US09378193B2
A web management device is capable of displaying a web page containing an object in a display area of an input device having the display area and detecting physical contact with the display area. The device includes a generating means for generating the web page with an embedded detectable range for acquiring a position of physical contact with the object displayed in the display area, an acquiring means for acquiring a position of physical contact made within the detectable range of the web page generated and displayed in the display area as a selected position of the object corresponding to the range and acquiring position information indicating the selected position, a storing means for storing the acquired position information, and an adjusting means for compiling the stored position information and adjusting a display target in the display area based on the compiled position information.
US09378183B2
An abnormality monitoring process milt (2) divides sensor data collected from a monitoring-target apparatus (8) into sensor data for each of a plurality of condition modes based on a condition-mode transition point detected by a condition-mode transition point detecting process unit (21), and sorts the divided sensor data into a plurality of groups. Next, for each condition mode and each group, each piece of sensor data is compared with past statistic data, thereby detecting an abnormality. A causal diagnosis process unit (3) diagnoses an abnormality cause using link models before and after an abnormality is detected built based on a correlation coefficient between two pieces of sensor data in each group.
US09378182B2
A processor executes a vector move instruction to move data elements from a second vector register to a first vector register under the control of a first mask register and a second mask register. A register file within the processor includes the first vector register, the second vector register, the first mask register and the second mask register. In response to the vector move instruction, execution circuitry in the processor is to replace a given number of target data elements in the first vector register with the given number of source data elements in the second vector register. Each source data element corresponds to a mask bit in the second mask register having a second bit value, and wherein each target data element corresponds to a mask bit in the first mask register having a first bit value.
US09378181B2
A method and apparatus for providing a scalable computing array are provided herein. The method includes determining a width of a processor based on a software program, and a specified policy. The processor may be configured to comprise a number of lanes based on the width, and a thread of the software program may be executed using the configured processor.
US09378178B1
A method, system and computer program product for improving performance in connection with requesting resources. A request is sent by a browser to a server to retrieve a resource, where the message includes identifiers and tags associated with blocks of data of the resource which are stored in a cache of the client. If the browser receives a response from the server indicating that the resource has not change since last accessed, the browser will determine if one of the tags associated with the data blocks of the resource stored in the cache differs from the associated tags received in the response message. If there is not a match, then the browser has identified the situation where a block of data of the resource has outdated content which can be updated using the content stored in the data block of another resource in the cache with the same identifier.
US09378171B2
A serial data link is to be adapted during initialization of the link. Adaptation of the link is to include receiving a pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) from a remote agent, analyzing the PRBS to identify characteristics of the data link, and generating metric data describing the characteristics.
US09378167B2
A method implemented in a memory device, wherein the memory device comprises a first memory and a second memory, the method comprising receiving a direct memory access (DMA) write request from a first central processing unit (CPU) in a first computing system, wherein the DMA write request is for a plurality of bytes of data, in response to the DMA write request receiving the plurality of bytes of data from a memory in the first computing system without processing by the first CPU, and storing the plurality of bytes of data in the first memory, and upon completion of the storing, sending an interrupt message to a second CPU in a second computing system, wherein the interrupt message is configured to interrupt processing of the second CPU and initiate transfer of the plurality of bytes of data to a memory in the second computing system.
US09378160B1
Systems and methods are described that manage service daemons using a unified small computer system interface (SCSI) target management daemon. SCSI target management daemon SCSI target management daemon manages each service daemon operating in a SCSI target device with consideration and knowledge of each other service daemon. This unified system eliminates potential conflicts during service daemon setup and shutdown as SCSI target management daemon is aware of these potential conflicts.
US09378154B2
A mapping system and method that enables a secure reservation mode for a plurality of logical unit numbers of a storage system, generates a plurality of secret reservation keys, and instructs a distributed client to utilize at least one of the secret reservation keys to register with the storage system and to issue secure persistent reserves to the plurality of logical unit numbers.
US09378150B2
Techniques are disclosed relating to integrated circuits that implement a virtual memory. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes a translation lookaside buffer configured to store non-prefetched translations and a translation table configured to store prefetched translations. In such an embodiment, the translation lookaside buffer and the translation table share table walk circuitry. In some embodiments, the table walk circuitry is configured to store a translation in the translation table in response to a prefetch request and without updating the translation lookaside buffer. In some embodiments, the translation lookaside buffer, the translation table, and table walk circuitry are included within a memory management unit configured to service memory requests received from a plurality of client circuits via a plurality of direct memory access (DMA) channels.
US09378149B1
A method for rebuilding an in-memory data structure. The method includes selecting a table of contents (TOC) entry of a TOC page in persistent storage, where the TOC entry includes an object identifier (ID) of an object, an offset ID, and a birth time. The method further includes determining, based on the object ID, that the in-memory data structure includes object metadata for the object including a mod time and an object map pointer to an object map tree. The method further includes that the birth time in the TOC entry is greater than the mod time, updating a stored physical address in the object map tree based on the offset ID to a physical address derived from the TOC entry; and updating the mod time stored in the object metadata to the birth time.
US09378148B2
A method for determining an inclusion policy includes determining a ratio of a capacity of a large cache to a capacity of a core cache in a cache subsystem of a processor and selecting an inclusive policy as the inclusion policy for the cache subsystem in response to the cache ratio exceeding an inclusion threshold. The method may further include selecting a non-inclusive policy in response to the cache ratio not exceeding the inclusion threshold and, responsive to a cache transaction resulting in a cache miss, performing an inclusion operation that invokes the inclusion policy.
US09378147B2
An apparatus includes a semiconductor fuse array, disposed on a die, into which is programmed configuration data. The semiconductor fuse array has a first plurality of semiconductor fuses and a second plurality of semiconductor fuses. The first plurality of semiconductor fuses is configured to store the configuration data in an encoded and compressed format. The second plurality of semiconductor fuses is configured to store first fuse correction data that indicates locations and values corresponding to a first one or more fuses within the first plurality of fuses whose states are to be changed from that which was previously stored.
US09378125B2
Disclosed herein are a semiconductor chip for adaptively processing a plurality of commands to request memory access, and a method of controlling memory. The semiconductor chip includes a storage unit ad a control unit. The storage unit stores a memory access request to be currently processed and a plurality of memory access requests received before the memory access request to be currently processed in received order. The control unit processes the memory access request to be currently processed and the plurality of memory access requests received before the memory access request to be currently processed, which have been stored in the storage unit, in received order, except that memory access requests attempting to access the same bank and the same row are successively processed.
US09378123B2
In a method for generating test transactions across computing systems, a first test function of a first program on a first computing system of a plurality of computing systems receives a plurality of instructions, wherein a first instruction of the plurality of instructions is to invoke a first transaction between a second function of the first program and a second program on a second computing system of the plurality of computing systems. The first test function of the first program causes the transaction between the second function of the first program on the first computing system and the second program on the second computing system. The first test function of the first program sends the plurality of instructions to a second test function on a third computing system of the plurality of computing systems, based on a second instruction of the plurality of instructions.
US09378116B2
In response to identification of an error in operation of a system, a debugging module determines where to set a debug entry point for a program subset debug session. An initial file state is captured for at least one file accessed by the system in response to initiation of a subsequent execution of the system. Prior to detection of execution of the system at the debug entry point, any file inputs and file outputs (I/Os) detected during the subsequent execution of the system are queued. Debug entry point metadata, including the captured initial at least one file state, the queued file I/Os, and an image of all instantiated objects at the debug entry point, is stored in response to detection of execution of the system at the debug entry point.
US09378108B2
A system, method, computer program product, and carrier are described for obtaining data from a first emulator and from a first emulation environment hosting software and signaling a decision whether to transfer any of the data to a second emulator at least partly as a result of the first emulation environment hosting the software.
US09378099B2
Facility for providing backup and restore of all data center components including physical machines, virtual machines, routers, networks, sub-networks, switches, firewall, directory lookup, DNS, DHCP and internet access. Virtual or physical machines are associated to data center components and a software defined network, storage, and compute infrastructure is provided.
US09378095B2
A mobile terminal capable of recovering an application after being rebooted is provided. The mobile terminal comprises a terminal body and a battery. The terminal body comprises a power-supply management module, a power-off monitoring module, a baseband chip module, a memory module and a backup-energy storage module. The backup-energy storage module is configured to power the terminal body when the battery is detached from the terminal body, and the power-off monitoring module is configured to feed back a power-off signal to the baseband chip module when the battery is detached from the terminal body. The baseband chip module is connected to the memory module, and is configured to, after receiving the power-off signal, save a related parameter of an application currently running the volatile memory of the memory module into the non-volatile memory.
US09378091B2
A user device includes a browser module, a DSN interface to a local or external DSN memory and a DS processing module coupled to the DSN interface for storing and retrieving the data object from the DSN memory, wherein the data object is divided into a plurality of data segments and wherein each of the plurality of data segments is stored in the DSN memory as a plurality of encoded data slices that are generated based on an error encoding dispersal function. The browser module is operable to interpret a user input as a request to display a data object, determine the data object is stored in the DSN memory, request the DS processing module to retrieve the data object from the DSN memory and request an application program to open the data object for display.
US09378089B2
A semiconductor storing device and a redundancy method thereof are provided. The semiconductor storing device is for example a NAND flash memory, which includes: a storing array including a storing area and a redundancy storing area with a redundancy element; a page buffer; a row selecting circuit; an ECC circuit; and an I/O buffer. The row selecting circuit transforms defect data included in core data retained by a cache register into redundancy data retained by a redundancy cache register, and provides the transformed data to the ECC circuit, and the data corrected by the ECC circuit as the core data is written to the cache register again. During this period, the row selecting circuit outputs the corrected data retained in the cache register to the I/O buffer.
US09378079B2
Anomalies detection in error signals of a cloud based service is provided. An application such as an analysis application identifies a machine learning algorithm that matches error signals of components of a cloud based service. A periodic pattern from the error signals is removed with the machine learning algorithm to filter the periodic pattern from an error count in the error signals. The error signals are processed with the machine learning algorithm to detect one or more anomalies with the components. The machine learning algorithm is updated while processing new data to detect new patterns.
US09378077B2
Errors induced by noise pulses in digital electronic circuits clocked with a clock signal are detected by providing at least one additional clock signal offset in time with respect to the clock signal by a given interval, and performing for at least one component of the circuit a comparison of correspondence between two versions of one and the same signal. The comparison is clocked by the additional clock signal and the absence of correspondence between the two versions of said signal identifies an error induced in the circuit by a noise pulse.
US09378075B2
A data storage service receives a request to perform an operation in a data storage system that consists of many data storage devices, each device having a corresponding set of devices that may cause interference. The data storage service determines a manner in which to perform the operation while evaluating the current activity state of the devices that may cause interference. The data storage service can perform the operation in the determined manner.
US09378067B1
A distributed storage system that performs automated load balancing is described. In an exemplary embodiment, a storage controller server determines if there is duplicative data in a distributed storage system. In this embodiment, the storage controller server detects a load balancing event in the distributed storage system, where the distributed storage system includes a plurality of virtual nodes distributed across a plurality of physical nodes. In response to detecting the load balancing event, the storage controller server determines that a current virtual node is to move from a source physical node to a destination physical node. In addition, the current virtual node is one of the plurality of virtual nodes and the source and destination physical nodes are in the plurality of physical nodes. The storage controller server further moves the current virtual node from the source physical node to the destination physical node.
US09378046B1
A method for manipulating a hardware device using a layered device driver is discussed. An application may submit an instruction to an application driver component operating in user space. The instruction may be transmitted from the application driver component to an interface driver component operating in kernel space. The instruction may be transmitted again to a physical driver component, which thereafter manipulates a hardware component in accordance with the instruction.
US09378043B1
A virtualization platform for Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is provided. The virtualization platform may include a host processor coupled to an acceleration coprocessor. The acceleration coprocessor may be a reconfigurable integrated circuit to help provide improved flexibility and agility for the NFV. The traffic at the NFV platform may be controlled by a distributed Quality of Service (QoS) manager. The distributed QoS manager may include multiple QoS modules each of which serves to perform priority queuing independently for its associated component or interface. For example, the NFV platform may include a first QoS module for arbitrating among multiple virtual machines, a second QoS module for performing priority queuing for data packets received at an external network port, a third QoS module for arbitrating among memory accesses at a coprocessor external memory interface, fourth QoS module for arbitrating accesses among multiple hardware acceleration slices, etc.
US09378039B2
A device may receive agreement information associated with a customer of a cloud computing service. The agreement information may be based on input associated with the customer. The device may generate replication policy information based on the agreement information. The replication policy information may identify multiple replication sets, each including replication information. The device may identify data, associated with the customer, to be stored or processed by a cloud computing resource associated with the cloud computing service. The device may determine the replication set information, associated with each replication set, based on the replication policy information. The replication set information may identify at least one computing resource to store or process the data. The device may forward the data to the at least one computing resource based on the replication set information.
US09378036B1
Methods and systems for routing frames are provided. A routing module of a network device stores a destination address for a virtual machine with a virtual bridge identifier associated with a virtual bridge. The virtual bridge identifier is associated with a queue pair that is used by the virtual machine to send and receive information using the virtual bridge. The network device also includes a port connected to a link for sending and receiving the information and the virtual bridge is associated with the port. The routing module is used to determine the destination of a frame whether the frame is sent by an external device or the virtual machine.
US09378028B2
An example embodiment of the present invention includes a headset computing device (HSC) having a port for docking. When worn on a user's head, the HSC operates in a “headset” mode and behaves as a hands-free computing device. When docked with a docking station, the HSC operates in a “docked” mode and behaves as a conventional PC using a conventional PC monitor as a display output and keyboard and/or mouse input devices. Operating in the headset mode, the HSC can use automatic speech recognition and head-tracking features to recognize verbal and head-motion commands and presents to the user a specific set of hands-fee applications or application features. When in the docked mode, the headset computing device makes available a different set of applications or application features more suited to keyboard and mouse operation. A common data set stored in the headset memory supports both/all sets of applications.
US09378023B2
Embodiments relate to cross-pipe serialization for a multi-pipeline computer processor. An aspect includes receiving, by a processor, the processor comprising a first pipeline, the first pipeline comprising a serialization pipeline, and a second pipeline, the second pipeline comprising a non-serialization pipeline, a request comprising a first subrequest for the first pipeline and a second subrequest for the second pipeline. Another aspect includes completing the first subrequest by the first pipeline. Another aspect includes, based on completing the first subrequest by the first pipeline, sending cross-pipe unlock signal from the first pipeline to the second pipeline. Yet another aspect includes, based on receiving the cross-pipe unlock signal by the second pipeline, completing the second subrequest by the second pipeline.
US09378019B2
A microprocessor instruction translator translates a conditional load instruction into at least two microinstructions. An out-of-order execution pipeline executes the microinstructions. To execute a first microinstruction, an execution unit receives source operands from the source registers of a register file and responsively generates a first result using the source operands. To execute a second the microinstruction, an execution unit receives a previous value of the destination register and the first result and responsively reads data from a memory location specified by the first result and provides a second result that is the data if a condition is satisfied and that is the previous destination register value if not. The previous value of the destination register comprises a result produced by execution of a microinstruction that is the most recent in-order previous writer of the destination register with respect to the second microinstruction.
US09378017B2
A machine readable storage medium containing program code is described that when processed by a processor causes a method to be performed. The method includes creating a resultant rolled version of an input vector by forming a first intermediate vector, forming a second intermediate vector and forming a resultant rolled version of an input vector. The first intermediate vector is formed by barrel rolling elements of the input vector along a first of two lanes defined by an upper half and a lower half of the input vector. The second intermediate vector is formed by barrel rolling elements of the input vector along a second of the two lanes. The resultant rolled version of the input vector is formed by incorporating upper portions of one of the intermediate vector's upper and lower halves as upper portions of the resultant's upper and lower halves and incorporating lower portions of the other intermediate vector's upper and lower halves as lower portions of the resultant's upper and lower halves.
US09378016B2
A new zSeries floating-point unit has a fused multiply-add dataflow capable of supporting two architectures and fused MULTIPLY and ADD and Multiply and SUBTRACT in both RRF and RXF formats for the fused functions. Both binary and hexadecimal floating-point instructions are supported for a total of 6 formats. The floating-point unit is capable of performing a multiply-add instruction for hexadecimal or binary every cycle with a latency of 5 cycles. This supports two architectures with two internal formats with their own biases. This has eliminated format conversion cycles and has optimized the width of the dataflow. The unit is optimized for both hexadecimal and binary floating-point architecture supporting a multiply-add/subtract per cycle.
US09378007B2
Some embodiments of a method and an apparatus for pre-heated software installation have been presented. In one embodiment, packages of updates to software are downloaded from a remote source to a computing system in a background operation of a computing environment in the computing system. Then installation of the packages of the updates is initiated automatically in the background operation in an isolated manner without committing to the software updates.
US09378003B1
Approaches for generating and operating an electronic system. High-level language (HLL) source code is compiled into equivalent intermediate language program code. The compilation determines a plurality of caches for storing data referenced by the HLL source. Flush instructions are inserted in the intermediate language program. Each flush instruction references one of caches and is inserted in the intermediate language program immediately following an instruction that is last to write to that cache. The intermediate language program is translated into a hardware description that specifies the plurality of caches, circuits for processing data in the caches, and for each of the caches a flush interface that initiates writing data from the cache to a main memory in response to a flush signal. The timing of the respective flush signal is determined based on placement of one of the one or more flush instructions in the intermediate language program.
US09378000B1
A method and apparatus for performing compiler optimizations is described. The method determines one or more impossible values for a variable in a program code based on a plurality of values of the variable. The method propagates the one or more impossible values for the variable throughout the program code. The method identifies a set of unreachable targets in the program code based on the propagated impossible values for the variable. The method removes objects associated with the set of unreachable targets.
US09377995B2
An apparatus for comparing event data sets. A system and computer program for comparing event data sets comprising: calculating one or more derivatives for each event in a first and second set of events; classifying each event by the calculated derivatives; and evaluating a similarity of the first and second sets of events based on the classifications of the respective events.
US09377991B1
A system for managing collections having multiple content types can include a screen data capture module to capture screen data in a window having a window privacy setting presented to a user on a display device, a mixed-media collection (MMC) managing module configured to manage an MMC incorporating the captured screen data, and an MMC storage module configured to store the MMC. The MMC managing module can alter the captured screen data based on the window privacy setting.
US09377988B2
A method, system, and/or computer program product enables the sharing of an overlapping area on a shared projection. A system detects an overlapping area on a shared projection, which presents content from a first projection and a second projection. A computing device identifies any redundant resources, which perform the same function as one another, in the first projection and the second projection. A consolidated resource, which provides the same function as the redundant resources, is defined and/or created, and then displayed in the overlapping area.
US09377987B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for hardware assisted format changes in a display controller. One embodiment of the invention relates to a format change system comprising a register DMA controller and a register update list. The register update list contains at least one instruction. The register DMA controller is adapted to obtain and use at least one instruction to configure at least one display pipeline from a plurality of display pipelines in response to at least one trigger event.
US09377983B2
An information processing apparatus for generating drawing data by using a print job including setting information and printing data. The information processing apparatus includes a conversion unit that converts first setting information into first apparatus setting information in accordance with a form of the first setting information and converts second setting information, converted from the first setting information, into second apparatus setting information in accordance with a form of the second setting information; an information obtaining unit that obtains the second apparatus setting information; and a first comparison result information creating unit that creates apparatus setting information comparison result information by comparing the first apparatus setting information with the second apparatus setting information.
US09377977B2
A feature of the recording device is used to shorten the length of time that a wireless communication link with a recording device is not established for a control device that communicates wirelessly with a recording device when a wireless communication link can be established. A communication control unit 15b of a host computer 10 detects and reports to a recording control unit 15a that printer 11 power was turned off. After receiving this report that the printer 11 power is off from the communication control unit 15b, the recording control unit 15a requests the communication control unit 15b to establish a wireless communication link with the printer 11 and open a virtual COM port during the period until a new wireless communication link with the printer 11 is established.
US09377972B2
A host device includes a communication interface unit to receive status information from an image forming apparatus, an error processing unit to control the communication interface unit to transmit error information including the status information to the management server if it is determined that the image forming apparatus has an error according to the received status information, and a user interface unit to display a video manual if a URL address providing a video manual to solve an error of the image forming apparatus is received from the management server.
US09377967B2
Systems and methods for management of scalable storage architectures are disclosed. The system includes one or more storage backplanes, each storage backplane configured to interface with one or more hard disk drives. The system includes a baseboard management controller, which includes an interface to communicate with one or more of the storage backplanes and programmable logic configured to detect the presence of one or more hard disk drives in an interfaced storage backplane and control one or more status indicators, wherein each status indicator is related to at least one of the hard disk drives in the interfaced storage backplane.
US09377959B2
Implementation manners of the present invention provide a data storage method and apparatus. A fixed-length key and a value thereof are stored into a first data block, where the storing a fixed-length key includes: uniformly storing a common prefix of each fixed-length key, and separately storing a remainder part of each fixed-length key after the common prefix is removed; and a variable-length key and a length thereof are stored into a second data block, where the storing a variable-length key includes: storing a variable-length key of a base-key type in a full storage manner, and performing prefix compression on a variable-length key of a prefix-compressed key type.
US09377956B1
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing rewrite operations on recording bands of a data storage medium. In some embodiments, a storage device may receive a write request to be recorded to a band including a plurality of contiguous data storage areas (e.g. tracks) spanning from a first storage area to a last storage area. The device may determine a target area of the band to which to record the data, and perform a partial rewrite operation on less than all data storage areas of the band when the target area is not within a threshold number of data storage areas from the first storage area. In some embodiments, the rewrite operation may include reading data recorded in a first arrangement from the target band, modifying the data, and recording the modified data to the band in a second arrangement including a physical recording order different than the first arrangement.
