embodiment includes an electrode forming part including a plurality of first electrode serials arranged in parallel on a substrate in a first direction and a plurality of second electrode serials arranged on the substrate to cross over the first electrode serials; and a routing wire forming part formed on the substrate, and including a plurality of first routing wires respectively connected to the plurality of first electrode serials and a plurality of second routing wires respectively connected to the plurality of second electrode serials.
US09195345B2

A gesture based user interface is provided for a user to interact with a device in order to operate and control the device through detection of gestures and movements of the user. Visual feedback of the user gestures is provided to the user to aid in the user's operational and control decisions of a device. An image capturing device such as a video camera may be employed to capture a user's image, and an integrated application on a computing device may process continuous images from the capturing device to recognize and track user gestures. The gestures may correlate to an object and/or location on the display and the user's image may be projected on the display to provide visual feedback of the user's interaction.
US09195343B1

An FSR assembly includes one or more active areas configured to respond to incident force by changing resistance. The FSR assembly also includes a test area constructed from the same FSR material as the active area(s), but for which the resistance remains substantially constant despite incident force on the assembly.
US09195341B2

Touch screen controllers and methods are presented for removing charger noise and other high frequency noise from touch screens in the presence of aliasing in which a digital low pass filter rejects the high frequency noise, a noise tracker determines whether noise is being aliased into the low pass filter pass band, and a noise shaper artificially induces or modifies aliasing in the system by adjusting an analog-to-digital converter sampling frequency and/or a panel scan frequency to try to move the aliased noise outside the low pass filter pass band.
US09195340B2

A mobile electronic device includes a touch panel, a display unit, and a CPU that displays a key on the display unit and, when a key group of a soft keyboard that has a plurality of keys arranged within a predetermined area is displayed on the display unit, the CPU displays, in a switchable manner, first arrangement in which each key of the key group is arranged within the predetermined area and second arrangement in which at least one of the keys of the key group is deleted or arranged in a size smaller than that of a key that is in the first arrangement and that corresponds to the one of the keys and in which a handwriting input area is arranged at a space area that is generated within the predetermined area as the one of the keys is deleted or arranged in a smaller size.
US09195332B2

An apparatus including at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determine a curvature of a deformable flexible user interface area of an electronic device, the deformable flexible user interface area being capable of detecting user input within a hover region; and based on the determined curvature, enable adjusting the hover input region of the user interface area to maintain a substantially flat planar hover input region across the deformable flexible user interface area.
US09195330B2

A multi-display device is adapted to be dockable or otherwise associatable with an additional device. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the multi-display device is dockable with a smartpad. The exemplary smartpad can include a screen, a touch sensitive display, a configurable area, a gesture capture region(s) and a camera. The smartpad can also include a port adapted to receive the device. The exemplary smartpad is able to cooperate with the device such that information displayable on the device is also displayable on the smartpad. Furthermore, any one or more of the functions on the device are extendable to the smartpad, with the smartpad capable of acting as an input/output interface or extension of the smartpad. Therefore, for example, information from one or more of the displays on the multi-screen device is displayable on the smartpad.
US09195320B1

A method and apparatus for generating dynamic signage using a painted surface display system is described. The method may include capturing image data with at least a camera of a painted surface display system. The method may also include analyzing the image data to determine a real-world context proximate to a painted surface, wherein the painted surface is painted with a photo-active paint. The method may also include determining electronic signage data based on the determined real-world context. The method may also include generating a sign image from the determined electronic signage data based on the determined real-world context, and driving a spatial electromagnetic modulator to emit electromagnetic stimulation in the form of the sign image to cause the photo active paint to display the sign image.
US09195317B2

A system and method for generating a user interface for text and item selection is disclosed. As described for various embodiments, a system and process is disclosed for providing an arrangement of selectable items, a mechanism for selection from the arrangement of selectable items, and a mechanism for adjusting the granularity of control of the selector. In one embodiment, the granularity control can be a zooming mechanism to modify the size and/or position of items in a selection set. In another embodiment, the granularity control can be a modification of the motion vector based on a distance from a reference point and the speed or quantity of deflection of a pointing device. Thus, as a selection point approaches the selection set, the motion of the selection point becomes less responsive to movement of the pointing device, so the user has more control over the positioning of the selection point relative to an item in the selection set.
US09195316B2

Methods and systems are disclosed for assessing an identifier. The method comprises receiving, via an interface, a string of characters making up the identifier and determining a keyboard type for a keyboard. The method further comprises calculating, by a calculator module, a typeability score for the identifier based on the string of characters and the keyboard type, wherein the typeability score signifies a difficulty of typing the identifier on the determined keyboard type. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises determining a finger positioning corresponding to a position of a typer's fingers on the keyboard, and the typeability score is further based on the finger positioning. In some embodiments, the finger positioning is based on the typer's typing habits.
US09195313B2

An information processing apparatus according to the present invention can improve the operability when a user performs a gesture operation relating to a target object.
US09195309B2

Techniques are described herein for classifying multiple device states using separate Bayesian classifiers. An example of a method described herein includes accessing sensor information of a device, wherein at least some of the sensor information is used in a first feature set and at least some of the sensor information is used in a second feature set; processing the first feature set using a first classification algorithm configured to determine a first proposed state of a first state type and a first proposed state of a second state type; processing the second feature set using a second classification algorithm configured to determine a second proposed state of the first state type and a second proposed state of the second state type; and determining a proposed state of the device as the first proposed state of the first state type and the second proposed state of the second state type.
US09195304B2

There is provided an image processing device including a recognition unit that recognizes exercise of a person reflected in an input image, and a display control unit that superimposes on the input image a virtual object varying according to effectiveness of the exercise recognized by the recognition unit. The image processing device further includes a score calculation unit that calculates a score denoting the effectiveness of the exercise recognized by the recognition unit, and the display control unit superimposes on the input image the virtual object representing greatness of the score calculated by the score calculation unit.
US09195303B2

An input device comprises: a detection unit that detects as detection data an oscillation generated by tapping a body of a user and transmitted via the body; and an input information identification unit that refers to the detection data, identifies a tap site based on a fact that the detection data varies depending on a physical property of a body tissue associated with the tap site, and outputs an operation command allocated to the identified tap site.
US09195302B2

There is provided an image processing apparatus including: a communication unit receiving first feature amounts, which include coordinates of feature points in an image acquired by another image processing apparatus, and position data showing a position in the image of a pointer that points at a location in a real space; an input image acquisition unit acquiring an input image by image pickup of the real space; a feature amount generating unit generating second feature amounts including coordinates of feature points set in the acquired input image; a specifying unit comparing the first feature amounts and the second feature amounts and specifying, based on a comparison result and the position data, a position in the input image of the location in the real space being pointed at by the pointer; and an output image generating unit generating an output image displaying an indicator indicating the specified position.
US09195294B2

A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for runtime based enforcement of energy policies collaboratively. The application runtime environment executing within a virtual machine on the data processing system receives notification of a change in energy policy for the virtual machine or the physical host it is running on. Responsive to determining the virtual machine is to be run under a power cap based on the notification of a change in energy policy, the application runtime environment dynamically modifies execution of an application in the application runtime environment or requests the execution environment for delaying enforcement of energy policies. The application comprises a set of application modules.
US09195293B1

Adjusting power and/or performance settings of a data storage device (DSD) in a system including the DSD and a host in communication with the DSD. A driver executed on the host defines user settings for the DSD and determines a state of the system. The driver commands the DSD to adjust power and/or performance settings for the DSD based on the state of the system and the user settings.
US09195275B2

A portable computer device includes a host having a target member, a display device pivoted to the host, a pivot member pivoted to the display device, an optical device connected to the pivot member, and a driving device. The driving device is disposed on the display device and includes a circuit board electrically connected to the host and the optical device, an angle obtaining unit and a driving unit installed on the circuit board, and a processing unit installed on the circuit board and electrically connected to the driving unit and the angle obtaining unit. The angle obtaining unit is for obtaining an included-angle information of the display device relative to the host. The driving unit is for driving the pivot member to rotate the optical device to point to the target member or a user's face according to the included-angle information.
US09195248B2

Techniques are described for adjusting an amount of current flowing through a first and second transistor of a voltage regulator connected to an output of a voltage regulator to maintain an output of the voltage regulator at a constant output voltage level. Also, a resistor connects a gate of the first transistor to a gate of a second transistor. The techniques may also charge or discharge a parasitic capacitance of the first transistor with a first current source connected to the gate of the first transistor and a second current source connected to the gate of the first transistor through the resistor.
US09195247B2

A DC-DC converter includes a high-side circuit supplied with a power supply voltage and a first internal reference voltage generated by a first regulator. The high-side circuit provides a current to an inductor, which is used for generating an output voltage. The first and second regulators each generate respective internal reference voltages. The second internal reference voltage is provided to a signal processing module, which controls the high side circuit so that the output voltage of the DC-DC converter corresponds to regulated target voltage level. The first and second regulators include a differential circuit comparing voltages and generating a corresponding comparison signal, a transistor for generating the internal reference voltage according to a gate voltage applied to its gate, and a circuit to change the gate voltage to reduce a signal amplitude of the comparison signal.
US09195245B2

A differential output buffer includes first and third switches and second and fourth switches which are connected in series respectively between a first voltage source and a current source, and a replica circuit includes a second voltage source which is equivalent to a first voltage source. A current control circuit controls a current flowing to the current source in such a manner that a voltage of a third node between two resistive elements connected in series between a first node between the first and third switches and a second node between the second and fourth switches and having an equal resistance value is equal to a reference voltage, for example, and a voltage control circuit generates a control signal in such a manner that a voltage of any node excluding an output terminal of the second voltage source in the current path is equal to a second reference voltage.
US09195243B2

A system and method for improving energy usage and conservation of at least one air-management unit in a data center where a multiplicity of rack mounted power distribution units are used for power distribution to a multiplicity of electronic devices mounted on a plurality of racks in at least one computer room of the data center. A group of power load, temperature, humidity and differential pressure sensors are provided throughout the racks, and coupled to a computer through a network interface for automatically calculating multiple air-management effectiveness and energy efficiency indices (e.g., rack cooling index RCI, rack humidity index RHI, rack airflow index RAI, rack differential pressure index RPI and return temperature index RTI) based on the data from the sensors, such that the operation of the air-management unit can be adjusted accordingly to achieve an optimal efficiency of safe energy usage and conservation.
US09195242B2

An energy management system and method for water heater system is arranged for control of the water heater system based on user demand, and control the hot water distribution base on demand and water temperature of the recirculation loop. The energy management system includes a control center collecting operational parameter of the water heater system and real time information of hot water usage at each of user points, and a management center for managing operational parameter of the water heater system and real time information of hot water usage, wherein the management center is preset for automatically turning each of a motorized unit and a water heater unit of the water heater system in an on and off manner in responsive to hot water demand at user point so as to optimize energy saving of the water heater system.
US09195241B2

A pressure regulator (100) is provided. The pressure regulator (100) includes various features that reduce the risk of internal leaking. The pressure regulator (100) includes a regulator body (101) including a fluid inlet (107) with a valve seat (106) and a fluid outlet (108) and a cap (102) coupled to the regulator body (101). The pressure regulator (100) also includes a diaphragm (103) with a first side (103a) exposed to the fluid inlet (107) and the fluid outlet (108) and a second side (103b) exposed to the cap (102). The diaphragm (103) can frictionally engage the regulator body (101) to form a fluid tight seal. Additionally, the diaphragm (103) may include a socket (118) formed in the diaphragm (103) and a valve member (105) including a valve stem (110) with a ball (118) that is adapted to engage the socket (118) formed in the diaphragm (103) in order to couple the valve member (105) to the diaphragm (103).
US09195239B2

A system includes a first pump feeding a first component into a mixer, and a second pump feeding a second component into the mixer. The movement of the piston of each pump can be reversed from a direction of suction and of expulsion of the volume of the pump to a direction of expulsion of the component and vice versa. A movement detector is associated with each pump and is connected to a controller programmed to trigger the reversal of a pump after having determined that the volume remaining in the pump is insufficient to ensure the predetermined metering ratio. The controller is programmed to provide the continuous feeding of the first component into the mixer through the operation of the system, and the intermittent feeding of the second component into the mixer in order to carry out cycles of feeding doses of the second component into the mixer.
US09195234B2

Dynamic positioning systems and methods for controlling thrusters of a vessel. A dynamic positioning system includes a controller configured to predict position and heading of the vessel and efficiently control the the thrusters based on the predicted position and heading.
US09195232B1

Methods and systems for compensating for common failures in fail operational systems are described herein. An example system may include a primary controller configured to perform functions of a vehicle such as propulsion, braking and steering and a secondary controller configured in a redundant configuration with the primary controller. The controllers may perform cross-checks of each other and may each perform internal self-checks as well. Additionally, the system may include a control module configured to transfer control of the vehicle between the controllers based on detecting a fault. The control module may detect a common fault of the controllers that causes the control module to output a common fault signal. In response, the system may transfer of control to a safety controller configured to perform the vehicle functions until the system may transfer control back to the primary controller.
US09195227B2

A motor control device includes a position command generating unit, a difference calculating unit for calculating a difference between a positional detection value of a movable unit and a positional detection value of a driven unit, a retaining unit for retaining, as an engaging difference, the difference when the movable unit is moved in a first or second direction to engage with the driven unit, in association with the first direction and the second direction, and a compensation amount calculating unit for calculating a backlash compensation amount based on the difference calculated by the difference calculating unit and the engaging difference retained by the retaining unit. It is determined whether or not the movable unit is engaged with the driven unit by comparing a movement amount of the driven unit with a threshold.
US09195205B2

An image forming apparatus, including an image forming unit with a photosensitive drum and a developer device; a first frame made of a resin, formed in a shape of a plate, arranged on one end, along an axial direction of the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum, of the image forming unit; and a first beam formed in an elongated shape, arranged along and fixed to a planar face of the first frame, is provided. The first beam is made of a material different from the first frame and includes a first attachment portion, at which the first beam is immovably fixed to the first frame, and a second attachment portion, at which the first beam is attached to the first frame movably with respect to the first frame along a longitudinal direction of the first beam.
US09195204B2

An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a toner-image forming unit, a transfer unit, a cleaner, a plurality of cylindrical transport path forming members, a falling transport path forming member, and a discharge port. The falling transport path forming member has through holes in a side wall thereof. A second end of each of the transport path forming members is inserted into a corresponding one of the through holes. The falling transport path forming member forms a falling transport path that causes toner ejected from an ejection port disposed in the second end to fall. The discharge port is disposed in a lower part of the falling transport path forming member to discharge the toner to a discharge destination. The second ends of the transport path forming members are disposed offset from each other in a horizontal direction on the side wall of the falling transport path forming member.
US09195199B2

An image forming apparatus includes: a transfer part configured to transfer an unfixed toner image transferred from a photosensitive member onto a recording medium; a pair of pre-transfer rollers configured to convey a recording medium toward the transfer part; a fixing part configured to make the recording medium onto which the toner image is transferred pass between a pair of fixing rollers to fix the toner image onto the recording medium; a first detection sensor configured to detect a position of the recording medium between the transfer part and the pair of pre-transfer rollers; a second detection sensor configured to detect a position of the recording medium downstream of the pair of pre-transfer rollers; and a controller configured to calculate a deviation amount of the recording medium, rock the pair of pre-transfer rollers and adjust a position to which an image is written to form a toner image.
US09195181B2

An image forming apparatus includes a noncontact heating device, a pressurizing and heating mechanism, and a control unit. The control unit switches an operation of the pressurizing and heating mechanism based on gloss level information of a recording medium. According to the image forming apparatus, assuming that a temperature of the recording medium after noncontact heating is T1, a temperature of the recording medium after pressurizing and heating is T2 and a toner concentration after noncontact heating is Tc1 when the gloss level information shows high gloss, and assuming that a temperature of the recording medium after noncontact heating is T3 and a toner concentration after noncontact heating is Tc2 when the gloss level information shows low gloss, the conditions of T1
US09195175B2

A Transfer device (10) includes an intermediate transfer belt (41), a plurality of intermediate transfer roller (34A-34D) and a transfer member moving mechanism (20). The transfer member moving mechanism moves the intermediate transfer rollers (34A-34D) between pressing positions causing the intermediate transfer belt (41) to be pressed against respective photoreceptor drums (31A-31D) and separate positions causing the intermediate transfer belt (41) to be separate from the respective photoreceptor drums (31A-31D). The transfer member moving mechanism (20) causes a second pressing position of the intermediate transfer roller for monochrome (34A) in monochromatic image forming to be different from a first pressing position of the intermediate transfer roller for monochrome (34A) in full-color image forming so that an amount of pressing of the intermediate transfer belt (41) by the intermediate transfer roller for monochrome (34A) becomes greater in monochromatic image forming than in full-color image forming.
US09195172B2

A developing device according to the invention develops latent images formed on an image carrier with a developer including toner carrier and toner. The developing device includes a developer container, a developer conveying member, a supply unit, a discharge unit, and a discharge prohibiting unit. The developer container contains the developer. The developer conveying member conveys the developer contained in the developer container as stirring the developer to circulate the developer in a circulation path in the developer container. The supply unit supplies at least the toner carrier to the circulation path. The discharge unit discharges excessive developer in the circulation path according to supply from the supply unit. The discharge prohibiting unit prohibits discharge of the developer from the discharge unit during a predetermined discharge prohibiting period in a case where the toner carrier is supplied from the supply unit.
US09195171B2

A toner case is directly or indirectly connected to a housing 31 that contains toner at a first connection portion 43 and a second connection portion 44, and includes: a bracket portion 33 that is formed so as to link the first connection portion 43 and the second connection portion 44; protrusions 51 and 52 that are formed on the bracket portion 33, allow for attachment of the housing 31 to an apparatus body of a specific model, and do not allow for attachment of the housing 31 to the apparatus body of other models except for the specific model; and a functional member 55 that is installed on the bracket portion 33 and that fulfills a predetermined function.
US09195158B2

The instant disclosure describes methacrylate coated carrier resins with aromatic substituent groups with optionally carbon atoms replaced by heteroatoms such as S, N, and O for charge control and improved RH sensitivity.
US09195155B2

A method for preparing toner particles is disclosed. In embodiments, a suitable method includes aggregating a mixture comprising at least one resin, an optional pigment and an optional wax to form aggregated particles, freezing aggregation of particles by adjusting the pH of the aggregated particles to a freezing aggregation pH; coalescing the aggregated particles to form toner particles at a first pH that is higher than the freezing aggregation pH; and recovering the toner particles.
US09195151B2

A device serves for controlling temperature of an optical element provided in vacuum atmosphere. The device has a cooling apparatus having a radiational cooling part, arranged apart from the optical element, for cooling the optical element by radiation heat transfer. A controller serves for controlling temperature of the radiational cooling part. Further, the device comprises a heating part for heating the optical element. The heating part is connected to the controller for controlling the temperature of the heating part. The resulting device for controlling temperature in particular can be used with an optical element in a EUV microlithography tool leading to a stable performance of its optics.
US09195147B2

A seal between a table and a component in a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The seal bridges a gap between the component and the table when the component is in a position relative to the table. The component is moveable, in use, relative to the table and in an embodiment is attached to the table. The seal may be integral with the component or the table.
US09195137B2

A composition for forming a resist underlayer film for lithography, including a polymer having a repeating structural unit of Formula (1): R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group and Q1 is a group of Formula (2) or Formula (3): (wherein R2, R3, R5, and R6 are independently a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 4, R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R7 is a linear or branched hydrocarbon group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 6, a C1-4 alkoxy group, a C1-4 alkylthio group, a halogen atom, a cyano group, or a nitro group, w1 is an integer of 0 to 3, w2 is an integer of 0 to 2, and x is an integer of 0 to 3), and v1 and v2 are independently 0 or 1; and an organic solvent.
US09195119B2

A case or support accessory system for a camera device, such a photo or video personal camera, that includes a base constructed to removably cooperate with the camera device. In a preferred embodiment, the case system generally encloses the camera device without interfering with operation of one or more of the control features associated with operation of the camera device. The base includes a plurality of mount arrangements that are each shaped to selectively removably cooperate with one of a plurality of mount adapters. The mount, adapters are constructed to magnetically or physically interact with a variety of accessories that support or augment operation, such as via a flash or light device, associated with hands-free use of the camera device.
US09195114B2

The invention is directed to the provision of an optical device in which provisions are made to form a gap between an optical waveguide and a substrate without having to form a groove or the like in the substrate and to prevent any stress from being applied to an optical element even when it is heated by a heater for temperature adjustment. More specifically, the invention provides an optical device includes a substrate, an optical element with an optical waveguide formed in a surface thereof that faces the substrate, bonding portions formed on the substrate at positions that oppose each other across the optical waveguide, a heater, formed on at least one of the optical element and the substrate, for heating the optical waveguide, and a micro bump structure formed from a metallic material, wherein the optical element is bonded to the bonding portions via the micro bump structure in such a manner that a gap is formed between the optical waveguide and the substrate.
US09195109B2

A display device includes first and second substrates; a display medium; a pixel electrode; a common electrode; and wherein a voltage is applied to the display medium through the pixel electrode and the common electrode. The common electrode includes at least two branch portions, and a body portion which has substantially the same width as a width of a pixel. The pixel electrode includes at least one branch portion.
US09195106B2

A display device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept includes a data line transferring a drive signal to a display area; and an electrostatic transistor portion including a plurality of thin film transistors connected in parallel between the data line and a common ESD electrode. A cut-off voltage for turning off each of the thin film transistors is provided to a gate of each of the thin film transistors.
US09195101B2

Each of the pixel electrodes that are disposed in a liquid crystal display panel of one embodiment of the present invention is constituted of minutely patterned electrode regions (a first minutely patterned electrode region and a second minutely patterned electrode region), and one solid electrode region, and the length Lpix of each of the pixel electrodes in a direction along a data line, and the total length LB of the minutely patterned electrode regions satisfies the relationship of LB/Lpix=0.3 to 0.6.
US09195100B2

An array substrate, a liquid crystal panel and a display device are disclosed. The array substrate is provided with a pixel electrode layer and a common electrode layer, the common electrode layer is provided with a plurality of common electrodes, and the pixel electrode layer is provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes, and projection of each common electrode projected in a vertical direction onto the pixel electrode layer, overlaps or partially overlaps with a corresponding pixel electrode, respectively. In the liquid crystal panel, since a pixel electrode and an adjacent common electrode have an overlap there between along a light incident direction, it will not produce a non-uniform light-transmission phenomenon at a periphery of a pixel electrode, and therefore can achieve a more uniform light-transmission effect.
US09195092B2

A liquid crystal device includes a first polarization grating, a second polarization grating, and a liquid crystal layer. The first polarization grating is configured to polarize and diffract incident light into first and second beams having different polarizations and different directions of propagation relative to that of the incident light. The liquid crystal layer is configured to receive the first and second beams from the first polarization grating. The liquid crystal layer is configured to be switched between a first state that does not substantially affect respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough, and a second state that alters the respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough. The second polarization grating is configured to analyze and diffract the first and second beams from the liquid crystal layer to alter the different directions of propagation thereof in response to the state of the liquid crystal layer. Related devices are also discussed.
US09195083B2

In one embodiment, a high impact resistance display module 300 may avoid damage better than a standard display module 200. An interactive touch screen may create a mounting surface on a display chassis 312 that is level with a liquid crystal display panel 302 using an adjustable adapter plate 330. An interactive touch screen may attach an optically clear protective plate 334 to the liquid crystal display panel 302. An interactive touch screen may attach an optically clear protective plate 334 to the mounting surface.
US09195078B2

Method for determining, in a natural posture, at least one geometric/physiognomic parameter associated with the mounting of an ophthalmic lens in a spectacle frame intended to be worn by a wearer. The method includes: (a) capturing at least one substantially frontal image of the wearer's head; (b) determining a measured value of an angle of inclination during the capturing step, which depends on the inclination of the wearer's head about a main axis perpendicular to a sagittal plane of the wearer's head; (c) determining a reference value of the angle of inclination corresponding to a natural posture of the wearer's head; and (d) determining the required geometric/physiognomic parameter on the basis of the substantially frontal image captured and as a function of the difference between the measured value of the angle of inclination determined in step (b) and the reference value of the angle of inclination determined in step (c).
US09195062B2

Each scanning optical system includes a first scanning lens and a second scanning lens through which a light beam is incident onto the first scanning lens. The second scanning lens of each scanning optical system is disposed at the optically most downstream side in the scanning optical system and has an optical plane that has the strongest power in a sub-scanning corresponding direction. In addition, the optical plane of each second scanning lens, which has the strongest power in the sub-scanning corresponding direction, is located under the shaft bearings of neighboring polygon mirrors in the vertical direction.
US09195060B2

Scanning distance measuring equipment includes a light emitter/receiver and a deflector for deflecting and reflecting measurement light emitted from the light emitter/receiver to outside through an optical window. The deflector is provided with a first deflection mechanism including a movable unit swingable about a first axis and a drive unit for driving to swing the movable unit; a second deflection mechanism for driving to rotate the first deflection mechanism about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis; and a contactless power supply unit including a second coil that is located to rotate about the second axis along with the rotating second deflection mechanism, and a first coil that is located to face the second coil on a common axis.
US09195053B2

A spatio-temporal directional light modulator is introduced. This directional light modulator can be used to create 3D displays, ultra-high resolution 2D displays or 2D/3D switchable displays with extended viewing angle. The spatio-temporal aspects of this novel light modulator allow it to modulate the intensity, color and direction of the light it emits within an wide viewing angle. The inherently fast modulation and wide angular coverage capabilities of this directional light modulator increase the achievable viewing angle, and directional resolution making the 3D images created by the display be more realistic or alternatively the 2D images created by the display having ultra high resolution.
US09195044B2

An optical probe (10) including one or more optical elements (32), and an inner tube (30) to house the optical elements. The inner tube may be made up of at least two cooperating inner tube sections (34, 36) separable from one another along a longitudinal axis of the inner tube.
US09195041B2

Spherical aberration is the primary cause of lose of signal while imaging deeper into a sample. Spherical aberration is corrected in the imaging path of a non-descanned detection system (such as a multi-photon microscope). This corrects the illumination spot for artifacts caused by imaging deep into a sample. One exemplary advantage to this instrument is that it allows deeper and brighter imaging.
US09195033B2