US09377953B2
Disclosed are systems, computer-readable mediums, and methods for efficiency sets in a distributed system. A first efficiency set is determined for a first volume of data. Determining the first efficiency set includes selecting block identifiers for data blocks of the first volume, where each block identifier is used to access a particular data block corresponding to the first volume. Determining the first efficiency set further includes applying a mask to the selected block identifiers to mask at least one bit of each selected block identifier. The first efficiency set is compared to a second efficiency set for a second data store, and based on the comparison, an amount of unique data blocks of the first volume is approximated.
US09377944B2
Disclosed is an information processing apparatus that allows the user to operate a plurality of applications simultaneously displayed on touch panels, using a hand that holds the terminal. Information processing apparatus includes touch panels that simultaneously displays a plurality of applications. Touch panel coordinate management section determines whether or not an enabling operation to enable a display control for applications is received. Tilt detection section detects whether or not information processing apparatus is tilted, when the enabling operation is received. Application control section and display control section move application displayed on touch panel positioned higher than touch panel toward application displayed on touch panel positioned lower than touch panel, when information processing apparatus is tilted.
US09377940B2
Displaying a plurality of encoded media items on a device includes: detecting that a first scrolling action has been completed; determining a predicted next encoded media item to be displayed; obtaining the predicted next encoded media item from a first memory; pre-decoding the predicted next encoded media item to generate a pre-decoded media item; storing the pre-decoded media item in a second memory, the second memory having lower latency than the first memory; receiving an indication that a second scrolling action has begun; and in response to the second scrolling action, displaying the pre-decoded media item via a display interface.
US09377939B1
Methods and systems for providing app player management are provided. Information may be stored in memory regarding a folder comprising a set of one or more applications in a priority order. Such a folder may further be associated with a trigger. It may be detected that the trigger associated with the folder has occurred. Based on and following detection that the trigger has occurred, the applications in the folder may be executed in the priority order. As such, the highest priority application may be executed first, and lower priority application(s) may be executed subsequently.
US09377935B2
A system for redesigning a graphical user interface (GUI) including: a computer readable medium (CRM) having instructions; and a screen in communication with the CRM and that displays the GUI. The GUI includes at least one first portion containing first data represented in a first form; and at least one second portion containing second data represented in a second form. The instructions of the CRM direct monitoring interactions between a user and the GUI.
US09377919B1
Disclosed are a driver IC and a display apparatus including the same, which supply a touch auxiliary signal, having the same phase and potential difference as those of a touch signal supplied to a touch electrode which is also used as a common electrode, to a plurality of supply lines disposed in a non-display area during a touch sensing period. The driver IC includes a common voltage supply element, a touch sensing unit, and a common voltage switching unit. The common voltage switching unit connects the common voltage supply element to a plurality of touch electrode lines connected to the plurality of touch electrodes during an image display period, and during a touch sensing period, the common voltage switching unit connects the plurality of touch electrode lines to the touch sensing unit.
US09377906B2
Discussed are a display device with an integrated touch screen and a method of operating the same. The display device according to an embodiment includes a display panel including a plurality of pixel electrodes; a touch screen including m number of electrodes which are formed to overlap with the plurality of pixel electrodes, wherein m is a multiple of n, and n is an integer equal to or greater than two, and wherein the m electrodes are divided into n number of electrode groups; a touch driver configured to generate a touch scan signal and to supply the generated touch scan signal to a display driver; and the display driver configured to apply a common voltage or the touch scan signal to one or more of the m electrodes depending on a driving mode of the display device.
US09377896B2
An optical touch system including a touch surface, a plurality of image sensors, a calculation unit and an identification unit is provided. The touch surface is for interactive operation with an object. Each of the image sensors is configured to capture an image frame looking across the touch surface. The calculation unit is configured to calculate a coordinate of the object and an operating depth of the object corresponding to each of the image sensors according to the image frame. The identification unit is configured to increase a count value when the coordinate is within an operable range of one of the image sensors and the operating depth corresponding to the image sensor exceeds a depth threshold to accordingly perform hovering identification according to the count value.
US09377895B2
The present disclosure relates to a method for divided scanning of a touch panel, in which a touch panel scanning process is divided into a pre-scan process and a main scan process. According to the embodiment of the present invention, a touch panel scan process, which had been performed in existing touch panels, may be divided into a pre-scan process and a main scan process, and the performed in various manners. Thus, while power consumption is reduced, the speed of response to an external touch can be improved.
US09377887B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a flexible display device, comprising: forming a concavo-convex area comprising a first concavo-convex pattern on one surface of a carrier substrate; forming a flexible substrate on the one surface of the carrier substrate; forming a display element configured to display an image on the flexible substrate; and separating the flexible substrate from the carrier substrate.
US09377881B2
A position indicator is provided, which includes a chassis that accommodates a holder therein, wherein the holder in turn accommodates various elements therein. The holder includes a core body engaging portion configured to hold a core body, a component disposing portion in which one or more pressure-sensitive components are disposed in an axial direction so as to receive a pressing pressure applied to the core body, and a printed wiring board mounting portion for being engaged with and mounting a printed wiring board with a longitudinal direction of the printed wiring board as the axial direction. The core body and the one or more pressure-sensitive components are held by the core body engaging portion and the component disposing portion in such a way that their central positions are aligned with each other in a predetermined position.
US09377878B2
A handheld apparatus includes a body including a laser portion having a laser lens, a stylus portion having a conductive tip, and a connection portion coupled to the laser portion and the stylus portion. The connection portion has a charging port. The laser portion and the stylus portion are movable relative to each other between a first position, in which at least one of the laser portion and the stylus portion covers the charging port of the connection portion, and a second position, in which the charging port of the connection portion is exposed. The handheld apparatus also includes a power source positioned within the body and coupled to the charging port, and a laser module positioned within the laser portion. The laser module is operable to output a directed laser through the laser lens.
US09377870B2
Embodiments relate to classifying character information to be input by category and inputting the information classified by category by using the motion information of a motion remote control working as an input unit. Character information input according to embodiments is as follows. At least one of a mode and a key to input information is selected, a category including information to be input is selected, and by moving an in input unit to be corresponded to the information direction in the category activated on a display device on the basis of the selection, character information is input/output on the display device on the basis of the motion direction information.
US09377856B2
An electronic device includes an inertial force sensor, a memory unit, and a control unit connected to the inertial force sensor and the memory unit. The control unit includes a characteristic-waveform processor and an authenticator. The characteristic-waveform processor is operable to generate a characteristic waveform based on output waveforms output from the inertial force sensor in response to operations performed by a first user, and to record the characteristic waveform in the memory unit. The authenticator is operable to generate a reference waveform based on one or more output waveforms output from the inertial force sensor in response to respective ones of one or more operations performed by a second user, and to determine whether or not the first user and the second user are identical to each other by comparing the reference waveform with the characteristic waveform. This electronic device performs accurate authentication with a simple structure.
US09377855B2
A portable terminal device and methods are disclosed A portable terminal comprises: a touch panel that detects a position of a touch, if an operator touches a display unit displaying an image, and outputs the position of the touch; a vibrator; an edge detector that detects an edge in the image; and a controller that determines whether the position of the touch corresponds with a position of the detected edge, causes the vibrator to start vibrating if the position of the touch corresponds with the position of the edge, and inhibits the vibrator from vibrating if the position of the touch does not correspond with the position of the edge.
US09377854B2
Technologies for remotely controlling a separate computing device includes a wearable computing device to receive sensor data from an optical sensor of the wearable computing device. The sensor data comprises data is indicative of a skin surface of a forearm of a user of the wearable computing device. The wearable computing device generates control data based on the received sensor data. The generated control data is transmitted to the separate computing device. In some embodiments, an x-coordinate is generated based on detection of longitudinal movement of the wearable computing device relative to the skin surface of the forearm of the user and a y-coordinate is generated based on detection of rotational movement of the wearable computing device relative to the skin surface of the forearm of the user.
US09377853B2
An information processing apparatus includes: a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to: identify an end position of a last line of a plurality of lines in an object for reading displayed on a display screen, the object being subjected to determination of whether the object has been finished reading by a user based on detecting movement of a gaze position of the user on a display screen, determine a display position at which movement of the gaze position that is greater than or equal to a given distance from the identified end position is detected, and display a display object at the determined display position on the display screen, the display object being destination of the gaze point after the object has been finished reading.
US09377852B1
The present disclosure is directed to a method for managing a user interface. The method may include the step of detecting a gaze of a user within a display. The method also includes the step of correlating the gaze of the user to an item displayed on the display. A further step of the method entails receiving an input from the user related to the item.
US09377844B2
A computer system maintains a threshold value, wherein the threshold value indicates a period of time. The computer system determines that a processor is in any one of a plurality of low power consumption states. Responsive to a determination that the processor is in any one of the plurality of low power consumption states, the computer system increments a counter. The counter indicates the period of time the processor has been in any one of the plurality of low power consumption state. The computing system determines that the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value. Responsive to a determination that the counter value is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the computer system sends a first indication to a memory module indicating to the memory module to reduce the memory module refresh rate.
US09377835B2
Aspects of the disclosure pertain to a system and method for providing dynamic charge current based on maximum expansion card power. Dynamic monitoring of overall power usage by an expansion card is performed. Based on the dynamic monitoring, power consumption of a charging circuit of the card is dynamically adjusted for maintaining the overall power consumption of the expansion card at or below a pre-determined power limit (e.g., at or below an expansion slot power limit). Further, based on the dynamic monitoring, an amount of charging current provided by a current limiting device of the charging circuit to an energy storage device of the charging circuit is dynamically adjusted.
US09377817B2
A display device includes a display panel, a member, a first fixing portion, a second fixing portion, and a roll-up portion. The display device has a function that enables selection between a first state in which an image is displayed with the display panel not folded and a second state in which an image is displayed with the display panel folded. The display panel is fixed to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion. One end of the member is fixed to the first fixing portion. The other end of the member is connected to the roll-up portion. The roll-up portion has a function that enables rolling up of the member from the other end of the member. The display panel is folded by rolling up the member. The display panel is unfolded by pulling out the rolled-up member from the roll-up portion.
US09377814B2
A docking station connects through a docking port and docking cable with an information handling system to support communication between the information handling system and docking station peripherals. On initial interface, one data lane of the docking port establishes a temporary management interface, such as an I2C management bus, to configure the docking station. After configuration, a docking manager, virtual wireless access point and power block cooperate to assign data lanes of the docking port and wireless communication resources to information transfer and power transfer functions based upon processing and communication tasks performed at the information handling system.
US09377812B2
A disclosed portable apparatus includes: a first touch switch that is installed on a first surface of a housing of the portable apparatus; a second touch switch that is installed on a second surface of the housing, which is opposite to the first surface; and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the first surface and the second surface are simultaneously touched, based on outputs of the first touch switch and the second touch switch. The portable apparatus may further include a first controller configured to release a lock function upon determining that the first surface and the second surface are simultaneously touched, and to activate the lock function upon determining that the first surface and the second surface are not simultaneously touched.
US09377799B2
A voltage generating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a voltage regulator determining a pass voltage at a pass node by comparing an output voltage at an output node with a reference voltage, and generating the output voltage by transferring an external power supply voltage to the output node in response to the pass voltage at the pass node, and a voltage stabilizer controlling a first current flowing from the pass node and a second current flowing from the output node in response to the output voltage.
US09377786B2
The present invention provides an odor generator capable of providing a wide range of odors including the odor of a low volatile fragrance ingredient. The odor generator comprises a plurality of electroosmotic flow pumps, each of which typically includes a storage section for storing a liquid containing a volatile fragrance ingredient, and an outlet section having a porous material arranged for discharging the stored liquid through the porous material when a voltage is applied to the porous material and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) or other element for atomizing or vaporizing the liquid discharged from the outlet section.
US09377770B2
In a numerical control system in which a numerical controller and an I/O unit perform serial data communication through a communication line, a counter of the I/O unit starts time measurement with an input signal from an in-machine measurement device as a trigger and stops counting at the start of transmission of DI data. The I/O unit transmits a flag indicative of input of the input signal as a trigger and a value in the stopped counter to the numerical controller. Based on a time value measured by a timer and the counter value, the numerical controller calculates the time of input of the input signal.
US09377768B2
A method for updating a parameter in a device in an HVAC network includes, in one embodiment, sending, by an interface to the device, 1) a parameter value change message, and 2) a new value of an installer parameter. The device determines if the new value is within an allowed range. The parameter is updated with the new value in a memory of the device if the parameter update is within the allowed range. The device sends the parameter to the interface. The parameter is relayed by the interface to an active subnet controller of the HVAC network.
US09377765B2
Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.
US09377764B2
A plug lock device includes a release switch arranged in a vehicle and a lock mechanism switched between a lock state and an unlock state. The lock mechanism restricts removal of a power plug from an inlet of the vehicle when in the lock state and permits removal of the power plug from the inlet when in the unlock state. The lock mechanism is switched from the lock state to the unlock state when the release switch is operated and wireless communication is established between the vehicle and an authentic electronic key. The lock mechanism is switched to the unlock state even though the wireless communication between the vehicle and the electronic key is not established when the release switch is operated as long as an ignition of the vehicle is activated and a particular switch arranged in the vehicle is operated.
US09377763B2
A timepiece with a wireless function comprises a movement that is configured to display time; a conductive case that is configured to hold the movement; a crystal that is disposed on a face side of the case and is configured covers a face side of the movement; an antenna that has a substantially annular, conductive antenna electrode and is disposed between the movement and the crystal as seen in a lateral view; and a ring member that is made of non-conductive material and is configured to cover the antenna.
US09377762B2
Disclosed are techniques for displaying notifications on a watchface. In one or more implementations, a watchface is displayed on a display of a smartwatch. The watchface occupies an entire display area of the display and indicates a current time in a first region of the watchface. In some cases, the watchface uses one or more rotating pointers or rotating dials to indicate the current time. Responsive to receiving a notification, the notification is displayed at a second region of the watchface such that the current time is visible in the first region of the watchface.
US09377758B1
In one embodiment, generating an aberration-compensated image of an object field includes generating a full-field complex hologram of the object field, generating a guide star complex hologram of a guide star selected from the object field, performing mathematical correlation between the guide star complex hologram and the full-field complex hologram, and generating from the correlation an aberration-compensated image of the object field from the correlation.
US09377755B2
A process cartridge for use with a main assembly of an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. The process cartridge includes a casing, a photosensitive drum having an axis L1, and a coupling member having an axis L2. The coupling member is movable between a first position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is coaxial with the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum, and a second position in which the axis L2 of the coupling member is inclined with respect to the axis L1 of the photosensitive drum.
US09377748B2
In a case where a belt unit is not attached to an apparatus body, when an opening and closing member is closed against the apparatus body, a switching member cannot press a switch, and image formation operation is prohibited. In a case where the belt unit is attached to the apparatus body, when the opening and closing member is closed against the apparatus body, the switching member presses the switch, and the prohibition of the image formation is released.
US09377743B2
A power transmitting device having a structure to allow a photoconductor to stably form a visible image on a printing medium. The power transmitting device interconnects a rotator and a drive motor, the drive motor generating drive power to drive the rotator. The power transmitting device includes at least one gear to be rotated upon receiving power from the drive motor, a rotating shaft having one end penetrating the gear and a coupler to interconnect the other end of the rotating shaft and the rotator. An outer diameter of the coupler, an outer diameter of the rotator and an outer diameter of the gear satisfy the following relation: 0.7D1
US09377721B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a transfer belt facing a surface of the image carrier, forming a nip serving as a transfer position with the image carrier, and configured to transfer a toner image formed on the surface of the image carrier to a recording paper sheet with a transfer bias of opposite polarity to the surface of the image carrier; a fixing section configured to heat the sheet having the transferred toner image thereon to fix the toner image; and a static eliminator disposed downstream of the transfer position in a direction of conveyance of the sheet and configured to expose a back surface of the sheet opposite to the surface having the transferred toner image thereon to a DC discharge having the same polarity as the transfer bias and directed toward a position where the sheet separates from the transfer belt.
US09377716B2
A unit for use with an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; a developer accommodating portion; a sheet member, contact to a rotatable member and provided on the frame along a longitudinal direction of the rotatable member; a first end portion seal member for preventing, at a longitudinal end portion, the developer from leaking out from between the frame and the rotatable member; and a second end portion seal member for preventing the developer from leaking out from among the first end portion seal member, the sheet member and the frame. The second end portion seal member is formed by injecting, on the frame, a resin material having an elastic modulus smaller than an elastic modulus of the frame so as to contact with the first end portion seal member and the sheet member.
US09377712B2
A toner storage device includes a toner storage case that stores toner, and a stirring paddle rotatably supported in the toner storage case and includes at least one stirring blade that stirs the toner stored in the toner storage case, and a rotating shaft that rotates the at least one stirring blade, wherein the toner storage case includes a first supporting portion that rotatably supports an end of the rotating shaft of the stirring paddle, a second supporting portion that rotatably supports an other end of the rotating shaft, and a tapered portion that is tapered toward the first supporting portion.
US09377691B2
A coating and developing apparatus forms a coating film including a resist film on a substrate and performs developing on the substrate after exposure and a plurality of unit blocks performing the same processing each includes plural kinds of processing modules. A control unit outputs a control signal to perform preparing individual conveying schedules for the one substrate according to the condition when the one substrate distributed into unit blocks is conveyed in the unit blocks, respectively, obtaining a residence time until the one substrate is conveyed in each unit block and is then conveyed out; and conveying the one substrate in the unit block having the shortest residence time and conveying the substrate based on the individual conveying schedules.
US09377689B2
A silicone structure-bearing polymer comprising recurring units derived from a bis(4-hydroxy-3-allylphenyl) derivative and having a Mw of 3,000-500,000 is provided. A chemically amplified negative resist composition comprising the polymer overcomes the stripping problem that a coating is stripped from metal wirings of Cu or Al, electrodes, and SiN substrates.
US09377675B2
A light source section is provided with a plurality of light sources. A pitch of the light sources in a first direction and a pitch in a second direction are regulated in accordance with a specific cross-sectional shape of a light beam.
US09377674B2
A projector includes a first light source group having a plurality of solid-state light sources, a second light source group having a plurality of solid-state light source, and emitting light having a peak wavelength on a longer wavelength side of that of the first light source group, a first regulation section adapted to cool the first light source group, a second regulation section adapted to cool the second light source group, and a control device adapted to control the first regulation section and the second regulation section, and the first regulation section and the second regulation section are controlled so as to approximate the peak wavelengths of the lights emitted respectively from the first light source group and the second light source group to each other when forming a two-dimensional image, or to make the peak wavelengths get further from each other when forming a three-dimensional image.
US09377673B2
An electronic display device provides closed-loop verification that specific content has been displayed by the display device. When desired digital image content is rendered as an image or video by the electronic display device, a confirmation signal is generated by one or more components of the display device to verify that the image content has been successfully displayed. The confirmation signal may include performance measurements of the one or more components of the display device and/or a signature output that is associated with a signature code embedded in the image content. The signature output uniquely identifies the digital image content.
US09377670B2
A lens module, defined with an X-axis, a Y-axis and a Z-axis perpendicular to each other, includes an image sensor module, an optical lens module and a compensation module. The image sensor module is located on an X-Y plane. The optical lens module, located corresponding to the image sensor module, has an image capturing axis extending along the Z-axis. The compensation module, located between the image sensor module and the optical lens module for compensating a deviation position and a tilt angle of the optical lens module, includes a bulged cambered surface and a concaved cambered surface corresponding to the bulged cambered surface. The bulged cambered surface is synchronously movable with the image capturing axis of the optical lens module and can slide relative to the concaved cambered surface, so as to compensate the tilt between the image capturing axis and the image sensor module.
US09377668B2
A device for non-linear conversion of first infrared signal into a second infrared signal with a wavelength that is less than that of the first infrared signal by means of four-wave mixing, which includes at least one portion of SiGe arranged on at least one first layer of material with a refractive index which is less than that of silicon, a germanium concentration in the portion of SiGe which varies continuously between a first value and a second value which is greater than the first value, in a direction which is approximately perpendicular to a face of the first layer on which the portion of SiGe is arranged, and in which a summital part of the portion of SiGe where the germanium concentration is equal to the second value is in contact with a gas and/or a material with a refractive index which is less than that of the silicon.
US09377664B2
Provided is a photochromic composition which can function as an adhesive layer for bonding optical sheets made from a polycarbonate resin or the like and a laminated article using said composition exhibits excellent tight adhesion, heat resistance and photochromic properties. In particular, provided is a photochromic composition which can prevent an elution of the composition from the optical sheets when embedding and polymerizing in a polymerizable monomer. The photochromic composition comprises a polyurethane resin (A) having an isocyanurate structure and a photochromic compound (B).
US09377645B2
A display device includes: a first insulating substrate; a main pixel which is formed on the first insulating substrate and comprises a plurality of sub-pixels and a single sensing electrode; a second insulating substrate which faces the first insulating substrate; a sensing spacer formed on the second insulating substrate which faces the sensing electrode; and a contact electrode formed on the sensing spacer.
US09377644B2
A TFT 1 is formed on a glass substrate 11, and a flattening resin film 17 covering the TFT 1 is formed. Furthermore, a moisture-proof protective film 18 covering the entire surface of the flattening resin film 17 is formed. For the protective film 18, a SiO2 film, a SiN film, a SiON film, or a stacked film thereof is used. The edge surfaces of the flattening resin film 17 are disposed on the inner side of or under a seal 4, and are formed in a tapered shape. By this, the entry of moisture into the flattening resin film 17 is prevented, preventing display degradation. This effect becomes noticeable in a display device including an oxide semiconductor TFT.
US09377643B2
An electro-optical devices includes: a first substrate; a second substrate having one surface opposite to the first substrate; a support member configured to hold the first and second substrates with the second substrate located outside the first substrate, and to include a frame portion surrounding the first and second substrates; a first conductive film formed on the other surface of the second substrate; and a conductor layer placed between the frame portion and the first and second substrates, and electrically connected to the first conductive film. The first conductive film is held at a constant potential via the conductor layer.