There are provided an imaging optical system and imaging equipment, which are compatible with a solid-state imaging device having a size of ½ inches or less and which include an optical system having a small size and lightness in weight and also having an excellent mass productivity and a low cost while keeping optical performance at a wide field angle, for example, at a total angle of view of 80 degrees or more. When predetermined conditions are satisfied for a plurality of lenses constituting the imaging optical system, the absolute value of power of each lens group is suppressed to be small, and thus the generation of aberration is suppressed and a preferable aberration is obtained.
US09195022B2

The invention relates to a stand for a medical device. The stand includes a first support arm and a second support arm, which is connected to the first support arm via a first joint connection having a first degree of freedom of motion and on which the medical device can be held. The first joint connection has a first switching device, which can be put into a first switching state and into a second switching state, wherein, in the first switching state, the first degree of freedom of motion is blocked or disabled and wherein, in the second switching state, the first degree of freedom of motion is open or enabled.
US09195018B2

Micromodule subunit cables are constructed to allow for ease of identification between optical fibers in differing groups of optical fibers. In one cable, a first group of fibers is located within a buffer tube core while a second group of fibers is located within the cable jacket, but outside of the core. The fibers in the first and second groups can accordingly use the same color coding sequence without requiring additional indicia such as stripes or binding.
US09195015B2

A bi-directional fiber optic transceiver includes a laser diode, a photodiode, first and second lenses, all of which share a common linear optical axis, and a housing. The first lens may have transmission increasing film thereon. The second lens may have a reflection increasing film thereon. An optical splitter may be between the first and second lenses. The first and/or second lenses may be spherical, hemispherical or aspheric. The transceiver size is reduced so that a circuit board can accommodate more components or be smaller in size. Utilizing hemispherical lenses can greatly increase the coupling ratio of the optical links between the photodiode, fiber and laser diode. Utilizing aspheric lenses with high coupling can serve high power output requirements. Use of spherical lenses (which extend the focal length) with aspheric lenses enables LD TO assemblies in individual housings to serve in various products.
US09195014B2

An optical connector for optically connecting a first optical waveguide and second optical waveguide, includes a first connector module including a first fixing portion attached to a first board in such a manner that a fixed position is adjustable, a first connecting portion, a first ferrule to which the first optical waveguide is connected, and a guide pin attached to the first ferrule and provided with a tapered portion at a front end; and a second connector module including a second fixing portion fixed to a second board, a second connecting portion connectable to the first connecting portion of the first connector module, a second ferrule to which the second optical waveguide is connected and provided with a fitting hole that fits the guide pin, and a holding unit that movably holds the second ferrule.
US09195012B2

An optical fiber connector includes a first main body, at least one optical fiber and a fastening element. The first main body includes a first surface and a second surface. A receiving recess is defined in the first surface; at least one recess is defined on the bottom surface of the receiving recess. The optical fibers are fastened in the recesses. The fastening element is received in the receiving recess, and has a third surface and a fourth surface. At least one restricting recess is defined on the third surface and through the fourth surface. At least one orientating hole is defined on the fastening element. The orientating pole and the orientating hole are coordinating with each other to fasten the fastening element in the receiving recess, therefore make the restricting recess and the corresponding orientating recess coordinate with each other to fasten the corresponding optical fiber.
US09195010B2

An optical connector apparatus includes a connector connected to an electro-optical composite cable including an optical fiber and a metal conductor, and a connection object to be connected. The connector is provided with a ferrule which has a conductive portion on the surface thereof. The connection object is provided with an electrically conductive connection member to be connected to the ferrule. The ferrule and the cable are connected by a crimping structure. Provided is also an optical connector apparatus which includes a connector having a plurality of ferrules having distances between the end of the ferrules and the conductive portions so that the timing of the connection of the connector to the object is delayed, and thus the optical connector apparatus is capable of hot swapping. The connection object can be a combination of an adapter and a mating connector, or an optical element and an adapter which holds the same, etc.
US09195009B2

Improved systems and methods for optical switching are provided. These devices and methods can be used to improve the effectiveness of a wide variety of different optical systems and techniques. One embodiment provides a device and method for optical switching using a microfluidic chamber and droplets of liquid. Specifically, the droplets of liquid are controllably passed through the microfluidic chamber to switch the passing of light between different optical outputs. Thus, the optical switch can switch the light from one output to another by controllably passing droplets of liquid through the microfluidic chamber.
US09195008B2

An expanded beam (EB) optical connector. In some embodiments, the EB optical connector includes: a rigid, hollow, straight contact tube having a centerline axis; and a collimator assembly having an optical axis and comprising an optical fiber and a collimating lens, wherein the centerline axis of the contact tube is at least substantially aligned with the optical axis such that collimated light produced by the lens from light exiting the fiber travels though the contact tube and the loss of light caused by misalignment of the axes is not more than 2 dB.
US09195002B2

The present invention relates to a double cladding crystal fiber and manufacturing method thereof, in which growing an YAG or a sapphire into a single crystal fiber by LHPG method, placing the single crystal fiber into a glass capillary for inner cladding, placing the single crystal fiber together with the glass capillary for inner cladding into a glass capillary for outer cladding in unison, heating the glass capillary for inner cladding and outer cladding by the LHPG method to attach to the outside of the single crystal fiber, and thus growing into a double cladding crystal fiber. When the present invention is applied to high power laser, by using the cladding pumping scheme, the high power pumping laser is coupled to the inner cladding layer, so the problems of heat dissipation and the efficiency impairment due to energy transfer up-conversion of high power laser are mitigated.
US09194998B2

A frame structure for a back light module includes a horizontal base plate, a vertical back plate that has a bottom end connected to an upper side of the base plate, and an elongated horizontal through hole formed in a predetermined zone between ⅓ and ¼ of a vertical height of the back plate from the bottom end, and a heat sink that extends from the upper side of the base plate and that has a top end which is below a bottom end of the horizontal through hole. The backlight module further includes a light source disposed on the upper side of the base plate and a light guiding plate disposed to correspond in position to the light source for receiving light emitted from the light source.
US09194990B2

A laminated optical film according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a polarizing plate and a retardation layer formed of a water dispersible pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing an inorganic laminar compound.
US09194988B2

A polarizing dye dispersion, a light-polarizing article and a process for making light-polarizing article utilizing the polarizing dye dispersion. The aqueous polarizing dye dispersion comprises, in addition to a polarizing dye material, a non-ionic surfactant material comprising a plurality of surfactant molecules represented by the following general formula (I): wherein: the average of the number n of all the surfactant molecules ranges from 9 to 200; m is 1 or 2; R, identical or different for each surfactant molecule and each occurrence, independently is an alkyl; at least one R on each surfactant molecule is a C6-C12 straight-chain or branched alkyl; and X, identical or different for each surfactant molecule, independently is an H or a C1-C4 alkyl.
US09194983B2

The present invention relates generally to the field of organic chemistry and particularly to the optical retardation films for liquid crystal displays. The present invention provides an optical film comprising a substrate having front and rear surfaces, and at least one solid retardation layer on the front surface of the substrate. Said solid retardation layer comprises rigid rod-like macromolecules comprising n organic units of the first type having general structural formula I and and k organic units of the second type having general structural formula II
US09194975B2

A method, an apparatus and a system are provided for determining if a piece of luggage contains a liquid product comprised of a container holding a body of liquid. The piece of luggage is scanned with an X-ray scanner to generate X-ray image data conveying an image of the piece of luggage and contents thereof. The X-ray image data is processed with a computer to detect a liquid product signature in the X-ray image data and determine if a liquid product is present in the piece of luggage. A detection signal is released at an output of the computer conveying whether a liquid product was identified in the piece of luggage. The detection signal may, for example, be used in rendering a visual representation of the piece of luggage on a display device to convey information to an operator as to the presence of a liquid product in the piece of luggage.
US09194973B2

A method, apparatus and computer-readable medium for filtering a signal from a plurality of distributed sensors is disclosed. The signal is obtained from the plurality of distributed strain sensors. A first subspace of a measurement space of the obtained signal is selected, wherein the first subspace is characterized by a step having a selected step size. An error for a filter corresponding to the first subspace is estimated and the step size is adjusted when the estimated error meets a selected criterion. A second subspace characterized by a step having the adjusted step size is selected and the signal is filtered by applying a filter corresponding to the second subspace.
US09194970B2

The present invention is a method of poles configuration with four poles inter-combination for marine electromagnetic surveying and acquisition. The method of the present invention adopts six horizontal electric field components with four poles inter-combination. The six horizontal electric field components are respectively constituted from tri-pins grounding electrodes of four poles pairwise. One of the pins of each of the tri-pins grounding electrodes and the pins of the other three tri-pins grounding electrodes mutually constitute the six horizontal electric field components. The data for electromagnetic field over time series are simultaneously recorded. The present invention effectively ensure that the electric field recording with an angle less than 22.5 degree to the activation direction is achieved regardless of the orientation of the acquisition station, and that the worst effective activation signal may reach 76.5% of that under collinear activation. It is ensured that the activation field source and the couple pole for recording the electric field are under strong coupling, the requirements on the orientation of the acquisition station and on the dragging direction and position of the activation field source in data acquisition are lowered, and loss of electromagnetic data is prevented.
US09194968B2

Method for analyzing seismic data representing a subsurface region for presence of a hydrocarbon system or a particular play. Seismic attributes are computed, the attributes being selected to relate to the classical elements of a hydrocarbon system, namely reservoir, seal, trap, source, maturation, and migration. Preferably, the attributes are computed along structural fabrics (1) of the subsurface region, and are smoothed over at least tens or hundreds of data voxels. The resulting geologic attributes (2) are used to analyze the data for elements of the hydrocarbon system and/or recognition of specific plays, and for ranking and annotating partitioned regions (3) of the data volume based on size, quality, and confidence in the prospectivity prediction (5). A catalog (8) of hydrocarbon trap configurations may be created and used to identify potential presence of hydrocarbon traps and/or aid in scoring (4) and ranking partitioned regions as hydrocarbon prospects.
US09194967B2

Disclosed are various embodiments of methods for identifying faults and fractures, and other permeable features, within geologic layers during a drilling operation comprising; recording microseismic data during a drilling operation; recording times and positions of a drill bit in a well bore during the drilling operation; processing microseismic data at a plurality of selected times and locations to image microseismic events and identifying faults and fractures, and other permeable features, from corresponding images of microseismic events. In other embodiments, the integrity of a cementing operation may be verified by recording microseismic data during a cementing operation; recording times and positions of a cementing operation in a well bore during the cementing operation; processing microseismic data at a plurality of selected times and locations to image microseismic events and identifying faults and fractures, and other permeable features, within the cemented zone from corresponding images of microseismic events.
US09194962B2

A radiation detection assembly includes an ionization chamber for detecting radiation. The ionization chamber includes a volume of pressurized gas. An exterior enclosure houses the ionization chamber within an interior volume. The exterior enclosure includes a frangible section. A relief assembly defines a gas flow path from the ionization chamber to the frangible section of the exterior enclosure. The frangible section releases pressure from within the ionization chamber when the pressurized gas within the ionization chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure such that at least some of the pressurized gas flows through the relief assembly and through the frangible section of the exterior enclosure. The pressurized gas is then released to an exterior of the exterior enclosure. A method of reducing pressure within a radiation detection assembly is also provided.
US09194957B2

In a method and system for deriving a seed position of a subscriber station in a wireless communications system in supporting unassisted GPS-type position determination is provided, the subscriber station receives overhead messages from the wireless communications system, and derives the seed position from the parameter values. The subscriber station may use a data structure in its memory and map possible parameter values to corresponding positions that may serve as the seed positions.
US09194951B2

A vehicle obstacle detection device includes a sensor that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and a controller that instructs the sensor to transmit the ultrasonic waves. The controller compares amplitude of reflected waves received by the sensor with a threshold to determine presence or absence of an obstacle. The controller includes a voltage monitoring unit that detects a power supply voltage. The controller more reduces the threshold as the power supply voltage detected by the voltage monitoring unit is lower.
US09194942B2

Apparatus for producing image data representing a specimen being imaged using ultrasound includes a processor and memory. The processor receives input data representing output from an ultrasound probe, and performs an iterative algorithm on the input data until a converged estimate of the mean of the distribution of the image data is reached. This estimate is used to produce output image data for display. The algorithm updates estimates for the image data, the echogenicity of the image data, and the variance of the noise of the image data. The step of updating the variance of the noise of the image data uses an update rule that assumes the noise to be varying across the image data but locally invariant for any small enough region of the image data.
US09194941B2

Techniques to improve resolution in an ultrasound system are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus is a portable ultrasound probe having transducer elements and supporting electronics within the probe. The beam is shaped to split the resolution to sub-pixel accuracy. Super resolution sample technique based on interpolation can be used to further increase resolution. In one embodiment the ultrasound system supports ½ crystal physical resolution and ¼ crystal digital resolution.
US09194924B2

A local coil for a magnetic resonance tomography device includes an elastic antenna support part with several antennas and an electronic part with electronic components connected to the antennas via supply lines. At least one part of the electronic part is located outside of the antenna support part.
US09194920B2

A continuous-flow (CF) magic angle sample spinning (CF-MAS) NMR rotor and probe are described for investigating reaction dynamics, stable intermediates/transition states, and mechanisms of catalytic reactions in situ. The rotor includes a sample chamber of a flow-through design with a large sample volume that delivers a flow of reactants through a catalyst bed contained within the sample cell allowing in-situ investigations of reactants and products. Flow through the sample chamber improves diffusion of reactants and products through the catalyst. The large volume of the sample chamber enhances sensitivity permitting in situ 13C CF-MAS studies at natural abundance.
US09194915B2

A control test point (CTP) of an integrated circuit scan chain includes a scan latch and an integrated clock gate (ICG). The ICG includes clock, functional enable (FE) and scan enable (SE) inputs, and a gated clock output. The ICG can respond to an SE input active state, in a serial scan mode allowing the gated clock output to change. The ICG can also be operated in a scan capture mode, responding to an SE input inactive state, in which the gated clock output is inhibited from changing in response to a low FE input level. The ICG's gated clock output is coupled to the scan latch clock input, which holds its data output at a fixed level in response to ICG's gated clock output being inhibited from changing during the scan capture operation.
US09194913B2

A circuit includes a plurality of scan chains each including a plurality of scan blocks. Each scan block includes a storage element and a switching device having an output directly coupled to an input of the storage element. The switching device has a first input configured to receive an output of a storage element in a different scan chain from the scan chain in which the switching device is disposed and a second input configured to receive one of a function logic output signal or a scan input signal. The switching device is configured to selectively couple the first input or the second input to the input of the storage element.
US09194907B1

A semiconductor apparatus includes: an output timing controller configured to delay an applied external read command by a predetermined time and generate a normal output enable flag signal, during a normal mode, a test output timing controller configured to generate a DLL clock signal from an external clock signal, delay the applied external read command in synchronization with the DLL clock signal, and output the delayed applied external read command as a test output enable flag signal, during a test mode, and a multiplexer (MUX) configured to output any one of the normal output enable flag signal or the test output enable flag signal as an output enable flag signal.
US09194901B2

The present invention relates to a sensing structure of touch panel, which comprises a plurality of electrode groups disposed on a substrate. The substrate has a first side and a second side. Each electrode group comprises a first external electrode, a second external electrode, a plurality of internal electrodes, and a plurality of wires. The first external electrode is disposed on a first side; the second external electrode is disposed on the second side; the plurality of internal electrodes are disposed between the first external electrode and the second external electrode; and the plurality of wires are disposed on both sides of the electrode group alternately. Thereby, by disposing the first external electrode, the second external electrode, and the internal electrodes, all being zigzag, the disposable number of electrodes in each electrode group is increased. Accordingly, the sensitivity of touch sensing for the sensing structure of touch panel is enhanced.
US09194892B2

A method can include detecting a positive transition in a time trace disaggregation process (TTDP), creating a new instance j, capturing a positive transition data block for the instance j, creating a time trace feature description for power, reactive power, and current, and matching the instance j to a device type by performing a quick match based on at least one quick match parameters. Responsive to a positive identification based on the quick match, the instance j may be assigned to the device type.
US09194890B2

Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) voltage divider with dynamic impedance control. In some embodiments, a voltage divider may include two or more voltage division cells, each voltage division cell having a plurality of Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) transistors, a least one of the plurality of MOS transistors connected to a signal path and at least another one of the plurality of MOS transistors connected to a control path, the voltage division cell configured to provide a voltage drop across the signal path based upon a control signal applied to the control path.
US09194887B2

An apparatus for testing electronic devices is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of probes attached to a substrate; wherein each probe is capable of elastic deformation when the probe tip comes in contact with the electronic devices; each probe comprising a plurality of isolated electrical vertical interconnect accesses (vias) connecting each probe tip to the substrate, such that each probe tip of the plurality is capable of conducting an electrical current from the device under test to the substrate. The plurality of probes may form a probe comb. Also disclosed is a probe comb holder that has at least one slot where the probe comb may be disposed. A method for assembling and disassembling the probe comb and probe comb holder is also disclosed which allows for geometric alignment of individual probes.
US09194876B2

A management server of a sample inspection system includes sample processing information generated on the basis of inspection request data, facility data, a simulation execution portion and a window generation portion for generating a monitor window. The inspection request data contains a priority, an order time, a required time and inspection items and the sample processing information contains an inspection start time and an inspection estimate finish time. The monitor window has a work area in which the samples represented by sample bars parallel to the abscissa are arranged in a vertical direction and a past record and a future schedule are allocated to this abscissa with the present time as the base. The sample bars display a simulation execution portion for executing simulation on the basis of the inspection start time, the inspection estimate finish time and a delay time. The management server displays the simulation result.
US09194872B2

A method for evaluation of cancer diagnosis following cancer radiotherapy, comprising: providing a serum sample of a cancer patient prior to the cancer radiotherapy; and measuring a leukemia inhibitory factor concentration in the serum sample. Also provided is a method for potentiation of cancer radiotherapy, comprising: administrating a leukemia inhibitory factor inhibitor or a leukemia inhibitory factor receptor inhibitor to a subject in need of the cancer radiotherapy.
US09194868B2

In various embodiments, the present disclosure describes methods and systems for detecting microbes in a sample. The methods are generally applicable to quantifying the number of target bacteria in a sample counted from a detection region of a flow cytometer histogram. The detection methods can be employed in the presence of other microorganisms and other non-target microbe components to selectively quantify the amount of a target microbe. The methods are advantageous over those presently existing for testing of foodstuffs and diagnostic evaluation in their speed, accuracy and ease of use. Various swab collection devices and kits useful for practicing the present disclosure are also described herein.
US09194862B2

In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for determining the self-renewal potential of a cancer stem cell (CSC) through analysis of the cross-talk between cell self-renewal pathways leading to deregulation and enhanced self-renewal of the CSC, or for predicting the drugability (susceptibility to a drug) of a CSC, and/or for predicting the progression of a cancer that corresponds to the CSC, the method comprising detecting and quantifying in CSCs one or more B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family protein isoform(s) or transcripts (mRNAs, messages) encoding one or more Bcl-2 family protein(s) or protein isoform(s) thereof. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods to determine and measure the levels of Wnt, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3 beta), glycogen synthase kinase-3 alpha (GSK-3 alpha), and/or Sonic Hedgehog Homolog (SHH or Shh) family proteins and alternatively spliced transcripts (mRNAs), and Wnt, GSK3beta, GSK3alpha and/or Shh family protein and alternatively spliced transcript ratios in cancer cells, e.g., stem cells, e.g., CSCs, for diagnostic, drug discovery and prognostic purposes.
US09194855B2

Information relating to a change made to a concrete mixture in a concrete mixer truck is obtained. An expected value of a selected characteristic of the concrete mixture is determined based on the change. A representation of the expected value is displayed on a processing device located in a cab of the concrete mixer truck. In one embodiment, the mixture comprises a concrete mixture. The change may comprise an addition of water to the mixture.
US09194851B2

Methods and materials for the detection of melamine in test samples such as foodstuffs are described. Embodiments of the invention comprise combining a test sample suspected of containing melamine with a particle that produces a colorimetric and/or turbidimetric signal that is dependent upon the concentration of melamine in the test sample. In certain embodiments of the invention, the particles and test sample are combined together with a chemical compound selected to induce the aggregation melamine in a manner that amplifies the colorimetric and/or turbidimetric signal of the assay. In some embodiments of the invention, the aggregation inducing agent is not physically coupled to the particles used in the assays. In other embodiments of the invention, the aggregation inducing agent is physically coupled to the particles used in these assays.
US09194850B2

A first flow rate adjustment mechanism (18) and a second flow rate adjustment mechanism (28) are controlled by a flow rate control unit (62) so that a carrier gas flows through a first supply path (56) and a second supply flow rate (57) at a predetermined flow rate. The flow rate control unit (62) includes cell flow rate control means (66) for controlling the first flow rate adjustment mechanism (56) and the second flow rate adjustment mechanism (57) so that the flow rate of the carrier gas introduced into a sample cell (44) in a sparging state, which is a state where the carrier gas is supplied from the first supply path (56) into a syringe pump (4), and the flow rate of the carrier gas introduced into the sample cell (44) in a normal state.
US09194845B2

An apparatus for emitting and/or receiving ultrasound in a predetermined frequency range includes at least one ultrasonic converter for converting ultrasound into electrical signals and/or converting electrical signals into ultrasound, and a holder having at least one ultrasonic channel formed therein in which the ultrasonic converter is disposed at least partly and/or through which ultrasound can pass from or to the ultrasonic converter. The holder has at least one non-fibrous surface layer adjacent to at least one portion of the ultrasonic channel, whose impedance is smaller than that of an inside layer of the holder neighboring to the surface layer.
US09194840B2

A system includes a sensor including a sensor pad and includes a well wall structure defining a well operatively connected to the sensor pad. The sensor pad is associated with a lower surface of the well. The well wall structure defines an upper surface and a wall surface extending between the upper surface and the lower surface. The upper surface is defined by an upper buffer material having an intrinsic buffer capacity of at least 2×1017 groups/m2. The wall surface is defined by a wall material having an intrinsic buffer capacity of not greater than 1.7×1017 groups/m2.
US09194835B2

A method and device for determining a fuel portion in a motor oil of a motor vehicle. The motor oil is brought between at least two electrodes forming a capacitor. The capacitance of the capacitor is determined while the motor oil is located between the electrodes, and the fuel portion in the motor oil is determined from the capacitance of the capacitor.
US09194833B2

An absorbent article for absorbing liquid discharge of a wearer includes conductive loops each in an open loop shape having terminal ends for electrically communicating with opposing poles of an electric potential generator such that current flows around the full conductive loop between the terminal ends when a space defined within the open loop shape is dry and such that liquid discharge in the space defined within the open loop shape is able to cause a short circuit in the conductive loop so that the current flows around a reduced impedance path. The impedance change is measurable to determine a location relative to the terminal ends where the liquid discharge has caused the short circuit. The conductive loops are oriented such that the direction in which the current travels up an outward leg of the respective conductive loop is in substantially the opposite direction for a first conductive loop as for a second conductive loop.
US09194829B2

A method and system for determining the mineral content of a sample using an electron microscope. The method includes directing an electron beam toward an area of interest of a sample, the area of interest comprising an unknown composition of minerals. The working distance between the backscattered electron detector of the microscope and the area of interest of the sample is determined. Compensation is made for the difference between the working distance and a predetermined working distance in which the predetermined working distance being the working distance that provides desired grayscale values for detected backscattered electrons. One way of compensating for working distance variation is to used an autofocus feature of the microscope to adjust the working distance. Backscattered electrons from the area of interest of the sample are then detected.
US09194827B2

Disclosed is a scanning device using radiation beam for backscatter imaging. The scanning device includes a radiation source; a stationary shield plate and a rotary shield body positioned respectively between the radiation source and the subject to be scanned, wherein the stationary shield plate is fixed relative to the radiation source, and the rotary shield body is rotatable relative to the stationary shield plate. The ray passing area permitting the rays from the radiation source to pass through the stationary shield plate is provided on the stationary shield plate, and ray incidence area and ray exit area are respectively provided on the rotary shield body. During the process of the rotating and scanning of the rotary shield body, the ray passing area of the stationary shield plate intersects consecutively with the ray incidence area and the ray exit area of the rotary shield body to form scanning collimation holes. Further, a scanning method using radiation beam for backscatter imaging is also provided.
US09194817B2

A defect detection method comprising, irradiating light from a light source in an optical system and obtaining a plurality of optical images of a sample having a repeated pattern of a size smaller than a resolution of the optical system; while changing the conditions of the optical system, performing correction processing for the optical images with the use of at least one of a noise filter and a convolution filter; shifting a position of the other optical images based on any of the plurality of optical images, obtaining a relationship between shift amounts of the other optical images and a change of correlation of a gray scale value between the plurality of optical images, and performing positional alignment of the optical images based on the shift amount obtained when the correlation is highest, performing defect detection of the sample with the use of the optical images after the positional alignment.
US09194815B2

An apparatus for inspecting crystallization includes a substrate including a semiconductor layer, the semiconductor layer includes a plurality of crystallized regions separated from each other; a stage configured to change a position of the substrate, the substrate being seated thereon; a photographing unit configured to acquire image data regarding the semiconductor layer; an inspection unit configured to obtain inspection data regarding the semiconductor layer; and a control unit configured to output change data regarding a change in the position of the substrate according to the image data acquired by the photographing unit.
US09194811B1

Disclosed are methods and apparatus for detecting defects in a semiconductor sample. The system includes an illumination optics module for simultaneously scanning two or more structured illumination (SI) patterns across the sample in a scan direction. The SI patterns have a phase shift with respect to each other, and the SI patterns are parallel to the scan direction. The system also includes a collection optics module for collecting output light from the sample in response to the SI patterns that are scanned across the sample and two or more detectors for individually detecting the output light collected for individual ones of the SI patterns. The system includes a controller to generate two or more SI images for the SI patterns based on the individually detected output light and detect defects on the sample by performing a comparison type inspection process based on the two or more SI images.
US09194802B2

A molecular probe for the luminescent detection of nucleotides (e.g., adenosine nucleotides) is presented. In certain embodiments, the probe can readily distinguish between the three adenosine nucleotides in buffered aqueous conditions at neutral pH, a need for the direct monitoring of enzymatic reactions converting ATP to ADP or AMP. The probe is most efficient under millimolar concentrations of ATP, which are relevant to intracellular conditions. In preferred embodiments, the long luminescence lifetime of the probe readily enables time-gating experiments.
US09194799B2

Refractometers for simultaneously measuring refractive index of a sample over a range or wavelengths of light include dispersive and focusing optical systems. An optical beam including the rang of wavelengths is spectrally spread along a first axis and focused along a second axis so as to be incident to an interface between the sample and a prism at a range of angles of incidence including a critical angle for at least one wavelength. In some cases, the prism can have a triangle, parallelogram, trapezoid, or other shape. In some cases, the optical beam can be reflected off of multiple interfaces between the prism and the sample. An imaging detector is situated to receive the spectrally spread and focused light from the interface and form an image corresponding to angle of incidence as a function of wavelength. One or more critical angles are indentified and corresponding refractive indices are determined.
US09194797B2

A system includes a moisture analyzer configured to detect moisture in a process gas. The moisture analyzer includes an absorption cell that encloses and conducts the process gas. The moisture analyzer also includes a pressure control device that may reduce a pressure of the process gas inside the absorption cell. The moisture analyzer includes a light emitting device that may transmit light through the process gas inside the absorption cell, as well as a photodetector that may detect an intensity of the light transmitted through the process gas and exiting the absorption cell.
US09194789B2

An apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring the corrosion potential of engineering alloys used in aqueous systems is disclosed and claimed. The method is applicable for a variety of alloys including, but not limited to, copper-based, iron-based, nickel-based, other metallic-based alloys, and their combinations. The corrosion potential is typically determined by measuring a voltage between a specific material in the described oxidation-reduction potential measuring device and a reference electrode. Corrosion potentials for specific materials of construction may be used for diagnostic or control purposes.
US09194788B2

A sensor device includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a functional element. The first electrode includes a porous body having a connecting hole where adjacent holes communicate with each other with the porous body being in at least the vicinity of a surface of the first electrode. The second electrode is spaced apart from the first electrode. The functional element is configured to measure a difference in electric potential between the first electrode and the second electrode. The sensor device is configured to measure a state of a site to be measured based on the difference in electric potential as measured by the functional element.
US09194787B2

A system and method for simulating stratified or dispersed flow dynamics are disclosed herein. The method includes filling an apparatus with a multi-phase mixture that includes an upper phase and a lower phase, wherein the upper phase and the lower phase are immiscible liquids. The method also includes establishing contact between a bottom surface of a rotor drum and a top surface of the upper phase. The method also includes rotating the rotor drum such that the rotation of the rotor drum causes the upper phase to rotate and ultimately causes the lower phrase to also rotate. The method further includes monitoring a parameter of the multi-phase system while the rotor drum is rotating.
US09194781B2

A viscoelasticity measuring apparatus that measures viscoelasticity of a measurement target with high precision is provided. The measuring apparatus includes: a casing; a surface contact part provided in the casing and brought into surface contact with skin; a ball indenter that moves toward the skin more than the surface contact part and is pushed into the skin; a driving unit that supports the ball indenter and moves the ball indenter toward the skin; a load cell whose right end side is fixed to the casing and left end side supports the driving unit, the load cell detecting a pushing load that pushes the ball indenter into the skin; and a control unit that obtains displacement of the ball indenter.
US09194776B2

The invention relates to a processor for working on histological samples. The processor has an inlet for the insertion of a fixing container, particularly a closed fixing container, with the samples located in the latter.
US09194767B2

Provided is a rim exchange apparatus of a tire testing machine having a simple and space-saving configuration and capable of rotating a turntable having a plurality of rim placing parts with no interference and appropriately identifying a plurality of rim assemblies set on the turntable. A turntable is installed to be rotated about a rotary shaft with respect to the support part, a plurality of rim placing parts on which a rim assembly is placed are provided to the turntable about the rotary shaft, and reading parts are attached to the support part at a lower side of the turntable. Then, the reading parts read rim identification information of the rim assembly placed on the rim placing parts through the turntable at a predetermined reading position. Accordingly, the identification information of the rim assembly can be appropriately read with no interference with rotation of the turntable.
US09194766B2

A multi-purpose gauge for inspecting a hub-piloted wheel assembly includes a first cylindrical section having a first diameter (d1); a second cylindrical section having a second diameter (d2); and a third cylindrical section having a third diameter (d3). The third cylindrical section defines both an end of the gauge and a cylindrical bore having an inner diameter (id). The second cylindrical section is disposed between the first cylindrical section and the third cylindrical section. Additionally, the first diameter is smaller than the second diameter, which in turn is smaller than the third diameter; and the inner diameter is greater than the first diameter.
US09194760B2

System, apparatus and method for capacitive sensing, where a sensor includes an upper and lower housing, each respectively equipped with upper and lower pressure ports. The lower housing is electrically coupled to an active shield. An insulating material is provided on or near a conductive diaphragm for insulating the conductive diaphragm from the lower housing. The insulating material may be an insulator or a dielectric material, where a sensing electrode is positioned such that the sensing electrode extends laterally across at least a portion of the insulating material, and is separated from the insulating material by a predetermined distance to form an air gap.
US09194756B2

Various embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for assessing the performance of an actuator of a attitude control system (ACS), such as a control moment gyroscope (CMG). In one embodiment, a system includes a support bracket assembly coupled to an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to generate an output torque. The system also includes at least one sensor assembly coupled to the support bracket assembly, wherein the at least one sensor assembly includes a sensor configured to measure the output torque about at least one axis of the support bracket assembly while the support bracket assembly remains substantially motionless.
US09194755B2

A device for measuring a compressor inlet temperature in a primary stream flow passage of a bypass turbojet. The device includes an airtight hollow structure forming a connection arm of an intermediate casing of the turbojet and configured to pass radially through a flow passage for the primary stream and a flow passage for a secondary stream of the turbojet, the connection arm including at least one inlet air orifice opening out into the primary stream flow passage at an inlet of a compressor and at least one air outlet orifice leading to a zone of the turbojet in which surrounding pressure is less than pressure in the primary stream flow passage at the inlet of the compressor; and a temperature probe having its sensitive element arranged inside the connection arm.
US09194751B1

Systems and methods for dual-mode optical sensing are provided. One system includes a focal-plane array (FPA) imaging detector configured to detect light of a first wavelength range and an illuminated-spot locating detector (ISLD) including an array of light-detecting elements configured to detect light of a second wavelength range, wherein the ISLD has a transparency to light of the first wavelength range. The system further includes a wavelength-selective optical diffuser configured to diffuse light of the second wavelength range, wherein the shortest wavelength of the first range is larger than the longest wavelength of the second range, the ISLD is positioned such that the light to be detected by the FPA imaging detector first passes through the ISLD, and the FPA imaging detector, the ISLD and the wavelength-selective diffuser share a common optical axis.
US09194747B2

An apparatus or system of estimating a spectrum of an object includes a plurality of filters or a plurality of filter areas that respectively have spectral characteristics different from one another, wherein at least two filters or filter areas have transmittance greater than a predetermined value throughout a wavelength range subject for estimation. The image capturing apparatus or system estimates a line spectrum of an object using spectral images of the at least two filters or filter areas having transmittance greater than the predetermined value.
US09194743B2

A Raman spectrometer including a laser excitation source, edge filters, and detection optics that direct light into a spectrograph. A spectrograph containing a dispersive element and optics that directs various wavelengths of light onto a segmented diffractive MEMS light modulator array. The MEMS array, depending on actuation state, directs light either to or away from a single detector. Control electronics drive the MEMS light modulator for either sequential wavelength measurement or multiplexed wavelength measurement (Hadamard for example).
US09194740B2

An image capturing apparatus comprising: a light source, for transmitting incident light to an objective without utilizing any medium besides air, such that the light emits from the objective to generate passing-through light; and a sensor, for capturing an image of the objective according to the passing-through light.
US09194739B2

A method of measuring mechanical resonance frequency using a servo driver including the steps of: having the servo driver work under a torque control mode, by applying in the servo driver a preset torque drive signal, the motor drives the mechanical components in a microvibration state; collecting actual speed signals of the motor to obtain the actual speed signal sequence of the motor; the actual speed signal sequence of the motor being passed in sequence through a certain number of band-pass filters having a fixed pass-band frequency and different center frequencies to obtain filtered speed signals; the filtered speed signal sequences output from each of the band-pass filters being changed into absolute values and then accumulated to obtain accumulation values; comparing the accumulation values obtained from the signal sequences output from the certain number of band-pass filters, and the center frequency of the band-pass filter corresponding to the largest accumulation value being the mechanical resonance frequency. By using the method, an automatic measurement of the mechanical resonance frequency of a mechanical device can be achieved.
US09194735B2

A combination weighing device facilitates the performance of operation using optimal operational settings. The combination weighing device includes a dispersion feeder, a plurality of radial feeders and a plurality of weighing hoppers. The dispersion feeder is disposed in an upper portion, and conveys and disperses supplied articles. The radial feeders are arranged radially on the periphery of the dispersion feeder, and convey the articles that are discharged from the dispersion feeder. The weighing hoppers receive the articles discharged from the radial feeders. The combination weighing device performs a combination weighing based on the weight of the articles in the weighing hoppers. In the combination weighing device, the operational settings are performed automatically.
US09194732B2

A closure for dispensing a metered amount of dry product from a container includes a dispensing cap and a metering drum rotatably mounted on the dispensing cap. The dispensing cap has an upper deck with a dispensing aperture and a skirt engaging the neck of the container. The metering drum has an upper deck, a lower deck, and a metering chamber therebetween. The metering chamber has an entrance aperture in the lower deck and an exit aperture in the upper deck. The metering drum is rotatable relative to the dispensing cap between a filling position, where the metering chamber is aligned with the dispensing aperture and dry product fills the chamber, and a dispensing position where the metering chamber is not aligned with the dispensing aperture and dry product can be dispensed. The dispensing cap and the metering drum include formations to index a position of the metering drum.
US09194729B2

Certain embodiments herein relate to configurations for reducing the flow area for fluids traveling through a Vortex flowmeter. Such configurations may establish a minimum required Reynolds number consistent with optimized performance of the Vortex flowmeter. Various configurations for achieving optimized performance may include inserting one or more segments or a streamlined, torpedo-shaped body into a bore of a meter body of the Vortex flowmeter to block a certain cross-sectional area of the bore. By reducing the cross-sectional area of the bore, the Reynolds number of fluids may be increased to the optimized level. Another configuration may include reducing the diameter of the bore of the meter body. Any of these configurations may be implemented to achieve a desired Reynolds number, and hence, optimized performance. Certain embodiments herein also relate to determining or calculating precise or near precise sizes for segment insertions, torpedo body diameters, and diameters of the meter body.
US09194721B2

A position sensor for the inductive detection of a position of a first component comprising a reference coil with respect to a second component comprising a reference body. A control and processing unit of the position sensor is coupled to the reference coil and is designed for issuing an output signal generating a current impulse in the reference coil. In addition, the control and processing unit is designed for evaluation of an oscillation generated by the current impulse in the reference coil as an input signal indicating the position of the reference body.
US09194720B2

A power meter or other electrical device is provided having two independent and communicatively isolated Ethernet ports. The first Ethernet port is addressable by a first unique identifier and is configured for enabling full access to the power meter via an internal LAN. This enables a LAN operator to remotely access the power meter via the internal LAN for performing metering functions, such as full telemetry, control and programming. The second Ethernet port is addressable by a second unique identifier and is configured for being connected to the Internet. Since the second Ethernet port is communicatively isolated from the first Ethernet port, a user can access the power meter via the Internet, but cannot access the internal LAN by connecting to the power meter via the Internet.
US09194719B2

There is provided an information processing apparatus including a control section which performs control of presenting, in association with each other, actual energy consumption representing an amount of energy consumed by a device in a case where a user performs any one of user actions, the user actions each being capable of being carried out by the user, and estimated energy consumption representing an amount of energy consumed by the device in a case where the user does not perform the user action.
US09194717B2

Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining transit routes through crowd-sourcing, for determining an estimated time of arrival (ETA) of a vehicle of the transit route at a given location, and for providing predictive reminders to a user for catching a vehicle of the transit route. A server receives signal source information about wireless signal sources detected by user devices, including information about a first wireless signal source detected by some devices. The server determines that the first wireless signal source is moving. The server determines that the first wireless signal source is associated with a public transit route upon determining that the signal source information satisfies one or more selection criteria. The server stores information associating the first wireless signal source with the public transit route as transit movement data corresponding to the public transit route.
US09194705B2

A method for routing in a network including a plurality of nodes and links between nodes, includes the steps of: setting a start node and a destination node; for each node, assigning a waiting time distribution for at least one means of transport for at least one intermediate node between the start node and the destination node; and providing a list of alternative means of transport linking the intermediate node to a subsequent node as a function of the waiting time distribution assigned to the at least one means of transport at the intermediate node.
US09194699B2

In a method for controlling a measuring system in a chassis measuring station, the motor vehicle is detected automatically in the measuring station by at least one detection unit and its position is ascertained with respect to at least one measuring device which is controlled on the basis of a signal of the detection unit in that an operating state of the measuring device is activated. The measuring system includes at least two mutually opposite measuring devices, which respectively have one image acquisition unit and one transverse referencing unit, and at least one detection unit, which is a light barrier having at least one transmitter and receiver.
US09194697B2

There is provided a form measuring apparatus including: a projection section configured to project a plurality kinds of patterns onto a measuring object in sequence, the plurality kinds of patterns having a common repetitive structure and differing in phase; an imaging section configured to acquire an image data set by taking an image of the measuring object every time each of the plurality kinds of patterns is projected onto the measuring object; a selecting section configured to select a data set as an adequate data set from the acquired image data set, the data set concerning an identical area on the measuring object, and all data in the set falling within an effective brightness range; and a form calculating section configured to find a form of the area as a basis of acquiring the adequate data on the measuring object, based on the selected adequate data set.
US09194695B2

A ball distance measuring system incorporates a support received over a reference ball. A reference on the support has a diameter differing from a diameter of the reference ball by a predetermined amount visually distinguishable from a circumference of the reference ball presenting an even visual separation confirming concentric coincidence when centered with respect to the reference ball.
US09194691B2

Disclosed is a volume sensor having first, second, and third laser sources emitting first, second, and third laser beams; first, second, and third beam splitters splitting the first, second, and third laser beams into first, second, and third beam pairs; first, second, and third optical assemblies expanding the first, second, and third beam pairs into first, second, and third pairs of parallel beam sheets; fourth, fifth, and sixth optical assemblies focusing the first, second, and third beam sheet pairs into fourth, fifth, and sixth beam pairs; and first, second, and third detector pairs receiving the fourth, fifth, and sixth beam pairs and converting a change in intensity of at least one of the beam pairs resulting from an object passing through at least one of the first, second, and third parallel beam sheets into at least one electrical signal proportional to a three-dimensional representation of the object.
US09194688B2

The invention relates to an inductive proximity sensor for determining the presence and/or the distance of an electrically conductive object which is designed to evaluate an oscillation in the form of an analog signal whose amplitude depends on the presence or absence and/or on the distance of an electrically conductive object. In accordance with the invention, the inductive proximity sensor includes at least one A/D converter which converts this analog signal into a digital input signal and includes at least one mixer which multiplies the digital input signal by a digital reference signal to form a digital output signal, wherein the digital reference signal is identical to the digital input signal or only differs from the digital input signal by a constant factor. The invention further relates to a method for determining the presence and/or the distance of an electrically conductive object with the aid of a proximity sensor.
US09194680B2

An example of a high strength polymer-based linked cartridge can have a casing inclosing a volume with a mouth and a neck extending away from the mouth. Next, there is a shoulder extending below the neck and a body extending below the shoulder. The body has a finger disposed on a first side of the body, the finger having a length and at least two fingers disposed on a second side of the body. The body also has a pawl catch disposed on a third side of the body. The at least two fingers can be spaced from each other a distance approximately equal to the length, and they can be configured to engage a finger disposed on a second cartridge.
US09194676B1

A bullet having a metal jacket, having a generally cylindrical aft section, a tapering forward section, and an open front. A soft, dense, metal core is disposed in the metal jacket. The core has a cavity generally aligned with the open front of the jacket, with a plurality of blades extending forwardly into the cavity, each terminating in a front face at or spaced rearwardly of the forward edge of the metal jacket.
US09194674B2

An apparatus including a bore cleaning projectile can be configured to clean a bore of a firearm as the projectile is propelled down the bore. The projectile includes a frangible capsule, a frame, a propellant providing a force to push the projectile down the bore of the firearm, and a collapsing feature configured to crush the frangible capsule when the force is applied to the frame.
US09194669B2

Flares with consumable weights connected to a forward end of the grain of the flare are disclosed. Also disclosed are consumable weight components for flares. The consumable weight components include a metal material within a matrix. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating a flare and methods for using a flare. Use of the consumable weights in the flares may reduce the amount of debris falling to ground.
US09194663B2

A transparent device for protection from an action of shock, projectiles, fragments or shock waves is provided. The device is a laminate having brittle-fracture, transparent materials that are joined together by way of transparent intermediate layers of organic polymers. The laminate is closed on the protective side facing away from the side of action by a fragment-protective layer that is formed as a transparent polymer layer in a thickness of 0.5 mm to 12 mm. The laminate has facing the side of action a chemically prestressed, brittle-fracture panel that is at a distance of 3 mm to 20 mm from the side of action.
US09194661B1

A ballistic armor assembly for a vehicle-mounted explosives carrier includes an assembly substrate and a ballistic composite. The assembly substrate is adapted for covering at least a portion of the explosives carrier, and has opposing inside and outside surfaces. The ballistic composite is secured to the outside surface of the assembly substrate. The ballistic composite includes a hard armor facing proximate a threat side of the ballistic armor assembly, and a flexible fabric backing proximate a protection side of the ballistic armor assembly.
US09194659B2

A mount for an accessory for a firearm having a Picatinny rail. The mount includes a chassis with one or more locking devices. Each locking device includes a lever that moves a plate into engagement with the Picatinny rail to clamp the mount to the rail. Each locking device also includes an actuator which not only moves the plate into engagement with the Picatinny rail but includes a self-tightening mechanism in which a nut and bolt arrangement are tightened by movement of the lever from a first position to a second position while at the same time bringing the plate into engagement with the rail. Each locking device also includes an automatic locking feature for locking the lever in position and a mechanism for preventing accidental operation of the actuator.
US09194657B1

A lens for use in a sighting device, the lens including anti-reflective coating on both primary planar sides, and having an uncoated light-accepting portion of a peripheral edge transmitting light shining thereon within the lens to fluoresce a substance within an indentation or a cavity burred into one side of the lens.
US09194639B1

A trigger assembly cooperates with a planar interlock, wherein the plane of the interlock includes a longitudinal axis of the barrel in a break barrel airgun. The trigger assembly includes a primary sear and a secondary sear, wherein the secondary sear is contacted by the interlock during cocking of the airgun. The contact of the interlock and the secondary sear is independent of a position of a safety in the trigger assembly.
US09194626B2

Parameters of a freeze drying process are monitored by measuring trace materials in the vacuum pump exhaust. The measurements are made using techniques such as acousto-optic spectrometry, multipass cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry (CEAS) and cavity ring-down spectrometry (CRDS). The technique may be used to diagnose problems such as leakage in the freeze drying shelves, leakage in the condensation coils, leaks from atmosphere in the chambers and the presence of residual cleaning materials. The technique may also be used to monitor the presence of water vapor in the exhaust of a secondary drying process.
US09194623B2

A distillation apparatus includes: a distillation column group in which a plurality of distillation columns, which are respectively equipped with a reboiler, is connected in the form of a distillation cascade; feed-gas condensers which liquefy feed gases from respective former distillation columns and feed said liquefied feed gases to respective latter distillation columns; gas-feeding lines which connect the respective former distillation columns and the respective feed-gas condensers; and liquid-feeding lines which connect the respective feed-gas condensers and the respective latter distillation columns.
US09194620B2

A method of purging air from a tank includes opening, with a controller, a purging orifice on the tank to release a gas mixture contained within the tank, operating a timer to track multiple time intervals during which the purging orifice is open, each time interval having a beginning time and an ending time, determining an initial value of a system variable at each beginning time and a subsequent value of the system variable at each ending time, deriving a characteristic value of the gas mixture based on a change in the system variable from the initial value to the subsequent value measured over each time interval, and closing, with the controller, the purging orifice if a rate of change of the characteristic value over sequential time intervals is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold rate of change value.
US09194614B2

An air-conditioning loop, in which a refrigerant flows, is capable of operating as a heat pump. The air-conditioning loop includes a compressor. The air-conditioning loop further includes a first solenoid valve connected to the compressor, to a radiator, and to an external heat exchanger. The radiator is connected to the external heat exchanger via a first pressure-release device and to an evaporator via a second pressure-release device. The evaporator is connected to the compressor. The external heat exchanger is connected to the compressor and to the evaporator via a second solenoid valve. The external heat exchanger, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve constitute a unitary part.
US09194607B2

Solar concentrating wedge can potentially deliver twice the output of a CPC trough. The wedge uses a new optic that turns light sharply allowing the collector to have a very compact profile. In this way, the focal zone is made shorter and hotter for solar thermal applications and the maximum flux density is doubled for photovoltaics. The collection optics are self-cooling. A simple and sturdy non-tracking frame ensures that collected light will follow the intended path to the absorber.
US09194600B2

An Electronically-Controlled Register vent (ECRV) that can be easily installed by a homeowner or general handyman is disclosed. The ECRV can be used to convert a non-zoned HVAC system into a zoned system. The ECRV can also be used in connection with a conventional zoned HVAC system to provide additional control and additional zones not provided by the conventional zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the ECRV is configured have a size and form-factor that conforms to a standard manually-controlled register vent. In one embodiment, a zone thermostat is configured to provide thermostat information to the ECRV. In one embodiment, the zone thermostat communicates with a central monitoring system that coordinates operation of the heating and cooling zones.
US09194594B2

A multiple-tank water thermal storage system and its using method belong to energy saving technology. The multiple-tank water thermal storage system includes at least two water tanks. There are an upper diffuser (2) and a lower diffuser (5) provided in each said water tank. The upper and lower diffusers (2, 5) are connected with a chiller (heater) unit (4) and a heat exchanger (11) after connecting in parallel, respectively. Control valves (8) are set on pipes of the upper and the lower diffusers (2, 5), respectively. A thermal energy-charging pump (1) is set on the water-inlet pipe of chiller (heater) unit (4). A thermal energy-releasing pump (10) is set on the water-inlet pipe of the heat exchanger (11), and temperature sensors (6) are set in the water tanks.
US09194593B2

A protective housing is provided for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit having a fan therein. The fan comprises a plurality of blades, each blade having a proximal and distal end. The housing comprises a plurality of side panels, each side panel comprising openings enabling airflow into the housing. The housing further comprises an access panel that is coupled between two of the plurality of side panels wherein the access panel and the plurality of side panels form an enclosure. An orifice ring is mounted within the housing, wherein a running clearance between the distal end of the fan blades and the orifice ring has a first spacing. A cover fastens atop the enclosure, the cover comprising a grill having a plurality of grill members, wherein the grill members are separated by a second spacing, the second spacing being smaller than the first spacing.
US09194582B2

A process for energy recovery and transfer including: warming fresh air in a heat recovery and pressure control unit; feeding waste feed and the warm fresh air into a processor; reducing a moisture content of the waste feed by breaking the waste feed into a fuel powder in the warm fresh air in the processor; filtering contaminated air through an initial filter to remove the fuel powder from the contaminated air; pre-heating the contaminated air in the heat recovery and pressure control unit; raising the temperature of the pre-heated contaminated air in a chamber; passing the chamber discharge air through the heat recovery and pressure control unit to pre-heat contaminated air passing on to the chamber and to warm fresh air passing on to the processor; and filtering terminal air through a terminal filter to remove particles from the terminal air.
US09194581B2

A burner shield (100) for use in a horizontal flammability test chamber (102) is a planar member (120) that contains a stop (126) and a bend (128). A first area (120A) is defined as the area of the planar member (120) between the proximate end (124) and the stop (126), limited to the area of planar member 120 inside chamber 102 by stop 126. The first area (120A) of planar member (120) is inserted through an aperture on chamber (102) so that a substantial portion of first area (120A) covers burner (104) within chamber (102) so that the top surface of first area (120A) accumulates any byproduct (130) and/or prevents it from entering burner (104). The bend (128) is angled downward relative to the horizontal axis of the first area (120A) such that a distal end (122) is substantially aligned with the stop (126) and the distal end (122) abuts or rests against the outside portion of test chamber (102) to stabilize and support burner shield (100) during testing.
US09194578B2

Burner (1) for gas cookers, of the type comprising at least one flame spreader (2) and at least a corresponding lid (3) adapted to define at least partially a transit chamber (20) for a gas-primary air fuel mixture, said at least one flame spreader (2) comprising at least a plurality of radial outlets (4) to feed a plurality of main flames with said fuel mixture, and at least one outflow port (5), placed over said plurality of radial outlets (4), to feed with said fuel mixture at least one pilot flame, said at least one outflow port (5) being shaped to direct said at least one pilot flame towards said at least one plurality of radial outlets (4). The burner further comprises at least one storage chamber (6) for the fuel mixture for said at least one pilot flame, placed nearby and in fluidic connection with said at least one outflow port (5), said storage chamber (6) being fed by one or more inlets (7) disposed in fluidic communication with said transit chamber (20) for the fuel mixture.
US09194575B2

A thermal management system for electronic devices is provided. The thermal management system includes a plurality of synthetic jets provided in a stacked arrangement and separated by respective spacers within the stacked arrangement. The stack of synthetic jets may be used to facilitate airflow in the thermal management system, such as to facilitate air flow over a heat sink in one implementation.
US09194571B2

A backlight assembly and a display device including the backlight assembly include a light source which emits light, a light guide plate disposed adjacent to the light source and which receives the light emitted from the light source, a light source supporter including a bottom plane including a first region and a second region, and a first receiving unit including a bottom surface and a side wall. The light source and the light guide plate are disposed on the first region of the bottom plane, the second region extends from a portion of the first region on which the light source is disposed, the bottom surface is disposed opposite the light guide plate, and the side wall is disposed at an end portion of the bottom surface along a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the bottom surface.
US09194570B2

A lamp capable of efficiently dissipating heat generated in a semiconductor light-emitting element is provided. A lamp which emits light includes: a mounting board on which a semiconductor light-emitting element is mounted; a first housing thermally coupled with the mounting board; and a second housing including a power receiving unit which receives power for causing the semiconductor light-emitting element to emit light. The first housing is disposed closer to an illuminated area than the second housing is, and includes a first exposed surface exposed at least to the illuminated area.
US09194569B2