US09377633B2
A resilient hinge device for connecting each of the arms to a front frame of spectacles in an articulated way, includes a tie bar having an axial extremity articulated with the arm and a resilient member including a substantially U-shaped sheet metal body, the resilient member being fitted onto the tie bar in such a way as to remain placed between the front frame and the arm to resiliently stress the arm towards preselected angular positions with respect to the front frame when the arm is rotated, these angular positions including a position in which the arm is open, suitable for wearing of the spectacles, and a closed position of the arm folded back against the front frame, and to return the arm to the open position when rotated beyond that position when opened too far with respect to the frame.
US09377618B2
Provided is an actuator formed in a substrate including a handle layer, an elastic body layer, and an insulating layer, the actuator including a movable portion supported to a support portion by an elastic body, a movable comb electrode formed on the movable portion, a fixed comb electrode supported by the support portion, and electrode wirings connected to the respective comb electrodes in which the elastic body supports the movable portion such that the movable portion is displaceable in a direction perpendicular to the substrate in accordance with voltages applied to the comb electrodes; the comb electrodes are made up of the handle layer, and the elastic body is made up of the elastic body layer; and a handle layer separation groove is provided to electrically separate between the handle layers of the support portions supporting the comb electrodes, and a structure reinforcing portion is formed across the separation groove.
US09377617B2
A plasmonic plate for generating optical vortices, formed by electrically conducting material and defining a plurality of slots that convert a first electromagnetic field having a non-null spin angular momentum into a second electromagnetic field having a non-null orbital angular momentum.
US09377615B2
An illuminating magnifier has an annular housing with an underside, an inner edge defining an opening and an outer edge. A magnifying lens fills the opening, which lens has an optical axis. Light emitting diodes are distributed about the axis at the underside of the housing, each diode, when energized, producing a relatively wide angle conical light beam with a central hot spot cone which can illuminate a viewing field below the lens. Special mounting surfaces at the housing underside aim the diodes in the diode array at selected angles relative to the lens axis so that the conical light beams therefrom overlap and all points in the viewing field are illuminated by the light beam from each diode and a center region of that field around the axis is illuminated by the hot spot cones of all the diodes.
US09377614B2
An active space telescope intended to be mounted on a satellite and comprising at least one mirror, a mechanism for servo-controlling the mirror according to at least three degrees of freedom which comprises actuators and a support fixed to the actuators, an interface for fixing the mirror to the servo-control mechanism. The interface is a suspension system of predetermined stiffness which allows dynamic displacements of the mirror relative to the servo-control mechanism, and the telescope comprises means for limiting these dynamic displacements in the form of elastic abutments and means of cooperation with these elastic abutments.
US09377610B2
A catadioptric objective configured to inspect a specimen is provided. The catadioptric objective includes a Mangin element having one surface at a first axial location and an extension element positioned together with the Mangin element. The extension element provides a second surface at a second axial location. Certain light energy reflected from the specimen passes to the second surface of the extension element, the Mangin element, and through a plurality of lenses. An aspheric surface may be provided, and light energy may be provided to the specimen using diverting elements such as prisms or reflective surfaces.
US09377608B2
An imaging optical unit serves for imaging an object field into an image field. An imaging beam path (AS) between the object field and the image field is subdivided into a plurality of partial imaging beam paths (TAS). The imaging optical unit is embodied such that the partial imaging beam paths (TAS) run between the object field and the image field in a manner completely separated from one another and guided by optical components (M1 to M6) of the imaging optical unit, that is to say that nowhere in the beam path between the object field and the image field do the partial imaging beam paths (TAS) impinge on identical regions of beam-guiding surfaces of the imaging optical unit. This results in an imaging optical unit in which a resolution capability, particularly in the production of micro- or nanostructured semiconductor components, is increased.
US09377604B2
A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having a positive refractive power; a second lens group having a negative refractive power; a third lens group having a positive refractive power; a fourth lens group having a negative refractive power; and a fifth lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein the first to fifth lens groups are sequentially arranged in a direction from an object side, during zooming from a wide-angle position to a telephoto position, the first to fifth lens groups are moved, the third lens group includes a first positive lens, a second negative lens, and a third positive lens, and the second negative lens of the third lens group includes a concave object-side surface. The zoom lens may be part of an electronic apparatus, such as a photographing apparatus.
US09377597B2
An aggregator for interconnecting a hydra with an breakout box, said aggregator comprising: (a) a bottom wall, two sides walls, and at least one faceplate; (b) adapters for multi-conductor connectors arranged in at least one column on said faceplate; and (c) wherein at least two adapters of each column are secure adapters.
US09377590B2
Device for the coaxial connection of fiber-optic cables, comprising a single-piece coupling housing (10) and a single-piece sleeve mount (20), the sleeve mount (20) being designed with at least one latching nose (21) and the coupling housing (10) being designed with at least one latching mount which complements the at least one latching nose (21), wherein the latching mount is designed with at least one latching hook (14) and at least one stop (15).
US09377585B2
A cable assembly can include a single C form-factor pluggable (CFP) connector adhering to a CFP multi-source agreement (MSA), and providing a maximum bandwidth of between 100 and 120 gigabits-per-second (Gbps) over ten-to-twelve lanes. The cable assembly can include, for instance, one, two, or three quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP/QSFP+) connectors adhering to a QSFP/QSFP+ MSA, and each providing a maximum bandwidth of forty Gbps over four lanes. The cable assembly can include one or more cables equal in number to the QSFP/QSFP+ connectors and each connecting the single CFP connector to the one of the QSFP/QSFP+ connectors. The four lanes over which each QSFP/QSFP+ connector provides the maximum bandwidth of forty Gbps corresponds to a different four of the ten-to-twelve lanes over which the single CFP connector provides the maximum bandwidth of between 100 and 120 Gbps.
US09377584B2
A multi-electrode system includes a fiber holder that holds at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrodes arranged to generate a heated field to heat the at least one optical fiber, and a vibration mechanism that causes at least one of the electrodes from the plurality of electrodes to vibrate. The electrodes can be disposed in at least a partial vacuum. The system can be used for processing many types of fibers, such processing including, as examples, stripping, splicing, annealing, tapering, and so on. Corresponding fiber processing methods are also provided.
US09377581B2
The light sensor and waveguide are positioned on a base such that a light signal guided by the waveguide is received at the light sensor. The waveguide includes a taper configured such that a ratio of a width of the waveguide at a first location in the taper:the width of the waveguide at a second location in the taper is greater than 1.2:1 where a length of the taper between the first location and the second location is less than 60 μm.
US09377578B2
Example methods and apparatuses to provide lighting in appliances are disclosed. An example refrigerator includes a compartment disposed within the refrigerator having first and second opposite side walls, a movable component disposed in the compartment, the movable component having a front edge, a light pipe extending along the front edge of the movable component, and a first light source positioned at the first side wall to emit light into a first end of the light pipe.
US09377567B1
A diffraction grating and a method for fabricating the diffraction grating. In one embodiment, a layer of photo-monomer is applied to a substrate and the photomonomer is exposed to a collimated beam of light to form the diffraction grating. The intensity of the collimated beam of light incident on the layer of photo-monomer may have substantially no spatial variation across the first collimated beam of light.
US09377559B2
An acoustic sensing system includes, an optical fiber, a plurality of pairs of reflectors distributed along the optical fiber at specific areas where acoustic energy data is sought, a source of coherent radiation in operable communication with the optical fiber, and a detector in operable communication with the optical fiber configured to detect a different wavelength of coherent radiation reflected from each of the plurality of pairs of reflectors including a portion of the coherent radiation reflected from the reflector nearer the detector after having reflected from the reflector further from the detector that define one of the pairs of reflectors.
US09377558B2
A system comprises a plurality of object detection modules (SC3, SC4). An object detection module detects an object from a radiation in a particular wavelength range. The system is operable to cause an object detection module (SC4) to operate in a probing master mode (PMM). In this mode, the object detection module (SC3) produces a probing radiation (PR) in the particular wavelength range. Another object detection module (SC3) is caused to operate in a probing slave mode (PSM). In this mode, the other object detection module (SC3) provides an acknowledgment (ACK) in response to receiving the probing radiation (PR).
US09377555B2
The disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for well logging as well as a data processing device thereof. Said apparatus for well logging comprises a drill collar body and an array of antennas, wherein said array of antennas comprises at least a pair of transmitting antenna and receiving antenna, said transmitting antenna and receiving antenna are configured for generating a curve of axial forward depth of investigation. By employing the method for well logging according to the present invention, not only the variation of resistivity in the axial forward formation may be measured in real time during the drilling, but also the interfacial characteristics of the axial forward formations having different resistivity may be discriminated during drilling.
US09377552B2
A surface electromagnetic survey system and method for detecting a fracture or fracture zone in a rock formation are provided. The system includes an electromagnetic source configured to generate an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of or at a surface of the rock formation. The electromagnetic source includes one or more electric dipole sources that are arranged so as to generate a substantially vertical electric field. The system also includes an electromagnetic receiver associated with the electromagnetic source, the electromagnetic receiver being configured to measure a component of the electromagnetic field at the surface of the rock formation; and a processor configured to convert the measured component of the electromagnetic field measured at the electromagnetic receiver into an electromagnetic field response per unit moment of the electromagnetic source. The electromagnetic field response provides information about characteristics parameters of the fracture or fracture zone.
US09377550B2
Techniques are disclosed relating to the operation of a source umbilical cable without functioning power cables from the source umbilical cable. Techniques are disclosed relating to a source umbilical cable without a power cable (e.g., a cable configured or operable to supply electrical power), and an apparatus that includes a geophysical signal source (e.g., a seismic signal source) with an electrical power generating component. The apparatus may, in one embodiment, include a geophysical signal source with a local generator configured to supply electrical power to electrical components of the geophysical signal source. In another embodiment where the geophysical signal source is being towed behind a vessel, a generator of the geophysical signal source may generate and supply electrical power based on motion of the generator through a body of water.
US09377549B2
According to the invention, elastic parameters, including density, pressure wave propagation speed, and/or shear in pervious layers located in a dense underground area along an array of horizontal positions, are estimated by inverting 4D seismic data. Firstly, an estimate of variations in the elastic parameters in one or more starting positions of the array, which can be located on bored wells within the area in question, is obtained. Then, a propagation algorithm is used in order to gradually carry out the 4D data inversion on the basis of the starting positions. The inversion takes into account the previously estimated parameter variations. A spatial variation in the depth and/or the thickness of the pervious lavers in question can also be taken into account. Propagation is based on positions that are consecutively selected as providing optimal values for a cost function assessed in order to invert the 4D data.
US09377544B2
An atomic particle detection assembly includes one or more detectors that detect atomic particles. The detectors are positioned within a first chamber having a first operating pressure. The atomic particle detection assembly includes a junction apparatus supporting the detectors. The junction apparatus defines a second chamber having a second operating pressure that is different from the first operating pressure. Sensing electronics are attached to the detectors and the sensing electronics are housed within the second chamber of the junction apparatus.
US09377542B1
A radiation sensor and a fabrication method thereof are described. In one aspect, the radiation sensor comprises a photo detector, a scintillator on the photo detector, and an adiabatic gradient-index photonic crystal nanostructure between the scintillator and the photo detector. In one instance, the adiabatic gradient-index photonic crystal nanostructure comprises an impedance matching nanostructure. In another instance, the adiabatic gradient-index photonic crystal nanostructure comprises a plurality of nanocones.
US09377536B1
A radiation imaging system includes a casing and a camera disposed inside the casing. A first field of view through the casing exposes the camera to light from outside of the casing. An image plate is disposed inside the casing, and a second field of view through the casing to the image plate exposes the image plate to high-energy particles produced by a radioisotope outside of the casing. An optical reflector that is substantially transparent to the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope is disposed with respect to the camera and the image plate to reflect light to the camera and to allow the high-energy particles produced by the radioisotope to pass through the optical reflector to the image plate.
US09377531B2
The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor arrangement (2) for a motor vehicle (1) with a cladding component (4, 5, 8, 9) and a first ultrasonic sensor (10 to 13), which with its membrane is disposed on a rear side of the cladding component (4, 5, 8, 9), so that the membrane is designed for transmitting and/or receiving ultrasonic signals through the cladding component (4, 5, 8, 9), whereinthe cladding component (4, 5, 8, 9) is a wing (4, 5, 8, 9) for the motor vehicle (1).
US09377520B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for locating signal wave (SW) emitter/s using at least one moving signal collection platform. The disclosed systems and methods may be employed in one embodiment to estimate the signal energy transmitted from a grid of locations (such as a map) using collected IQ data (or other raw data representation such as IQ data covariance matrix), and without requiring computation of any intermediate geolocation-observable measurements (such as angle-of-arrival, direction-of-arrival, etc.). In a further embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in a blind manner (i.e., transmitted emitter signal/s are unknown and processed blindly) to geolocate SW emitters using a single SW signal collection platform (e.g., at relatively large standoff distances in some implementations) without relying on a known signal modulation or operation of multiple simultaneous SW signal collection platforms.
US09377518B2
A system for testing a magnetic sensor according to one embodiment includes a discharge circuit to cause a discharge event on a magnetic sensor; a bias generation circuit to apply at least one first bias current to the sensor and at least one second bias current to the sensor, the second bias current being different than the first bias current; a resistance determination circuit to determine a resistance of the magnetic sensor at each of the applied bias currents; and a damage determination circuit to determine whether the magnetic sensor is damaged and/or was fixed by a discharge event based on the resistances.
US09377512B2
A battery state estimator which combines an electrochemical solid-state concentration model with an empirical equivalent-circuit model. The battery state estimator uses a reduced-order physics-based electrochemical solid-state concentration model to calculate open circuit voltage of a battery cell, and uses the calculated open circuit voltage in an equivalent-circuit model to evaluate a diffusion voltage drop and other battery cell parameters. The battery state estimator is implemented in an online estimator framework using an extended Kalman filter, with a measured terminal voltage and measured current as inputs. A state of charge of the battery cell can be determined from the calculated open circuit voltage, and the state of charge along with the other parameters from the equivalent-circuit model are used to evaluate battery pack performance and to control battery pack charging and discharging.
US09377501B2
The invention provides a semiconductor wafer with a die area and a scribe area, and the semiconductor wafer includes a die and a testing circuit. The die is formed on the die region of the semiconductor wafer, and the die includes a main circuit. The testing circuit is disposed on the scribe area of the semiconductor wafer, and is electrically connected to the die for testing the main circuit.
US09377498B2
A system and a method for measuring leakage current in an electrical transmission network. The system contains a plurality of electric current measurement devices distributed along the electrical transmission network and at least one central controller. The current measurement devices measure the electric current substantially continuously or repeatedly and report to the central controller. The central controller performs analysis of the measurements of the electric current along the transmission network and calculates the leakage current.
US09377490B2
A transformer-less method and system for voltage and current sensing using voltage drops across resistors is disclosed. Using optically coupled isolators, the sensed voltages in the high voltage power lines are optically coupled and electrically isolated to the low voltage circuits. The circuit designs for voltage and current sensing's and electrical isolation are disclosed.
US09377487B2
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method is provided. The apparatus has a movable base structure including an outer surface region and at least one portion removed to form at least one inner surface region. At least one intermediate anchor structure is disposed within the inner surface region. The apparatus includes an intermediate spring structure operably coupled to the central anchor structure, and at least one portion of the inner surface region. A capacitor element is disposed within the inner surface region.
US09377478B2
Sample-test-device management server, sample test device, sample test system, and sample test method
There is provided a sample test system which can execute a prior process for a specific sample in consideration of priorities and process progresses of a plurality of samples processed in the sample test system. The sample test system includes a sample-test-device management server 101, when a specific-sample prior process request containing a specific sample ID and a prior-process-request level identification code is accepted from a sample access system 108, which selects a specific-sample prior-process-policy determination table based on the prior-process-request level identification code attached to the specific-sample prior process request, which determines a specific-sample prior process policy based on the specific-sample prior-process-policy determination table and a process state of the sample, which specifies a sample ID regarding the specific sample ID, and which transmits the specific-sample prior process policy to a sample-test-device group 119.
US09377467B2
The present invention relates to reagents for separating proteins from detergent, reagents for detecting proteins in the presence of a detergent, and methods of using the same. The separating reagents contain a cyclic oligomer such as cyclodextrin and a cellulose derivative such as 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose. When used in combination with standard protein-complexing dyes, the reagents allow detection of proteins in electrophoresis gels at nanogram levels.
US09377458B2
Methods and apparatus for assaying the level of analytes in a sample, related to VLA-4, are disclosed. A method of decreasing the level of an anti-integrin antibody in a subject is described including a) contacting a biological sample from a subject with a detectable capture agent associated with a substrate, wherein the capture agent can bind an anti-integrin antibody in the sample; b) detecting binding of the capture agent with the level of the anti-integrin antibody; and c) treating the subject with plasma exchange until the level of the anti-integrin antibody in the sample reaches a predetermined level.
US09377456B1
Various devices, systems and methods for determining a parameter of and/or detecting chemical and biological substances in bodily fluid are described herein. A device or system may include a substrate. An active sensor having an electrical characteristic and/or a control sensor may be disposed on the substrate. In certain variations, a differential between a first signal from the active sensor, and a second signal from the control sensor may be used to determine a parameter of the chemical or biological substance in the sample of bodily fluid.
US09377453B2
There are provided methods for detection and measurement of stress in a cell, the method including introducing a labeled tRNA into the cell and detecting a change in subcellular localization of the labeled tRNA in the cell, based on the signal emitted from the labeled tRNA. There are further provided methods and systems for the generation of a stress index of a living cell. There are further provided methods and systems for detection of stress in a living cell, comprising detection of changes in subcellular localization of labeled tRNA in a cell, wherein the detection is performed in real time.
US09377452B2
A method for monitoring the use of a consumable in a disposable design in multiple analyzers is disclosed. The method provides a disposable consumable; uses the consumable as intended during operation of the first analyzer; and collects usage-relevant information for the consumable concerning the intended use of the consumable during operation of the first analyzer. Usage-relevant data derived from the usage-relevant information is stored in a memory unit assigned to the consumable. The consumable may be removed and again provided in the first or second analyzer. The first or second analyzer partially reads the usage-relevant data from the memory unit, evaluates the usage-relevant data, and derives control signals concerning the permissibility and/or type of a further intended use of the consumable during operation of the analyzer as a reaction to the evaluation of the read usage-relevant data.
US09377451B2
A sensor assembly is disclosed for sensing a status condition of a liquid-filled electrical equipment such as a transformer. The sensor assembly can include a light source; a first hydrogen detection section, the first hydrogen detection section being optically coupled to the light source for receiving light from the light source, wherein the first hydrogen detection section has a first hydrogen sensitive layer that changes an optical response with respect to the received light depending on whether an amount of hydrogen at the first hydrogen sensitive layer is above or below a first threshold; and a first output section optically coupled to the first hydrogen detection section for receiving light having interacted with the first hydrogen sensitive layer such that the received light depends on the optical response of the first hydrogen sensitive layer.
US09377446B2
The invention relates to a device for producing CO2, N2 and/or SO2 from a sample for a quantitative analysis of the sample, comprising a reactor structure and metals acting in an oxidizing manner or metal oxides in the reactor. According to the invention, the reactor structure has at least two zones through which the sample can flow, which is to say a first zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reactor metal, and following the first zone, a second zone with reactor metal and reservoir metal, or only reservoir metal, wherein both metals can form oxides, and wherein the ratio of the reactor metal to the reservoir metal in the first zone is greater than in the second zone.
US09377443B2
A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation capable of producing ultrasonic energy and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation, which is configured to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation such that a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.
US09377439B2
A disposable cartridge had body, bottom layer with first hydrophobic surface, top layer with a second hydrophobic surface, and gap between. The bottom layer is a flexible film sealingly attached at its circumference to the top layer. No spacer is between the layers. The top layer has loading sites for transferring processing liquids into the gap. In use, the bottom layer is a working film for manipulating samples in liquid droplets and is placed on an electrode array of a digital microfluidics system having base unit with cartridge accommodation site and electrode array at the site. The electrode array is supported by a bottom substrate that extends in a first plane and has individual electrodes. The system also includes a central control unit for controlling selection of the electrodes and for providing these electrodes with individual voltage pulses for manipulating liquid droplets within the gap by electrowetting.
US09377419B2
The analyzer mixes the material to be analyzed and the flux in sample holders supported by a movable platform within the furnace. A tilt member is provided having multiple stations. Each station has an upstanding pin offset from the center point of the station in a different direction. The platform is indexed relative to the tilt member such that the sample holder aligns with each station, in sequence. As the sample holder aligns with each station, the platform is moved toward the tilt member such that the pin of the aligned station abuts and tilts the sample holder in a different direction. The repeated tilting of the sample holder in different directions mixes the material and flux. The contents of the sample holder may also be agitated by rapidly moving the platform back and forth with sudden stops. The analyzer can be used with a special sample holder.
US09377414B2
Inspection of EUV patterned masks, blank masks, and patterned wafers generated by EUV patterned masks requires high magnification and a large field of view at the image plane. An EUV inspection system can include a light source directed to an inspected surface, a detector for detecting light deflected from the inspected surface, and an optic configuration for directing the light from the inspected surface to the detector. In particular, the detector can include a plurality of sensor modules. Additionally, the optic configuration can include a plurality of mirrors that provide magnification of at least 100× within an optical path less than 5 meters long. In one embodiment, the optical path is approximately 2-3 meters long.