An illuminant device includes a housing, a illuminant element, a resistor, and an over-temperature protective element. The housing includes an upper portion, a lower portion opposite to the upper portion, and two accommodating spaces, respectively formed in a first tubular configuration arranged between the upper end and the lower end and a second tubular configuration spatially isolated from the first accommodating space. The illuminant element is placed on the upper portion. The resistor is located within one of the accommodating space and electrically connected to the illuminant element. The over-temperature protective element is located within the other accommodating space and electrically connected to the illuminant element.
US09194566B2

A lamp device including a surface light source and a vehicle lamp apparatus including the lamp device are provided. The lamp device may include a substrate including a plurality of supporting portions each having a light source mounted thereon, and connecting portions disposed between neighboring supporting portions. Each of the supporting portions may support a corresponding light source on a supporting surface thereof, with a perpendicular line passing through the supporting surface of the supporting portion forming an angle with respect to a reference line facing a predetermined reference direction. Multiple supporting portions each having light sources mounted thereon may form respective angles, and may be arranged so as to produce a desired level and pattern of light emission.
US09194563B2

A solar powered lamp is provided with flat ends and a translucent flexible housing, such that the housing can be inflated to form a free standing cylinder. A solar panel faces outward on one of the flat ends for recharging a low-profile rechargeable battery which, under the control of a printed circuit panel, powers an array of LEDs, which point into the lamp housing. Reflective surfaces, facing each other on opposite inside end walls of the lamp, maximize the diffusion of light from the LEDs. The lamp is a durable, portable, long light lighting solution for those who live off the electric power grid, victims of disaster, and the like.
US09194547B2

A flashlight having a handle with a clip or clamp integrated therein, so that the flashlight can be used in either hands-free or in a portable mode. A battery compartment is disposed within the head.
US09194536B2

Disclosed herein is a portable foldable cradle. A rear plate is rotatably coupled to the front plate to enable the rear plate to be unfolded from the front plate. A support mechanism is in between the front plate and the rear plate in which a first end of the support mechanism is hinged to a cradling unit configured to support an electronic device thereon. The cradling unit protrudes from one side of the front plate, when the front plate and the rear plate are rotated to an oblique angle.
US09194534B1

Signal light apparatus includes a tiltable structure including a mast, a counter-weight and a signal light which is rotatably mounted on a base member. A tilt control assembly releasably maintains the tiltable structure at alternative tilt orientations though frictional engagement between structural components of the tilt control assembly.
US09194529B2

A pipe protection apparatus includes a sheet of permeable material having an inner surface and an outer surface and a longitudinal direction and a width direction defined by two edges of the sheet along the longitudinal direction. A fastening structure is configured to join the two edges to form a seam as the sheet of permeable material is wrapped in the width direction around a drain pipe configured to be installed underground to form a sock along the longitudinal direction. The sock is configured to be installed underground with the drain pipe about which it is wrapped, yet to remain for a service life in non-bonding contact with the pipe.
US09194523B2

A v-band clamp having a band extending circumferentially from a first end to a second end, a latch assembly located at the first and second ends of the band, and a plurality of v-insert segments located radially underneath the band when the v-band clamp is tightened on a pair of tubular body end flanges. The latch assembly includes a fastener used to tighten the v-band clamp and the plurality of v-insert segments include a first v-insert segment attached to the band and a second v-insert, wherein, when the v-band clamp is tightened on the pair of end flanges, the band moves circumferentially independently relative to the second v-insert segment.
US09194519B2

Gaskets for use with a bell and spigot coupling system are disclosed herein. The gasket comprises an elastomeric member having a front edge, a first section, and a second section. Axial forces generated by the insertion of the spigot to the first section of the elastomeric member displace the first section of the elastomeric member in an axial and radial direction.
US09194517B2

A coupling device for coupling or splicing two fluid lines together includes a connector, a sleeve and at least one fastener. The connector has first and second end portions configured for insertion into first and second tube ends, respectively. The connector has an outer surface profile that includes at least one protrusion at each of the end portions for engaging an inner surface of a tube when the end portion is inserted into the tube end. The sleeve is configured for positioning at least partially around the connector and the tube ends disposed at the first and second end portions. The sleeve has an inner surface profile that generally corresponds with the outer surface profile of the connector, and the sleeve has an outer surface that has at least one threaded portion. The fastener threadedly engages the threaded portion of the sleeve and is tightened thereon.
US09194501B2

An apparatus includes a cage and a main plug disposed in the cage. The main plug is movable between a main plug closed position and a main plug open position. A seal assembly disposed on the main plug, the seal assembly having a seal that is configured to contact the cage when the main plug is in the main plug closed position, and configured to reduce contact with the cage when a pressure differential across the seal is reduced. The apparatus includes a pressure balancing assembly movable between a closed position, an overtravel position and an open position. The pressure balancing assembly is configured to balance the pressure differential across the seal when in the overtravel and open position.
US09194490B2

A wet dual clutch transmission includes at least one hydraulic component and a pilot valve operably connected to the hydraulic component to actuate the hydraulic component. The pilot valve includes a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based pressure differential actuator valve. The hydraulic component may include but is not limited to a first clutch and a second clutch of the wet dual clutch transmission, a lube regulator valve, an on/off solenoid, a synchronizing shift fork or a line pressure control valve.
US09194484B2

A control system for a transmission of a vehicle includes a first angular rotation module, a second angular rotation module, and a lash module. The first angular rotation module determines a first angular rotation of a first shaft during a first predetermined period based on a first signal generated by a first shaft sensor. The second angular rotation module determines a second angular rotation of a second shaft during the first predetermined period based on a second signal generated by a second shaft sensor. The lash module selectively detects lash between gears of the transmission based on the first angular rotation and the second angular rotation.
US09194482B2

A system for supplying fluid to transmission control elements includes a body producing clutch-apply pressures and a lube source, clutches, each clutch including a servo and a balance volume, a shaft including passages, a support including paths communicating each of the clutch-apply pressures and the lube source to a respective passage, and a clutch hub communicating clutch-apply pressure from each of the passages to a respective servo, and communicating the lube source to the balance volumes.
US09194472B2

A variable transmission includes an input shaft, a planetary gear set drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a variator carrier assembly, a first ring assembly, and a second ring assembly; and the output shaft, arranged to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable output ratios.
US09194463B2

The present invention provides a 10-shift power train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle, comprising: a first planetary gear set including a first sun gear selectively connected to a transmission casing, a first ring gear selectively connected to the transmission casing, and a first planetary carrier for integrally connecting a plurality of single pinions engaged between the first sun gear and the first ring gear; a second planetary gear set including a second sun gear directly connected to the first sun gear, a second planetary carrier directly connected to an input shaft and selectively connected to a third sun gear, and a second ring gear selectively connected to a fourth ring gear; a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear selectively connected to the second planetary carrier, a third planetary carrier selectively connected to the second ring gear, and a third ring gear selectively connected to the second ring gear; and a fourth planetary gear set including a fourth sun gear directly connected to the third planetary carrier, the fourth ring gear being directly connected to an output shaft, and a fourth planetary carrier directly connected to the first planetary carrier and to the third ring gear.
US09194456B2

A suspension system includes a first suspension member movable relative to a second suspension member, a fluid reservoir having a volume, the volume variable in response to a relative movement between the first and second suspension members, and a fluid flow circuit having a first end in fluidic communication with the fluid reservoir and a second end in fluidic communication with an isolated suspension location, the fluid flow circuit comprising a first valve, a second valve and a third valve, wherein said first and third valves are in parallel with each other and the second valve is in series with each of the first and third valves.
US09194452B2

Vibration damping apparatus, systems, objects including such apparatus and systems, and vibration damping methods. The vibration damping involves amplifying a vibration-induced displacement and damping the amplified displacement.
US09194447B2

Friction disks, such as rotors and stators, including floating cores are disclosed. The friction disks may include a carrier plate and a wear liner coupled to each side of the core. The floating core may be located between the wear liners. The floating core may include a key which is located within a key notch in the carrier plate. The key may prevent the floating core from rotating relative to the carrier plate.
US09194446B2

A crank set for a bicycle includes a free-wheeling device having holes for attaching chain rings. The holes include two separate circular bolt hole patterns L1 and L2.
US09194418B2

An improved cone nut for a structural channel is provided. The cone nut does not require gluing of the cone to the channel nut as in conventional methods. The cone instead houses the channel nut by a friction fit locking mechanism, resulting in a secure attachment of the cone to the channel nut which prevents failure of the cone by separation from the channel nut which would, in turn, render the channel nut useless.
US09194415B2

Disclosed is a coaxial tensionable automatic lock, including: a hollow connection rod (1), a top plate (3) and a bottom plate (4) respectively installed on two ends of the connection rod, a connection lock apparatus installed at a lower part of the connection rod and fixed on a surface of the bottom plate, wherein the connection lock apparatus includes: a flange (51) connected to a bottom end of the connection rod, a lock cover (52) sleeved onto an outer wall of the flange, a lock core (53) disposed inside an upper-end chamber of the flange, a lock washer (54) disposed between a lower end of the flange and an opened groove on a face of the bottom plate, and a lifting pin (2) installed in an upper-end hollow chamber of the connection rod, wherein a rotation handle (6) is sleeved onto an upper-end outer wall of the connection rod.
US09194412B2

A lock bolt collar comprises a shank having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a through-bore extending from the first end to the second end, an inner wall having an internal bead located proximate to the first end of the shank and extending circumferentially and inwardly into the through-bore. The bead includes a first inner diameter and an extended portion extending from the bead and to a point proximate to the second end, the extended portion including a second inner diameter, where the second inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter.
US09194405B2

An electro-hydraulic actuator has a master cylinder, an electric motor and an electro-mechanical brake. The master cylinder has a hydraulic cylinder and an actuation piston slidably received within the hydraulic cylinder to vary pressure within a hydraulic circuit. The electric motor is adapted to drive the actuation piston into the hydraulic cylinder. The motor has a stator and a rotor. The electro-mechanical brake is arranged to selectively and releasably hold the rotor with respect to the stator to prevent relative rotational motion there between.
US09194404B2

An oil-hydraulic system for moving a gate, comprises a double-acting oil-hydraulic cylinder (11), which is intended to be kinematically connected to the gate to move it, and an electro-hydraulic pump (12) to feed and actuate the cylinder upon command. A switching valve (13) interconnects the cylinder (11) alternatively with the pump (12) or with a tank (14) of oil-hydraulic fluid. In rest conditions, the valve (13) connects the cylinder (11) to the tank (14), to allow free manual movement of a gate connected to the cylinder, and it is automatically controlled by the pressure variations in the system that are produced by the actuation of the pump (12) to disconnect the cylinder (11) from the tank (14) and connect it to the pump (12).
US09194403B2

A modular hinged joint which attaches to the end of a structural member converts agonist-antagonist tensile forces to either side of a cord into a torque in a second structural member. Plain bearing surfaces with hour-glass shaped profiles maintain the alignment of the joint tensile forces are applied to the cord. Tensile forces introduced from the cord are resolved within the joint, reducing the robustness demand on the attachment to the second structural member. A pin-type fastener ensures that the joint remains intact when tensile forces to the cord are absent.
US09194399B2

A portable blower has a casing (2) having an opening portion (24) open in a suction face (2a) of the casing (2) facing the installation surface with an inclination and a discharge port (7) open in a top face (2d) of the casing (2); an air passage (8) inside the casing (2), connecting between the opening portion (24) and the discharge port (7); and a blower fan (17) inside the air passage (8). As the blower fan (17) is operated, outside air is introduced into the air passage (8) through an intake port (6) formed by part or the whole of the opening portion (24) to pass through the blower fan (17) and then be sent out through the discharge port (7). The opening portion (24) and the discharge port (7) communicate with each other along the inner side of the suction face (2a) outside the blower fan (17).
US09194395B2

A compressor including: a stationary volute and a moving volute each including a plate provided with a scroll, said scrolls defining variable-volume compression chambers; a delivery line provided in the plate of the stationary volute; a delivery port arranged such as to establish a communication between the delivery line and a delivery chamber; and a non-return device including (i) a valve seat surrounding the delivery port and (ii) a delivery valve which can move between delivery port opening and closing positions. The compressor includes: at least one bypass passage having a first end opening into the delivery line at a point between the central compression chamber and the valve seat and a second end opening into an intermediate compression chamber or into a low-pressure portion of the compressor, and at least one bypass valve which can move between bypass passage closing and opening positions.
US09194391B2

A plunger seal and a backup ring are provided at a portion of a pump chamber through which a plunger is inserted. A back face of the backup ring is supported on a wall face of a cleaning chamber. The backup ring is a combined backup ring including two resin layers, i.e., a deformable resin layer and a non-deformable resin layer. A face of the backup ring in contact with the plunger seal is made up of a face of the deformable resin layer and an inner peripheral face is made up of a face of the non-deformable resin layer. The deformable resin layer has a higher elastic modulus than the plunger seal and having such an elastic modulus as to be able to absorb deformation of the plunger seal. The non-deformable resin layer has a higher elastic modulus than resin of the deformable resin layer.
US09194389B2

A gas pump is composed of a gas suction member and a gas exhaust member. The gas suction member includes a gasbag having a hollow retractable portion being drivable by a motor for oppression or expansion, an intake valve allowing the air to pass therethrough when the hollow retractable portion is oppressed, and a flexible tube having two crosscuts, by which the flexible tube is divided into two vent valvular pieces. Each of the vent valvular pieces has a reinforcing strip formed on an internal wall thereof for forcing each of the vent valvular pieces to seal the exhaust passage. The gas exhaust member is mounted to the gasbag and includes a venthole and a guide slot. The venthole can receive the flexible tube therein. The guide slot communicates the hollow retractable portion and the intake valve for guiding the air into the hollow retractable portion.
US09194388B2

A micro-dosing pump includes a pump chamber substrate, a flexible membrane, a fluid line, a valve disk, a magnetizable actuator disk, and a drive unit. The pump chamber substrate has a pump chamber. The flexible membrane is on a first side of the pump chamber substrate and covers the pump chamber in a fluid-tight manner. The fluid line is on a second side of the pump chamber substrate such that fluid can enter and leave the pump chamber. The valve disk, arranged inside the pump chamber, has a fluid through-opening and is configured to close the fluid line by rotating and to open it via the through-opening. The actuator disk is coupled to the valve disk such that rotating the actuator disk rotates the valve disk. The drive unit has a pump plunger configured to move the membrane for suction or ejection of fluid and to rotate the actuator disk.
US09194381B2

A center shaft of a bent axis type axial piston pump/motor includes an outer race, which is attached to a shaft attachment hole of a cylinder block, has a shaft portion accommodation hole at one end and has a spring accommodation hole at the other end, and an inner shaft, which includes a shaft supporting spherical head portion having a large outer shape dimension at a distal end of a shaft base portion and attached to the shaft portion accommodation hole of the outer race through the shaft base portion.
US09194379B1

A field-ionization based electrical ion thruster utilizes a single propellant that can be used in either a high specific-impulse mode, i.e., ion-thruster mode, or a low-specific-impulse mode, i.e., a cold-gas thruster mode. In one embodiment, the high specific impulse mode (ion thruster mode) utilizes a miniaturized positive-ion field-ionization chamber including a permeable substrate infused with properly oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which is fed propellant from a porous injection plug made from permeable carbon or equivalent material. In one embodiment, field-electron emission from a neutralizer, such as a carbon nanotube array neutralizer, positioned after one or more accelerator grids is used for ion neutralization. In one embodiment, the low specific-impulse (cold-gas mode) uses a conventional supersonic nozzle-expansion to generate thrust. In one embodiment, both the high specific-impulse mode and the low specific-impulse mode thruster embodiments share the same gas propellant, storage propellant tank, and delivery equipment.
US09194377B2

An auxiliary steam supply system in a solar power plant includes a solar receiver having a superheater section, a turbine, a steam circuit, a thermal energy storage arrangement and an auxiliary steam circuit. The thermal energy storage arrangement, including a thermal energy storage medium, is configured for the steam circuit to receive a portion of the steam to heat the thermal energy storage medium. The thermal energy storage arrangement may receive the steam from any location across the superheater section. Moreover, the auxiliary steam circuit generating auxiliary steam flow, which thermally communicates with the thermal energy storage arrangement to be heated, is introduced to any location across the superheater section. Capacity of the thermal energy storage arrangement may be relatively small as compared to the solar receiver and may be compact for placement on top of a tower.
US09194376B2

A system and method for estimating a remaining life period for a device. The system includes a sensor coupled to the device, wherein the sensor is configured to facilitate measuring an operating parameter of the device and generate a measurement signal that is representative of the operating parameter. The system includes a database comprising an upper limit value, a lower limit value and a reference parameter. A processor of system includes circuitry coupled to the sensor and coupled to the database The processor is configured to correlate measurements of the operating parameter with the reference parameter to facilitate estimating a remaining life period of the device.
US09194369B2

A wind turbine rotor blade is equipped with an air chamber and equipped via the air chamber to route a modulation beam out of the rotor blade such that the air current along the rotor blade is changed. Thereby the laminar current is changed into a turbulent current on the one hand and its detachment and on the other hand its recreation is achieved in order to produce the laminar current. The control may occur via electrostatic actuators via a learnable control strategy based on neural forecasts, which take the complexity of the non-linear system into account and allow for the plurality of influencing factors. The stress on the rotor blades may be reduced, resulting in longer service life and reduced maintenance costs, a higher level of efficiency or quieter operation.
US09194362B2

A wind energy system includes an annular wind shroud surrounding the rotatable blades of a wind turbine. The shroud is configured to enhance the wind power delivered to the rotatable blades of the wind turbine by generating an efficient pressure differential between the blade upstream and downstream wind flows. A radially outwardly extending collar-shaped brim member is formed on an outside of an exhaust opening edge of an outlet of the wind tunnel body and an axially rearwardly extending tubular-shaped rim member is formed on the exhaust opening edge of the outlet of the wind tunnel body. The brim and rim cooperatively generate adjacent annular pressure zones in the downstream flow beneficially effecting the power delivered to the blades intermediate the upstream and downstream flows.
US09194356B2

A stop control system for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of ensuring the comfort of vehicle occupants in a vehicle compartment and improving the fuel economy of the engine along with automatic stoppage of the engine during both a cooling operation and a heating operation of an air conditioner. When the engine is automatically stopped, the stop control system sets a target blowout temperature which is a target value of the temperature of air blown out from the air conditioner into a vehicle compartment, and acquires a fan voltage indicative of the air volume blown by a fan of the air conditioner. Further, the stop control system calculates stop allowable time based on the target blowout temperature and the fan voltage, and restarts the engine when engine stoppage time period (stoppage time period-counting timer value) has reached the stop allowable time.
US09194355B2

In a method for monitoring an attachment for switching a starter of an internal combustion engine, at least one output stage for controlling the current flow with the aid of an actuator is monitored with regard to function. The output stage is checked for proper function prior to shutdown of the internal combustion engine.
US09194346B2

In an electromagnetic fuel injection valve including a magnetic coil housing (31) having a coil assembly (28) housed therein, the coil housing (31) includes the first and second coil housing half bodies (31a, 31b) whose cross sections are each shaped like an inferior arc, and which are oppositely disposed so as to interpose the coil assembly (28) and a coupler (34), each of the coil housing half bodies (31a, 31b) includes: a barrel portion (44) for covering an outer peripheral surface of the coil assembly (28); a front-end wall portion (45) and a rear-end wall portion (46) which are in contact with front-end and rear-end surfaces of the coil assembly (28); a front connection cylindrical portion (47) welded to the outer peripheral surface of the magnetic cylindrical body (4); and a rear connection cylindrical portion (48) welded to the outer peripheral surface of the fixed core (5); both the coil housing half bodies are formed symmetrically; and one half part and the other half part of each of the coil housing half bodies (31a, 31b) in an axial direction are formed symmetrically. Thus, it is possible to provide an electromagnetic fuel injection valve which enables the coil housing to be formed from two identical components, and is inexpensive and good in assembling efficiency, as well as has a better magnetic efficiency.
US09194345B2

A fuel injection device includes a fuel injector and a control portion. The fuel injector is inserted into an attachment hole which is placed at a predetermined position of a cylinder head. The fuel injector has a housing in which a coil is provided. At least a part of the housing which accumulates the coil is surrounded over the whole circumference by an inner circumference surface of the attachment hole. The control portion has an increasing control portion and a holding control portion. The increasing control portion increases a current flowing through the coil to a first target value. The holding control portion holds the current to the first target value.
US09194344B1

An engine system is disclosed. The engine system may have an engine block that at least partially defines a cylinder bore, and a cylinder liner disposed within the cylinder bore. The engine system may also have at least one air intake port radially formed within the cylinder liner, a piston slidingly disposed within the cylinder liner and configured to open and close the at least one air intake port, a cylinder head configured to close off an end of the cylinder liner and form a combustion chamber, and at least one exhaust valve disposed within the cylinder head. The engine system may further have a valve actuation system configured to cyclically move the at least one exhaust valve between open and closed positions, and a variable timing device configured to selectively interrupt cyclical movement of the at least one exhaust valve to change a compression ratio of the engine system.
US09194343B2

The invention relates to a water separator (1), in particular for fuel supply systems of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, comprising a housing (2) having a separation chamber (11) designed therein and a separation element (18). A collection chamber (12) for the water separated out of the fuel is arranged under the separation chamber. An inlet (8) and an outlet (14) for the fuel are furthermore provided on the housing (2). The housing (2) is substantially designed as a tube-shaped element (3) having a horizontal longitudinal axis (LA), wherein a partition (10) extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis (LA), separating the separating chamber (11) from the collection chamber (12). The separating element (18) comprises a tube element (19) lying horizontally in the separation chamber (11) having radial openings (21) through which the fuel is conducted, wherein the tube element (19) extends at least approximately parallel to the partition (10).
US09194341B2

A multistage turbocharging system (1) in which the thickness of at least either one of a valve body (51a) that opens and closes a bypass flow passage opening and a washer (51b) that fixes the valve body (51a) to a mounting portion (52) is greater than the minimum width of a flow passage from a valve assembly (51) to a turbine impeller (2d) of the first turbocharger (2).
US09194339B2

An internally cooled internal combustion piston engine and method of operating a piston engine is provided, with the combination of liquid water injection, higher compression ratios than conventional engines, and leaner air fuel mixtures than conventional engines. The effective compression ratio of the engines herein is greater than 13:1. The engines may employ gasoline or natural gas and use spark ignition, or the engines may employ a diesel-type fuel and use compression ignition. The liquid water injection provides internal cooling, reducing or eliminating the heat rejection to the radiator, reduces engine knock, and reduces NOx emissions. The method of engine operation using internal cooling with liquid water injection, high compression ratio and lean air fuel mixture allow for more complete and efficient combustion and therefore better thermal efficiency as compared to conventional engines.
US09194332B2

A system for in-flight attitude control and side-force steering includes a thruster body and a plurality of valves capable of generating side thrusts put into communication with the thruster body. The valves are arranged in two sets of valves spaced apart from each other towards the front and towards the rear of the thruster body in substantially symmetrical manner relative to the center of gravity of the vehicle situated on a longitudinal axis (A) of the vehicle. Each set comprises a first pair of valves generating thrust in opposite directions along axes that are not in alignment and are parallel to a first axis, and a second pair of valves generating thrust in opposite directions along axes that are not aligned and are parallel to a second axis. The first and second axes are distinct and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle.
US09194301B2

A method of protecting operating margin of the gas turbine engine includes calculating an aerodynamic distortion of air entering an inlet of a gas turbine engine that has a compressor section with variable vanes that are movable subject to a control parameter. The control parameter is selectively modified in response to the aerodynamic distortion.
US09194296B2

A bypass duct of a gas turbine engine has an inner bypass duct wall having a front end portion which is rigidly mounted to an engine core case and a rear end portion which is flexibly mounted to the core case. The flexible mounting between the rear portion of the inner bypass duct wall and the core case allows hot engine areas of the core case to thermally grow and contract relative to the inner bypass duct wall without imposing additional loads on the inner bypass duct wall.
US09194289B2

The object of the present invention is a methane pressure reducer/regulator for feeding internal combustion engines which comprises a body divided into three chambers, communicating with each other by means of high resistance conduits and by means of an opening/closing element which is integral with an elastic diaphragm, whose surface is proportionally larger than the opening/closing element so that a modest pressure in the chamber upstream from the elastic diaphragm is sufficient to bend it, overcoming both the methane pressure resistance in the adjacent chamber, and the methane pressure resistance in the chamber directly connected to the tank(s), as well as the counter spring resistance. When the elastic diaphragm bends, it pushes a stem whose end is integral with the opening/closing element that allows or prevents the methane passage through a hole connecting the chamber from which methane is sent to the engine to the chamber wherein methane comes directly from the tank(s). Further, a conduit connects the chamber where a sufficient pressure is reached to bend the diaphragm, to the chamber from which low pressure methane is sent to the feeding system of the engine; according to a configuration, said conduit is provided with an on-off valve and a throat, or, alternatively, only with the on-off valve. The pressure regulator/reducer is completed by a pressure sensor, a pressure control valve, valves and connections to electronics which controls the engine feeding operation.
US09194286B2

A transport refrigeration system includes an engine, a generator set, and a refrigeration system. An electronic control unit and/or a reefer controller are configured to obtain an engine operation condition value and a transport refrigeration system operation value respectively. A genset controller is configured to determine a fuel efficient engine operation speed that is associated with the engine and/or transport refrigeration system operation condition value. The genset controller instructs the electronic control unit to operate the engine at the fuel efficient operation speed.
US09194275B2

A vehicle is equipped with an internal combustion engine, and an exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine is supported on a vehicle body by a plurality of support members. A support member positioned on the mostdownstream side of the exhaust pipe, among the plurality of the support members, is a buffer member functioning as a resonance suppression mechanism that suppresses the resonance of the exhaust pipe.
US09194274B2

Disclosed is a vehicle emissions monitoring system capable of providing an accurate, real-time estimate of an amount of particulate matter (PM) within a vehicle's exhaust. The system is capable of accurately differentiating the composition of that PM by identifying amounts attributable to soot, SOF, and sulfate.
US09194270B2

The invention relates to a dosing module (10) for metering a reducing agent into an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Said dosing module (10) comprises at least one cooling member (22, 24) through which a cooling fluid flows that is used to cool the internal combustion engine. An electric contact (20) is located in the top region of the dosing module (10). The dosing module (10) is enclosed in a full housing (38) that comprises an upper and a lower cooling member (22, 24, 24) through which a directed cooling fluid stream (34) flows that runs from the valve tip region (18) in the direction of the electric contact (20).
US09194266B2