US09377406B2
For spatial high resolution imaging of a structure of a sample, the structure comprising a luminophore, the sample, in a measurement area, is subjected to an intensity distribution of luminescence inhibiting light comprising a local minimum. Then, the sample, in the measurement area, is subjected to luminescence excitation light which excites the luminophore out of an electronic ground state into a luminescent state, and luminescence light emitted out of the measurement area is registered. This registered luminescence light is assigned to the position of the local minimum within the sample. The luminescence inhibiting light disturbs the electronic ground state of the luminophore such that the luminophore, in the disturbed electronic ground state, has an absorption cross-section for the luminescence excitation light which is reduced by at least 50% as compared to the undisturbed electronic ground state.
US09377395B2
A method for probing morphology of a tissue surface using a system which may include a light source, a polarizer, an analyzer, and a camera with a plurality of picture elements. The method illuminates the tissue surface with incident light through the polarizer. The camera may capture through the analyzer, scattered light from the tissue surface in a continuous sequence of image frames. Variation of polarization state may be of at least one of (1) the incident light from the light source by varying the polarizer or (2) the scattered light from the tissue surface by varying the analyzer. During the capture, for a picture element of the camera, a varying intensity signal of the scattered light is detected responsive to the varying polarization state.
US09377393B2
A method for eliminating the horizontal offset of a traction force test device and traction force test device thereof, the device comprising a substrate (300), a first single-arm cantilever beam (100) and a second single-arm cantilever beam (100′) which have the same structure. By employing an inverse horizontal displacement offset compensation structure, the invention completely overcomes the horizontal offset of the free end of the un-fixed single-arm cantilever beam, and achieves still better effect by suspending the test tool with two sets of inversely-installed cantilever beams which have the same structure and are arranged in the vertical direction.
US09377392B2
Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery “EOR” chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.).
US09377390B2
A multi-channel system for classifying particles in a mixture of particles according to one or more characteristics including a common source of electromagnetic radiation for producing a beam of electromagnetic radiation and a beam splitter for producing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation for directing multiple beams of electromagnetic radiation to each interrogation location associated with each flow channel of the multi-channel system.
US09377387B2
A method for producing at least one oscillation measurement signal, which has vibrations of a vibratory body are registered. A temperature sensor is applied thermally attached with a non fluid contacting, second surface of the vibratory body for producing a temperature measurement signal representing a time curve of a variable temperature of the vibratory body. The temperature measurement signal can follow, however time delayed, a change of the temperature of the vibratory body from a beginning temperature value, to a new temperature value. Based on the oscillation measurement signal as well as the temperature measurement signal, density, measured values are produced representing the density, wherein, during such, discrepancies possibly occurring between the time curve of the temperature of the vibratory body and the temperature measurement signal are taken into consideration, respectively at least partially compensated.
US09377382B2
The invention provides a method for detaching and/or isolating a histological sample that is adhering to another sample and/or to the inside of a cassette, for example as a result of solidification of an embedding medium within a cassette. The sample is immobilized in a sample receiving chamber above a first fill level of a liquid that is suitable for counteracting the adhesion; and that the fill level of the liquid is then elevated at least until said level reaches the sample. An apparatus according to the present invention that can be used for carrying out the method comprises a sample receiving chamber and an adjusting chamber, the adjusting chamber being connected to the sample receiving chamber in such a way that a change in the fill level height of the liquid in the sample receiving chamber is producible by changing the pressure existing in the adjusting chamber.
US09377380B2
Various environmental systems are disclosed. In accordance with one of the systems, a first and second valve are provided. The valves provide a first air flow path from an air pump to a photo-ionization detector is provided through a pre-filter. The valves also provide a second air flow path from the air pump to the photo-ionization detector so that the pre-filter is isolated from its environmental surroundings. Various other arrangements of environmental monitoring systems with one or more pre-filters are also disclosed.
US09377378B2
A system and method for testing and maintaining a power assembly of a locomotive diesel engine. In one embodiment of the invention, the testing apparatus comprises: a first test position for securing a strongback of a power assembly; a second test position for securing a cylinder head of the power assembly; and a third test position for securing a cylinder liner. In another embodiment of the invention, the testing method comprises: securing a power assembly to a first test position; removing a cylinder head from the power assembly; securing the cylinder head to a second test position; removing a cylinder liner from the strongback assembly; placing the cylinder liner into the third test position; cleaning the cylinder liner; testing the cylinder head for possible leakage; and re-assembling the power assembly cylinder head passes the leakage tests.
US09377367B2
A method of predicting a radiation pattern emitted by an energy applicator includes the steps of providing thermal profile data for an energy applicator, determining a specific absorption rate around the energy applicator as a function of the thermal profile data, and generating a simulated radiation pattern for the energy applicator as a function of the determined specific absorption rate.
US09377355B2
An optical sensor apparatus includes an infrared light generating device, N first detection devices, a second detection device and a processing circuit. In addition to detecting infrared light, the N first detection devices further detect N different visible wavelength ranges, respectively. The second detection device is optically shielded from visible light and arranged for detecting infrared light. In a first sensing mode, the processing circuit obtains color information according to N first detection signals generated by the N first detection devices and a reference signal generated by the second detection device. In a second sensing mode, the N first detection devices and the second detection device generate (N+1) second detection signals when the infrared light generating device is activated, and generate (N+1) third detection signals when the infrared light generating device is deactivated. The processing circuit recognizes gesture information according to the (N+1) second and the (N+1) third detection signals.
US09377354B2
A motion sensor includes: a substrate, which includes a plurality of lead frame layers and a plurality of ceramic layers; a light source, disposed on the substrate, for emitting light; a sensing device, disposed on the substrate, for receiving the light to perform motion sensing; a cover, for fixing and protecting the light source and the sensing device; and an adhesive, for gluing the cover to the substrate, the adhesive including a component capable of blocking the light; wherein the light is infrared light, visible light or ultraviolet light.
US09377349B2
Systems and techniques are provided for transmitting a light towards a plurality of acousto-optic retro reflectors, arranged as an array, that are configured to physically react to an acoustic signal. The physical reaction modulates the transmitted light which is reflected back towards a light detector and analyzed. The analysis may include detecting an acoustic signal source location and/or reconstructing the acoustic signal. A light scanner may be configured to transmit the light towards the plurality of acousto-optic retro reflectors in a predetermined, continuance, or dynamically determined sequence.
US09377342B2
A water heater having an electric heating element therein is provided with apparatus for preventing dry firing of the heating element. The apparatus is operative to (1) power the heating element with electrical test pulses having first predetermined durations and being separated by rest periods of second predetermined durations during which the heating element is depowered, (2) determine the average electrical current flow through the element during each of the test pulses, and (3) preclude energization of the heating element if the average current flow therethrough during an electrical test pulse subsequent to the first test pulse is less by a predetermined magnitude than the average electrical current flow through the heating element during the first electrical test pulse.
US09377341B1
The present invention is a unique system for liquid-immersed transformers and reactors with complex internal thermal gradients that provides telemetry on multiple transformer or reactor conditions including: the level and volume of the liquid, the integrity of the winding clamping, the overall tank pressure, the gas pressure for gas blanketed transformers, and the condition of the breather for conservator type transformers or reactors, and the impacts from ballistics on the tank or cooling system. The present invention can be used on conservator type or gas blanketed type transformers. The liquid level can be calculated at any level in the transformer or reactor by the location of the oil pressure sensor at the bottom of the tank. The method for calculating liquid level does not require liquid temperature measurement. Average liquid temperature is calculated rather than estimated from discrete measurements, providing accurate average temperature values under all operating conditions.
US09377340B2
System for monitoring a floating roof of a tank containing a liquid, wherein the system determines a local status of the floating roof in spaced apart sensing element locations. In a hazardous or potentially hazardous environment, there is an on-roof subsystem including a sensing element in each sensing element location, intrinsically safe measuring circuitry coupled a sensing elements and arranged for determining said local status, intrinsically safe radio communication on-roof circuitry coupled for communicating externally of the on-roof subsystem the local, an intrinsically safe power supply circuitry connected to an intrinsically safe and interchangeable energy storage unit for powering the on-roof subsystem. The system further includes monitoring circuitry for receiving the indication of local status and for determining an overall monitored status of said floating and further radio communication circuitry. The on-roof subsystem is wireless in its power supply and communication.
US09377336B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the flow-rate of different fluids present in a plurality of distinct multiphase streams (C), in transit, each through a respective main flow pipe (2). The apparatus (1) comprises a measuring unit (3) for each pipe (2). Each measuring unit (3) comprises a sampling device (4). Each measuring unit (3) comprises first and second measuring means (5) of the differential pressure type situated downstream of the respective sampling device (4). The apparatus (1) comprises a phase separator (8) associated with the measuring unit (3). The apparatus (1) comprises selection means (18) interposed between the measuring unit (3) and the separator (8) for putting the latter in communication with one of the sampling devices (4) envisaged. The apparatus (1) comprises third measuring means (12) associated with the separator (8) for measuring the outgoing flow-rates of the different fluids separated and data processing means suitable for receiving and processing the data revealed by the measuring devices (5, 7, 12).
US09377335B2
A flowrate sensor includes first and second portions to be mounted protruding inside and the duct, respectively, includes a probe constrained to the first portion responsive to the flowrate and arranged to move from a rest position to a measuring position under a fluid dynamic thrust, the sensor having a load cell constrained to the second portions and arranged to receive a force from the probe responsive to the measuring position and configured to maintain a corresponding electric measurement signal, wherein first and second portions are fluid-tightly separated by a wall, and the probe and the load cell are configured for transferring a magnetic force between the probe and the cell, through the wall, without contacting each other, first and second portion being preferably housed within an elongated container whose first and second parts house first and second portions and protrude inside and outside the duct, respectively.
US09377322B2
A dataset is determined as a function of a specified navigation information, where the dataset includes a specified metadata structure which is suitable for textually characterizing the navigation information. The dataset is transmitted by way of a specified communication interface. As a function of the dataset received by way of the communication interface, pixel values are determined for at least a portion of pixels of a digital image and/or of a graphic element. Furthermore, a signalization signal is determined for signalizing the pixel values of the pixels by means of the optical display device.
US09377321B2
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: extracting a feature from a sample field with a manual label associated with a point of interest, the feature for locating the sample field in a document; generating a rule based on the feature extracted to assign the manual label to a target field; extracting the target field from the document with the manual label assigned by applying the rule to the document; and inserting the target field associated with the point of interest to a location-based guide for displaying on a device.
US09377313B2
In a method for creating a digital representation of a transportation network location measurement data is acquired, and a plurality of maneuvers between choke points are generated from the location measurement data. The digital representation of the transportation network is then created and stored based on the plurality of maneuvers.
US09377308B2
A computer-implemented method for determining an estimated user location performed on a computer system programmed to perform the method includes determining in physical sensors, movements in response to movement of the computer system, determining in a processor a physical context, in response to the movements, determining in the processor whether the physical context is substantially similar to a map-based context associated with a location on the map, when a map-based context is substantially similar to the physical context, the method includes determining in the processor the location on the map associated with the map-based context, determining in the processor a graphical user interface in response to the location on the map, and displaying the graphical user interface on a display of the computer system.
US09377305B2
A method for providing route guidance includes the route guiding apparatus transmitting to the server a user's location sensing signal; the server receiving the user's location sensing signal from the route guiding apparatus; the route guiding apparatus transmitting to the server a user's operation recognition signal; the server receiving the user's operation recognition signal from the route guiding apparatus; the controller determining a user's status based on at least one of the location sensing signal and the operation recognition signal; the server transmitting map data corresponding to a user's location determined using the user's status to the route guiding apparatus; the route guiding apparatus receiving the map data from the server; and the route guiding apparatus guiding a route to a destination based on the map data.
US09377304B2
A destination recommendation system includes a map database storing facility data, a travel history database storing travel history data, a trip destination determination section, a calculation section, a search section, and an output portion. The trip destination determination section determines plural trip destinations corresponding to a hub position when the number or a frequency of a plurality of visits from the hub position to each of the trip destinations satisfies a predetermined condition. The calculation section calculates a distance or necessary travel time from the hub position to each trip destination, and calculates a mode value of the distance or the necessary travel time. The search section searches for a target facility that is located within a range of the mode value of the distance or the necessary travel time. The output portion outputs the target facility to a user.
US09377303B2
A surveying appliance for surveying targets has a targeting unit and a remote control unit for prompting changes in the orientation of the targeting unit, equipped with measurement functionality for determining a three-dimensional orientation of the remote control unit or for determining movements by the remote control unit. The surveying appliance also has an evaluation and control unit. The extent or speed of the changes in the orientation of the targeting unit can be scaled to corresponding changes in an orientation or speed of change of orientation of the remote control unit such that at least two targeting modes having different levels of transmission ratio are provided. The surveying appliance can be used with corresponding handheld, moving remote control units, computer program products for providing, controlling and performing a targeting functionality for the surveying appliance and methods for tracking and surveying targets using the surveying appliance.
US09377297B2
A high-resolution imaging and processing method and system for increasing the range of a geometric dimension of a part that can be determined are provided. The method includes directing at least one plane of collimated radiation at a surface of the part. Each of the planes is occluded by the part to create unobstructed first and second planar portions of the plane of radiation. Each of the first and second planar portions has a width and contains an amount of radiation which is representative of a respective geometric dimension of the supported part to be determined. The method includes increasing the width and decreasing the intensity of the first and second planar portions imaged on a plurality of predetermined measuring areas to obtain respective elongated planar portions and to produce respective electrical signals. The electrical signals are processed to determine the geometric dimension with enhanced accuracy.
US09377294B2
What is disclosed is a wireless cellular device capable of determining a volume of an object in an image captured by a camera of that apparatus. In one embodiment, the present wireless cellular device comprises an illuminator for projecting a pattern of structured light with known spatial characteristics, and a camera for capturing images of an object for which a volume is to be estimated. The camera is sensitive to a wavelength range of the projected pattern of structured light. A spatial distortion is introduced by a reflection of the projected pattern off a surface of the object. And processor executing machine readable program instructions for performing the method of: receiving an image of the object from the camera; processing the image to generate a depth map; and estimating a volume of the object from the depth map. A method for using the present wireless cellular device is also provided.
US09377293B2
Imaging systems are provided allowing examination of different object regions spaced apart in a depth direction by visual microscopy and by optical coherence tomography. An axial field of view and a lateral resolution is varied depending on which object region is examined by the imaging system. The proposed imaging systems are in particular applicable for thorough examination of the human eye.
US09377292B2
An interferometry system includes: a light source, defining a coherence length, an interferometer configured to combine measurement and reference beams to form an output beam, where the interferometer includes a dispersion imbalance between measurement and reference paths large enough to produce a coherence envelope for the system having a width more than twice the coherence length; a phase modulation device configured to introduce a variable phase between the measurement and reference beams; a detector; imaging optics to direct the output beam to the detector and produce an image of the measurement surface; and an electronic processor electronically coupled to the phase modulation device and the detector and configured to record multiple interference signals corresponding to different locations on the measurement surface, in which the interference signals are based on the intensity of the output beam as a function of the variable phase for the different locations of the measurement surface.
US09377281B2
The disclosed invention relates to easy-to-use precision tools that locate the mid-line, or center line, of any symmetrical geometric shape, such as triangles, squares, circles, rectangles, parallelograms, trapezoids, and symmetrical polygons. Given two separate points on the edge of a symmetrical geometric shape, these precision tools identify the center line of the geometric shape between those two points, without the need for additional measurements or mathematical calculations. The precision tools can also be used to identify the center points of symmetrical geometric shapes.
US09377279B2
A flight vehicle includes a nose portion, a fuselage retaining structure aft of the nose portion, and an axial motor for expelling axial thrust along a longitudinal axis of the flight vehicle. Radial motors are coupled to the retaining structure and axisymmetrically arranged about the axial motor. Each radial motor is configured to expel radial thrust radially outwardly in respect to the flight vehicle. Roll thrusters are operatively coupled with the radial motors and coupled to the fuselage retaining structure. The roll thrusters are configured to provide a roll moment of the flight vehicle about a central longitudinal axis of the flight vehicle. Ejectors are operatively coupled to the radial motors, and a controller is operatively coupled to the radial motors and the ejectors. The controller is configured to selectively fire and selectively eject the radial motors to maintain relative centering of a center of gravity of the flight vehicle.
US09377275B2
An armor plated assembly (20) and a protective wall system (120) containing a protective material. The armor plated assembly (20) comprises of a container (22) having opposing walls (26) for encompassing the protective material. The assembly (20) includes an armor device (24) having a first plate (48) and a second plate (50) with one of the opposing walls (26) sandwiched between the first plate (48) and the second plate (50) securing the armor device (24) to the container (22). The armor device (24) impedes the penetration of a projectile through the armor plated assembly (20). The protective wall system (120) includes at least two of the armor plated assemblies (20) with a mechanical connection (140) between the armor devices (126, 134) of the armor plated assemblies (20) for aligning and securing the assemblies (20) in a stacked orientation. A second embodiment of the protective wall system (220) includes at least two containers (222, 234) and a bib (232, 236) adhered to each of the containers (222, 234) such that the bibs (232, 236) overlap in a shingle-like engagement between the stacked containers (222, 234).
US09377266B2
A riser for a bow is disclosed. The riser includes a top riser section that is joined to a middle riser section by a first and second step. The first and second steps strengthen the riser and permit the riser to be formed from less material while resisting undesirable deformation during use.
US09377265B2
The present invention is an improvement to a gun barrel cleaning device which enables a user to attach and remove gun barrel cleaning attachments to a gun barrel cleaning rod by inserting the cleaning attachment into a recess formed in the cleaning rod and twisting for a partial full turn the cleaning attachment in relationship to the gun barrel cleaning rod.
US09377261B2
The invention concerns a method for repeatable ignition of propellant charges in a weapon system, e.g. for firing shells from a barrel weapon, through electrical discharge in a combustion chamber duct (3) containing a combustion chamber substance (30), wherein the filling gas in the combustion chamber duct (3) is ionized by the high-voltage potential applied to the ionizing electrode (7), which is connected to a first high-voltage generator (2), thus increasing the electrical conduction capacity in the combustion chamber duct (3) such that an electrical sparkover through electrical discharge via a second high-voltage generator (5) between a rear electrode (22) and a front electrode (21) is generated and produces an effect, with subsequent ionization of the surface of the combustion chamber substance (30), which causes hot gas in a plasma-like state to be expelled from the combustion chamber duct (3). The invention also concerns a plasma generator therefor, and an ammunition unit containing said plasma generator.
US09377259B2
A battery-powered trigger-locking device, which is configured to be disposed on a gun with a trigger for firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the memory. If a data match is indicated, the logic device causes an electromagnetic device to move a trigger-locking member to an unlocked position, permitting the gun to be fired. A separate electronic gun key is provided to transmit gun unlock data to the data receiver of the trigger-locking device. This gun unlock data may be a password, a long pseudo-random number or biologic data identifying the gun owner or some other person who is licensed or otherwise authorized to fire the gun.
US09377256B2
A bolt action firearm that cocks the firing pin upon closing the bolt and includes a cam pin with dual heads for a high velocity rimfire cartridge. In one embodiment, actuating the main spring while closing the bolt, instead of while opening the bolt, more uniformly distributes the physical energy required by the user over the bolt actuation cycle. The dual heads of the cam pin provide symmetric reactive forces with dual cam slots, thereby preventing the cam pin from skewing or canting within the cam slots. A safety system is provided for the trigger mechanism and a robust connecting systems for the stock.
US09377250B2
The heat transfer capacity of a cross-flow heat exchanger can be increased by changing or graduating the density of the fins that form a row of hot passages in the direction normal to those fins. In accordance with some embodiments, the fin density in each row of hot passages is lower in a first region near the cold air inlets than it is in a second region located between the first region and the cold air outlets. This has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of flow of hot air through hot passages adjacent or near to the cold air inlets of the heat exchanger, i.e., where the temperature of the cold air is coldest. As cold air flows along each cold passage, the cold air is heating up, becoming less capable of cooling the hot air in the adjacent hot passages as it gets closer to the cold air outlets. In addition or alternatively, the cold passages may have a non-uniform fin density that increases heat transfer capacity.
US09377249B2
A fin stock material from an 3xxx-series aluminum alloy and including at least 0.5% to 2.0% Mn, and furthermore a purposive addition of one or more wetting elements selected from the group of: Bi 0.03% to 0.5%, Pb 0.03% to 0.5%, Sb 0.03% to 0.5%, Li 0.03% to 0.5%, Se 0.03% to 0.5%, Y 0.03% to 0.05%, Th 0.03% to 0.05%, and the sum of these elements being 0.5% or less, with the remainder including aluminum and tolerable impurities. Also provided is a method for manufacturing a heat exchanger assembly incorporating such a fin stock material.
US09377240B2
A system, method and configuration for recovering turpentine during the manufacturing of wood chips, wood pellets or other substances that may include turpentine. In general, a turpentine recovery system is used to capture turpentine from exhaust of a dryer as wood chips are being dried. Advantageously, application of the various techniques disclosed herein can result in the recovery of turpentine that can then be sold to generate revenue and, may contribute to a reduction in the capital and operation costs for emission controls for the dryer exhaust.
US09377236B2
A C02 refrigeration system has an LT system with LT compressors and LT evaporators, and an MT system with MT compressors and MT evaporators, operating in a refrigeration mode and a defrost mode using C02 hot gas discharge from the MT and/or the LT compressors to defrost the LT evaporators. A C02 refrigerant circuit directs C02 refrigerant through the system and has an LT compressor discharge line with a hot gas discharge valve, a C02 hot gas defrost supply header directing C02 hot gas discharge from the LT and/or the MT compressors to the LT evaporators, a flash tank supplying C02 refrigerant to the MT and LT evaporators during the refrigeration mode, and receiving the C02 hot gas discharge from the LT evaporators during the defrost mode, and a control system directing the C02 hot gas discharge through the LT evaporators and to the flash tank during the defrost mode.
US09377219B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning surfaces, having a cleaning head which includes at least one base part and at least one brush arrangement, in particular a cylindrical brush roller, attached to the base part; and a fluid drive for the brush arrangement which is at least partly integrated into the base part and which is designed to convert the flow energy of a fluid supplied to the base part under pressure into a cleaning movement of the brush arrangement.
US09377218B2
The invention relates to a solar receiver with natural circulation for generating saturated steam, which uses water/steam as a heat-transfer fluid and includes a combined circuit for fluid recirculation (forced circulation and natural circulation). The system comprises: water-walls which receive the radiation on the surface thereof and inside which the working fluid changes phase; riser pipes through which the water/steam mix exiting the pipes of the receiver rises towards the drum; downpipes through which the recirculation water descends from the drum to the receiver; and a support pump in order to increase the incident power in the receiver and start up the plant when necessary.
US09377207B2
Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.
US09377206B2
An indoor unit of an air conditioning apparatus includes a casing, a heat exchanger, a fan, a first airflow direction adjusting plate adjusting a direction of airflow blown out from an air outlet by rotation about a first axial direction, a plurality of second airflow direction adjusting plates adjusting the direction of the airflow blown out from the air outlet by rotation about a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, and a support member rotatably supporting the first airflow direction adjusting plate in the air outlet other than at both end portions. The second airflow direction adjusting plates include a third airflow direction adjusting plate and a fourth airflow direction adjusting plate placed in a location such that a distance to the support member from the fourth airflow direction adjusting plate is smaller than a distance to the support member from the third airflow direction adjusting plate.
US09377200B2
A turbomachine combustion chamber shell ring in which dilution holes in the turbomachine combustion chamber shell ring are covered with inserts defining chambers around same on an inner face of the shell ring. Ventilation holes, through the insert, induce ventilation of portions of the shell ring surrounding the dilution holes, cool the portions, and prevent crack formation.
US09377197B2
A gas turbine combustion chamber has a housing (1), a flame tube (2) received therein, and a perforated plate (3) which at least partially surrounds the latter and which is fastened at both of its end faces (3.1, 3.2) to the housing.
US09377194B2
A scrubber includes: a first body for burning toxic gas introduced into a combustion chamber, using a flame generated by a cathode electrode and an anode electrode, and auxiliary gases including hydrogen and oxygen; a second body which is connected with the first body and serves to induce complete combustion of the burned toxic gas in an in-chamber and indirectly cool the toxic gas; and an electrolysis unit serving to produce hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis and supply the produced hydrogen and oxygen as auxiliary gases to the first body. In the scrubber, a high combustion rate can be achieved even at relatively low power by a combination of high energy, obtained by the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen, with combustion heat caused by plasma, and toxic gas can be more efficiently treated by increasing treatment temperature.
US09377188B2
An oscillating combustor may support a time-sequenced combustion reaction having rich and lean phases. The rich and lean phases may be determined according to a flame position relative to a diverging fuel jet. The flame location may be modulated responsive to an interaction between applying a constant voltage or charge rate to a fuel stream or flame, and modulating continuity between a conductive or semiconductive flame holder and an activation voltage.
US09377187B2
An adjustable vortex flame device includes a control head. The control head delimits an opening and includes a flow guiding mechanism including a plurality of vanes and a control mechanism delimiting a hole. The plurality of vanes is disposed along a circumference of the opening one after another, with two adjacent vanes including a spiral air passage formed therebetween. The hole has a diametrical size which varies with respect to different sizes of vortex flames of the adjustable vortex flame device. The hole corresponds to and is in communication with the opening. The hole has a smaller diametrical size than the opening. A hollow and transparent shield is disposed above the control head and adjacent to the control mechanism. The shield delimits a space in communication with the hole of the control mechanism.
US09377181B1
An artificial candle has a delicate glowing shroud or sock that can flutter like a candle flame, and the shroud may surround a “wick” that can be seen through the shroud to glow. Such a diaphanous shroud can be actuated by a fan, air pump, solenoid or conductor, which can be provided adjacent to the shroud or distanced from the shroud, for example in a central body of a chandelier. The wick may be lighted by a light emitting diode (LED), and the shroud can include fluorescent material that absorbs and reradiates some of the light from the wick. The wick and the shroud can be coupled to a shaft that simulates a wax candle body. A standard threaded fitting can be provided so that the artificial candle can thread into a socket to replace a light bulb.
US09377180B2
Light flux controlling member includes first light flux controlling member, second light flux controlling member and holder having a substantially cylindrical shape. At least part of light emitted from light-emitting element is incident on first light flux controlling member, and first light flux controlling member emit the light toward second light flux controlling member. Second light flux controlling member reflects part of light arriving from first light flux controlling member while allowing remaining part of the light to pass therethrough. Holder allows light reflected by second light flux controlling member to pass therethrough. Recess that controls the emission direction of light passing through holder is formed on the external peripheral surface of holder.
US09377174B2
A display device which makes the frame hardly visible to the viewer is provided.This display device includes: a display panel (10) having a display area (RA) and a frame area (RF) provided outside of the display area; and a light-transmitting cover (20) which is arranged closer to a viewer than the display panel is and which includes lens portions (22) that are arranged at positions corresponding to the boundary between the display area and frame area of the display panel. The display panel (10) has a planar shape which includes four sides (10a) that define upper, lower, right and left sides, respectively, and four corner portions (10b), each connecting two associated adjacent ones of the four sides together. The display panel further has a chamfered portion (10c) with a curved or straight edge which is arranged in at least one of the four corner portions inside of the intersection between extended lines of the two adjacent sides. And the light-transmitting cover (20) includes a corner lens portion, of which the planar shape matches the chamfered portion (10c) of the display panel, at a position corresponding to the corner portion (10b) of the display panel.
US09377173B2
A light emitting diode (LED) module having a configurable LED substrate capable of receiving varying numbers and layouts of LEDs are described herein. The LED substrate includes LED coupling points for receiving the LEDs and electrical traces etched into the substrate for routing power to the LEDs. The LED module can include a multi-LED over-optic having multiple over-optics that are configured to match the number and configuration of the LEDs positioned on the substrate. The LED coupling points and over-optics can be arranged symmetrically to enable the LED module to be rotated to adjust the light output distribution and direction. The LED module can include a power connection mechanism, for example located at the center of the substrate, that also allows the LED module to be rotated. One or more of the LED modules may be mounted on a heat sink and incorporated into a light fixture.
US09377163B2
A method of manufacturing a hydrogen storage device includes the steps: (1) mix metal powder, backbone binder and wetting agent to make a canister shell feedstock; (2) mix metal powder, salts, backbone binder and wetting agent to make a porous structure feedstock; (3) feed the canister shell feedstock in an injection molding machine to form a green part of canister shell; (4) feed the porous structure feedstock in the green part of canister shell to form a green part of porous structure integral with the green part of canister shell by injection molding; (5) dissolve the salts out of the green part of porous structure to form pores; (6) remove the wetting agent from the green parts of canister shell and porous structure; (7) remove the backbone binder from the green parts of canister shell and porous structure to form the hydrogen storage device.
US09377160B1
An improved corner trim material construction such that a pair of flanges of the material, normally approximately perpendicular to one another, may “flex”, or change angle, relative to one another and the apex, or nose, of the material allowing the flanges to lay flat against the wall surface adjacent the corner onto which they are being bonded or attached. The present invention can use a single, twin or tri-hinge created by a groove running end-to-end to allow flexing.
US09377155B2
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a portable-device presentation system having a substantially-planar substrate; a first clamp coupled to the substrate; and a second clamp slidably coupled to the substrate, each of the first and second clamps having respective opposing contact surfaces that have substantially no curvature along axes substantially parallel to the substantially-planar substrate at a contact elevation above the substantially-planar substrate, wherein when a user slides the second clamp to a maximum display-size position and lays a display device on the substantially-planar substrate between the first clamp and the second clamp, the user may then secure the display device to the presentation system by sliding the second clamp to sandwich the display device between the two respective opposing contact surfaces and securing the second clamp using a hand-operated securing member. In various embodiments, a presentation system may secure portable display devices of many different sizes.
US09377146B2
A coupling arrangement for fluid coupling a worktool to a machine comprising at least one coupler assembly slideably mounted in a cavity for coupling a machine fluid circuit and a work tool fluid circuit, the coupler assembly partitioning the cavity to form a chamber; a diversion path connecting the machine fluid circuit to the chamber; and a check valve positioned in the diversion path for flow of fluid from the machine fluid circuit to the chamber to generate a force on the coupler assembly for maintaining the fluid coupling.
US09377145B2
Provided is a coupler including female and male couplers configured to be coupled together. The female coupler includes one or more detents and a release valve having a release valve member that is movable to an open position to allow for venting of fluid from a cavity in the female coupler to an area outside the coupler, and the male coupler includes a detent recess into which the one or more detents of the female coupler are urged radially inwardly into to couple the female and male couplers. By eliminating a threaded connection between the male and female couplers, the couplers prevent leakage of fluid and/or separation of the couplers due to vibration during use.
US09377124B2
A solenoid assembly for providing control over fluid pressure distribution in a transmission, where the solenoid assembly includes a solenoid portion and a valve portion, and the movement of the valve portion is controlled by the solenoid portion. There is a valve which is part of the valve portion, and the valve controls the distribution of fluid between a supply port, a control port, and an exhaust port. The distribution of fluid between the ports may include providing a pressure balance between the supply port and the control port, and allowing any excess fluid to pass through the exhaust port, or controlling the flow of fluid between the supply port and the control port, with any excess fluid exiting the exhaust port.
US09377123B2
A solenoid valve is provided with a valve main body having a valve chamber communicating with an inlet port and a first outlet port, a valve body arranged within the valve chamber, a valve holder retaining the valve body, a coil spring energizing the valve holder, a pipe member having a second outlet port communicating with the valve chamber, a suction element surrounding the pipe member, a coil bobbin winding an electromagnetic coil, and a mold cover surrounding a whole of the coil bobbin, integrated with the valve main body, and defining the valve chamber. The valve holder has a tube body facing to the suction element, and a small tube portion formed smaller in diameter than the tube body, pierced a fluid insertion hole in an intermediate portion, and having a retention portion retaining the valve body in an inner side of a leading end.
US09377115B2
A check valve for a spray nozzle including a tubular valve body, a shut-off member and a valve seat, wherein the shut-off member is mounted for movement at least in a longitudinal direction of the tubular valve body. The shut-off member is connected to the valve body by a corrugated tube disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction, wherein the shut-off member is biased toward the valve seat due to the spring effect of the corrugated tube. The check valve is suitable for use in, for example, descaling nozzles.
US09377114B2
A pressure control valve for reactive adhesives includes a valve housing with a liquid recirculation passage communicating with a conduit leading to a dispensing apparatus and an adhesive pump, a valve element mounted within the valve housing, and a biasing member for biasing the valve element towards a valve seat in the liquid passage. The pressure control valve also includes a flexible seal with a first end fixedly coupled to the valve element and a second end fixedly coupled to the valve housing. The flexible seal also includes an intermediate portion that flexes or deforms as the first end of the flexible seal follows movements of the valve element, thereby preventing liquid adhesive in the liquid recirculation passage from contacting the biasing member. The flexible seal may include an arch-shaped compression seal or a thin flexible annular membrane.
US09377110B2
Fluid control valves having an adjustable valve stem and piston assembly are described herein. An example fluid control valve includes a piston to control a flow of fluid through a valve body, a bonnet having a threaded bore and a housing to be removably disposed within and threadably coupled to the bonnet. The housing includes a first portion to be disposed in the bonnet, a roller assembly to be pivotally mounted to the first portion, the roller assembly to engage the piston to control a position of the piston. The housing including a second portion with a threaded outer surface to couple to the threaded bore of the bonnet. A valve stem is to move through the housing to control the movement of the roller assembly and the piston.
US09377104B2
A method of controlling driving of a vehicle may include determining whether a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined speed, determining whether a signal of an accelerator position sensor (APS) is input as a signal of an accelerator pedal, determining whether a signal of a brake position sensor (BPS) is input as a signal of a brake pedal, determining whether the signal of the BPS is input while overlapping the signal of the APS for over a predetermined time in a state where the signal of the APS is being input, determining whether the signal of the APS is input while overlapping the signal of the BPS for over a predetermined time in a state where the signal of the BPS is first being input, driving an engine in a first smart pedal control mode, and executing a second smart pedal control mode.
US09377098B2
A power transmission device includes a gear speed reduction mechanism which includes an input shaft, an input pinion provided on the input shaft, a rotary shaft other than the input shaft, and a gear incorporated to the rotary shaft, and a casing which accommodates the gear speed reduction mechanism. The casing is made of resin and includes a casing body which includes an incorporating opening for incorporating the gear and a cover which closes the incorporating opening. The casing body includes an input side opening with the opening being a size that the input pinion can be inserted but the gear cannot be inserted. In addition, the rotary shaft is supported by a bearing support which is formed in the casing body, and the bearing support of the rotary shaft is not formed on the cover.
US09377097B2
A drive system includes a drive housing and one or more drivetrain cartridges. The one or more drivetrain cartridges enables better manufacturability by allowing drivetrain components to be installed together outside the housing and then installed as a unit together into the housing. Serviceability is improved by allowing one or more of the drivetrain cartridges to be removed individually from the housing for maintenance or repair. The housing may include mounting surfaces to securely engage the one or more drivetrain cartridges to the housing to prevent play. The housing may include a bottom or side panel with installation mounts to fasten the drivetrain cartridge or cartridges securely to the bottom or side panel of the housing.
US09377094B2
A start-up and retarder element having a hydrodynamic transfer element (5, 5′) and a planetary gear set (4). The hydrodynamic transfer element (5, 5′) has at least one first functional wheel (11, 11′) and one second functional wheel (12, 12′). The first functional wheel (11, 11′) can be fixed on a stationary component (14) by a single shift element (15). A start-up function or a driving function can be set in which the functional wheels (11, 11′; 12, 12′) of the hydrodynamic transfer element (5, 5′) function as an impeller and a turbine, respectively, of a hydrodynamic start-up element so that a retarder function can be set, or the functional wheels (11, 11′; 12, 12′) of the hydrodynamic transfer element (5, 5′) function as a rotor and a stator, respectively, of a hydrodynamic retarder.
US09377092B2
In an electric power steering system, there is provided a ball screw deflector configured to make it possible to easily measure the whole length of each of deflector pieces. A mating face of each of the deflector pieces and end faces of the deflector pieces are parallel to each other, and have an angle corresponding to a lead angle of a ball screw portion. Thus, it is possible to reduce the amount of material required to form each of the deflector piece pieces. In addition, it is possible to easily measure the overall length of each of the deflector pieces with the use of measuring equipment such as a vernier caliper.
US09377090B2
A tensioner assembly that includes a base, an arm, an opening spring (i.e., a torsion spring that opens or radially expands with increasing torque applied thereto), a spring reaction member, and a pivot bushing. The tensioner assembly is configured to orient various loads in predetermined directions. For example, a spring load can be oriented to counteract a hub load to reduce a bushing load that acts on the pivot bushing. As another example, a spring reaction force exerted by the spring reaction member can be employed by a damping mechanism to generate a grounding force that is parallel to the spring reaction force and is directed to intersect an axis about which the arm pivots relative to the base. A tensioner assembly having improved assembly characteristics is also provided.
US09377086B2
The multi-speed transmission comprises four planetary gear sets, eight rotating shafts and six shifting elements, whereas the sun gear of the first planetary gear set is connected to the fifth shaft, which is connectable to the input shaft through a first clutch and is attachable to a housing through a third brake, whereas the drive shaft is, through a second clutch, connectable to the seventh shaft connected to the bar of the fourth planetary gear set and the ring gear of the third planetary gear set and is connected to the sun gear of the second planetary gear set, whereas the sixth shaft is connected to the ring gear of the first planetary gear set, the bar of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear of the fourth planetary gear set and the third shaft is connected to the sun gear of the third planetary gear set and the sun gear of the fourth planetary gear set, and is attachable to the housing through a first brake, whereas the fourth shaft is connected to the bar of the first planetary gear set, is attachable to the housing through a second brake and, through a third clutch, is detachably connectable to the eighth shaft connected to the ring gear of the second planetary gear set and whereas the output shaft of the transmission is connected to the bar of the third planetary gear set.
US09377077B2
A braked spring element includes a first spring mechanism for absorbing and releasing energy, a second spring mechanism for absorbing and releasing energy and a damper assembly held between the first spring mechanism and the second spring mechanism, the damper assembly including a damper piston displaceably disposed in a fluid space and a piston rod connected to the damper piston.
US09377073B2
A flexible support shaft (10) configured to be arranged on a first object to flexibly support a second object moving relative to the first object is provided. The flexible support shaft comprises a first connecting flange (20) for being mounted on the first object, a compression spring (30) having one end arranged on the first connecting flange, an elastic member (40) configured to be embedded by the compression spring to change the elasticity of the compression spring, and a second connecting flange (50) arranged on the other end of the compression spring to support the second object. Because of the design of the compression spring and the elastic member thereon, the flexible support shaft acts not only as a support but also as a shock absorber for the second object in relative motion. Furthermore, since the compression spring is embedded in the elastic member, the elastic member changes the elasticity and rigidity of the compression spring.
US09377069B2
A vehicle disc brake includes a caliper body, pistons and a pair of friction pads. The caliper body has a pair of operation arms and a bridge portion. Each operation arm has a cylinder bore and a pair of pad guide grooves. The pistons are each inserted into the corresponding cylinder bore. Each friction pad has a lining and a back plate. Each friction pad further includes a pair of lug pieces and a projection. The lug pieces are accommodated in the pad guide grooves so that the friction pads are movable in an axial direction of a disc rotor. The projection is provided so as to be positioned inside an opening portion of the piston with a gap from an inner circumferential surface thereof.
US09377067B2
A method and a device for fitting and removal of brake calipers (2), the device having a frame portion (38) connected to a fastening portion (40) for fastening the device (36) on the brake caliper (2). The frame portion (38) is provided with a lifting device (42), (44). The fastening portion (40) has connecting portions (18) engaged with at least one fastening point (20) for a component. A brake caliper bracket (16) which cooperates with the brake caliper (2). The connecting portions (18) of the fastening portion (40) are of substantially the same geometrical shape as the brake caliper bracket's connecting portions (18) which connect with the brake caliper (2).
US09377059B2
A vibration damper and a drive shaft comprising a vibration damper having a small radial extent is provided. A first shaft part is provided with a sleeve and a second shaft part is provided with an inner part which extends axially into the sleeve. The sleeve and the inner part include longitudinal rotary drivers that engage negative profiles of an damping part which is elastically deformable in the direction of shaft rotation and includes at least one decoupling ring and at least one pair of rotation limiting rings.
US09377052B2
A bearing monitoring system is provided including one or more bearings within a flow passage and a working fluid passing over at least one surface of the bearings. A first thermocouple is located in the flow passage upstream relative to the one or more bearings and configured to measure a first temperature of the working fluid and a second thermocouple is located in the flow passage downstream relative to the one or more bearings and configured to measure a second temperature of the working fluid. The system further includes a control device in communication with the first thermocouple and the second thermocouple, and configured to compute a temperature gradient across the one or more bearings from the first temperature and the second temperature, compare the temperature gradient against a known value, and if the temperature gradient exceeds the known value, the control device is configured to provide an alert.
US09377048B2
A rotary union is disclosed for use in semiconductor processing applications. The rotary is coupled between a platen base and a platen of a rotating platen assembly. The rotary union includes a coiled flexible tube member for passing a flow of cryogenic fluid to the platen for cooling during an ion implant procedure. The coiled flexible tube member has a first configuration associated with a non-rotated position of the platen and a second configuration associated with a rotated position of the platen. In the first configuration the coiled flexible tube member has a first bend radius, and in the second configuration the coiled flexible tube member has a second bend radius that is smaller than first bend radius. The rotary union also includes a base with a peripheral wall that restricts movement of the coiled flexible tube member as it cycles between the first and second configurations.
US09377047B2
A through bolted connection hardware includes first and second nut-bolt-washer connectors each having a base portion and a bolt portion extending through the base portion. A threaded rod and a pair of threaded connectors bridge between the first and second nut-bolt-washer connectors. Specifically, a first bolt portion of a first nut-bolt-washer connector threadingly mates with a first threaded connector, and a second bolt portion of a second nut-bolt-washer connector threadingly mates with a second threaded connector. The threaded rod threadingly mates with the first and second threaded connectors. The assembly passed through an opening in materials to be joined and the assembly is tightened to secure the joint.
US09377046B1
A fastener assembly is provided that includes a female insert having a head and a sleeve which extends from the head. The head of the female insert abuts a first panel, with the sleeve extending through a first preformed hole in the first panel. The distal end of the sleeve thus protrudes from the first preformed hole of the first panel and is then crimped around a washer to mechanically connect the female insert to the first panel. The female insert may also include one or more adhesive receptacles to further adhere the female insert to the first panel. A second panel with a second preformed hole is aligned with the first panel, and a male fastener having a base and a shank that extends from the base is inserted through the second preformed hole and into the female insert to connect the first panel and the second panel.
US09377045B2
A wood screw includes a plurality of cutting areas radially disposed on a conical bottom surface of a head and a smooth area formed between the cutting areas. Each cutting area has at least two grooves, each of which has a base different from each smooth area and two rib walls protruding from the base. The rib walls of two adjacent grooves meet to form a first cutting edge. Each cutting area further has two outer walls protruding from the smooth area. Each outer wall meets one rib wall of the adjacent groove on a second cutting edge. The cutting edges cut and scrape off burrs attached to a drilled hole. The cutting edges cooperate with the grooves to permit a continuous cutting action simultaneously with an increasing accommodation area for scraped burrs and prevent the burrs from sticking out from the head. Thus, the fastening effect is promoted.
US09377043B2
A nail-shaped fastening element having a shank, at whose one end a tip is configured and at whose opposite other end a head is configured, and having a sleeve-shaped washer is disclosed. At a first end facing the tip, the sleeve-shaped washer has a first collar that narrows the opening cross section of the sleeve-shaped washer and, at a second end facing opposite the first end, it has a second circumferentially outwardly disposed collar.