A power system includes a dual fuel engine, a first fuel source configured to provide a first fuel to the engine, and a second fuel source configured to provide a second fuel to the engine different than the first fuel. The power system also includes an exhaust system configured to receive combustion exhaust from the engine. The exhaust system includes a reduction catalyst comprising palladium catalyst material and an oxidation catalyst comprising cobalt catalyst material. Additionally, changing a ratio of the first fuel provided to the engine relative to the second fuel changes a NOx conversion efficiency of the reduction catalyst.
US09194263B2

Forming of a valve head portion (1) of a hollow engine valve (V) comprising a material particularly satisfactory in heat resistance is performed by cold forging. On this occasion, the material with excellent heat resistance is worked to form a valve head portion semifinished product (11) having a hollow hole (S11) whose inner diameter (φ11) is equal to the maximum inner diameter (φ11) of a hollow hole (S1) of a finished product of the valve head portion (1), and having a diameter-increased section (111) whose maximum outer diameter (φ12) is equal to the maximum outer diameter (φ12) of a diameter-increased section (1a) of the finished product. Parts of the valve head portion semifinished product other than a central part to a lower part of the diameter-increased section (111) are necked down by cold forging performed a plurality of times to obtain the finished product of the valve head portion (1). This method of obtaining the finished product is provided by the present invention.
US09194254B2

A lube system is provided and includes an air-oil tank including a deaerator configured to remove a first quantity of oil from a first air-oil supply to generate a second air-oil supply having a second quantity of oil, which is smaller than the first quantity of oil, the air oil tank being configured to output the second air-oil supply to an air vent line, a de-oiler disposed along the air vent line and configured to remove from the second air-oil supply oil mist including oil droplets of a minimum size and a pressure regulating valve (PRV) disposed along the air vent line between the air-oil tank and the de-oiler to regulate fluid pressures within the air-oil tank, the PRV being configured to encourage formation of the oil droplets of at least the minimum size.
US09194247B2

A seal configuration includes a housing and a rotatable member rotationally mounted relative to the housing. The rotatable member has at least one portion defining an outer perimetrical face that is configured to contact the housing during operational conditions that cause a radial dimension of the at least one portion to increase. The at least one portion has opposing axial surfaces with each of the opposing axial surfaces being dimensionally axially nearer to the other of the opposing axial surfaces immediately radially inwardly of the outer perimetrical face than a furthest part of the outer perimetrical face.
US09194246B2

An arrangement is disclosed in which deflections and mechanical stresses in turbine low pressure casings are controlled by inserting struts between the turbine diaphragm ledge ring stages. Preferably, the struts are cylindrical in shape, although other different shapes can be used in accordance with the needs of different applications. The struts can be solid or hollow in construction, although preferably they are hollow to reduce the material needed to fabricate them. The struts are located around the turbine casing, as is required to connect together two ledge rings where there is high axial deflection in the casing.
US09194242B2

An article may include a superalloy substrate and a calcia-magnesia-alumina-silicate (CMAS)-resistant thermal barrier coating (TBC) layer overlying the superalloy substrate. In some embodiments, the CMAS-resistant TBC layer includes between about 50 wt. % and about 90 wt. % of a TBC composition and between about 10 wt. % and about 50 wt. % of a CMAS-resistant composition. In some examples, the TBC composition includes at least one of yttria-stabilized zirconia, yttria-stabilized hafnia, zirconia stabilized with at least three rare earth oxides, or hafnia stabilized with at least three rare earth oxides. In some examples, the CMAS-resistant composition includes alumina, silica, and an oxide of at least one of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Yb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Tb, or Lu.
US09194238B2

A system for damping vibrations in a turbine includes a first rotating blade having a first ceramic airfoil, a first ceramic platform connected to the first ceramic airfoil, and a first root connected to the first ceramic platform. A second rotating blade adjacent to the first rotating blade includes a second ceramic airfoil, a second ceramic platform connected to the second ceramic airfoil, and a second root connected to the second ceramic platform. A non-metallic platform damper has a first position in simultaneous contact with the first and second ceramic platforms.
US09194236B2

Disclosed is a turbine blade capable of being cooled by a coolant gas supplied to a hollow region, wherein a plurality of meandering flow paths that guide the coolant gas between the suction wall surface and the pressure wall surface while causing the coolant gas to repeatedly meander are continuously arranged from the hub side toward the tip side of the turbine blade, and the meandering flow paths adjacent to each other cause the coolant gas to meander in different repetitive patterns.
US09194233B2

Disclosed is a steam turbine that utilizes heat pipes to remove heat from the surfaces of the disks of the steam turbine to provide greater efficiency and longer operational service of the steam turbine.
US09194231B2

An apparatus applies mesh from a roll to a face of a mine passage. A spindle is adapted for supporting the roll of mesh. An arm supporting the spindle extends in a generally vertical direction and is adapted for rotation about an axis aligned with a direction of elongation of the mine passage such that the spindle traverses a path for applying the mesh from the roll to the face. A mast independent of the arm carries a drill head for drilling into the face of the mine passage. Related methods are also described.
US09194227B2

A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the control device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool.
US09194218B2

The present invention relates to a downhole tubular assembly for sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole downhole, comprising a first tubular part made of metal having an inner face, an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a first length in an unexpanded state, and a second tubular part having an outer face, an outer diameter and a second length, being arranged inside the first tubular part in an unexpanded state. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system for sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole downhole and to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a downhole tubular assembly.
US09194215B2

A method and arrangement are proposed for introducing a CO2 composition into a subterranean geological formation for storage of CO2 therein. The CO2 composition is initially injected into the formation using a first set of injection parameters at which the CO2 composition is a supercritical fluid having first viscosity and density values. The injection parameters are then modified such that the CO2 composition is injected into the formation using at least one second set of injection parameters at which the CO2 composition is a supercritical fluid having second viscosity and density values that are different from said first viscosity and density values, wherein said injection parameters include the injection temperature, injection pressure and hydrocarbon content of the CO2 composition.
US09194203B1

A subsea latch tool has a latch tool body with an outer surface, a lock piston slidably mounted over the outer surface of the latch tool body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, and a lock ring extending around the outer surface of the latch tool body. The lock piston has a wedge surface at an end thereof. The wedge surface of the lock piston is interposed between the outer surface of the latch tool body and an inner surface of the lock ring. The lock piston is movable from the retracted position to the extended position so as to expand an outer diameter of the lock ring.
US09194200B2

An apparatus and method are for cutting and pulling of a casing in a well. The apparatus comprises a housing connected to a wired connection, a cutting tool arranged in connection with the housing, where said cutting tool is rotatable around the longitudinal axis of the housing and arranged to be able to provide at least one cut-out in the wall of the casing and to be able to cut the casing, and a holding device for controlled holding of the housing in the casing. The apparatus is provided with at least one radially displaceable gripping means arranged to go into engagement with the at least one cut-out in the wall of the casing. The method comprises bringing the apparatus down into the well; positioning the apparatus in order to carry out a first cut; carrying out the first cut; positioning the apparatus in order to carry out a second cut; carrying out the second cut; one of the first cut and the second cut comprising cutting of the casing; bringing at least one gripping means into engagement with at least one of the first and the second cut; and pulling the cut casing out of the well by means of the apparatus.
US09194194B2

An apparatus and method is provided for controlling the coordination of pressure control equipment such as a BOP stack and/or a snubbing unit and/or other pressure control equipment in a well completion system while moving pipes into or out of a wellbore under pressure. In one embodiment, a moveable clamp and a fixed clamp are provided. The moveable clamp is clamped to a pipe while the fixed clamp is open so that the moveable clamp either moves the pipe into the well or pulls it out of the well. The fixed clamp is then clamped to the pipe. The moveable clamp is unclamped and moves to another position whereupon the process is repeated. A computer controls operation of the moveable clamp, fixed clamp, seals, and pipe moving equipment which moves pipe into and out of the mast.
US09194183B2

A system for drilling a borehole according to the present invention includes a control system and a drill rig, including a water injection system and an air injection system. The control system receives information from the drill rig that relates to at least one drill parameter. The control system processes information relating to the drill parameter, determines whether to implement a hole defect mitigation routine, including a drilling phase defect mitigation routine or a retraction phase defect mitigation routine following completion of the drilling phase. The control system determines whether the drill parameter is within a predetermined specification for the monitored drill parameter, chooses a hole defect mitigation routine based on the monitored drill parameter when the monitored drill parameter is outside the predetermined specification, and controls the drill rig to implement the chosen hole defect mitigation routine.
US09194177B2

An operating control system for a retractable shade including a roller reversibly rotatable within a headrail includes a clamp system for gripping an endless operating cord in a neutral position to prevent rotation of the roller and a tensioner if properly mounted in a fixed position will release the clamp system to permit rotation of the roller while positioning the runs of the endless cord in a closely spaced relationship to minimize the risk of an infant or child becoming entangled in the cord.
US09194158B2

The present invention is directed to embodiments of an anti-zipper sliding device that may include at least one body, a gripping surface affixed onto the body, a fastener to removably attach the body and the gripping surface onto a piece of luggage having a zipper with a zipper track and a zipper puller so as to prevent the anti-zipper sliding device from moving along the zipper track of the luggage. The anti-zipper sliding device may also include at least one locking mechanism or be configured for engagement with at least one locking mechanism in order to lock at least one zipper puller to the anti-zipper sliding device in order to prevent the zipper from being re-zipped after a zipper breach.
US09194141B2

A weather-stripping repair includes a base having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface. The top surface area being greater than the distance between the top surface and bottom surface. A cylindrical peg extends from the bottom surface. A weather strip material extends from the top surface.
US09194138B2

The present drywall installation tool is configured to facilitate the installation of drywall panels to wall or ceiling structures and to avoid the necessity of having more than one person to install each drywall panel. Specifically, the installation tool can comprise a clamping section and a shelf section. The clamping section can be used to secure the installation tool to wall studs or ceiling joists and can comprise at least one fixed-arm and at least one sliding-arm. The shelf section can be configured to support a drywall panel horizontally or vertically, relative to the ground, depending upon how the installation tool is positioned. The shelf section can comprise a shelf having a flange that can help support the drywall panel. The installation tool can be configured to support the weight of a drywall panel, allowing a single person to install drywall panels comprising either wall or ceiling structures.
US09194132B2

A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.
US09194114B2

A drain cleaner for cleaning entangled obstructions such as a clog from a drain pipe such as a sink, tub or shower. A rod extending into the drain pipe is formed of a material which is either metal or plastic but stiff enough that it will not buckle but flexible enough to bend around curves. Arms connected to the distal end of the rod normally flex outwardly such that when the arms are inserted into the pipe they are resiliently flexed against the inside wall of the pipe, the arms being circumferentially spaced apart from each other to create spaces between them and each arm can each flex resiliently independent of the other arms. The device may push some of the clog through to be washed out of the pipe. Obstruction material which is not moved downstream will then be grasped by the arms as the arms move outwardly against the inside wall of the pipe. The rod is then pulled back rearwardly toward the drain opening and the arms catch the obstruction material which did not get flushed downstream, and pull the obstruction material rearwardly to and out of the drain opening. A method for cleaning a drain pipe using the device of the present invention.
US09194108B2

A device for flushing a hydrant includes a stem connected to a fluid valve of the hydrant and an actuation system including a biased translational system coupled to the stem, a compressed gas, and a normally-open gas discharge valve. An actuation system for flushing a hydrant includes a fluid, a piston assembly movable by the fluid, a manual bleed valve in communication with the fluid, and a biasing element at least indirectly biasing the piston assembly towards a stop position.
US09194100B2

A light grid system for rope machinery is provided. The light grid system includes one or more light grid assemblies, including one or more sensor frames configured to be coupled to one or more post assemblies and configured to mount adjacent to one or more rope drums. The light grid assemblies also include one or more sensors coupled to the sensor frames, at least a first sensor configured to emit one or more light beams, at least a second sensor configured to receive the light beams. The light beams are positionable a predetermined distance away from the ropes, and the light grid assemblies are configured to transmit a signal to a control module when the light beams are obstructed.
US09194094B1

An oil collection assembly is provided for skimming oil from water. The assembly includes a vacuum having a suction port. A hose has a first end and a second end. The first end of the hose is coupled to the suction port. A nozzle has a first end and a second end. The first end of the nozzle is coupled to the second end of the hose. A bowl is coupled to the nozzle. The bowl has a perimeter wall extending around the second end of the nozzle. The second end of the nozzle is positioned adjacent to an interior surface of the perimeter wall of the bowl. A top edge of the perimeter wall of the bowl is positioned in vertically spaced relationship to the second end of the nozzle whereby the vacuum is configured for sucking contents of the bowl into the second end of the nozzle.
US09194092B2

Disclosed is a mixing mechanism. The mixing mechanism includes an auger, a fluid handling portion, and at least one discharge hole. The auger configured to receive granular materials from a granular material source and capable of moving the granular material along a predetermined path. The fluid handling portion is coupled to a fluid supply source and has an inlet within an interior section of the auger. The size and positioning of the discharge hole (or holes) along the auger are specifically configured to allow for optimum mixing of the materials prior to being discharged.
US09194082B2

A seaming element for seaming an industrial textile, an industrial textile, and a method of seaming. A first region of the seaming element comprises at least one securing member, and a second region is securable to the textile. Spaced-apart protrusions in the securing members are interdigitatable with corresponding protrusions in an opposing element, or the other seamable edge of the textile. Opposing protrusions are interdigitated to define first and second channels for securing means. Where the seaming element has two or more securing members, the protrusions of the outer securing member are aligned with those of an inner securing member of the opposing element, and the protrusions of an inner securing member are aligned with those of the outer securing member of the opposing element. Where the securing means is a pintle, the free ends can be inserted back into the channel to secure the seam.
US09194076B2

Method for controlling a dryer having a steam generator for generating high temperature steam with heat generation of a steam heater, including a hot air supply step for supplying dried hot air to a drum for drying clothes, and a moisture supply step for supplying moisture to the drum for removing static electricity from the clothes dried in the hot air supply step.
US09194075B2

A drum (1; 1′) of a machine for treating laundry, in particular for washing and/or drying laundry, includes a substantially cylindrical shape and is rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis (X; X′). The drum includes a plurality of compartments (10; 10′) having the shape of a circular crown sector, each compartment (10; 10′) being adapted to contain at least one laundry item to be treated, so that a controlled mechanical action is exerted on the at least one laundry item.
US09194062B2

A changing method includes the steps of supplying a carbon fiber material with a surface covered by a thermosetting resin oil, performing a desizing step to remove the thermosetting resin oil from the surface of the carbon fiber material, performing a surfactant coating step to coat a surfactant onto the surface of the carbon fiber material, and performing a sizing step to cover a surface of the surfactant by a thermosetting resin oil, so as to obtain a carbon fiber material with a thermosetting resin oil coated onto the surface of the carbon fiber material.
US09194051B2

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for preparing a mother plate of a permanent cathode to be used in a process for electrolytic recovery of metal such as metal electrorefining or metal electrowinning. The apparatus comprises a holder for releasably holding the permanent cathode, a measurer for measuring a shape of the mother plate to obtain measurement data, a calculating device functionally connected with the measurer and configured for calculating geometric deviation of the mother plate in comparison to a predefined reference shape by using the measurement data, and a presser functionally connected with the calculating device and configured for automatically locally pressing the mother plate in accordance with the calculated geometric deviation of the mother plate to plastically deform the mother plate.
US09194049B2

The present invention provides a method for the treatment of nitrogen-rich effluent and production of struvite comprising introducing the effluent in an electrolytic system and performing a first electrolytic treatment to the effluent in a first electrolytic reactor in order to organic matter that impact on nucleation of struvite, followed by a second electrolytic treatment in a second electrolytic reactor, thereby injecting Mg ions which react with NH4+ and orthophosphates from the effluent to form a struvite precipitate.
US09194046B2

The present invention relates to a process for producing semiconductive indium oxide layers, in which a substrate is coated with a liquid, anhydrous composition comprising a) at least one indium alkoxide and b) at least one solvent, optionally dried and thermally treated at temperatures greater than 250° C., to the layers producible by this process, and to the use thereof.
US09194045B2

Methods of processing a substrate include supplying process gas to a processing chamber including the substrate. Plasma is created in the processing chamber. After performing a first substrate processing step, the plasma is maintained in the processing chamber and at least one operating parameter is adjusted. The operating parameters may include RF bias to a pedestal, a plasma voltage bias, a gas admixture, a gas flow, a gas pressure, an etch to deposition (E/D) ratio and/or combinations thereof. One or more additional substrate processing steps are performed without an interruption in the plasma between the first substrate processing step and the one or more additional substrate processing steps.
US09194035B2

A non-adhesive sputtering structure includes a sputtering target having a plate shape; and a backing plate having a plate shape. The backing plate faces the sputtering target, and facing surfaces of the sputtering target and the backing plate are in contact with each other. The backing plate includes a body having a longitudinal axis; and a cooling member through which a cooling material flows in a longitudinal direction of the body substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. The cooling material conducts heat generated from the sputtering target from sputtering to outside the backing plate. The non-adhesive sputtering structure further includes a plurality of non-adhesive fastening members which maintain the facing surfaces of the backing plate and the sputtering target in contact with each other. The non-adhesive fastening members are extended through a thickness of the backing plate and correspond to regions of the backing plate excluding the cooling member.
US09194033B2

A chemical composition includes, in mass percent, C: 0.30 to 0.55%, Si: 0.05 to 1.0%, Mn: 0.05 to 0.9%, P: 0.001 to 0.030%, S: 0.005 to 0.12%, Cr: 0.05 to 2.0%, Al: 0.005 to 0.05%, N: 0.0050 to 0.0200%, and the balance being Fe and unavoidable impurities, an amount of N in solid solution being not less than 0.0020%, wherein the contents of Mn and S satisfy relationships expressed by the following expressions: 2.6≦Mn/S<15  (1) and Mn+6S<1.2  (2).
US09194029B2

A production method of the present invention includes a step of obtaining an aluminum alloy melt having an alloy composition containing Fe: 0.2 to 0.35 mass %, Cu: 0.05 to 0.20 mass %, Mn: 0.3 to 0.6 mass %, Mg: 1.3 to 2.0 mass %, Zn: 4.6 to 5.1 mass %, and Zr: 0.1 mass % or more, a sum of Zr and Ti being 0.2 mass % or less, the composition satisfying a relation of ([Mg mass %]≧−0.5×[Zn mass %]+3.8) and a relation of ([Ti mass %]/[Zr mass %]≧0.2), and the balance being aluminum and inevitable impurities, and a step of obtaining an aluminum alloy ingot having a structure that has a DAS of 40 μm or less and an average crystal grain diameter of 8 μm or less by continuously casting the aluminum alloy melt at a casting rate satisfying ([maximum casting rate (mm/min)]≦−1.43×[casting diameter (mm)]+500), and a step of obtaining an aluminum alloy cast member by subjecting the aluminum alloy ingot to a homogenization treatment in which the ingot is held for 1 hour at a temperature of 450 to 600° C. By this production method, an aluminum alloy cast member free from anisotropy of plastic deformation is obtained.
US09194024B1

Jewelry articles made from a precious metal alloy having a color that is substantially white and comparable to that of platinum alloys, having liquidus and solidus temperatures comparable to that of white gold alloys, having a relatively slow solidification time when poured from a molten state, having substantial resistance to tarnishing under conditions normally encountered during ordinary human wear, having a cast hardness of about 140 Vickers, and that can be age hardened to at least about 240 Vickers, and whose yield point can be substantially strengthened via age hardening. The preferred composition of the alloy is about forty to fifty-five percent by weight silver; about fifteen to thirty-five percent by weight palladium; about fifteen to twenty-five percent by weight copper; and up to about three percent by weight zinc and/or silicon and up to about one percent by weight of a grain refiner such as iridium and/or ruthenium.
US09194019B2

The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for recovery of valuable metals. The apparatus includes an electrolytic chlorine producing bath, a dissolution bath disposed at a rear side of the electrolytic chlorine producing bath to perform leaching of a valuable metal content, a gas supplier connected to the dissolution bath to supply a carrier gas, a collection bath disposed at the rear side of the dissolution bath to collect a volatile material, a separation bath separating and purifying a leaching reactant generated in the dissolution bath, and chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines connecting the electrolytic chlorine producing bath, the dissolution bath and the separation bath. The apparatus permits recovery of valuable metals according to characteristics of the valuable metal, and the chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines of the apparatus provides optimized recovery rate and efficiency, thereby realizing economic feasibility.
US09194018B2

The steel according to the invention is characterized in that, in order to keep its weight content of molybdenum below 0.45%, its chemical composition, besides the iron and the inevitable residual impurities that result from the smelting of the steel, corresponds to the following analysis, given as percentages by weight: 0.3≦C %≦0.5 0.20≦Mo %<0.45 0.4≦Mn %≦1.0 0.4≦Cr %≦2.0 0.04≦Ni %≦0.8 0.02≦Nb %≦0.045 0.03≦V %≦0.30 0.02≦Ti %≦0.05, with Ti>3.5 N 0.003≦B %≦0.005% S %≦0.015 P %≦0.015, and optionally 0.05≦Si %≦0.20; Al %≦0.05 and N %≦0.015. By cold forming a hot-rolled wire rod resulting from continuous casting, it is possible to obtain, after heat treatment, “ready-to-use” coined parts, such as cap screws for example for the automotive industry, that offer a tensile strength from 1200 to more than 1500 MPa while having a good hydrogen embrittlement resistance, and this with a specially controlled “raw material” production cost.
US09194014B2

A distributor for a post-combustion lance, comprising: an annular member, an inner reinforcing sleeve and an outer sleeve, wherein the inner reinforcing sleeve defines a plurality of first openings and the annular member defines a plurality of second openings, wherein each of the first and second openings is in fluid communication, directly or indirectly, with a first cooling fluid passageway of the lance. Each of the first openings may be contiguous with and in direct fluid communication with one of the second openings. Additionally, the annular member may define a plurality of third openings, wherein each of the third openings is in fluid communication with a second cooling fluid passageway of the lance.
US09194010B2

A phytase having improved enzymatic activity is disclosed. The phytase has a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the modification is a substitution of Valine at position 90 with Threonine. Alternatively, the phytase has a modified amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the modification is a substitution of Asparagine at position 204 with Alanine or a substitution of Serine at position 206 with Alanine.
US09194001B2

The invention provides methods and compositions for attaching oligonucleotide tags to polynucleotides for the purpose of carrying out analytical assays in parallel and for decoding the oligonucleotide tags of polynucleotides selected in such assays. Words, or subunits, of oligonucleotide tags index submixtures in successively more complex sets of submixtures (referred to herein as “tiers” of submixtures) that a polynucleotide goes through while successive words are added to a growing tag. By identifying each word of an oligonucleotide tag, a series of submixtures is identified including the first submixture that contains only a single polynucleotide, thereby providing the identity of the selected polynucleotide. The analysis of the words of an oligonucleotide tag can be carried out in parallel, e.g. by specific hybridization of the oligonucleotide tag to its tag complement on an addressable array; or such analysis can be carried out serially by successive specific hybridizations of labeled word complements, or the like.
US09194000B2

Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in the concentration of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), hydrogen ions, and nucleotide triphosphates.
US09193999B2

A method for sequencing includes steps of (a) providing first and second nucleic acid templates, wherein the two templates have different sequences; (b) extending a first primer bound to the first template using a first polymerase species and a first set of nucleotide analogs; (c) extending a second primer bound to the second template using a second polymerase species and a second set of nucleotide analogs, wherein the first polymerase species is different from the second polymerase species and wherein the first set of nucleotide analog is different from the second set of nucleotide analog, (d) detecting the first and second primer extension products; and (e) repeating steps (b) through (d), thereby determining the different sequences of the first and second templates.
US09193995B2

The invention provides highly sensitive, specific and efficient quantitative real-time PCR compositions, methods and assay kits to detect at least one IFN subtype and/or IFN subtype allotypic variants. Primer/probe sets complementary to the coding sequence of an IFN subtype of interest avoid spurious detection of degraded mRNA and enhances the correlation between the IFN subtype that is measured by the assays of the invention and the protein that is actually expressed. The invention also provides methods for designing primers and methods of using the compositions and assay kits. The compositions, kits, and methods of the invention may be used, for example, to monitor vaccine efficacy, autoimmune disease, chronic infections, or tumor therapy.
US09193989B2

The present invention provides methods of identifying an agent that modulates PRPK, TPRKB, OSGEP, LAGE3 and its homologs, PRPK/TPRKB complex, and/or KEOPS complex. The present invention also provides compositions of such agents and methods of treating a disease, disorder, or condition associated with PRPK, TPRKB, OSGEP, LAGE3 and its homologs family (CT antigens), PRPK/TPRKB complex, and/or KEOPS complex using such an agent or composition.
US09193986B2

Method for marking a target structure, comprising the following steps: a) providing a compound V that includes at least one dihydroxy- or trihydroxyphenyl group, b) providing a means for converting the dihydroxy- or trihydroxyphenyl group to a quinone group, c) providing a target structure, d) oxidizing the dihydroxy- or trihydroxyphenyl group of the compound V to the quinone group, and e) contacting the compound V with the target structure, so that a covalent bond can be formed, wherein in step e) the compound V is used in a concentration such that the maximum concentration of dihydroxy-, trihydroxyphenyl groups and quinone groups that are introduced by the compound V is ≦500 μM, preferably ≦300 μM, and more preferably ≦100 μM.
US09193972B2

A nucleotide construct comprising a nucleotide sequence that forms a stem and a loop, wherein the loop comprises a nucleotide sequence that modulates expression of a target, wherein the stem comprises a nucleotide sequence that modulates expression of a target, and wherein the target modulated by the nucleotide sequence in the loop and the target modulated by the nucleotide sequence in the stem may be the same or different. Vectors, methods of regulating target expression, methods of providing a cell, and methods of treating conditions comprising the nucleotide sequence are also disclosed.
US09193967B2

Provided are a PEGylated analogue protein of canine urate oxidase, preparation method and use thereof. The analogue protein of canine urate oxidase is a canine urate oxidase, or a chimeric protein comprising part of the amino acid sequence of a canine urate oxidase and part of the amino acid sequence of a human urate oxidase, or a mutant protein thereof. The PEGylated analogue protein of canine urate oxidase and pharmaceutical compositions thereof according to the present invention can be used for the prevention and/or treatment of hyperuricemia and chronic gout.
US09193959B2