US09377041B2
A connecting device for connecting implements to poles is provided. In one example, the connecting device is configured to connect a lacrosse head to a pole. The pole comprises an elongated hollow cross section and has at least one hole located along a sidewall. Contained in the inner portion of the hollow cross section is the connecting device. The connecting device further comprises a fastening receiving portion substantially aligned to the hole located along the side wall of the pole for receiving a fastener. The lacrosse head contains a receiving portion complimentary in shape to fit on the pole and further includes a mounting hole. When the lacrosse head is assembled to the pole, the mounting hole on the lacrosse head is substantially aligned to the hole located on the side wall of the pole and the fastening receiving portion.
US09377032B2
A mobile concrete pump includes a supporting structure that can be placed directly or indirectly via an assembly frame on the running gear of an HGV chassis, for receiving functional units that form a support device and a placing boom. The placing boom is rotatably mounted on a boom pedestal that is integrated into the supporting structure, while the support device includes two telescopic tubes which are integrated into the supporting structure, cross over one another at different heights and have diagonal passages that are open at the front. A respective open space in the supporting structure lies below the upper and above the lower telescopic tube, each open space being separated from the neighboring telescopic tube by an intermediate base. A pre-fabricated liquid tank is inserted into at least one of the open spaces, the outer contour of the tank being geometrically adapted to the supporting structure and the tank supplementing and reinforcing the supporting structure.
US09377027B2
Apparatus, including a vertical double-suction pump, is provided featuring a pump casing and a double suction impeller arranged therein on a shaft. The pump casing has a pump casing wall. The double suction impeller has upper and lower shrouds with metal rims configured to form upper and lower isolating annuli between the double suction impeller and the wall of the pump casing in order to impede a recirculation flow from an impeller discharge to be able to act of the upper and lower shrouds and create a controlled axial thrust load from differentiated hydraulic pressure on the upper and lower shrouds. The upper and lower isolating annuli may also be geometrically varied between the upper and lower shrouds of the double suction impeller to create a pressure differential in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the double suction impeller.
US09377024B1
A hand-held fan and object holder generally comprises: a housing that can be readily grasped and held by a user; a fan positioned near an upper end of the housing that rotates with respect to the housing and is powered by a motor and power source enclosed within the housing; and a candy item positioned at a lower end of the housing. A switch is positioned on an exterior surface of the housing between the fan and the candy item, allowing the user to selectively energize the motor and rotate the fan while grasping the housing. The resulting hand-held fan and object holder is a novelty product with great consumer appeal, especially to children.
US09377018B2
An unloader assembly and method for unloading a compressor, with the unloader assembly including one or more fingers configured to engage one or more valve elements of a suction valve of the compressor. The unloader assembly also includes a biasing member coupled to the one or more fingers and configured to bias the one or more fingers downward such that the one or more fingers follow the one or more valve elements, and an actuating rod coupled to the one or more fingers and extending longitudinally therefrom. The unloader assembly further includes a first reservoir containing a smart fluid and adapted to receive the actuating rod, and a coil disposed at least one of proximal to and within the first reservoir, with the coil being configured to produce a field when an electrical current is supplied to the coil, to change one or more viscoelastic properties of the smart fluid.
US09377014B1
A switch (10, 200) is provided for installation in the air conditioning (A/C) system (12) in a vehicle (16) for intermittently operating the clutch (20) in the A/C system (12) each time the control (44) in the A/C system (12) provides power to operate the clutch (20) to prevent slugging. This turns the compressor (14) a few turns each time the clutch (20) is energized during intermittent operation to purge liquid refrigerant and lubricant from the compressor (14) to prevent slugging. The switch (10, 200) can be installed in existing vehicles by connecting the switch (10, 200) in the wiring harness (18) of the A/C system (12) to the power lead (38) from the control (44) to the clutch (20) and between the ground lead (40) from the clutch (20) and a ground. The switch (10, 200) can include a microcontroller (52) for controlling the operation of a power transistor (70) to intermittently ground the clutch to provide the intermittent operation. A battery (202) can be provided to power the microcontroller (52) for a set period of time after an initial intermittent operation. This prevents additional intermittent operation for the set period of time.
US09377012B2
A pump assembly including a plunger in communication with a pumpable media, a plurality of combustion chambers and a plurality of pistons. Each piston is associated with one of the combustion chambers. The pistons are in communication with the plunger and operatively arranged to together collectively urge the plunger in a pumping direction when the combustion chambers are triggered for displacing the pumpable media with the plunger. A method of pumping a media.
US09377006B2
A vertical wind turbine to catch the wind force characterized by its system of aerodynamic panels are provided with blades fixed into horizontal axis that open and close simultaneously and symmetrically upward and downward due the gears like the butterfly wings rotated by 90° of its normal position, it is like opens an umbrella horizontally to receive on one side the wind buoyancy or pressure and in the other side close by the action of the wind. The top and bottom blades works as counterweight one to another both to open and close (flatness) which makes your weight null in relation to the effort of wind to open or close them independent of the self-weight of the blades what propitiate the maximum use of the wind force in the traction side without loss to the return of the blades to the traction position driving a vertical axis.
US09377005B2
In one aspect, a rotor blade for a wind turbine is disclosed. The rotor blade may include a body extending between a blade root and a blade tip. The body may define a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. In addition, the body may define a chord line extending between the leading and trailing edges. The rotor blade may also include an airfoil modifier coupled to at least one of the pressure side or the suction side of the body. The airfoil modifier may define an end surface disposed adjacent to the trailing edge. At least a portion of the end surface may extend at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the chord.
US09377004B2
The present invention addresses the issue of improving generation efficiency of plasma in relation to usage power in a plasma generation apparatus. The present invention is directed to a plasma generation apparatus provided with an electromagnetic wave emission antenna and a discharge electrode. The plasma generation apparatus includes a plasma control device that controls generation of plasma, and is characterized that the plasma control device causes the electromagnetic wave emission antenna to intermittently emit electromagnetic waves by way of a drive sequence control. Especially, the plasma control device may preferably control an oscillating frequency, a power, output timing, a pulse width, a pulse cycle, and a duty cycle of the electromagnetic waves.
US09377001B2
A spark plug has a housing, a pair of center and ground electrodes configured to define a spark gap therebetween, a guide member and an oblique surface. The ground electrode has a standing portion that stands distalward from a distal end of the housing. The guide member is configured to guide the flow of an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an engine to the spark gap. The guide member protrudes distalward from the distal end of the housing at a different circumferential position from the ground electrode. The oblique surface is formed at the distal end of the housing so as to be circumferentially positioned between the guide member and the standing portion of the ground electrode. The oblique surface is oblique to the axial direction of the spark plug so that the radial distance between the oblique surface and the center electrode decreases in the distalward direction.
US09376983B2
An operations support system is provided for an engine. The system includes a diagnostics module configured to receive engine data from the engine and to generate diagnostics data based on the engine data using a thermodynamic model, the thermodynamic model being based on component maps associated with the engine; an acoustics module coupled to the diagnostics module and comprising an acoustics calculation unit, the acoustics calculation unit configured to receive the diagnostics data and to determine an acoustics level for the engine based on the diagnostics data; and a graphical user interface coupled to the acoustics module and configured to display the acoustics level.
US09376978B2
A method operable when driving a vehicle, wherein the vehicle has an internal combustion engine with at least one combustion chamber as well as an air supply to said combustion chamber that can be controlled, wherein, when driving said vehicle, an air/fuel ratio in said combustion chamber is controlled such that said air/fuel ratio does not fall below a first limit value (λb), and wherein said air/fuel ratio is also controlled such that a first margin (Δλm0) with respect to said first limit value (λb) is maintained. The method includes determining a first measure (M) of a requirement for a margin with respect to said first limit value (λb), and if said first measure (M) of said requirement represents a reduced requirement for a margin with respect to said first limit value, reducing said first margin (Δλm0) with respect to said first limit value (λb) to a second margin being smaller than said first margin.
US09376977B2
A common rail fuel system includes a common rail supplied by an inlet metered high pressure pump and fluidly connected to a plurality of zero-leak fuel injectors. An electronic controller controls pressure in the common rail predominantly responsive to a rail pressure error when outside of an overshoot avoidance condition corresponding to the error being less than a first threshold and a time rate of change of the error being greater than a second threshold. Pressure in the common rail is controlled predominantly responsive to the time rate of change of the error during the overshoot avoidance condition.
US09376968B2
Methods are provided for accurately learning part-to-part variability of an intake or exhaust oxygen sensor. A correction factor is learned based on sensor readings at voltages above and below a voltage corresponding to dry air conditions. An ethanol transfer function is then adjusted based on the learned correction factor so as to improve the accuracy of combusted fuel ethanol content estimation.
US09376967B2
Methods and systems are provided for optimizing the operation of a multi-cylinder auto-ignition internal combustion engine. In one example, cylinders of the auto-ignition internal combustion engine may form two groups of cylinders, where one group of cylinders has a larger compression ratio, smaller width, and smaller volume than the other group of cylinders, and where at least one cylinder of the other group is configured as a switchable cylinder that is deactivated in a load-dependent manner. By configuring the cylinders in multiple groups based on compression ratios, and operating the cylinders in a load-dependent manner, fuel consumption may be optimized.
US09376965B2
A torque requesting module generates a first torque request for a spark ignition engine based on driver input. A torque conversion module converts the first torque request into a second torque request. A setpoint control module, based on the second torque request, generates a mass of air per cylinder (APC) setpoint, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) setpoint, an intake valve phasing setpoint, and an exhaust valve phasing setpoint. A model predictive control (MPC) module: identifies sets of possible target values based on the APC, EGR, intake valve phasing, and exhaust valve phasing setpoints; generates predicted parameters based on a model of the spark ignition engine and the sets of possible target values, respectively; selects one of the sets of possible target values based on the predicted parameters; and sets target values based on the possible target values of the selected one of the sets.
US09376954B2
The present invention describes a construction machine with a drive unit and with a cooling system that comprises a fan. The fan is connected to the drive unit by means of a controllable viscous coupling, whereby the viscous coupling can be adjusted in such a way that a required fan rotational speed is set on the output side. The invention furthermore describes a method for the automatic fan rotational speed regulation for a cooling system in a construction machine.
US09376946B1
A modal attenuator includes annular chambers disposed between an attenuator body and a perforated screen surrounding a primary flow path. The modal attenuator in some arrangements is in the form of an expander section. In some arrangements one or both of the height and the width of the annular chambers may vary along the length of the attenuator body such that the volumes of the chambers vary along the length of the attenuator body. Each chamber preferably has an open end facing the perforated screen such that acoustic waves passing through the perforated screen can enter into the chamber through the open end.
US09376944B2
An oil level detection mechanism for detecting an oil level in the inside of a case 91, comprising: an oil filler opening 92 through which oil is supplied into the case 91; and an oil level detection member 93 that is located below a lower end of the oil filler opening 92 in the inside of the case 91 and that protrudes inward from an inner wall 91a of the case 91 so that a tip part 93a thereof is located in a region visually recognizable from the outside of the oil filler opening 92.
US09376941B2
A method and apparatus for resetting a valve lift for use in an engine brake. A brake piston (160), and a hydraulic fluid passage (214) are arranged within a rocker arm (210) or a valve bridge (400) of an engine. A resetting valve arranged between the rocker arm (210) and the valve bridge (400) is driven by a change in the distance between the rocker arm (210) and the valve bridge (400). When the valve lift of an engine exhaust valve (300) reaches a maximum, a reset fluid passage (219) is opened, the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic fluid passage is released, the brake piston (160) is reversed by one interval, the motion transmission between a cam (230) and the engine exhaust valve (300) is partially disengaged, and the valve lift of the engine exhaust valve (300) is reduced. Also, during a returning process of the valve lift of the engine exhaust valve (300) after reaching the maximum position, repositioning of the reset valve is used to maintain a supply of pressure within the hydraulic fluid passage, the brake piston (160) is allowed to be positioned at an extended position, and the motion transmission between the cam (230) and the engine exhaust valve (300) is resumed. The apparatus for resetting the valve lift can be integrated within an engine exhaust valve brake, and is structurally simple, convenient to install and to adjust, thereby improving safety and reliability.
US09376933B2
Additional thrust fuel efficiency is provided for a gas turbine system that includes a first member(s) (e.g., a support for a rotating main shaft) that is attached to a stationary casing. The rotating main shaft is attached to the first member through a bearing. A second member is associated with a rotating member, such as a motor or other rotating part of the main or other shaft. The first member has a flow path in it for the liquid (e.g. water and/or other volatile liquid) and has an opening (nozzle) for discharging the liquid. The second member has a liquid impinging member for generating a liquid spray, droplet, mist optimally, which vaporizes with hot combustion gases that flow exteriorly along the main shaft. In this form vaporization is quick and is less erosive. The volume of thrust gases is increased advantageously and likewise engine boost increases.
US09376928B2
A power system enclosure is provided. The power system enclosure includes a housing accommodating a power source. The power system enclosure further includes an enclosure inlet connected to the housing to allow entry of an intake fluid into the housing. An enclosure exhaust is connected to the housing to route fluid from the housing. Further, a relief damper is disposed in the enclosure exhaust. At least a portion of the relief damper is configured to open when a pressure within the housing exceeds a predetermined threshold value.
US09376910B2
A downhole formation testing and sampling apparatus. The apparatus includes an expandable packer having a radially contracted running configuration and a radially expanded deployed configuration. At least one elongated sealing pad is operably associated with the expandable packer such that operating the expandable packer from the running configuration to the deployed configuration establishes a hydraulic connection between the at least one elongated sealing pad and the formation. The at least one elongated sealing pad has at least one opening establishing fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the apparatus. In addition, the at least one elongated sealing pad has an outer surface operable to seal a region along a surface of the formation to establish the hydraulic connection therewith. The at least one elongated sealing pad further has at least one recess operable to establish fluid flow from the formation to the at least one opening.
US09376901B2
Methods of resource recovery include reagents placed in a subterranean formation. The reagents generate heat, hydrogen gas and alkalinity which changes fluid flow characteristics. The forces of the reactions create fractures and cracks far from the well bore. These cracks and fractures are sealed if water is being transmitted through or near the reactions. As a result, the targeted fluids more efficiently flow to the well, along with decreased amounts of water waste, while stimulating generation of biogenic gases in the subterranean formations.
US09376896B2
A method of treating production fluid in a wellbore includes deploying a capillary string into the wellbore. The capillary string has a plurality of injection valves. The method further includes pumping treatment fluid through the capillary string and into the wellbore. The injection valves have a cumulative set pressure greater than or equal to a hydrostatic pressure of the treatment fluid.
US09376893B2
A subsea oil and/or gas production system comprises a host production facility and a plurality of subsea wells. A fluid conveying network is provided that connects each subsea well to the host production facility. A separate electrical power and data network is provided for conveying direct current electrical power and data, operatively connected to each subsea well for providing each subsea well with data transfer and electrical power services. The use of direct current ensures that the electrical power and data network can provide power over much greater distances than currently available, and the use of separate networks for conveying fluids and for providing electrical power and data transfer allows for a much more flexible system.
US09376892B2
An actuation device comprises a housing comprising one or more ports, a magnetic valve component, and a central flowbore. The central flowbore is configured to receive a disposable member configured to emit a magnetic field, and the magnetic valve component is configured to radially shift from a first position to a second position in response to interacting with the magnetic field.
US09376882B2
An annular seal assembly for forming a seal between two annular surfaces. The seal assembly includes an annular base including a sealing surface. The seal assembly also includes a pair of spaced apart rims extending from the annular base opposite the base sealing surface and in opposite directions, the rims also including sealing surfaces. The base is elastically deformable and the rims are elastically deformable relative to the base to effect a self-energized seal between the two annular surfaces.
US09376878B2
During the process of drilling for hydrocarbons, there is often the need to set a cementitious material plug in an open hole to allow the process of sidetracking and drilling of a new well bore. The present invention provides an apparatus and method for setting a cementitious material plug in an irregularly shaped and/or over gauge well bore without contamination of the cementitious material by extruding a membrane filled with cementitious material from a membrane delivery device.
US09376872B2
A subsea well installation assembly for installing a tubing hanger in a subsea well includes a spool with a spool orientation feature and a running tool connectable to the tubing hanger with a running tool orientation feature. The tubing hanger is rotatable to the predetermined orientation by movement of the running tool with respect to the spool such that the running tool orientation feature engages the spool orientation feature, and the tubing hanger is landable in the predetermined orientation by movement of the running tool with respect to the spool such that the running tool orientation feature engages the spool orientation feature.
US09376871B2
A positioning member (11) for a tubular (10) is formed using a prefabricated fiber-reinforced resin shell (1) positioned upon a surface of the tubular and bonded to provide a protrusion upon the surface of the tubular. In a disclosed method a fiber-reinforced resin shell (1) is secured to an external surface of a tubular (10) thereby enclosing a cavity between the shell (1) and the surface of the tubular (10); a bonding agent is introduced through inlet ports (5) in a surface of the fiber-reinforced resin shell (1) to fill a cavity between the shell (1) and the surface of the tubular (10), and the bonding agent is cured.
US09376863B2
A motorized roller shade is provided. The motorized roller shade includes a shade tube in which a motor unit, a controller unit and a power supply unit are disposed. The controller unit includes a controller to control the motor. The power supply unit includes at least one bearing rotatably coupled to a support shaft. The motor unit includes at least one bearing, rotatably coupled to another support shaft, a DC gear motor and a counterbalancing device. The output shaft of the DC gear motor is coupled to the support shaft such that the output shaft and the support shaft do not rotate when the support shaft is attached to a mounting bracket.
US09376858B2
The invention relates to a device comprising protective netting suitable for use as a barrier for any type of opening located at a height. The device uses a set of specially designed aluminum sections that can be produced in series and are easy to handle, as well as comprising mobile anchoring elements that engage with guides provided on the section in order to mount the mesh-type safety net that can be used as a containment barrier, preferably for balconies, windows and staircase, which reduces the risk of falls by children and/or careless people, in a secure, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing manner.
US09376848B2
A support bracket (10) with side locking and adjustment for sliding doors and leaves (22) is positioned and stabilized in a metal profile (14) attached with screws (26) in the cavity (18) formed along the upper edge of said doors or leaves and protrudes from the top of said profile with a threaded pin (54) designed to engage with a carriage (56) sliding in a rail (56′). The bracket comprises a body (12) of a substantially parallelepiped shape extending in a horizontal direction and with an open lower face, in the rear part of which opposite the mouth (14″) of the profile (14) a slider (28) is placed, fitted at the bottom with opposite projecting and inclined lugs (34) designed to abut with corresponding inclined portions (36) made in the lower part of the opposite sides of said body (12) for moving said slider. Said latter is provided with superposed through openings (30), (32), oriented in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the body (12), which respectively house a first screw (40) partially threaded and a second screw (46), said latter being moved with respect to the slider (28) starting from a through opening (44) made at the bottom of the rear face of said body (12).
US09376847B2
The hinge for mounting a door on a piece of furniture provided with a front frame comprises a base plate fixable to the front frame of the piece of furniture, an intermediate plate slidably connected to the base plate and movable by an adjusting cam, a hinge arm connected to the intermediate plate swingably according to a transversal axis and mobile by means of an adjusting screw; the intermediate plate, at a rear end thereof, exhibits side wings having hinging projections which project on opposite sides according to the transversal axis so as to engage rotatably in rear side holes of the hinge arm. The base plate exhibits retaining side parts for the intermediate plate, conformed and arranged such as to retain the side edges of the intermediate plate in a perpendicular direction to the longitudinal extension plane of the base plate.
US09376845B2
There is provided a hinge device that supports a first member and a second member to be rotatable. The hinge device includes a first guide groove and a second guide groove that are formed on the first member substantially parallel to each other, and a first pin that is provided on the second member and is slidably engaged with the first guide groove and a second pin that is provided on the second member and is slidably engaged with the second guide groove. The first guide groove includes a first end portion with which the first pin rotatably comes into contact, and the second guide groove includes a second end portion where a movement space in which the second pin is disposed so as to rotate around the first pin when the first pin is disposed at the first end portion is formed.
US09376841B2
A lock comprising a shackle and a shackle-receiving portion. The shackle can comprise a resilient flexible portion, which, absent any external deformation forces, can retain an overall substantially U-shaped form. The shackle-receiving portion can comprise a locking mechanism operable to secure the shackle to the shackle-receiving portion. The substantially U-shaped form can comprise substantially straight and parallel legs. The flexible portion can further comprise a heat-treated coil spring that maintains the overall substantially U-shaped form, and the shackle can further comprise a cable.
US09376840B2
A gate keeper is provided for attachment of a gate latch to a T-post. In an embodiment, a gate keeper comprises a connector and a gate latch. The gate latch is constructed of a rigid length of material having a latching region, a base region, an extending region, and a u-shaped region. The latching region extends approximately perpendicular to the base region in a first plane. The base region extends approximately perpendicular to the extending region in the first plane. The extending region extends approximately perpendicular with the u-shaped region in a second plane. The connector circumposes the T-post, between a pair of studs. The height of the connector is adjusted by arrangement of the connector between differing pair of studs along the T-post. The gate latch axially rotates about the base region, allowing the u-shaped region to secure a gate rail attached to a movable gate.
US09376835B2
A magnetically mounted template for identifying the optimum installation location for a door hardware device. The template has a working element that engages a cooperating door hardware device, for example, a working latch that engages a bolt. The template is particularly suitable for installing electrically operable door hardware devices, such as electric strikes, which require wiring as well as mechanical attachment to a door frame or door.
US09376833B2
A door handle (1) is adapted to apply liquid or gel (liquid/gel) to a user's hand. The handle (1) comprises a handle grip (2) and a liquid/gel reservoir (6) associated with the handle (1). A liquid/gel displacement device is arranged in the grip (2) and a non-return valve (53) is provided to allow liquid/gel to flow from the reservoir (6) to the displacement device. A hollow trigger (8) is displaceably mounted on the grip (2) and adapted to actuate the displacement device when the handle (1) is gripped for displacement of liquid/gel from the displacement device, into the trigger (8) and then on to a hand or its digits gripping the trigger (8).
US09376828B2
The various processes of a plant are segmented into separate process blocks that are connected to one another using fluid conduits or electrical connections. Each process block is specialized to perform specific tasks in an assembly line manner to achieve an overall goal. For example, multiple distillation process blocks could be daisy-chained to create fuel from crude oil. Each process block is generally small enough to be mounted on a truck or a flatbed for easy transport, allowing for an assembly line of process blocks to be transported anywhere in the world with ease.
US09376824B2
The invention is directed to a joint tape for finishing a joint between boards comprising a nonwoven substrate that does not swell substantially in the presence of water. The invention further provides a method of finishing a joint between boards comprising (i) applying a joint tape of the invention to a joint between boards by embedding the joint tape in a first coat of joint compound, (ii) applying a second coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (ii) is carried out before the joint tape and joint compound applied in step (i) have substantially dried, and optionally (iii) applying a third fill or finish coat of joint compound over the tape, wherein step (iii) is carried out before the joint tape and second coat have substantially dried.
US09376820B2
A walkway assembly (10) for attachment to a support structure such as a roof of a building includes a primary support (13) for on-site attachment to the support structure, a plurality of tread modules (41) each attached relative to the primary support and moveable between a first position and a second position at which a part of each tread module is spaced further from the primary support than when at the first position, and at least one riser unit (48) for supporting the tread modules relative to the primary support in at least the second of the first and second positions.
US09376817B2
A Rafter Center Translation Tool Set 10 that when used with a standard 25 ft retractable tape measure 20 and a common 6 inch 7/32nd drill bit will provide for the translation of multiple vertically running horizontally displaced rafter centers from inside an accessible roof area where rafter rafters centers are visible, to outside a roof area on-top of a decking 3 above the shingles 4, requiring only two alignment holes for the translation of multiple centers along a 25 ft span. These centers are marked on a tape measures tape which is referenced and secured between a 1st Rafter Clip 1 and a horizontally displaced 2nd Rafter Clip 19 inside the roof area. The tape measures tape is then referenced and secured between an aligned 1st Translation Plate 15 and 2nd Translation Plate 18 on the outside of the roof, where the marked centers from the inside of the roof are now visible on the outside of the roof.
US09376813B2
A ceiling system includes an overhead support grid defining a grid opening and a ceiling die positioned in the opening. The ceiling tile includes a first tegular edge and an opposing second edge, to one embodiment, the second edge may be tegular. The first tegular edge may have a different configuration than the first tegular edge so that the ceiling tile rests in an angled position when mounted in the support grid. When mounted, the bottom surface of the ceiling tile is angled with respect to the support grid. The first tegular edge includes an end surface defining an exposed reveal that is visible below the grid. By selecting various horizontal orientations of multiple ceiling tiles in adjacent grid openings in the ceiling system, different artistic patterns may be created. In one embodiment, the ceiling tile has a substantially uniform thickness.
US09376812B2
A plurality of carrying bars defining a suspended mounting grid. A bracket having a U-shaped central portion defining a mounting channel receiving a portion of said carrying bars. The bracket has a first support arm extending laterally outward from a first side of said central portion, and a second support arm extending laterally outward from a second side of said central portion. A keyway is disposed in each of said first and second support arms. A ceiling panel having a ceiling panel connecting member engages said keyway in either of said first support arm or said second support arm of said bracket so that said ceiling panel is carried by said bracket on said carrying bars. A securing clip carried on each of said first and second support arms engaging said ceiling panel connecting member to resist removal of said ceiling panel connecting member from said keyway.
US09376807B2
A passive structural system includes a structural element which may be subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration in the element. At least one bi-stable sub-structure is coupled to the element. Each bi-stable sub-structure has two stable equilibrium states between which the sub-structure can physically transition when subjected to a sufficient amount of energy which gives rise to vibration in the element, with each bi-stable sub-structure arranged to dissipate at least a portion of the energy and thereby damp the vibration in the structural element when it transitions from one equilibrium state to the other. The passive structural system may also be intentionally mistuned such that when subjected to energy which gives rise to vibration, the vibration energy is substantially confined to localized regions within the system. The bi-stable structures are then located in the localized regions and arranged to dissipate the localized vibration energy.
US09376801B1
A method of deploying a modular gas compression plant is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises constructing a building of four substructures including a first lower housing, a first upper housing, a second lower housing, and a second upper housing. The method further includes assembling a turbomachinery equipment into the first lower housing. The method further includes assembling an air inlet duct and an exhaust duct to the first upper housing. The method further includes disassembling the building into the four substructures.
US09376794B2
A simple and inexpensive plastic assembly snaps over the rim of a toilet bowl. The deodorizer/disinfecting embodiment container hangs outside the toilet bowl. It is supported by a rim clamp inside the toilet bowl. One model simply clips on clips off for disposable use. Other models have a container with a refillable top. An adjustable exit tube nut adjusts to various different toilet rims. When the user sits on the toilet seat, a diaphragm is compressed which forces air into the container and deodorant/disinfectant into the toilet bowl. The diaphragm needs to be made of neoprene or any flexible material with sufficient memory to return to its original non compressed shape after compression.
US09376779B2
The invention discloses an overshot control gate for use with trapezoidal irrigation channels. A gate has a rigid rectangular section adapted to, in use, be pivotally mounted to a base of a trapezoidal irrigation channel. A pair of triangular sections are pivotally mounted on opposite sides of the rigid rectangular section. Each of the triangular sections are divided into first and second triangular sections with a common apex at the base of the trapezoidal irrigation channel. Each of the first triangular sections are rigid and adapted to, in use, be pivotally mounted to opposite side walls of the trapezoidal irrigation channel. Each of the second triangular sections including the pivotal mounting on opposite sides of the rigid rectangular section are formed of a flexible material. Also disclosed is a pipe flow meter and a duckbill valve.
US09376777B2
An inflatable device is disclosed. The inflatable device includes an airtight inflatable mat. The airtight inflatable mat has a first surface member, a second surface member and at least one side member. A plurality of support structures is substantially evenly disposed internally within the airtight inflatable mat. Each support structure is generally parallel to each other and is coupled to the first surface member and the second surface member of the airtight inflatable mat. Furthermore, a plurality of fastening mechanisms is disposed on the at least one side member of the airtight inflatable mat. The fastening mechanisms are positioned on a plane substantially centrally located between the first surface member and the second surface member, and each fastening mechanism is configured for removably connecting with another fastening mechanism disposed on a side member of another airtight inflatable mat.
US09376768B2
Steam irons are known which provide steam to a fabric of a garment to be pressed through holes in a sole plate. The present invention relates to a steam iron comprising a main body (2), a steam generating unit (6) and a sole portion (4). The sole portion (4) comprises a steam cavity (20) and an outer rim (19) extending around the steam cavity (20), the outer rim (19) having a fabric contact surface (22) and the steam cavity (20) having a permeable element (42) disposed therein. Therefore, steam supplied into the steam cavity (20) from the steam generating unit (6) is supplied to a fabric to be pressed when the fabric contact surface (22) is located against said fabric.
US09376746B2
Embodiments described herein provide methods and apparatus for treating a magnetic substrate having an imprinted, oxygen-reactive mask formed thereon by implanting ions into a magnetically active surface of the magnetic substrate through the imprinted oxygen-reactive mask, wherein the ions do not reduce the oxygen reactivity of the mask, and removing the mask by exposing the substrate to an oxygen-containing plasma. The mask may be amorphous carbon, through which carbon-containing ions are implanted into the magnetically active surface. The carbon-containing ions, which may also contain hydrogen, may be formed by activating a mixture of hydrocarbon gas and hydrogen. A ratio of the hydrogen and the hydrocarbon gas may be selected or adjusted to control the ion implantation.
US09376728B2
The present invention provides for an isolated or recombinant polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity with the amino acid sequence of a Halorhabdus utahensis cellulase, such as Hu-CBH1, wherein said amino acid sequence has a halophilic thermostable and/or thermophilic cellobiohydrolase (CBH) activity. In some embodiments, the polypeptide has a CBH activity that is resistant to up to about 20% of ionic liquids. The present invention also provides for compositions comprising and methods using the isolated or recombinant polypeptide.
US09376727B2
Strategically truncated probes specific for high-risk HPV nucleic acids, and methods for making and using the same, are disclosed herein. The disclosed probes, and methods of use thereof, permit fast and reliable detection of human papillomavirus in clinical samples without significant cross-reaction.
US09376721B2
A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method involves: a) amplifying a product from a sample that comprises both wild type copies of a genomic locus and mutant copies of the genomic locus that have a point mutation relative to said wild type copies of the genomic locus, to produce an amplified sample, where: i. the amplifying is done using a first primer and a second primer; and ii. the first primer comprises a 3′ terminal nucleotide that base pairs with the point mutation and also comprises a nucleotide sequence that is fully complementary to a sequence in the locus with the exception of a single base mismatch within 6 bases of the 3′ terminal nucleotide; and b) detecting the presence of said product in said amplified sample using a flap assay that employs an invasive oligonucleotide. A kit for performing the method is also provided.
US09376717B2
Provided herein are compositions and methods for identifying or quantitating one or more analytes in sample. The composition can comprise an affinity molecule reversibly conjugated to a label moiety via a double-stranded nucleic acid linker or via an adaptor molecule. The affinity molecule and the label moiety can be linked to different strands of the double-stranded nucleic acid linker. Compositions can be used in any biological assays for detection, identification and/or quantification of target molecules or analytes, including multiplex staining for molecular profiling of individual cells or cellular populations. For example, the compositions can be adapted for use in immunofluorescence, fluorescence in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, western blot, and the like.
US09376716B2
The invention relates to a method for the high throughput identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms by performing a complexity reduction on two or more samples to yield two or more libraries, sequencing at least part of the libraries, aligning the identified sequences and determining any putative single nucleotide polymorphisms, confirming any putative single nucleotide polymorphism, generating detection probes for the confirmed single nucleotide polymorphisms, subjection a test sample to the same complexity reduction to provide a test library and screen the test library for the presence or absence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms using the detection probe.
US09376703B2
A method for detecting a xerophilic microorganism is provided. The method comprises providing a sample to be tested, an aqueous diluent comprising about 1.0 to about 10.2 weight percent glycerol, and a thin film culture device comprising a cold water-reconstitutable medium to facilitate the growth of a microorganism. The method further comprises mixing the sample with the aqueous diluent to form an inoculum, contacting a predefined amount of the inoculum with the reconstitutable medium to form an inoculated thin film culture device, incubating the inoculated thin film culture device for a period of time, and detecting a presence or an absence of colony of a microorganism. Kits for detecting a xerophilic microorganism according to the method are also provided.
US09376699B2
A method for engineering and utilizing large DNA vectors to target, via homologous recombination, and modify, in any desirable fashion, endogenous genes and chromosomal loci in eukaryotic cells. These large DNA targeting vectors for eukaryotic cells, termed LTVECs, are derived from fragments of cloned genomic DNA larger than those typically used by other approaches intended to perform homologous targeting in eukaryotic cells. Also provided is a rapid and convenient method of detecting eukaryotic cells in which the LTVEC has correctly targeted and modified the desired endogenous gene(s) or chromosomal locus (loci) as well as the use of these cells to generate organisms bearing the genetic modification.
US09376698B2
An isolated mutant Tfi DNA polymerase having a D144A point mutation. This polymerase may be used in methods including, but not limited to, nucleic acid synthesis, DNA sequencing, nucleic acid amplification and cDNA synthesis.
US09376683B2
The present disclosure relates to RNAi agents useful in methods of treating BetaENaC-related diseases such as cystic fibrosis, pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1), Liddle's syndrome, hypertension, alkalosis, hypokalemia, and obesity-associated hypertension, using a therapeutically effective amount of a RNAi agent to Beta-ENaC.
US09376679B2
Microvesicles containing interfering RNAs, preparation methods and uses thereof are provided. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the microvesicles containing interfering RNAs are also provided. Microvesicles containing interfering RNAs, pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising such microvesicles can be used to study the effects of interfering RNAs on receptor cells. As microvesicles containing interfering RNAs can stably, high efficiently and specifically deliver interfering RNAs, microvesicles containing interfering RNAs can be used to treat related diseases.
US09376675B2
The present invention provides a method for preserving biological components in pancreatic juice, and a kit suited for this method. The method involves adding, to a pancreatic juice-containing biological sample, at least one sulfonyl fluoride-containing protease inhibitor and at least one trypsin-like serine protease inhibitor belonging to a group of amino acid chloromethyl ketones.
US09376674B2
The stable thrombin composition comprises purified thrombin, human albumin and a neutral salt, the resulting product being stable when stored as a lyophilisate or frozen and is adjusted to a nominal strength of 500 IU of thrombin or more per ml of solution, the human albumin being in a concentration of over 0.05% (w/v) and preferably between 0.1% (w/v) and 1% (w/v).
US09376672B2
The present invention relates to compositions comprising factor IX coagulation factors linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of making and using such compositions in treatment of coagulation factor-related diseases, disorders, and conditions.
US09376668B2
The present invention relates to an isolated DNA molecule encoding a fagopyritol synthase. A method for producing a fagopyritol, an insulin mediator, an insulin mediator analogue, an insulin mediator homologue, or an insulin mediator inhibitor is also described. The method includes providing a fagopyritol synthase, providing a substrate comprising a galactosy donor and a galactosy acceptor, and combining the fagopyritol synthase with the substrate under conditions effective produce a fagopyritol, an insulin mediator, an insulin mediator analogue, an insulin mediator homologue, or an insulin mediator inhibitor.
US09376658B2
A number of novel improved microfluidic configurations and systems and methods of manufacture and operation. In one embodiment, three wells are used for independent cell culture systems in a cell culture array. In a second aspect, artificial sinusoids with artificial epithelial barriers are provided with just one (optionally shared or multiplexed) fluidic inlet and one (optionally shared or multiplexed) fluidic output, where the medium output also functions as a cellular input. A pneumatic cell loader combined with other components provides a fully automated cell culture system. Magnetic alignment of plate molds provides advantages and ease of molded manufacture.
US09376654B2
A biocontainer. The biocontainer includes a first flexible wall, a second flexible wall opposite the first flexible wall, a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a third end extending between the first and second ends, a fourth end extending between the first and second ends and opposite the third end, and a first relief section extending from the first end.
US09376641B2
A 3D porous metal-organic framework and method of making are described. In some embodiments, a 3D porous metal-organic framework may be based on a trinodal (3,3,4) net of zyg topology by the self-assembly of the nonlinear hexacarboxylate (BHB) with the paddle-wheel Cu2(COO)4 cluster. Although its porosity and surface area are moderate, the open copper sites and optimal pore spaces enable the pore spaces to be fully utilized for methane storage, resulting in a high methane storage density and high absolute volumetric methane storage at room temperature and 35 bar. By the immobilization of high density open metal sites and the deliberate control of the pore space for their efficient methane storage, this porous MOF functions as an efficient media for methane and natural gas storage.
US09376635B2
Systems and methods for extracting, handling and upgrading carbonaceous material. The systems and methods involve forming a reaction mixture of a carbonaceous material, a supercritical fluid, a catalyst and a source of hydrogen, and maintaining the reaction mixture at moderate temperatures for modest time periods. Exemplary reaction temperatures are those below 200° C. Exemplary reaction times range from 30 minutes to less than 24 hours.
US09376633B2
A process and apparatus described is for distributing fluidizing gas to a riser. Fluidizing gas is delivered to a plenum below the riser. A first stream of fluidizing gas is distributed from the plenum into a chamber in a riser and a second stream of fluidizing gas is distributed from the plenum into the riser outside of the chamber. First nozzles in the plenum have a first outlet in the chamber and second nozzles in the plenum have a second outlet outside of the chamber. Streams of regenerated catalyst and carbonized catalyst may be passed to the riser and mixed around the chamber in a lower section of a riser.
US09376631B2
An oil forming composition and a method of producing a synthetic crude oil are provided. The oil forming composition includes a mixture of an organic material selected from the group consisting of a member of the lactuca genus, nuts, nut derivatives, vegetable oils, pine tree derivatives, animal protoplasm, and combinations thereof; and a mineral aggregate selected from the group consisting of a silica containing mineral aggregate and a quartz containing mineral aggregate. The method of producing synthetic crude oil includes positioning a first heating enclosure adjacent to a heating surface, providing an oil forming composition within the first heating enclosure, positioning a lid over the oil forming composition, simultaneously applying pressure to the lid and heating the oil forming composition, cooling the oil forming composition to form a pre-volatile oil product, and heating the pre-volatile oil product while exposed to air to form the synthetic volatile fuel.
US09376629B2
A method of extracting hydrocarbon-containing organic matter from a hydrocarbon-containing material includes the steps of providing a hydrocarbon-extracting solvent containing DMSO, Cellosolve, or a mixture thereof; contacting the hydrocarbon-containing material with the hydrocarbon-extracting solvent to form an extraction mixture; extracting the hydrocarbon material into the hydrocarbon-extracting solvent; and separating the extracted hydrocarbon material from a residual material not extracted.
US09376621B2
A liquid crystal composition that includes a polymerizable compound having a high solubility, a composition obtained by polymerizing the polymerizable compound in the liquid crystal composition, and an AM device including any of the compositions are described. The liquid crystal composition has negative dielectric anisotropy, and includes at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1): wherein P1 and P2 are polymerizable groups, and, for example, ring A and ring B are independently an adamantane ring or a noradamantane ring, Z1, Z2 and Z3 are a single bond, and a, b and c are 1.
US09376619B2
A surface polymer-assisted vertically aligned (SPA-VA) liquid crystal (LC) cell has a surface alignment layer of surface localized polymer nano spikes capable of controlling the pretilt angle of liquid crystal molecules and ensuring fast switching characteristics. The deposition of the polymer nanospikes as a part of the alignment layer is achieved by polymerizing a small amount of a reactive monomer in vertically aligned liquid crystal with or without an applied voltage. Due to the alignment of liquid crystal molecules by the surface alignment layers, the polymerized polymer acts as an internal surface to modify and control the field-induced reorientation of the liquid crystal molecules. The SPA-VA LC cell realizes a stable alignment and the considerable advantage of the formation of polymer spikes via UV irradiation on both substrates of the cell. Furthermore, the switch-off of a SPA-VA is fast due to the enhanced surface anchoring strength by the surface-localized polymer nano spikes.
US09376608B2
According to an embodiment, an invert emulsion drilling fluid comprises: an external phase, wherein the external phase of the drilling fluid comprises a hydrocarbon liquid; an internal phase, wherein the internal phase of the drilling fluid comprises a hygroscopic liquid; and a suspending agent, wherein the suspending agent is a polymer comprising urea linkages or urea and urethane linkages. According to certain embodiments, the hygroscopic liquid comprises a salt and a suitable solvent. According to other embodiments, the hygroscopic liquid comprises an alcohol. In certain embodiments, the drilling fluid does not contain an organophilic clay or organophilic lignite. According to another embodiment, a method of using the invert emulsion drilling fluid comprises: introducing the drilling fluid into at least a portion of a subterranean formation.
US09376603B2
According to the present invention, a polymerizable composition having excellent storage stability can be provided by adding an acid that serves as a stabilizing agent and a free-radical polymerization inhibitor to a polymerizable composition that contains a polythiol compound and an enic compound having a phenylthio backbone as monomer components. In the present invention, an embodiment in which the acid is at least one compound having a protonic-acid-type functional group which is selected from phosphoric acid, phosphonic acid, phosphinic acid, sulfonic acid, sulfoneimide and carboxylic acid is preferred.
US09376598B2
The easily applicable adhesive sheet of the invention is characterized by having a base sheet, and an adhesive layer which is provided on the base sheet and which has, in a surface portion, a plurality of air passages having grooves opening on an end edge portion of the base sheet, wherein each air passage includes therein numerous island-like protrusions whose tops are flush with the surface of the adhesive layer, and the island-like protrusions are arranged such that any circle inscribed in the grooves defined by side walls of the air passage and those of the protrusions has a diameter of 5 to 90 μm at the level of the surface of the adhesive layer. The invention provides an easily applicable adhesive sheet which is smoothly applied to an adherend without formation of “blisters,” and which exhibits excellent appearance after application to the adherend.
US09376585B2
Disclosed are waterborne coating compositions that include: (a) a base-neutralized carboxylic acid functional polyacrylate; and (b) a water-miscible polyaziridine, in which the composition is substantially free of isocyanate functionality. Also disclosed are methods of using such compositions to produce a dry-erase surface and kits that include such compositions.
US09376578B2
A stripping composition that includes a dicarboxylic acid diester is described. The composition is useful and particularly efficient for stripping paint.
US09376563B2
Polyamide composition comprising a first polyamide, characterized in that the composition further comprises polyamide 4,10 in an amount of at least 0.01 wt %, based on the total amount of polyamides in the composition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first polyamide is an aliphatic polyamide chosen from the group of polyamide 6, polyamide 6,6 and polyamide 4,6.
US09376558B2
Polymer compositions, articles made from such compositons, and methods for molding such compositions
A polymer composition comprises a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer additive selected from the group consisting of nucleating agents, clarifying agents, and combinations thereof, and a fluoropolymer. A molded article comprises at least one wall defining a cavity, the wall having an opening therein permitting access to the cavity. The wall comprises a polymer composition comprising a thermoplastic polymer, a polymer additive selected from the group consisting of nucleating agents, clarifying agents, and combinations thereof, and a fluoropolymer. A method for molding a polymer composition is also provided.