The present invention provides improved variants of T7 RNA polymerase by introducing novel mutations which lead to improved thermostability of the enzyme. According to the invention, amino acid substitutions at the positions Val426, Ser633, Val650, Thr654, Ala702, Val795, and combinations thereof are advantageous.
US09193956B2

The present disclosure provides adeno-associated virus (AAV) virions with altered capsid protein, where the AAV virions exhibit greater infectivity of retinal cells, when administered via intravitreal injection, compared to wild-type AAV. The present disclosure further provides methods of delivering a gene product to a retinal cell in an individual, and methods of treating ocular disease.
US09193953B2

The invention is related to methods for expanding and differentiating hemopoietic progenitor cells in a medium comprising a collection of cytokines, desulphated glycosaminoglycan and human serum. The invention further relates to a collection of cells obtainable by a method of the invention, use of the collection of cells, and a kit of parts for expanding and differentiating hemopoietic progenitor cells.
US09193949B1

The method of making a three-dimensional scaffold for three-dimensional cell culture includes obtaining amorphous silica from sorghum husks, producing biogenic silica microbodies from the amorphous silica, and clustering the biogenic silica microbodies to form the three-dimensional scaffold. The three-dimensional scaffold can be used for growing three-dimensional cell cultures, such as human mesenchymal stem cell cultures.
US09193948B2

This invention relates to biomaterial compositions, methods and kits for producing hydrogels with tunable physico-chemical properties. Specifically, the invention relates to producing cellulosic hydrogels having optimized physico-chemical properties enabling support of cell growth or as replacement or filler for tissue repair, reconstruction or augmentation.
US09193942B2

In one embodiment, a soap recycling and conversion process that processes and converts bar soap remnants or pieces into liquid soap, in anti-bacterial, organic or non-organic forms. Soap remnants are treated with an anti-bacterial cleansing solution, including ethyl alcohol; then either grated or broken into smaller pieces. The remnants or grated remains are then dissolved in warm water, either tap or purified, and combined with the conversion solution, which consists of water, glycerin, citric acid and sodium laureth sulfate (not used in organic solution). The liquefied mass is either heated in a microwave for 30-120 seconds, depending on microwave wattage; or heated in a crock pot until consistent; or whisked at room temperature until the proper consistency of liquid soap. The solution is then packaged for reuse.
US09193935B2

Provided is class of compounds of formula (I) wherein X, R1, R2 and R3 have the same meaning as given in the specification capable of releasing fragrant compounds in a controlled manner into the surroundings.
US09193934B2

The present invention relates to functional fluid compositions containing friction modifiers, and specifically stable compositions containing friction modifiers with limited solubility in and/or limited compatibility with the functional fluids with which they are used. In particular the present invention deals with functional fluids used in internal combustion engines, such as engine oils, and friction modifiers derived from hydroxy-carboxylic acids, where the friction modifier is present in the functional fluid composition at levels that would otherwise cause the composition to be unstable and/or hazy.
US09193924B2

Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for forming a low-metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oil are provided. The method comprises the steps of filtering a biomass-derived pyrolysis oil with a high flux rate filter arrangement having a flux rate of about 10 L/m2/hr or greater to form a low-solids biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The low-solids biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is filtered with a fine filter arrangement having a pore diameter of about 50 μm or less to form an ultralow-solids biomass-derived pyrolysis oil. The ultralow-solids biomass-derived pyrolysis oil is contacted with an ion-exchange resin to remove metal ions and form the low-metal biomass-derived pyrolysis oil.
US09193922B2

The invention relates to a process for production of propylene from a C4/C5 olefin cut (for example from steam cracking and/or catalytic cracking), this process comprising an optional selective hydrogenation, a selective oligomerization of the isobutenes and an oligocracking of the n-butenes.The invention makes it possible to obtain a high conversion rate with a good propylene yield and to maximize the production of good-quality gasoline.
US09193912B2

The thermally insulating fire-protection molding is characterized in that it contains at least one lightweight filler, one reaction product of the thermal curing of an organic-inorganic hybrid binder, one mineral that eliminates water, and also fibers and/or wollastonite, and is impermeable to smoke.
US09193907B2

A liquid crystal compound having high stability to heat, light and so forth, a high clearing point, a low minimum temperature of a liquid crystal phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, a suitable elastic constant and excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, a liquid crystal composition containing the compound, and a liquid crystal display device including the composition. The compound is represented by formula (1-1): wherein, for example, R1 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons; R2 is alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons or alkenyl having 3 to 10 carbons; ring A1 is 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; ring A2 is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or 2,3-difluoro-1,4-phenylene; Z1 and Z2 are single bonds; L1 and L2 are fluorine; and 1 is 0, 1 or 2.
US09193905B2

The present invention relates to a device for high-frequency technology, or for the microwave region and millimeter wave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, characterized in that it contains a liquid-crystal medium which consists of one or more compounds, which one or more compounds, which contain 6 to 15 five-, six- or seven-membered rings, preferably 1,4-linked phenylene rings, or in that it contains a liquid-crystal medium which itself comprises a component A, which itself consists of one or more of the said compounds, which one or more compounds, which contain 6 to 15 five-, six- or seven-membered rings, preferably 1,4-linked phenylene rings. The present invention additionally relates to compounds of the formula (I), in which the parameters have the meanings given in the text, and to the corresponding, novel liquid-crystal media, to the use and preparation thereof, and to the production and use of the devices. The devices according to the invention are particularly suitable phase shifters in the microwave and millimeter wave region, for microwave and millimeter wave array antennas and very particularly for so-called tunable “reflectarrays”.
US09193902B2

The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (S-A)n-T, in which at least one fluorescent group S is linked to a phosphorescent group T via a divalent group A, to the use thereof in an electronic device, and to a formula to a formulation and an electronic device which comprise the novel compounds.
US09193889B2

The invention relates to a two-component protective coating comprising mineral pigments, epoxy-siloxane binder component, and aminic hardener. Provision is made here for this coating to consist of initially separate components A and B, where component A comprises (a1) x wt. % of inorganic pigments, where x=30 to 70, (a2) 10 to 50 wt. % of at least one epoxy-siloxane, (a3) 0 to 40 wt. % of an organic solvent and where component B comprises (b1) at least one aminic hardener and (b2) optionally at least one organic solvent.
US09193887B2

A composition for forming a protective layer on a substrate comprises a plurality of silicas having different particle size ranges, and a curable resin. The substrate may be a building substrate such as a floor or wall concrete, blocks or bricks. The silica is typically white or colorless crystalline compound, SiO2, occurring abundantly as quartz, sand, flint, agate, and many other minerals used to manufacture a wide variety of materials, especially glass and concrete.
US09193870B2

Reactive dyes of formula (1) wherein Q1 and Q2 are each independently of the other hydrogen or unsubstituted or substituted C1-C4alkyl, A is the radical of a monoazo, polyazo, metal complex azo, anthraquinone, phthalocyanine, formazan or dioxazine chromophore, X is halogen, 3- or 4-carboxypyridin-1-yl, or 3- or 4-carbamoylpyridin-1-yl, Y is vinyl or a radical —CH2—CH2—U and U is a group removable under alkaline conditions, and q is the number 1 or 2, are suitable for dyeing and printing cellulosic or amide-group-containing fiber materials.
US09193861B2

There is provided a material that exhibits high solvent resistance after the formation of a cured film, excellent photo-alignment capability relative to a polymerizable liquid crystal, satisfactory heat resistance, and high transparency and moreover, that can be dissolved in a glycol-based solvent, a ketone-based solvent, or a lactic acid ester-based solvent that is applicable to the production of an overcoating of a color filter, during the formation of the cured film. A composition for forming thermoset film having photo-alignment properties and containing a component (A) that is a compound having a photo-aligning group and a hydroxy group, a component (B) that is a melamine formaldehyde resin, and a component (C) that is a crosslinker.
US09193854B2

An encapsulating material for solar cell is made of a resin composition containing a crosslinkable resin, and satisfies the following 1) and 2). 1) When the encapsulating material for solar cell is immersed in acetone at 23° C. for one hour after a crosslinking treatment in which the encapsulating material for solar cell is heated and depressurized at 150° C. and 250 Pa for three minutes, and then is heated and pressurized at 150° C. and 100 kPa for 15 minutes, an acetone-absorbing ratio is in a range of 3.5 weight % to 12.0 weight % with respect to the weight of the above-described crosslinking-treated encapsulating material for solar cell. 2) A volume resistivity of the above-described crosslinking-treated encapsulating material for solar cell, which is based on JIS K6911 and measured at a temperature of 100° C. with an applied voltage of 500 V, is in a range of 1.0×1013 Ω·cm to 1.0×1018 Ω·cm.
US09193852B2

The present invention is directed to an aerated composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, an oily phase dispersed in an aqueous phase, characterized in that it contains air or inert gas in a sufficient amount to have a relative density ranging from about 0.2 to about 0.9 (g/cm3) measured at a temperature of approximately 25° C. and at atmospheric pressure, and in that it comprises at least one modified starch, at least one emulsifier, and at least one oil-dispersible structuring agent.
US09193848B2

The present invention relates to flameproofed, UV-resistant polycarbonate moulding compositions having improved flame retardancy and a low incorporation of the UV absorber into the polymer chain and a resulting higher relative viscosity compared with the polycarbonates having increased incorporation of UV absorber, wherein the polycarbonate compositions comprise A) at least one polycarbonate having an average molecular weight Mw of from 18,000 to 40,000 g/mol, B) one or more reactive UV absorbers and C) at least one alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salt of a fluorinated organic acid, and C) has a content of free sulfate of less than 0.007 wt. % and a content of free fluoride of less than 0.017 wt.%, in each case based on the weight of C).
US09193846B2

A gasket material including a steel plate and a foamed rubber layer formed on one or both sides of the steel plate, in which the foamed rubber layer is obtained from a rubber composition containing at least one of NBR, H-NBR or a functional group-modified NBR, as a rubber compound; and a crosslinking agent, and in which the foamed rubber layer has a quinoid crosslinking structure.
US09193831B2

The present invention relates to a urethane optical member containing at least one kind of structures represented by the following formulae (1) and (2) in a structure constituting the optical member, and a method for producing the same.
US09193830B2

Provided are low-melt polyimides and poly(amic acids) (PAAs) for use in repair of electrical wire insulation, flat or ribbon wire harnesses, and flat surfaces comprised of high-performance polymers such as inflatables or solar panels applications. Also provided are methods and devices for repair of electrical insulation.
US09193827B2

A new class of poly(beta-amino alcohols) (PBAAs) has been prepared using combinatorial polymerization. The inventive PBAAs may be used in biotechnology and biomedical applications as coatings (such as coatings of films or multilayer films for medical devices or implants), additives, materials, excipients, non-biofouling agents, micropatterning agents, and cellular encapsulation agents. When used as surface coatings, these PBAAs elicited different levels of inflammation, both in vitro and in vivo, depending on their chemical structures. The large chemical diversity of this class of materials allowed us to identify polymer coatings that inhibit macrophage activation in vitro. Furthermore, these coatings reduce the recruitment of inflammatory cells, and reduce fibrosis, following the subcutaneous implantation of carboxylated polystyrene microparticles. These polymers may be used to form polyelectrolyte complex capsules for cell encapsulation. The invention may also have many other biological applications such as antimicrobial coatings, DNA or siRNA delivery, and stem cell tissue engineering.
US09193816B2

Composite hydrogels and methods for making and using the composite hydrogels are provided. The composite hydrogels comprise graphene oxide flakes distributed in, and covalently bonded to, a thermo-responsive hydrogel polymer.
US09193808B2

The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a catalyst of high activity based on a mixture of supports, more specifically, the mixture of supports being Al2O3 plus MgCl2, intended for the production of polyolefins. The catalyst of the present invention involves the use of a spherical support based on special alumina that serves as a porous matrix, which is impregnated, by precipitation, with magnesium chloride by dissolving the latter in ethers and/or alcohols.
US09193806B2

Provided are a method for producing a relatively uniformly epoxidized natural rubber in a simple and inexpensive manner, a rubber composition for tires that includes the epoxidized natural rubber, and a pneumatic tire formed from the rubber composition for tires. The present invention relates to a method for producing an epoxidized natural rubber, including: Step 1 of coagulating natural rubber latex into granules to prepare a granular solid rubber; and Step 2 of treating the granular solid rubber with an epoxidizing liquid to epoxidize the granular solid rubber.
US09193804B2

There is provided a method of preparing resistant starch with improved processability as one aspect of the present invention, the method comprising: (a) preparing starch modified by a cross-linked bond; and (b) feeding the modified starch to an extruder and then extruding the modified starch to produce an extrudate, in which an extrusion temperature is 50° C. to 200° C. at the time of the extrusion, the ratio of a injection volume of water to a supplying amount of the modified starch, each being supplied into the extruder, is 1.2 ml/g to 2.0 ml/g, and water content in the extrudate is 25 wt % to 50 wt %.
US09193803B2

Provided is a pretreated product for saccharification, obtained by a pretreatment alone which allows an efficient enzymatic saccharification treatment to thereby obtain a saccharified solution having a uniform quality. A pretreated product for saccharification where lignin 5 is dissociated or a substrate 1 is swollen is obtained by pretreating the substrate 1. The substrate 1 has 60 to 80% of the pores having a diameter of 10 to 50 nm. In a process for producing the pretreated product for saccharification, a substrate mixture obtained by mixing the substrate 1 and ammonia water is maintained at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time to thereby separate a part of hemicellulose 4 having a molecular weight of 7.8×103 to 2.0×106.
US09193780B2

The present invention relates in part to amino acid sequences that are directed against and/or that can specifically bind to an envelope protein of a virus, as well as to compounds or constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise or essentially consist of one or more such amino acid sequences.
US09193776B2

The embodiments provide a modified calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist including an N-terminal fragment of modified calcitonin gene-related peptide or related protein family member where at least two residues of the N-terminal fragment are cysteine (Cys) and at least one amino acid comprises a non-threonine substitution of a threonine (Thr) residue; a central core where the central core comprises an α-helix; and a C-terminal fragment of modified calcitonin gene-related peptide or related protein family member comprising a C-terminal amide and where at least one amino acid of the C-terminal fragment is phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), tyrosine (Tyr) or hydroxyproline (Hyp) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, as well as compositions, including pharmaceutical compositions, comprising a subject peptide. The embodiments further provide treatment methods, including methods of treating a migraine, the methods generally involving administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of a subject peptide or composition.
US09193768B2

There are provided an angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) derived peptides, polypeptides, and peptide complexes, and a method for inhibition of binding between Ang2 and integrin and prevention and/or treatment of a disease caused by the activation of Ang2 or the binding between Ang2 and integrin using the peptide, polypeptides, and peptide complexes.
US09193766B2

The invention provides peptide inhibitors of BACE1 that bind to the active site in a noncanonical fashion, and methods of use thereof.
US09193758B2

The present invention relates to γ-PNA monomers according to Formula I where substituent groups R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, B and P are defined as set forth in the specification. The invention also provides methodology for synthesizing compounds according to Formula I and methodology for synthesizing PNA oligomers that incorporate one or more Formula I monomers.
US09193749B2

This invention relates to compounds for the inhibition of histone deacetylase. More particularly, the invention provides for compounds of formula (I) wherein Q, J, L and Z are as defined in the specification.
US09193748B2

The present invention concerns the use of methods and compositions for the isolation of small RNA molecules (100 nucleotides or fewer), such as microRNA and siRNA molecules. Such molecules are routinely lost in commonly used isolation procedures and therefore the present invention allows for a much higher level of enrichment or isolation of these small RNA molecules.
US09193743B2

The present invention relates to a method of enantioselective addition to imines, including: reacting R2CH═NY with R3ZnR4 in the presence of a compound represented by the following formula (I), in which Y, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are defined the same as the specification. Accordingly, the present invention can prepare secondary amines in high yields and enantiomeric excess by the above-mentioned method.
US09193739B2

In this application is described a composition and method for inducing in a subject anti-hapten antibodies without inducing antibodies to the carrier protein. Kits for designing and making compositions with desired haptens are also described.
US09193738B2

The present invention relates to new substituted pyrano and furanoquinolines having a great affinity for sigma receptors, especially sigma-1 receptors, as well as to the process for the preparation thereof, to compositions comprising them, and to their use as medicaments.
US09193735B2

Disclosed herein is a solid oral formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of Formula (A) formulated for release of the compound in the intestine, wherein the compound of Formula (A) has the structure:
US09193732B2

This invention relates to (1) process of making 7-Cyclopentyl-2-(5-piperazin-1-yl-pyridin-2-ylamino)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid dimethylamide and salts thereof; (2) novel salt(s) of 7-Cyclopentyl-2-(5-piperazin-1-yl-pyridin-2-ylamino)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine-6-carboxylic acid dimethylamide; (3) pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same; and (4) methods of treatment using the same.
US09193723B2

Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of NAMPT, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which NAMPT is expressed.
US09193717B2

The present invention is directed to compounds of the Formula (I) as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that are aldosterone receptor antagonists which might be useful for treating aldosterone-mediated diseases. The invention furthermore relates to processes for preparing compounds of the Formula (I), to their possible use for the treatment of the abovementioned diseases and for preparing pharmaceuticals for this purpose, and to pharmaceutical compositions which comprise compounds of the Formula (I).
US09193708B2

One aspect of the present invention relates to substituted pyridines and pharmaceutially acceptable salts thereof that are active against a range of mammalian maladies. Another aspect of the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising a compound of the present invention or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The present invention also relates to methods of treating a range of mammalian maladies or conditions, including but not limited to hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, coronary heart disease, angina, pellagra, Hartnup's syndrome, carcinoid syndrome, arterial occlusive disease, obesity, hypothyroidism, vasoconstriction, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, lipodystrophy, or dyslipidemia, raising serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and lowering serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
US09193705B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of infection by enveloped viruses, such as Ebola and Lassa fever viruses.
US09193699B2

Provided are compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group comprising, inter aliae, H, optionally substituted, branched or linear C1-C12 alkyl, halogen atom and C1-C12 haloalkyl, and wherein A represents a single bond or an optionally substituted C1-C6 alkylene radical, notably useful for the treatment of human cancers.
US09193696B2

The present invention provides a group of water-soluble sulfur dye having carboxyl groups. For the kind of dye, a sulfur dye is first reduced to a leuco compound by sodium sulfide, and the leuco compound reacts with an active compound containing carboxyl groups to obtain a water-soluble sulfur dye containing the carboxyl group. The water-soluble sulfur dye provided by the present invention is applicable to dying of cotton, wool, silk, and leather. Being both water-soluble and carboxyl group reactive, the product has a simple application process and desirable color fastness, thereby having broad application prospects.
US09193689B2

The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain 3-aryl-5-substituted-2H-isoquinolin-1-one compounds that, inter alia, inhibit PARP (e.g., PARP1, TNKS1, TNKS2, etc.) and/or Wnt signalling. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit PARP (e.g., PARP1, TNKS1, TNKS2, etc.); to inhibit Wnt signalling; to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of PARP (e.g., PARP1, TNKS1, TNKS2, etc.); to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of Wnt signalling; to treat proliferative conditions such as cancer, etc.
US09193688B2

The present invention relates to heterocyclic substituted quinoline derivatives as allosteric inhibitors of the glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) enzyme. Therefore, these compounds are useful for the manufacturing of a medicament designed for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases wherein GSK-3 is involved, such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, diabetes, and to promote various regenerative processes.
US09193666B2

Process for preparing alkanolamines which have a primary amino group (—NH2) and a hydroxyl group (—OH) by alcohol amination of diols having two hydroxyl groups (—OH) by means of ammonia with elimination of water, wherein the reaction is carried out homogeneously catalyzed in the presence of at least one complex catalyst comprising at least one element selected from groups 8, 9 and 10 of the Periodic Table and also at least one donor ligand.
US09193663B2

In one embodiment, the invention is to a method for producing a vinyl acetate composition. The method comprises the step of contacting acetic acid, oxygen, and ethylene under conditions effective to form a crude vinyl acetate composition comprising vinyl acetate, acetic acid, residual oxygen, and water. The method further comprises the step of contacting the crude vinyl acetate composition or a derivative thereof with at least one scavenger to form a treated crude vinyl acetate composition.
US09193657B2

A method for stabilizing a carbonylation catalyst with carbon monoxide recovered from a gaseous stream derived from a carbonylation reaction. The carbon monoxide enriched stream is fed downstream of the carbonylation reactor, preferably to a flasher or light ends column, to enhance catalyst stability throughout the process.
US09193654B2

Cosmetic bases consisting of alkylene oxide derivatives represented by the general formula (I): Z—{O(AO)l(EO)m—(BO)nH}a(I) wherein Z is a residue derived from a compound having three to nine hydroxyl groups by the removal of the hydroxyl groups; a is 3 to 9; AO is C3-4 oxyalkylone; EO is oxyethylene; l and m represent the average numbers of added C3-4 oxyalkylene molecules and oxyalkylene molecules respectively and satisfy the relationships: 1≦1≦50 and l≦m≦50 respectively; the AO/EO weight ratio is 1/5 to 5/1 and AO's and EO's may be added at random or in block; BO is oxyalkylene having 4 carbon atoms; and n represents the average number of added BO molecules and satisfies the relationship: 0.5≦n≦5.
US09193643B2

The invention relates to a process for the production of ethylbenzene which comprises: a reaction step in which benzene is reacted with ethanol, or a mixture of ethanol and ethylene, at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, preferably in gaseous phase or in mixed gas-liquid phase, in the presence of a catalytic system containing a zeolite belonging to the BEA family, and a separation step of the product obtained. According to a preferred aspect, ethanol deriving from biomasses is used, in particular ethanol obtained from the fermentation of sugars deriving from biomasses.
US09193628B2

The present invention relates to a hydraulically setting mixture comprising: a) 6% to 25% by weight of cement, b) 50% to 90% by weight of at least one aggregate, and c) 0.01% to 8% by weight of at least one fluoroorganyl-substituted silicon compound, and also to materials produced from this mixture, more particularly components, concrete articles or mouldings. The invention further relates to the use of a hydraulically setting mixture of the invention for producing materials, more particularly components, concrete articles or mouldings, for example as facing concrete, where the surface of the materials exhibits only relatively low soiling tendency (“easy-to-clean” property) even on abrasion.
US09193626B2

The present invention relates to a white calcium aluminate cement containing at least 90% by weight of monocalcium aluminate, an A/C value in the range of 1.75 to 2.0, a fineness according to Blaine in the range of 3500 to 6000 cm2/g, a slope n in the range of 1.1 to 1.5 and a location parameter x′ of 8-20 μm in an RRSB particle size grid according to DIN 66145 as well as its use in formulations of the construction chemical industry and the refractory industry.
US09193623B2

A borosilicate glass is provided that has high solarization resistance and a defined position of the UV edge. The borosilicate glass includes the following constituents, in percent by weight based on oxide, of: SiO2 65-85%; B2O3 7-20%; Al2O3 0-7%; Li2O 0-2%; Na2O 0-8%; K2O 0-12%; BaO 0-5%; CaO 0-2%; MgO 0-2%; ZnO 0-2%; TiO2 0.05-0.4%; MoO3 0.025-0.3%; and V2O5 0.001-0.01%.
US09193616B2

The mobile buoyant aerator has a buoyant toroidal capture tray for capturing contaminants and a large diameter tube extending downward through the center of the tray. The aerator may have air or other gas pumped down through a smaller concentric tube to exit at the bottom of the larger tube to entrain and carry contaminated water up the larger tube, capturing contaminants in the capture tray. Alternatively, the aerator may have a compressed gas tank at the bottom of the larger tube to preclude the need for a smaller diameter tube. In another alternative, the aerator has an air pump at the top of the structure to pump air down through the device. In a further alternative, the aerator has a water pump at the top of the structure that draws water from outside the aerator and pumps the water down through the center to entrain contaminated water.
US09193614B2

Method and apparatus for sealed pressurized enclosure containing a sludge digester designed to receive wastewater from commercial establishments for the purpose of removing fats, oils and greases using the high velocity impact provided by the sludge digester. Air containing ozone is pumped through the sludge digester causing a flow of material so that the stream of material is directed onto a series of stationary concentric ridges wherein the solids in the liquid material are forcefully impacted against the stationary concentric ridges so as to break the solid particles up into smaller particles.
US09193611B2

The present invention is directed to thin film composite membrane (TFC membrane) comprising a substrate layer (S) based on a sulfonated polymer, e.g. a sulfonated polyarylether, and a polyamide film layer (F) and further to a method for their preparation. Furthermore, the present invention is directed to osmosis processes, in particular to forward osmosis (FO) processes, using said membrane.
US09193608B2

The removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions using metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles is a method that comprises contacting the aqueous solution with metal-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The three transition metals tungsten, vanadium and iron were selected for doping of titanium dioxide. Removal of the toxic heavy metals Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) was studied intensively by using metal-doped titanium dioxide to measure the isotherms and kinetics. The isotherms studies showed that the highest removal percentage of Pb(II) was achieved by W-doped titanium dioxide, while Fe-doped titanium dioxide and V-doped titanium dioxide performed better for removal of Zn(II) and Cd(II), respectively.
US09193602B2

Calcium carbonate particles having very narrow particle sizes with a controlled D98 and minimal ultrafines (very small particles) are described. The particles are prepared by grinding a feedstock in a centrifugal grinding mill, which utilizes very high centrifugal forces to impact the particles with each other or grinding media.
US09193593B2

An environmentally beneficial process for the production of fuels and chemicals employs carbon dioxide from a natural source or from an artificial chemical source that would otherwise be discharged into the environment. The carbon dioxide is converted to formic acid and the formic acid is then non-biologically converted to fuels and/or chemicals without the intermediate process of hydrogenating the formic acid to methanol or reacting the formic acid with ammonia to form formamide. In the present process, formic acid is converted to one of seven primary feedstocks: formaldehyde, acrylic acid, methane, ethylene, propylene, syngas, and C5-C7 carbohydrates. The formaldehyde, acrylic acid, methane, ethylene, propylene, syngas and/or short chain carbohydrates can either be used directly, or can be converted into a wealth of other products.
US09193592B2

The present invention performs special heat treatment on a polymer film in a temperature range from (i) a lower limit to temperature rise being equal to or higher than a starting temperature of thermal decomposition of the polymer film, i.e., which is a temperature observed at an early stage of the thermal decomposition of the polymer film, to (ii) an upper limit to temperature rise being equal to or lower than an intermediate temperature of thermal decomposition of the polymer film. This reduces foaming in the film during graphitization treatment following the special heat treatment. Thus, even with a higher heating rate for graphitization, it is possible to produce a graphite film having good quality.
US09193589B2

A method for removing tar from a gas by contacting a first gas containing tar with a second gas containing oxygen for time period sufficient to effect oxidation of at least a portion of the tar in the first gas, thus producing an oxidized product gas that contains less tar than the first gas.
US09193585B2

Techniques for CNT solubilization and surface-selective deposition via polymer-mediated assembly are provided. In one aspect, a method for self-assembly of CNTs on a substrate is provided. The method includes the following steps. One or more surfaces of the substrate are coated with a thiol-reactive compound. The substrate is contacted with carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies dispersed in a solvent, wherein the carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies include the carbon nanotubes wrapped in a polymer having side chains with thiol groups. Wherein by way of the step of contacting the substrate with the carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies, the carbon nanotube-polymer assemblies selectively bind to the surfaces of the substrate based on an interaction between the thiol groups in the polymer and the thiol-reactive compound on the surfaces of the substrate and thereby self-assemble on the substrate.
US09193581B1

An MEMS microphone package structure includes a substrate, a carrier and an acoustic transducer. The carrier covers the substrate from above and connects to the substrate. The carrier has an n-shaped cross section and includes a flat plate portion, a sidewall connected to the flat plate portion, and two oblique blocks protruded from the inner surface of the sidewall. The oblique blocks each have an inclined surface for connecting the flat plate portion and the bottom surface of the sidewall. The acoustic transducer is posited on the bottom surface of the flat plate portion and electrically connected to the substrate through a plurality of electrical conduction paths passing through the inclined surfaces. The electrical conduction paths are conducive to simplification of wirings of the substrate and the thinning of the substrate. Therefore, simplify the manufacturing process to reduce the manufacturing time and cost.
US09193577B2

A receptacle for storing, pressurizing, and dispensing packaged beverages. An airtight chamber with a removable lid, wherein the joint between the lid and the chamber is also airtight. A gas valve allows for the inflow and outflow of gas, and a tap port and tap stem allow the beverage to be dispensed without breaking the seal of the chamber. A pressure relief valve allows for more rapid depressurization. Chamber can also be used at high and low pressures, such as a partial vacuum, to prevent oxidation of a number of open beverages, such as beers, wines, and sodas. Can be used with multiple types of gas, and is coupleable with both American and European tap systems. A pressure gauge port allows a user to verify the appropriate pressure for the type of beverage being preserved. Lid may have multiple taps to allow for the storage of multiple beverages.
US09193576B2

A method of dispensing a beverage includes the steps of: providing a housing having a plurality of reservoirs of beverage concentrate each reservoir having a concentrate pump and flexible conduit terminating in a nozzle; providing a plurality of drivers driving said concentrate pumps; providing diluent to the pumped concentrate to produce a beverage; providing a multiple dispense head accepting the plurality of nozzles; selecting a flexible pouch and bringing it into alignment with a nozzle in a filling position where it is filled via an opening; closing said opening and dispensing said filled sealed flexible pouch; wherein the filling position is a fixed position and wherein said nozzles are movable relative to the filling position such that any one of said plurality of nozzles can be presented at said filling position.
US09193570B2

An eyebolt for releasably connecting a carrying, lashing or traction member with an object includes a threaded bolt and an eyelet. The threaded bolt has an inner bearing part and the eyelet is connected to an outer bearing part which with the incorporation of rolling elements is supported on the inner bearing part. The rolling elements are disposed above one another in a ring around the inner bearing part in at least two planes extending spaced apart and parallel to one another. Rolling elements disposed in a first plane have a radius and rolling elements disposed in a second plane have a radius. The sum of the radius of one of the rolling elements disposed in the first plane and the radius of one of the rolling elements disposed in the second plane is greater than the spacing between the planes extending parallel to one another.
US09193564B2

An elevator display device has a light-emitting display unit, a resin cover, and a metallic tone film. The resin cover is disposed in front of the light-emitting display unit so as to cover the light-emitting display unit, and transmits light from the light-emitting display unit. The metallic tone film is disposed on the cover, and transmits the light from the light-emitting display unit. The metallic tone film is made of a nano-layered film that is optically designed to have a metallic sheen.
US09193561B2

A cable management device includes a base, a locking member, a winding member, a driving member, a pressing member, and a spring. The base comprises a bottom board and a guide member. The locking member includes a pedestal and a sleeve. The winding member includes a winding portion sandwiched between a first end and a second end. The winding member defines a first receiving hole for receiving the sleeve. A number of first sawteeth formed on the pedestal mesh with a number of second sawteeth formed on the first end. The driving member includes a plate and a second receiving hole passing through the plate for receiving the sleeve. A number of third sawteeth formed on the second end mesh with a number of fourth sawteeth formed on the plate. The pressing member is connected to the sleeve. The spring is compressed between the pressing member and the driving member.
US09193557B2

The disclosure discloses an adhesive tape cartridge comprising an adhesive tape roll around which is wound an adhesive tape, a peeling part, a separation material roll, and a support member. The adhesive tape comprises an adhesive layer and a separation material layer. The peeling part is configured to peel the separation material layer from the adhesive tape fed out from the adhesive tape roll and subsequently fed to one side in a predetermined direction. The separation material roll is configured to wind the separation material layer. The support member respectively rotatably supports the adhesive tape roll and the separation material roll. A position of the peeling part in the predetermined direction is disposed further on the one side than at least a position of a take-up position of the separation material roll when the separation material roll is in a minimum outer diameter state.
US09193547B2

A sheet conveyer, including a manual-feed conveyer path; a first sensor to detect presence of the sheet inserted in the manual-feed conveyer path; an upstream-side conveyer and a downstream-side conveyer to convey the sheet toward a downstream side; a second sensor to detect presence of the sheet in a downstream position with respect to the upstream-side conveyer, the second sensor being switchable between a presence-detectable state and an absence-detectable state; and a controller is provided. The controller measures presence-detecting duration of the sheet by the second sensor and controls the downstream-side conveyer to continue conveying the sheet if the first sensor is detecting presence of the sheet when the second sensor is switched to the absence-detectable state, and if a difference between a value calculated based on the measured presence-detecting duration and a reference value obtained based on a reference sheet length is smaller than a predetermined threshold.
US09193539B2

A storage apparatus has an annular array of stacked item storage formations, and an epicyclic selector arrangement for extracting items from the array, with a temporary storage unit.
US09193532B2

A quick change conveyor roll assembly for metal or glass processing comprising an inner roll shaft having a rigid and elongated cylindrical surface supported and rotationally driven by an associate rotor mean. At least one removable spool having a cylindrical body with a first diameter, a hollow interior therethrough and a collar rigidly adapted at a first end, the collar having a second diameter whereby the second diameter is greater than the first diameter. At least one removable and replaceable insulated roll sleeve being slidably mounted over at least a portion of said removable spool and abutting said collar, the insulated roll sleeve including at least one layer of an insulation material and a securing means operably adjustable to hold said roll sleeve about said removable spool at a second end in a predetermined location on said inner roll shaft.
US09193524B2

Randomly presented physical items can be temporarily stored in a grid-based material handling system, e.g., before they are handled by a robot. The grid-based material handling system arranges the randomly presented physical items within the grid, so that they exit the grid in an ordered sequence, e.g., for pickup by the robot. Programmable modules execute sequencing logic to move the items to target locations within the grid. The modules move interfering items out of the way of other items that are in transit to their target locations, as needed. The programmable modules allow the items to exit the grid when the requirements of a departure policy are met.
US09193523B2

An external reinforcing strap system for a bulk material cargo container liner comprises a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented reinforcing straps, or a plurality of horizontally spaced, vertically oriented reinforcing straps and a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally oriented reinforcing straps, to have their tension levels individually adjusted in an independent manner in order to provide selected sections of the external reinforcing strapping system with requisites amount of tension. In addition, a substantially U-shaped reinforcing gusset system is also disclosed which provides the necessary reinforcement for the rear wall member of the bulk material cargo container liner but with a simplified structure effectively eliminating the aforenoted strapping system.
US09193522B2

Provided is an apparatus for removing material from a reciprocating floor container. The apparatus may comprise a first member, a flexible sealing portion coupled to the first member and configured to provide a seal between the first member and the container, and a biasing arrangement configured to enable the first member to be moveably attached to a frame member. The biasing arrangement may comprise an actuation mechanism for biasing the flexible sealing portion towards the container. The actuation mechanism may comprise adjustable tension means. In some embodiments of the invention there may also be provided a system comprising a frame member and an apparatus, wherein the frame member is moveable through the container in use.
US09193521B2

A shipping container particularly adapted for both displaying goods therein and flattening to a single panel after use is provided herein. The shipping container apparatus is ready for unfolding and is convertible for storage and/or recycling. The shipping container includes a lid releasably attachable to a tray, wherein the lid has at least one wall member juxtaposed to at least one portion of the tray.
US09193508B2

A product includes a closure having a radially inner portion, and being removably securable to a container, and a pendant releasably coupled to the radially inner portion of the closure, and being releasable from the closure into the container upon removal of the closure from the container. A package may include the product and a container, wherein the closure is removably secured to a neck of the container to removably close the container, and the pendant is suspended from the closure in an interior of the container neck, such that when the closure is removed from the container, the pendant releases from the closure and drops into the container and is non-removably carried therein to provide an indication that the package has been opened from its original factory sealed condition.
US09193505B2

The present disclosure relates a reclosure or zipper for a reclosable package or container, such as a plastic bag, wherein opening or closing the zipper causes an audible sound and a tactile feel. The reclosure or zipper is manufactured by an apparatus which includes a cutting wheel which is opposed to a pressure wheel. The cutting wheel includes cutting teeth spaced about its periphery. Interlocked zipper material is engaged between the cutting wheel and the pressure wheel to form indentations in the interlocked zipper, thereby resulting in audible and tactile feedback when the zipper is operated.
US09193503B2

A beverage container is provided. The beverage container includes an audio speaker and/or an audio control. The audio control is located on a handle near the location a person's thumb would be when holding the beverage container. The speaker is located near the base of the beverage container to provide optimal weight balancing.
US09193501B1

Foldable tank for storing water includes a foldable receptacle having a bottom wall and vertical sidewalls; and a frame to support the sidewalls. The frame has first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides hingedly joined end-to-end to form an enclosure in an unfolded position during use, the frame having a folded position wherein the sides are collapsed onto each other. The first and second sides are disposed opposite each other defining a width of the receptacle in the unfolded position. The frame includes a first configuration in the unfolded position wherein the third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides are substantially perpendicular to respective first and second sides; and a second configuration in the unfolded position wherein the third, fourth, fifth and sixth sides include an angle with respective the first and second sides greater than 90°, wherein the width is variable between the first configuration and the second configuration.
US09193500B2

In a method of folding a pallet support integrally formed by folding a board material, both sides of the board material are pressed and folded inwardly for at least two times; a centerline of the board material is used as a reference to fold the whole piece of the board material in half; the board material is pressed flatly; an upper end of the board material is bent towards both sides of the board material to a predetermined length to form the pallet support with a cross-section having a thickness of a plurality of layers of the board material; and an upper end of the board material is folded towards both sides to form the pallet support of a T-shape cross-sectional structure with a thickened bottom and a cross-section with a thickness of a plurality of layers of the board material.
US09193497B2

A container preassembly which has an inner sleeve in a flat unopened position disposed within an outer sleeve in a flat unopened position, where in the inner sleeve is substantially shorter than the outer sleeve. The two sleeves are adapted for form the top and bottom ends of the final opened container. The inner sleeve is cut so that gaps at the top of the inner sleeve form notches at the corners of the final opened container. The shorter outer sleeve rests on these notches preventing the pieces from shifting during the manufacturing process and to allow the preassembly to be folded into the final container using current machine technology.
US09193495B2

Blow molding tools and a method of blow molding which provide that the tool have a retractable push up section in the base which allows for the article molded by the tool to have a recessed base internal to an otherwise hollow structure. As the push up is moveable, adjustment of the push up portion can be performed during an automated blow molding operation so as to allow release of the blow molded article.
US09193494B2

A tamper-evident product and related methods of production. A container includes a neck, and a tamper-evidencing component separate from the container and carried by the neck of the container in direct contact with a corresponding portion of the container neck. The component is composed of material that has higher thermal conductivity than that of a material of the container so as to concentrate heat in the corresponding portion of the container neck. The neck is thermally responsive to application of heat pursuant to tampering with the product by at least one of the following responses: an irreversible change in visual appearance of the corresponding portion of the container neck, or fracture of the container neck at the corresponding portion of the container neck.
US09193493B2

There is described a machine for applying labels on articles transferred by respective labelling units along a given path (P); each unit comprises a receiving member having a lateral wall, which is adapted to receive a relative label and extends along an axis (F) transversal to the path (P); a cam and tappet device axially displaces the receiving members between a lowered position and a raised position and comprises a cam device, which is adjustable between a first and a second configuration; in the first configuration, cam followers of the units move along a first track (R) of the cam device to displace the respective receiving members between the lowered and raised position during transfer of the respective units; in the second configuration, the cam followers move along a second track (Q) of the cam device to maintain the respective receiving members in the lowered position during movement of the units along their path (P).
US09193486B2

A strapping device, in particular a mobile strapping device, for strapping packaged goods with a wrap-around strap, including a tensioner for applying a strap tension to a loop of a wrapping strap. The tensioner includes a rotationally drivable tensioning wheel and a tensioning rocker that pivots relative to the tensioning wheel and cooperates with the tensioning wheel, wherein a tensioning plate is disposed at the tensioning rocker for applying a wrapping strap, and a wherein a distance between the tensioning plate and the tensioning wheel can be varied for applying a tension on the strap, said tensioner also comprising a connector, in particular a welding connector such as a friction welder, for producing a connection in two areas of the loop of the wrapping strap located one on top of the other, is intended to exhibit largely consistent tensioning characteristics even with different strap thicknesses.
US09193483B2

A method of forming cutouts in an aircraft fuselage may include forming a first cutout and a second cutout in side-by-side relation to one another in a side region of the fuselage. The method may further include configuring the first cutout and the second cutout such that a direct load path extends along the side region substantially continuously from a lower portion of the side region generally under the first cutout to an upper portion of the side region generally over the second cutout.
US09193477B2

A glare shield equipped with an emergency vision apparatus comprises a glare shield in a cockpit and a compartment recessed into the glare shield. A blower is disposed within the compartment. An inflatable first enclosure made of airtight material and having an expanded form when deployed and a deflated form when not in use is connected to the blower with a tubular air passageway. The first enclosure when in the deflated form is stored within the compartment. First and second clear members are disposed at respective first and second ends of the enclosure to enable a user to see through the first enclosure when expanded and observe a source of information at a distal end of the first enclosure while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment. A switch operably is associated with the blower to activate the blower and thereby inflate the first enclosure when deployed.
US09193472B2

An actuator for a ram air turbine includes a housing that supports a piston rod arranged in a cylinder. The piston rod and the cylinder are slideably moveable relative to one another between retracted and deployed positions. A can surrounds the cylinder and is loosely fixed relative to the housing. The can is permitted to pivot relative to the housing and cylinder relative to the cylinder in a radial direction during operation. In operation, the ram air turbine is deployed by initiating a deploy sequence. The piston rod and the cylinder are extended relative to one another to the deployed position. The method includes pivoting a can that surrounds the cylinder and the piston rod.
US09193464B1

An aircraft cabin has been reconfigured with a rear fuselage galley and a modified aft pressure bulkhead that enables the galley to be moved rearwardly to provide additional floor space in the aircraft cabin.
US09193462B2

A service cart for an aircraft is disclosed with a housing of carbon fiber reinforced composites forming a multi-compartment carrier, the carrier adapted to hold four standard airline meal carriers. The cart includes at least a pair of cap doors at opposite ends of the cart, each cap door pivoting approximately 270 degrees to bear against a side of the cart, and a plurality of guides on inner walls of the multi-compartment for retaining the standard airline meal carriers. To prevent the doors of the cart from inadvertently opening, the cart also may include a redundant paddle latch system for each door.
US09193461B2

A storage container incorporates a housing defining a cavity therein. At least one support rail extends from the housing within the cavity having a plurality of encoded first moieties. At least one refrigerant brick having mating encoded second moieties configured to be received into the encoded first moieties couples the refrigerant brick within the cavity.
US09193460B2

Methods for transferring a payload such as passengers and/or luggage and/or freight between an airport and a cabin of an aircraft are provided. Air terminals, aircraft and removable cabin modules suitable for implementing these methods are also provided. An aircraft is provided which includes a removable cabin module. A docking module is also provided for transferring a removable cabin module between an aircraft and an airport. A method for modifying the internal configuration of the cabin of such an aircraft by replacing a removable cabin module of the aircraft is also provided.
US09193454B2

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a trunnion includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is capable of coupling directly to a drive tube of an aircraft, wherein the drive tube is capable of rotating around a first axis. The second portion is capable of coupling to a swash plate of the aircraft, wherein the swash plate is capable of causing the pitch of at least one of a plurality of aircraft blades to change.
US09193453B2

A method of driving a rotorcraft rotor (1, 2) at variable controlled speeds. Starting from a required speed (Nr), a setpoint for total power (Pt) is calculated while taking account of an anticipated power (Pf) to be delivered by the power plant (3) for driving the main rotor (1) at the required speed (Nr), and while taking account of a power surplus (S) relating to progressive power needs to be delivered from a current power (Pc) for driving the main rotor (1) at a current speed (V) of rotation to an anticipated power (Pf) for driving the main rotor (1) at the required speed (Nr). By way of example, account may be taken at least of the acceleration or conversely of the deceleration of the main rotor (1) between the current speed (V) and the required speed (Nr), or indeed account may be taken of the flight circumstance of the rotorcraft determining the calculated required speed (Nr).
US09193452B2

A direct orientation vector rotor (DOVER) for use on rotary wing aircraft includes a gear set for multidirectional rotor orientation based on the spherical coordinate system; an inclination mechanism, wherein the rotor is moved from the 0° horizontal position to an inclined position; a rotational turret, wherein the rotor is moved along the azimuth and wherein the inclination mechanism is housed; and a motion-adapted gear lubrication housing.
US09193447B2

An aircraft landing gear assembly comprises a landing gear (10) arranged to be moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The assembly includes a removably mounted cover plate (20) that covers a void (12) defined by a part of the landing gear assembly. The plate (20) may have a substantially constant thickness, one or more fixing elements (22) on one side only of the plate, and a sealing element (34) that extends around substantially the entire perimeter (20a) of the plate (20).
US09193442B1

A method and related system may construct predictable 4-D flight profiles for fuel-efficient Optimized Profile Descents (OPD) in compliance with a Required Time of Arrival (RTA) constraint at a metering waypoint. The method may determine a feasible RTA window at the 95% confidence level enabling pilot awareness to accept or reject the RTA clearance. These methods may eliminate path unpredictability while retaining OPD benefits using constant flight path angle segments during descent. Thus, the vertical descent profile is clearly defined and, therefore, predictable to both pilots and air traffic control.
US09193441B2

The display device (1) comprises means (3) for correcting an acceleration value used for displaying on a screen (7) a speed trend of the airplane, making it possible to zero a speed trend symbol (11) when the Mach number of the airplane does not vary.
US09193440B2

A variable camber system for an aircraft may include a variable camber trim unit (VCTU) positioned between an inboard device and an outboard device. The inboard device and the outboard device may be mounted to at least one of a leading edge and a trailing edge of a wing. The VCTU may include a speed sum gearbox having an inboard shaft coupled to the inboard device and an outboard shaft coupled to the outboard device. The VCTU may additionally include a VCTU electric motor engaged to the speed sum gearbox. The VCTU electric motor may be selectively operable in conjunction with the speed sum gearbox to rotate the outboard shaft independent of the inboard shaft in a manner causing the outboard device to be actuated independent of the inboard device.
US09193436B2

A wing assembly, a wing applique and an associated method for controlling the flow of air over a wing are provided. A wing assembly may include a wing having leading and trailing edges. The wing assembly also includes a flow control structure, such as an applique, carried by the surface of the wing so as to extend from a first end to a second end. The flow control structure defines an inlet proximate to the first end, an outlet proximate to the second end and the internal passage extending from the inlet to the outlet. The wing assembly may also include a control surface, such as a wedge, positioned downstream of the outlet. The flow control structure is configured to control the flow of air exiting from the outlet in order to correspondingly control attachment of the air with the control surface.
US09193429B1

Systems and methods are for indicating oil level in an outboard motor to an operator. An outboard motor has an internal combustion engine that drains oil to a sump; a sensor that senses oil level in the sump; and an input device and an indicator on the outboard motor. Actuation of the input device causes the sensor to determine the oil level, and then the indicator to indicate to the oil level to the operator.
US09193412B2

A straddle-type vehicle includes a rear arm, a seat, a rear suspension located below the seat, and a first silencer at least partially located below the seat and the rear suspension. The rear arm includes the left arm portion, the right arm portion, and a second cross member. The right arm portion is provided with a through-hole extending therethrough in a vehicle width direction and located between the top edge and the bottom edge of the right arm portion. The second cross member includes a coupling portion to which a bottom end portion of the rear suspension is coupled. As seen in a vehicle side view, at least a portion of the coupling portion overlaps the through-hole.
US09193407B2

An example can include a frame of a vehicle. An example can include at least two wheels coupled to the frame, wherein at least one of the wheels is configured to pivot around a steering axis. An example can include a cornering force sensor to measure a cornering force of the frame with respect to the surface and produce a cornering force signal. An example can include a thrust generation controller to receive the cornering force signal and to produce a desired downforce signal. An example can include and a thrust generator to receive the desired downforce signal and to pump air through at least one of the at least two wheels to produce lateral force on the wheel in association with the desired downforce signal.
US09193405B2

The present disclosure relates to a reinforcing structure for reinforcing a side wall structure for a motor vehicle in the region of a door cutout, wherein the reinforcing structure is designed ring-shaped in order to surround a door cutout of a side wall structure. It is provided that the reinforcing structure is produced material-uniformly. The present disclosure furthermore relates to a semi-finished product for producing such a reinforcing structure and to a method for producing the reinforcing structure. The present disclosure also relates to a side wall structure and to a side wall for a motor vehicle.
US09193398B2

A method of reducing aerodynamic drag on a moving blunt-edged body, the method comprising actively generating a flow of air at a blunt edge of a body and using the generated flow of air to control an external flow of air moving relative to an edge of a moving blunt-body.
US09193388B2

A suspension device has longitudinal force compliance steer properties to steer a rear wheel to toe-in or toe-out according to increase in longitudinal force applied to wheel treads of a rear wheel. The suspension device includes: a hub bearing housing; suspension links having both edges pivotally attached to a vehicle body and a hub bearing respectively, to support the hub bearing housing; a suspension spring generating reaction force corresponding to relative displacement amount in the longitudinal direction of the hub bearing housing as to the vehicle body; a damper generating damping force corresponding to relative speed in the longitudinal direction of the hub bearing housing as to the vehicle body; and a toe change generating unit generating toe change in a direction where toe change due to longitudinal force compliance properties is temporarily cancelled out or suppressed at an early stage of turning of the vehicle.
US09193386B2

When an ignition is turned off, an absolute steering angle detection value immediately before the ignition is turned off is stored as an absolute steering angle stored value in a memory and a CAN relative steering angle immediately before the ignition is turned off is stored as a relative steering angle stored value in the memory. When the ignition is turned on, a value obtained by correcting the absolute steering angle stored value with an angle value and the CAN relative steering angle) by which steering is performed during a period from the time when the ignition is turned off until the time when the ignition is turned on is set as an initial value of the absolute steering angle. A provisional absolute steering angle calculated value is calculated based on the relative steering angle, using the initial value of the absolute steering angle as a reference.
US09193385B2

The invention relates to a steering device for mutually steering a first vehicle unit and a second vehicle unit of an articulated vehicle, which vehicle includes a substantially vertical link shaft about which the vehicle units are pivotable, first and second steering elements arranged to mutually turn the vehicle units, wherein the steering device includes a housing configuration arranged to form a supply space between the vehicle units. The invention also relates to an articulated vehicle with a steering device.
US09193384B1

A steering apparatus includes: an output shaft that outputs a steering force to wheels of a vehicle; a steering arm which turns about the output shaft, and to which two tie rods, to which the wheels are respectively connected, are attached; a stopper which is provided in a vicinity of the output shaft, and restricts an angle of the turning of the steering arm; a worm wheel that is fixed to the output shaft; a worm that is driven by a motor, and meshes with the worm wheel; a bearing that rotatably support the worm; a housing that holds the bearing; and a worm damper that is provided at an axial inner side or an axial outer side of the bearing in an axial direction of the worm, and is elastically deformable so as to move the worm in the axial direction, as defined herein.
US09193379B2

An apparatus for stabilizing a steering feel in a motor-driven power steering (MDPS) includes: an input unit configured to receive a column torque of a steering wheel; a calculation unit configured to convert the column torque signal inputted from the input unit into a target signal for generating a compensation signal of the steering wheel; and a compensation unit configured to calculate an assist torque for compensating for a main assist torque based on the target signal from the calculation unit.
US09193378B2

Disclosed is an electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle. The electric power steering apparatus for a vehicle has a structure in which a motor shaft, an input shaft, a pinion shaft, and the like are coaxially disposed to improve a structure of a conventional art in which an electric motor is essentially exposed, so as to prevent interference with other structures, thereby forming a layout of the steering apparatus to be compact.
US09193376B2

A fixing device for an adjustable steering column for a motor vehicle includes a first cam carrier having one or more cams fixedly attached thereto, and at least one further cam carrier having one or more cams fixedly attached thereto. The cam carriers are arranged such as to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotational axis. Upon rotation of the cam carriers relative to each other about the rotational axis, the cam or cams of the first cam carrier interact with the cam or cams of the further cam carrier such as to slide exclusively along each other. The fixing device includes at least one energy-consuming damping device which damps the rotation of the cam carrier in at least one direction of rotation about the rotational axis.
US09193375B2

The improved steering apparatus is an invention that increases vehicular operational safety by providing means for a vehicle operator to control various vehicle functions and accessories while keeping both hands on the steering apparatus. The apparatus also automatically provides for the display of a variety of driver relevant information including automatic live video (160) feed of blind spots, rear vehicle cabin area, and road sign information (320), by displaying the information on the steering apparatus mounted video screen. The apparatus includes a built-in speaker (170) and is controlled by either voice commands or by a touching of the touch activatable video display screen (160).
US09193370B2

A brake system for a stroller including at least first and second rear legs, each fitted with a wheel, is disclosed. The brake system includes a first and a second blocking element, slidably mounted respectively on the first and the second legs, between a blocking position and a disengaged position. An operating element, moveable from a high to a low position is employed for displacing the first blocking element from its disengaged position to its blocking position, and conversely, moveable from its low position to its high position for displacing the first blocking element from its blocking position to its disengaged position. A rotating shaft and movement transmission organs cause the second blocking element to move to its blocking position when the first blocking element does the same, and also cause the second blocking element to move to its disengaged position when the first blocking element does the same.
US09193368B2

This application discloses folding, compact support structure assemblies for supporting an article or receptacle including a simplified latch and a support assembly case that move together in tandem as an integrated unit in order to effect release of the support structure assemblies from their operative position, facilitating movement of the entire support assembly and shaft to a compact position inside the profile of the supporting article. The support structure shafts may attach skis, sleds, or wheels. A plurality of equipment engaging removable uprights stow horizontally in slots along the inside walls and a service shelf also conveniently stows flat along the underside or top of the article.
US09193358B2

A system for informing a function of a vehicle includes a plurality of electronic control units (ECUs) to control a corresponding function. A telematics multimedia system center (TMS) terminal receives signal values and state changed values input/output to/from the ECUs and transmits the received signal values and state changed values to outside. A function informing controller controls the TMS terminal and output function informing. A TMS center receives various signal values and state change values through the TMS terminal. A vehicle customer relation management (VCRM) platform provides information about a usage frequency of the corresponding function based on the signal values and the state changed values received. A usage analysis controller controls the VCRM platform and the TMS center so as to transmit the information provided from the VCRM platform to the function informing controller.
US09193356B2

A lane monitoring method for a vehicle includes: detecting a lane of the vehicle with the aid of a camera of the vehicle; recording driving status measuring signals of the vehicle; evaluating the driving status of the vehicle according to at least one lane departure criterion; upon meeting the lane departure criterion, checking whether decision criteria for detecting an intentional trajectory shortening maneuver have been met; and generating a lane departure warning signal as a function of the evaluation according to the lane departure criterion, the output of the lane departure warning signal being suppressed if an intentional trajectory shortening maneuver is detected.
US09193333B2

A method of user-selecting a custom wiping rate using a windshield wiper control system is provided. The method includes activating a wiper motor connected to a windshield wiper by moving control stalk to a first switching position providing the windshield wiper with a first wiping rate. The control stalk is moved repeatedly to a second switching position, wherein successive movements of the control stalk to the second switching position define one or more tap intervals. The one or more tap intervals are determined using an analyzing and control system. Speed of the wiper motor is changed to set a second wiping rate different from the first wiping rate using the analyzing and control system based on the one or more tap intervals.
US09193315B2

In a method for operating a device in a vehicle, an operating step is selected and a function associated with the operating step is performed. The operation of selecting the operating step automatically activates a voice controller for input following the operating step. An apparatus for operating a device in a vehicle has a display apparatus for displaying operating steps, a first operating unit for haptic input for selecting an operating step, a voice control unit for voice input for selecting an operating step, and a control unit which is coupled to the display apparatus, the first operating unit and the voice control unit and can be used to generate control signals for performing a function associated with a selected operating step. The control unit is designed in such a manner that the operation of selecting an operating step automatically activates the voice control unit for input following the operating step.
US09193308B2

An in-vehicle camera is provided which has a case and a lens, and which is attached in a vehicle interior so that the lens is exposed at a top face of the case and the top face is opposed to a windshield. The top face has an angular shape bent at a ridge line passing through the top face. The lens is positioned in the vicinity of the ridge line.
US09193303B2

A driver assistance system for a vehicle includes an imaging device disposed at least partially within an exterior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle. With the exterior rearview mirror assembly attached at a side of the vehicle, the imaging device has a field of view forward of the mirror assembly, rearward of the mirror assembly and sideward of the mirror assembly. A control processes image data captured by the imaging device and is operable to determine that the imaging device is misaligned when the imaging device is disposed at least partially within the exterior rearview mirror assembly at the side of the equipped vehicle. The control, responsive to a determination of misalignment of the imaging device, is operable to at least partially compensate for misalignment of the imaging device by at least one of (i) adjusting processing of captured image data and (ii) adjusting the captured image data.
US09193293B2

A dunnage bag hanger apparatus includes a dunnage bag hanger and a handle mounted applicator block operative to support and affix the dunnage bag hanger. The dunnage bag hanger is fabricated from three distinct and separate parts: a generally planar support substrate and two release papers covering adhesive patches or regions on the support substrate. The support substrate in one embodiment is a sheet that is further divided into two contact members separated by a resilient coupler. Each contact member preferably has a contact body, a hanging loop distal to the resilient coupler, and an adhesive coating. The two adhesive couplings are preferably on opposite sides of the support substrate sheet.
US09193287B2

A lumbar support system for a seat backrest having a fixed frame includes a lumbar support coupled to the fixed frame that is movable from a first position to a second position and a motor for moving the lumbar support. A threaded member is operatively associated with the motor such that the motor rotates the threaded member about an axis. A traveling member is operatively associated with the threaded member such that rotation of the threaded member translates the traveling member along the threaded member. The system further includes a flexible cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the traveling member for movement therewith and the second end is coupled to the fixed frame such that translation of the traveling member in response to rotation of the threaded member moves the lumbar support element from the first position to the second position.
US09193283B2

An actuator for a vehicle seat has a housing, a motor with a motor shaft which has at least a first direction of rotation, a gear mechanism which is connected at the output end to the motor by the motor shaft, an actuator output drive which is connected at the output end to the gear mechanism, and a control unit. The actuator output drive has an output element which can be moved in the direction of an end position from a starting position by rotation of the motor shaft in the first direction of rotation. The direction of rotation of the motor shaft can be reversed from the first direction of rotation to an opposite second direction of rotation by the control unit, with the result that the output element can be moved in the direction of the starting position from the end position.
US09193282B2

The present invention relates to a vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest, wherein the seat part and the backrest can be adjusted relative to one another by an adjustment mechanism, wherein a base plate which holds the adjustment mechanism is provided, wherein the base plate has at least two passage openings through which the base plate is connected to the seat part by fasteners, wherein one of the passage openings is in the form of an elongate hole.
US09193280B2

An adjustable support system for a seat having a fixed frame includes a support movable from a first position to a second position relative to the frame. An actuator is coupled to only the support and is configured to move the support between the first and second positions. A member is operatively associated with and movable by the actuator. A flexible cable has a first end coupled to the member for travel along the length of the member and a second end coupled to the fixed frame such that movement of the member by the actuator causes the flexible cable to move the support between the first position and the second position.
US09193278B2

A vehicle includes a motor generator and an engine generating driving power for running, and an ECU for controlling the motor generator and the engine. If user request power and a vehicle speed are substantially constant when inertial running control is selected by a user, the ECU causes driving power variation operation to be performed on the motor generator and the engine in which the motor generator and the engine are switched between a low output state and a high output state. The vehicle runs with inertial force of the vehicle in the low output state. As a result, energy efficiency during vehicle running can be improved.
US09193276B2

A power storage device including: a secondary battery; an acquisition unit that acquires charging period information for charging the secondary battery; and a charge control unit that calculates a charging power on the basis of the charging period information and controls charging power used for charging the secondary battery so that of the charging power is equal to the calculated charging power.
US09193272B2

In a jump-starting method between an electric vehicle providing a jump-start and an electric vehicle receiving a jump-start, the electrical systems of the two electric vehicles are temporarily interconnected electrically during the time of the jump-starting.
US09193265B2

An operator control element system for a vehicle has an operator control element. The operator control element has a plurality of operator control areas and a region which faces an operator and a region which is located in a vehicle trim panel. The operator control element is distinguished in that it is mounted such that it can pivot about a rotation axis.
US09193261B2

A system for enabling securing devices configured to hold fuels, such as gas cylinders, to frames is provided. The system includes an isolator fastened to the device configured to hold fuel and a strap that is attached to the frame. The isolator includes barriers on either side that prevent longitudinal slipping of the strap and ridges disposed between the barriers, which create cushioning between the strap and the device configured to hold fuel.
US09193260B2

A closure device, such as a fuel cap, for controlling evaporative emissions from a fuel tank. In one aspect, the invention comprises: a housing defining an internal chamber containing a hydrocarbon adsorbing media; a fuel vapor diffuser extending from a floor of the internal chamber and into the internal chamber, the fuel vapor diffuser comprising: (1) an inlet passageway extending from a fuel vapor inlet port to a plenum in a top portion of the fuel vapor diffuser; and (2) a downcomer passageway extending from the plenum to at least one aperture located at a bottom portion of the fuel vapor diffuser, the at least one aperture forming a passageway between the downcomer passageway and the internal chamber; and at least one outlet passageway extending from the internal chamber to an atmospheric air outlet port.
US09193250B2

Disclosed herein is an engine mounting structure for reducing vibration. In particular, an engine having a mass is mounted to a damper pulley or a drive plate thereof to form an outer balancer. A roll mount is positioned on a virtual yaw axis after the virtual yaw axis is set in the engine, and an engine mount is mounted to one end of a virtual torque roll axis after the virtual torque roll axis is set in the engine. Furthermore, a transmission mount is mounted to the other end of the virtual torque roll axis. Therefore, the mounts are mounted to the engine to reduce vibration at the time of idle vibration, thereby making it possible to improve NHV performance of a vehicle and increase salability and driving convenience of a driver.
US09193248B2

In an aspect, a sunroof assembly is provided for a vehicle, and comprises a sunroof panel, a final gear and a drive arm. The sunroof panel has a longitudinal axis and which is mounted to the vehicle for longitudinal movement between an open position and a closed position. The final gear is mounted to a stationary member of the vehicle, and is pivotable about a pivot axis between a first position and a second position. The drive arm is pivotable with the final gear about the pivot axis and which has a drive end that is laterally movable relative to the sunroof panel but that is operatively connected to the sunroof panel to drive the sunroof panel longitudinally between the open and closed positions during pivoting movement of the final gear between the first and second positions.
US09193247B2

A door assembly for an automotive vehicle that reduces or eliminates thoracic or rib deflection in a side impact event is disclosed. The door assembly of the disclosed invention includes an inner door structure, an interior trim panel attached to the door structure and a shut face. The inner surface of the shut face includes a collapsible surface having a plurality of alternating raised areas and recessed areas formed thereon. The raised areas and recessed areas extend between one side of the door assembly and the other side of the door assembly. The shut face may be composed of beads, a foamed polymer or a solid polymer. In addition, the engineered surface may also be formed on the inner side of the face of one of the pillars. This configuration may be used in conjunction with a door shut face having an engineered surface or may be used independently.
US09193246B2

A universal kit attaching a universal lid thereof to a rooftop structure includes a plurality of mounts and a pair of hinge arms attached to the interior side of the universal lid, and a pair of braces for pivotally attaching distal ends of the hinge arms to the rooftop structure. Each brace has a face for pivotally engaging the mounting hole of one of the hinge arms. The kit includes a plurality of operator brackets, each operator bracket having a respective plurality of fastener holes placed to match particular mounts in the interior side of the universal lid. At least some of the mounts correspond to more than one operator bracket. In a method for attaching a universal lid, the braces are used as templates for forming holes in a rooftop structure. Upon closing the attached lid, the braces are positioned between the roof structure and the universal lid.
US09193245B2

A vehicular air conditioning control device that detects an outside air temperature, and calculates the time for the evaporator blower to continue to blow after the engine has been shut off, in an air conditioning system where the compressor is powered by the engine. After a given elapsed time, the control device restarts the blower fan, issues an engine startup request, and initiates refrigerant circulation by the compressor.
US09193238B2

A striker compresses a bumper of a jounce bumper assembly. The striker includes a contact surface configured to face the bumper of the jounce bumper assembly. The striker also includes at least one ridge extending from the contact surface. The at least one ridge is engageable with the bumper for minimizing radial expansion of the bumper at the contact surface as the bumper is compressed.
US09193235B2

This disclosure describes a stable, high-speed utility vehicle. In an implementation, an example utility vehicle provides stable, fast transport over snow and ice. A chassis places the center of gravity of the entire vehicle low for stability during quick turns at high speed. The hull of the vehicle can float over snow or loose debris. The hull includes angular side panels that grip and grab snow when the vehicle tilts substantially to one side. The sides constitute a rail or riding surface for the vehicle to support the vehicle during sideways traverse on a steep slope. Multiple simultaneous steering mechanisms enable the vehicle to turn stably, in a tight radius, even at relatively high speeds. In an implementation, the vehicle features a 200-500 HP engine with speeds of 60 mph to transport work crews to remote utility sites.
US09193228B2

The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for spreading beads in a tire. Particular embodiments of such methods include positioning a tire adjacent an automated material abrading tool, the tire having: a central opening bounded radially by an inner bead diameter; an interior tire cavity extending radially outward from the inner bead diameter; and an interior tire cavity opening extending between opposing an annular beads of the tire, the cavity being positioned between the central cavity and the interior tire cavity. Such methods may also include securing at least a portion of the first bead of the tire and positioning a tire spreader within the central opening of the tire, the tire spreader having a bead engaging portion for engaging a portion of the second bead generally opposite the secured portion of the first bead.
US09193225B2

Systems and methods for indicating conditions for the appropriate inflation and/or deflation of tires are disclosed. Some systems and methods include measuring a variable affecting the internal gas temperature of a tire, calculating by the processor an estimated internal gas temperature of a tire, and determining whether a tire is appropriate to inflate and/or deflate.
US09193220B2

Tire comprising two beads (20), two sidewalls (30) joining in a crown, and at least one carcass reinforcement (60) extending from the beads through the sidewalls to the crown, the carcass reinforcement being anchored in the two beads by a turn-up around an annular reinforcing structure in such a way as to form in each bead an incoming portion (61) and a wrapped-around portion (62), wherein each bead comprises a bead filler (110) and an outer band (120), the latter being placed axially outside of both the carcass reinforcement and the bead filler, wherein the assembly formed by the bead filler (110) and the outer band (120) has a thickness E(r), r being the distance to the radially innermost point (71) of the annular reinforcing structure, the thickness E(r) at different positions being such that, in the range of distances r greater than or equal to 15% and smaller than or equal to 50% of the radial height H of the tire, the variation of the thickness is less than or equal to −0.25 mm/mm over at least 5 mm.
US09193213B2

A dynamic buffer suitable for supplying piles from a cutting station to a continuous stuffing system has two storage levels, upper and lower, each having parking cells arranged in series for receiving, retaining and dispensing the piles. Each cell comprises two consecutive roller-counter-roller pairs, spaced by a distance smaller than a longitudinal extension of the piles, motorized in synchrony, suitable for adheringly gripping and drawing a pile; a sensor designed to detect whether each parking cell is free or occupied by a pile. An electronic managing and command unit receives signals provided by the sensor and pilots the flow of piles in inlet to the storage levels, transfers the piles to successive cells and enables outlet of the piles from the storage level, the electronic unit acting in phase relation with the cutting station and the stuffing system, such that the supply of the piles thereto has a cadence proportional to the operating velocity thereof.
US09193207B2

A recording medium includes a protective layer and a porous ink receiving layer. The protective layer includes a first binder and a first set of polymeric beads. The first set of polymeric beads has an average volume-based particle size equal to or greater than ten microns. The protective layer has a coat weight equal to or less than three grams per square meter. The recording medium also includes a porous ink receiving layer including a first set of pigments and a second binder.
US09193204B2

Heat transfers are provided that have indicia for enhancing the appearance of color dye sublimated fabric material, such as apparel and accessories including sportswear fabrics. The label assembly includes a transfer portion protected by a releasable support portion. The transfer portion includes a multi-layer barrier containing at least two differently formulated barrier layers. The second such barrier layer extends outwardly beyond the perimeter edge of the first barrier layer, which perimeter edge had left a recess gap in the transfer portion, which recess gap is covered by the overhang margin of the second barrier layer.
US09193193B2

The present invention relates to transmission device for plotters characterized in that it comprises at least a freely rotating first wheel (2) arranged between the motor tube (5) and the winder tube (6) of a plotter, such that the rotation of the motor tube (5) is transmitted to said winder tube (6) through said freely rotating first wheel (2). It may also comprise a pair of freely rotating wheels (3) that are constrained to rotate together by contact, arranged between said motor tube (5) and said winder tube (6), one wheel of said pair of wheels (3) being in contact with said motor tube (5) and the other wheel of said pair of wheels (3) being in contact with said winder tube (6). It facilitates the change from direct to inverse transmission without having to use tools, and it achieves a clutch effect as the result of the sliding of the wheels with respect to the tubes.
US09193191B2

A printer includes a housing, a drawer unit, first and second print medium supporting units, a third support, and a printing unit. The drawer unit is placed inside the housing so that it can be drawn out from the housing into open and closed positions. The first print medium supporting unit is fixed to the drawer unit and spaced apart from the second print medium supporting unit. The upper end of the second print medium supporting unit is fixed to the drawer unit and its lower end rotates with respect thereto. The third support is disposed in the housing and supports the lower end of the second print medium supporting unit when the drawer unit is in a closed position. The printing unit can print on a print medium pulled out from the rolled print medium which is rotatably supported by at least the first print medium supporting unit.
US09193187B2

A media processing device moves a first printhead in a direction away from a first platen and sets the gap therebetween to a wide second gap until the magnetic ink character printing area of the recording medium passes the reading position. When this printing area on the recording medium passes the reading position A, the first printhead moves in the direction approaching the first platen, and the gap therebetween is reset to a first gap that is narrower than the second gap. Because the gap is wide during the magnetic ink character reading operation, the leading end of the recording medium when conveyed to a position passed the first printhead will not catch on the second printhead, and conveying the recording medium at a constant speed will not be impeded. The magnetic ink characters can therefore be accurately read.
US09193178B2

A recording method includes a first drying step of evaporating 50 to 85 wt % of ink adhering on a recording medium, the ink being ejected from a recording head onto a surface of the recording medium back side of which is supported on a medium-supporting unit which faces the recording head, and a second drying step of drying the recording medium, which has been subjected to the first drying step, at the downstream side of the medium-supporting unit in a feeding direction of the recording medium.
US09193174B2

A method, device, and computer program product for analyzing multiple keystrokes in an electronic stenographic recording machine having keys forming stenographic keystrokes when actuated includes sensing a depressed state of at least first and second keys and recording first and second depression times, sensing released states of the first and second keys and recording first and second release times, determining an elapsed depression-release time for each of the first and second stenographic keys, determining a percentage of chronological overlap of each of the elapsed depression-release times, and separating the first and second key depressions into separate stenographic keystrokes when the percentage of chronological overlap indicates a lack of correlation between the first and second key depressions.
US09193173B1

An apparatus and method for preventing the illegitimate exit of a printed document by applying a security material. The apparatus includes an exit registration unit, a security printer unit, an exit management server unit, and an illegitimate exit detection unit. The exit registration unit generates information about the printed document of an electronic document, and sends the information to register the information about the printed document. The security printer unit prints the content and security identifier of the electronic document, and generates a secure printed document by applying a security material. The exit management server unit records and determines whether the secure printed document has been exited. The illegitimate exit detection unit detects the security material of the secure printed document, generates an exit warning, analyzes the security identifier, and determines whether the secure printed document is to be exited.
US09193172B2

According to one embodiment, a printer includes a printing portion to perform printing using a thermal head, a first detecting portion to detect a first temperature that is a head temperature of the thermal head, a second detecting portion to detect a second temperature that is an ambient temperature of the thermal head, and a controller which reads, from a memory portion to store control conditions of the thermal head, each of which is determined for each of the head temperatures under the one ambient temperature, the control condition corresponding to an effective head temperature based on the first temperature and the second temperature, and controls the thermal head in accordance with the relevant read control condition.
US09193155B2

An image forming apparatus that forms an image where occurrence of concentration unevenness caused by occurrence of mechanical crosstalk is suppressed are provided. According to the present invention, the distance from the boundary position of the inkjet head corresponding to the concentration boundary between the first concentration region and the second concentration region to the second concentration region end of the inkjet head is less than the reciprocal of the spatial frequency of the concentration unevenness. Accordingly, the length of the part in the first direction where the inkjet head forms the second concentration region is less than one period of the concentration unevenness. Even if crosstalk due to vibrations of the part where the inkjet head forms the first concentration region occurs, the visibility of the concentration unevenness occurring in the second concentration region can be reduced.
US09193153B2

A method for producing a decorated profile body comprises the following steps. In a first step, a profile body substrate is provided. In a second step, a decoration background is applied to the profile body substrate. In a third step, by means of a digital printing process, a decoration finish is applied to the profile body substrate which decoration finish covers the decoration background of the profile body substrate at least in some sections. The decoration finish is applied to the profile body substrate after the applied decoration background, wherein the decoration background and the decoration finish together form a decoration of the profile body substrate. This creates a decorated profile body in which the decoration background has a color composition which is a substantially expanded color space compared to the decoration finish. The decoration finish is printed using a digital printing process having a comparatively limited color space applied according to the CMYK principle. The color composition of the decoration background is selected in such a way that essentially no metamerism effect occurs between the decoration of the decorated profile body and an adjacent reference decoration of a furniture panel, the reference decoration being substantially identical thereto.
US09193149B2

There is described a transfer member or blanket for use in aqueous ink jet printer. The transfer member includes a surface layer that includes an elastomeric matrix having copper particles and carbon nanotubes dispersed therein. The weight percent of the copper particles in the surface layer is from about 1 weight percent to about 30 percent. The weight percent of the carbon nanotubes is from about 1 weight percent to about 10 weight percent.
US09193148B2

A printing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of post-processing apparatuses that perform post-processing on a printed sheet, at least one inspection apparatus connected between the plurality of post-processing apparatuses that inspects the printed sheet, and a control apparatus that performs control for receiving a job and executing processing according to the job; the printing system sets an inspection item to be inspected by the inspection apparatus based on configuration information indicating an anteroposterior relationship between the inspection apparatus and the post-processing apparatuses in the job relative to a flow of the printed sheet, and based on the post-processing apparatuses to be used in the job. The inspection apparatus performs the inspection in accordance with the set inspection item.
US09193142B1

The disclosed systems and methods provide an ink-based digital printing system for printing high quality images on a wide latitude of image receiving media. The disclosed systems and methods employ a UV curable base (transfix) layer deposited on an intermediate image transfer member that is then at least partially cured prior to an aqueous ink being deposited on the base layer to form a digital image thereon. Once the images are formed on the base layer, a drying device is optionally used to reduce a water content of the aqueous ink images on the base layer prior to transfer of the images to an image receiving media substrate. At transfer, the images and at least a portion of the base layer are transferred to the image receiving media substrate, the images being sandwiched between the portion of the base layer and the image receiving media substrate.
US09193134B2

The present invention relates to an automotive clad sheet product comprising a core layer and at least one clad layer wherein the core comprises an alloy of the following composition in weight %: Mg 0.45-0.8, Si 0.45-0.7, Cu 0.05-0.25, Mn 0.05-0.2, Fe up to 0.35, other elements (or impurities) <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, balance aluminum; and the at least one clad layer comprises an alloy of the following composition in weight %: Mg 0.3-0.7, Si 0.3-0.7, Mn up to 0.15, Fe up to 0.35, other elements (impurities) <0.05 each and <0.15 in total, balance aluminum. The clad automotive sheet product provides excellent hemmability which does not substantially change over time and yet also provides a good age-hardening response after bake hardening.
US09193127B2

Disclosed is a single facer for producing a plurality of types of single-faced corrugated paperboard sheets having different flute configurations. The single facer of the present invention comprises: a plurality of corrugating roll pairs; a plurality of cartridges each pivotally supporting a pair of corrugating rolls arranged in an up-down direction in a respective one of the corrugating roll pairs, each of the cartridges being selectively serving as an operational cartridge supporting one of the corrugating roll pairs located in an operational position, and a rest cartridge supporting one of the corrugating roll pairs located in a rest position; and a single facer body having a frame structure internally formed with a transfer space for the cartridges, wherein the operational cartridge is disposed above the rest cartridge in such a manner that the operational cartridge is supported from therebelow by the rest cartridge.
US09193124B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire, in which the uniformity of a tire can be improved. The method of manufacturing a pneumatic tire of the present invention is a method in which a green tire is deformed by a building drum in a tire building process. The building drum used for this process is expandable and contractable in the tire radial directions. In the method, a non-adhesive sheet is disposed on the innermost surface of the green tire. The non-adhesive sheet has a coefficient of friction of 0 to 0.2 on the building drum. Then, the green tire is built in a state where the non-adhesive sheet is attached thereto.
US09193121B2

A mould for vulcanizing a blank tire has an overall shape that is annular about an axis of revolution and includes a configuration for channelling a heat-transfer liquid in a substantially circular path about the axis. The channelling configuration includes an annular wall around the axis, separating at least two chambers in which the heat-transfer liquid circulates. Furthermore, a downstream end (respectively an upstream end) of one of the chambers has substantially the same angular position with respect to the substantially circular path as the downstream (respectively upstream) end of the other of the chambers. The mould is additionally configured for circulating the liquid in opposite directions in the two chambers.
US09193120B2

A device comprises at least one optics member (O) comprising at least one transparent portion (t) and at least one blocking portion (b). The at least one transparent portion (t) is made of one or more materials substantially transparent for light of at least a specific spectral range, referred to as transparent materials, and the at least one blocking portion (b) is made of one or more materials substantially non-transparent for light of the specific spectral range, referred to as non-transparent materials. The transparent portion (t) comprises at least one passive optical component (L). The at least one passive optical component (L) comprises a transparent element (6) having two opposing approximately flat surfaces substantially perpendicular to a vertical direction in a distance approximately equal to a thickness of the at least one blocking portion (b) measured along the vertical direction, and, attached to the transparent element (6), at least one optical structure (5).
US09193116B2

[Problem] To propose a hybrid lens unit comprising a hybrid lens and a guide component which can be manufactured with a low cost and a method thereof.[Means for Solving the Problems] A method of manufacturing a hybrid lens unit includes the following steps of; (a) preparing a guide component having a through hole, and a plane parallel glass plate formed of optical glass; (b) fixing the plane parallel glass plate to at least one of surface of the guide component so that the plane parallel glass plate is accommodated in the guide component; and then (c) forming a resin lens on at least one of surfaces of the plane parallel glass plate by applying and curing energy-curable resin.
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