US09376556B2
Disclosed is a highly functional multi-layered golf ball which prevents interlayer separation of a dual core, transfers force to an inner core without loss when hit by a golf club to provide strong repulsive elasticity, is not easily broken due to reinforcement of various physical properties and exhibits a suitable spin force and excellent hitting feel. The multi-layered golf ball includes a core and a cover covering the core, wherein the core includes a triple core including an inner core, an outer layer having a lower hardness than that of the inner core, and a binder layer bonding the inner core to the outer layer, the binder layer having a greater hardness than that of the outer layer.
US09376554B2
The rubber composition for tire tread and a tire includes 100 parts by weight of a raw material rubber that includes 20 parts by 80 parts by weight of a first solution polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR1) having a styrene content of 15% to 25% by weight and a vinyl content in the butadiene of 60% to 65% by weight and produced by a batch method; and 60 parts to 90 parts by weight of a silica having a specific surface area measured by nitrogen adsorption of 155 m2/g to 185 m2/g and a CTAB value of 150 m2/g to 170 m2/g.
US09376552B2
The invention relates to a ceramic particulate and polymer composite having enhanced viscoelastic and rheological properties.
US09376550B2
Provided is a masterbatch in which blocking in a masterbatch of a hindered amine compound and a benzoate compound, which is caused by long-term storage under a high-temperature environment, is improved. Also provided is a mixed pellet comprising a mixture of (A) a masterbatch pellet that comprises not less than 30 parts by mass of a hindered amine compound represented by the following Formula (1) with respect to 100 parts by mass of a polyolefin resin and (B) a masterbatch pellet that comprises not less than 30 parts by mass of a benzoate compound represented by the following Formula (2) with respect to 100 parts by mass of a polyolefin, the mixed pellet wherein not less than 70% by mass thereof as a whole is composed of the masterbatch pellets of (A) and (B):
US09376545B2
The present invention provides a resin composition which is excellent in gas-barrier properties after a hot-water treatment and excellent in handling properties without increasing viscosity of the resin composition in a melt-kneading step at forming. The invention provides a resin composition containing a thermoplastic resin (A) and a partially dehydrated product or completely dehydrated product (B) of hydrated carboxylic acid salt.
US09376542B2
The present invention concerns aqueous slurries with improved rheo logical stability under increased temperature. The slurries comprise a calcium carbonate containing material and at least one comb polymer.
US09376541B2
A non-conductive material layer, selected from a non-conductive film and a non-conductive polymer paste, and containing a dispersion of zinc (Zn) particles is disclosed, together with semiconductor packages including the non-conductive material layer. The non-conductive material layer contains zinc (Zn) particles having an average particle diameter of about 1 nm to about 200 nm in a non-conductive polymer base material of a film type, and a semiconductor package includes the non-conductive film. By using the non-conductive film and/or the non-conductive paste containing the zinc dispersion, e a semiconductor package having excellent electric connection properties and high reliability may be manufactured through simple processes at low manufacturing costs.
US09376540B2
Polymeric porous particles have a continuous solid phase and at least two sets of discrete pores that are isolated from each other within the continuous phase and that have different average sizes. One set of discrete pores has a larger average size than another set of discrete pores by at least 50%. At least one set of discrete pores is free of detectably different marker materials. There porous particles can be prepared using evaporative limited coalescence techniques with especially chosen discrete pore stabilizing hydrocolloids to protect the pores during formation and to provide the different average sizes.
US09376539B2
Provided is a urethane resin composition by which an electrically conductive roller which has a higher elasticity than ever and in which an air bubble in an elastic layer is fine can be obtained when the urethane resin composition is used for the elastic layer of the electrically conductive roller, and an electrically conductive roller using the same. The urethane resin composition comprises: a urethane resin having a carboxyl group on a side chain; a cross-linking agent having an epoxy group; and an ester composed of a sugar and an unbranched saturated fatty acid having 16 to 24 carbon atoms as a foaming agent. The saturated fatty acid is preferably a stearic acid. The urethane resin composition preferably further contains a foaming auxiliary. The sugar is preferably a sucrose.
US09376537B2
A process for preparing a completely delaminated graphene oxide/rubber nanocomposite. The process combines emulsion compounding with flocculation or spray drying, retains the morphology of graphene oxide/rubber composite in a liquid state, and achieves highly dispersed and highly delaminated morphology dispersed on nano scale. Furthermore, a substance able to produce ionic bonding or chemical bonding with the surface functional groups of graphene oxide is added to graphene oxide/hydrosol, as a surfactant, thus the interfacial bonding between graphene oxide and the rubber is increased. The composite is subjected to subsequent compounding and vulcanization to prepare a vulcanizate with dynamic performance, such as a high tensile strength, stress at a definite elongation, tearing strength, etc.
US09376534B2
The invention is directed to phenyl-containing functional polysiloxanes and polycarbonate-polysiloxane copolymer compositions made therefrom having improved optical clarity and better low temperature impact resistance.
US09376527B2
An aqueous composition comprising: (A) at least one functional fluorinated polymer [polymer (F)] selected from: a fluorinated ionizable polyurethane polymer [polymer (PUR)] comprising at least one fluorinated block comprising a (per)fluoropolyoxyalkylene chain [chain (ROF)] and at least one functional block comprising a hydrocarbon chain [chain (RH)] optionally comprising one or more aromatic or cycloaliphatic groups, said chain (RH) comprising at least one ionizable group, said blocks being linked by urethane moieties having formula (I) wherein E is a divalent hydrocarbon group, linear or branched, optionally comprising one or more cycloaliphatic or aromatic groups, and a fluorinated polymer [polymer (P)] comprising one or more perfluoroalkyl chains [chain (RF)] linked by one or more ester moieties having formula (II) and/or urethane moieties having formula (III) and/or urea moieties having formula (IV) (B) at least one functional hydrogenated polymer [polymer (H)] different from said polymer (F), said polymer (H) comprising at least one functional group; (C) at least one cross-linking agent; wherein the weight ratio of the polymer (F) to the polymer (H) is higher than 0.75.
US09376521B2
For a polymer composition, a polymerizable aversive agent is chemically coupled to a substrate element. The chemical coupling is labile to saliva.
US09376514B2
Disclosed is a polyvinyl chloride resin latex which is prepared by polymerization using a decreased amount of polymerization water in an early polymerization stage and then additional polymerization water in a late polymerization stage, so that the polyvinyl chloride resin latex has an increased solid content and a decreased water content and thus finally remarkably reduces energy consumption in a spray drying process.
US09376513B2
Disclosed is a solid catalyst component for olefin polymerization. The catalyst component comprises a dialkoxy magnesium carrier, a titanium compound, and a product from an internal electron donor reacting in an inert solvent. The internal electron donor compound comprises a 2,3-di-non-linear-alkyl-2-cyano succinic acid diester compound as presented in formula I.
US09376507B2
The present invention relates to plant cells and plants which synthesize hyaluronan and to methods for preparing such plants, and also to methods for preparing hyaluronan with the aid of these plant cells or plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of plants for preparing hyaluronan and to food or feed which comprises hyaluronan.
US09376499B2
Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) play many important roles in normal and pathological remodeling processes including atherothrombotic disease, inflammation, angiogenesis and cancer. This invention relates to the activation of protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) by endogenous platelet MMP-1 collagenase on the surface of platelets. Exposure of platelets to fibrillar collagen converts the surface-bound pro-MMP-1 zymogen to active MMP-1, which promotes aggregation through PAR-1. MMP-1 is shown to cleave the PAR-1 extracellular domain at a novel site, which then strongly activates Rho-GTP signaling pathways, cell shape change and motility, and MAPK signaling. Blockade of MMP-PAR1 suppresses thrombogenesis under arterial flow conditions and inhibited thrombosis in animals. These studies provide a link between matrix-dependent activation of metalloproteases and platelet-G protein signaling and identify MMP-1/PAR-1 as a new target for the treatment and prevention of arterial thrombosis and other thrombotic diseases.
US09376486B2
Compositions and methods for the treatment or prevention of Dengue virus infection in a vertebrate subject are provided. In particular, human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to Dengue virus isolated from EBV immortalized B cells derived from patients who have recovered from Dengue infection are disclosed. Methods are provided for administering such antibodies to a vertebrate subject in an amount effective to reduce, eliminate, or prevent relapse from infection.
US09376485B2
Described herein are compositions, methods, and uses relating to an EBV-neutralizing antibody.
US09376481B2
This invention provides methods for promoting and/or restoring neurite outgrowth and neuronal regeneration by contacting an injured neuron with an inhibitor of low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1).
US09376480B2
The present invention relates in general to therapeutic fusion proteins useful to treat lysosomal storage diseases and methods for treating such diseases. Exemplary therapeutic fusion proteins comprise a lysosomal enzyme, a lysosomal targeting moiety, e.g., an IGF-II peptide, and a spacer peptide. Also provided are compositions and methods for treating Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IIIB (Sanfilippo B Syndrome), comprising a targeted therapeutic fusion protein comprising alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase (Naglu), a lysosomal targeting moiety, e.g., an IGF-II peptide, and a spacer peptide.
US09376472B2
A chimeric polyvalent recombinant protein for use as a vaccine and diagnostic for Lyme disease is provided. The chimeric protein comprises epitopes of the loop 5 region and/or the alpha helix 5 region of outer surface protein C (OspC) types. The OspC types may be associated with mammalian Borrelia infections.
US09376468B2
The présent invention relates to cell-penetrating peptides char-acterized in that it comprises an amino acid séquence selected in the group consisting of X1LX2RALWX9LX3X9X4LWX9LX5X6X7X8, X1LX2LARWX9LX3X9X4LWX9LX5X6X7X8 and X1LX2ARLWX9LX3X9X4LWX9LX5X6X7X8, wherein X1 is beta-A or S, X2 is F or W, X3 is L, W, C or I, X4 is S, A, N or T, Xs is L or W, X6 is W or R, X7 is K or R, X8 is A or none, and X9 is R or S. Thèse peptides exhibit high efficiency, low toxicity and a natural tropism for lung tissues, and can be used either in simple complex with the cargo to be vectorised, or in nanoparticles comprising two layers of cell-penetrating peptides around the cargo.
US09376465B2
Structural and functional analysis of peptide inhibitor binding to the cyclin D and cyclin A groove has been investigated and used to design peptides that provide the basis for structure-activity relationships, have improved binding and have potential for development as chemical biology probes, as potential diagnostics and as therapeutics in the treatment of proliferative diseases including cancer and inflammation.
US09376464B2
The present invention relates to a selectively soluble polymer capable of binding to a desired biomolecules in a mixture containing various biological materials and the methods of using such a polymer to purify a biomolecule from such a mixture. The polymer is soluble in the mixture under a certain set of process conditions such as pH or temperature and/or salt concentration and is rendered insoluble and precipitates out of solution upon a change in the process conditions. The polymer is capable of binding to the desired biomolecule (protein, polypeptide, etc) and remains capable of binding to that biomolecule even after the polymer is precipitated out of solution. The precipitate can then be filtered out from the remainder of the stream and the desired biomolecule is recovered such as by elution and further processed.
US09376453B2
The present invention provides a preparation method of Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-90 (ZIF-90) in water-based system, which uses pure water as a solvent, and the reaction is carried out at room temperature. In addition, the present invention provides a preparation method of ZIF-90, and the particle size and the uniformity of the obtained ZIF-90 are controllable by addition of adjuvant or additive (Polyvinylpyrrolidone).
US09376450B2
Heteroaryloxyheterocyclyl compounds, and compositions containing them, and processes for preparing such compounds. Provided herein also are methods of treating disorders or diseases treatable by inhibition of PDE10, such as obesity, non-insulin dependent diabetes, schizophrenia, Huntington's Disease, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and the like.
US09376437B2
This disclosure relates, at least in part, to a method of treatment. In one embodiment, the method of treatment comprises administering to a subject in need of such treatment a first therapeutic agent including compound (1): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in combination with a second therapeutic agent, wherein the first therapeutic agent and the second therapeutic agent are administered either simultaneously or sequentially.
US09376433B2
Compounds of the formula I in which R1, X, Y and n have the meanings indicated in claim 1, are inhibitors of Tankyrase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, central nervous system injury and different forms of inflammation.
US09376418B2
The invention provides certain substituted pyridines of the Formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Rcy, Cy, and t are as defined herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of using the compounds for treating diseases or conditions mediated by Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk) kinase.
US09376417B2
The invention relates to a process for preparing aryl- and heteroarylacetic acids and derivatives thereof by reaction of aryl or heteroaryl halides with malonic diesters in the presence of a palladium catalyst, of one or more bases and optionally of a phase transfer catalyst. This process enables the preparation of a multitude of functionalized aryl- and heteroarylacetic acids and derivatives thereof, especially also the preparation of arylacetic acids with sterically demanding substituents.
US09376414B2
Disclosed is a method of making 5-formyl-2-furoic acid and furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid. The method involves the use of 5-keto-aldonic acids as intermediates, as these can be subjected to ring formation by a cyclodehydration reaction under mild conditions. The 5-formyl-2-furoic acid or carboxylic derivative thereof is subjected to oxidation so as to form furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid. The 5-keto-aldonic acid intermediates can be obtained by isomerization of uronic acids which can be obtained from sugar beet pulp, chicory pulp, fruit peals including orange peels, or non-terrestrial sources like seaweeds. A preferred source is sugar beet pulp.
US09376409B2
This invention relates to methods for making oxetan-3-ylmethanamines having the formula (I) wherein R1? and R2? are as defined herein. The methods of the invention provide the compounds of formula (I) in high yields and under conditions amenable for large-scale commercial production.
US09376408B2
Thiazolidinone compounds, including pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds, are CETP inhibitors and are useful for raising HDL-cholesterol, reducing LDL-cholesterol, and for treating or preventing atherosclerosis.
US09376404B2
A Pentamethylene diisocyanate is obtained by phosgenating pentamethylenediamine or its salt obtained by a biochemical method, and contains 5 to 400 ppm of a compound represented by the general formula (1) below and a compound represented by the general formula (2) below in total:
US09376394B2
The present application relate to processes for the preparation of bendamustine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
US09376385B2
The present disclosure relates to solid-phase azide supports, methods for making solid-state azide supports, and methods for capturing alkynes using the same. The present disclosure also relates to kits for solid-phase azide supports.
US09376369B2
The present invention provides novel compounds with hypocholesteremic activity from crude Embilica officinialis (EO) extracts and methods of use. The invention also provides nutraceuticals.
US09376365B2
The present invention concerns a process of carbonylation of poly-unsaturated diene with high selectivity for the preparation of a β,γ-unsaturated carboxylic acid or ester in the presence of water or alcohol and catalyzed by [PdCl2P2] complex wherein P2 is two mono or one bidentate phosphine ligand.
US09376364B2
The invention provides a method for preparing a succinic acid, which method includes the steps of: providing magnesium succinate; acidifying the magnesium succinate with hydrochloric acid (HCl), thereby obtaining a solution including succinic acid and magnesium chloride (MgCl2); optionally a concentration step, wherein the solution including succinic acid and MgCl2 is concentrated; precipitating succinic acid from the solution including succinic acid and MgCl2, thereby obtaining a succinic acid precipitate and a MgCl2 solution. The addition of HCl to a magnesium salt of succinic acid and subsequent precipitation of succinic acid from the solution leads to a very efficient separation of succinic acid from a magnesium succinate solution.
US09376354B2
A process and apparatus for separating an olefin from mixed gases containing light olefins is provided. The process includes adsorbing the olefin of an olefin-containing mixed gas in an adsorption column packed with an adsorbent selectively adsorbing the olefin; discharging gases other than the olefin through the outlet of the adsorption column; desorbing the adsorbed olefin by displacement using a desorbent, and separating the olefin from the desorbent, thereby producing a high-purity olefin. The apparatus includes adsorption columns packed with an adsorbent selectively adsorbing an olefin, and at least two distillation columns for separating an olefin/desorbent mixture and an olefin poor stream/desorbent into their components. If the olefin concentration of the off-gas from an olefin rinse step is higher than that of a raw material gas, recovering the olefin from the off-gas is carried out before or after the adsorption step.
US09376353B2
This invention relates to a method of producing aromatic hydrocarbons and olefin from hydrocarbonaceous oils including large amounts of polycyclic aromatic compounds having two or more rings via partial hydrogenation in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst and catalytic cracking in the presence of a catalytic cracking catalyst.
US09376336B2
Described herein is a method for producing a quartz glass crucible, including the steps of: preparing a crucible base material that is made of quartz glass and has a crucible shape; producing a synthetic quartz glass material by the direct process or the soot process; processing the synthetic quartz glass material into a crucible shape without pulverizing the synthetic quartz glass material; and welding the synthetic quartz glass material processed into the crucible shape to the inner surface of the crucible base material. As a result, there are provided a quartz glass crucible that avoids generation of dislocation in a silicon single crystal, the generation of dislocation caused by the crucible itself, at the time of production of a silicon single crystal and has high heat resistance, a method for producing the quartz glass crucible, and a method for producing a silicon single crystal, the method using such a quartz glass crucible.
US09376323B2
An object of the invention is to provide a tetrafluoroborate producing method that allows high-yield, high-efficiency production of a tetrafluoroborate by a continuous process, a tetrafluoroborate-containing electrolyte, and an electrical storage device including such an electrolyte. The invention provides a method for producing a tetrafluoroborate, which includes: a first step including dissolving boron trifluoride gas in an organic solvent; a second step including adding, to the organic solvent, a fluoride (MFn, wherein M represents a metal or NH4, and 1≦n≦3) in an amount stoichiometrically equivalent to or less than the amount of the boron trifluoride so that a tetrafluoroborate solution is produced; and a third step including circulating the tetrafluoroborate solution through the first step so that the boron trifluoride gas is dissolved in the tetrafluoroborate solution instead of the organic solvent.
US09376320B1
A method for producing carbon nanotubes and/or fibers, such as carbon nano-tubes, involves sparging a gas (such as carbon dioxide) through a liquid hydrocarbon (such as crude oil) in the presence of an effective amount of magnesium oxide (MgO) particles (such as MgO nanoparticles having a size in the range from about 2 nm to about 10 microns, and which may have a bimodal particle size distribution) at a temperature in a range of between about 70 to about 90° C. to produce carbon nanotubes and fibers having a size range of from about 50 nm to about 20 microns.
US09376318B2
A system for converting fuel is provided and includes a first reactor comprising a plurality of ceramic composite particles, the ceramic composite particles comprising at least one metal oxide disposed on a support, wherein the first reactor is configured to reduce the at least one metal oxide with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide; a second reactor configured to oxidize at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the said first reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate; a source of air; and a third reactor communicating with said source of air and configured to regenerate the at least one metal oxide from the remaining portion of the solids discharged from the said first reactor and the solids discharged from the said second reactor by oxidizing the metal oxide intermediate.
US09376317B2
A catalyst has a long life span and efficiently separates hydrogen from water. A first metal element (Ni, Pd, Pt) for cutting the combination of hydrogen and oxygen and a second metal element (Cr, Mo, W, Fe) for helping the function of the first metal element are melted in alkaline metal hydroxide or alkaline earth metal hydroxide to make a mixture heated at a temperature above the melting point of the hydroxide to eject fine particles from the liquid surface, bringing steam into contact with the fine particles. Instead of this, a mixture of alkaline metal hydroxide and metal oxide is heated at a temperature above the melting point of the alkaline metal hydroxide to make metal compound in which at least two kinds of metal elements are melted, and fine particles are ejected from the surface of the metal compound to be brought into contact with steam.
US09376307B2
An apparatus for distributing a filling product includes a filling valve for liquids, a closure element, and an actuator. The filling valve is configured for opening and closing a distribution or flow opening by linearly displacing the closure element. The valve comprises a valve chamber in which the closure element is arranged. The actuator, which is arranged within a constant volume arranged within the valve chamber, influences movement of the closure element.
US09376302B2
The device for sealing containers comprises a container feeding device for an intermittent feed of containers in a transport direction, a cap feeding device having a plurality of cap gripper units; and a capping device movable in and opposite to a lowering direction. The capping device has a plurality of capping units corresponding to the plurality of cap gripper units in the cap feeding device. Each capping unit has a screwing-on mechanism at one end. Each screwing-on mechanism is adapted to pick up a cap and to seal the container with the cap in a lowered position of the capping device. The capping device and the plurality of cap gripper units of the cap feeding device are configured and arranged such that the plurality of cap gripper units of the cap feeding device are positively guided in the lowering direction.
US09376298B2
A forklift including a fork on a front of a body to which front and rear wheels are attached, a counter weight on a rear of the body, and a driving electric motor allowing the body to travel, the forklift includes: a battery on the body above the rear wheel; a cargo-handling electric motor generating oil pressure on operating oil operating the fork; a controller controlling the cargo-handling electric motor and the driving electric motor; and a storage space in the body, below a bottom of the battery, and above a bottom of the body, wherein the controller and a charging device charging the battery are arranged in the storage space on both sides in a widthwise direction of the body, respectively and an operating oil tank and the cargo-handling electric motor are arranged along a longitudinal direction of the body between the controller and the charging device.
US09376290B2
An enhanced computer rack having sides is provided. The rack is used for housing electronic components and comprises in one embodiment of a lift rail having a plurality of multipurpose frame members capable of being engageably connected to at least one of the rack sides such that the frame members can be retracted into or extended out from the rack. In an alternate embodiment, a lift tool is provided for hoisting object into the rack. The lift tool is connected to at least one side of the rack and is capable of being retracted inside or being extended out from the rack. The two embodiments can also be combined to provide an enhanced rack with an integrated lift rails and lift tool design.
US09376286B1
A method of making a pad of labels comprises: printing display information on a top surface of a substrate; affixing a first layer of lamination material to a bottom surface of the substrate; affixing a second layer of lamination material to the top surface of the substrate, the second layer of lamination material having a release coating applied to a top surface thereof; applying an adhesive strip to a bottom surface of the first layer of lamination material, the adhesive strip being covered by a liner material; cutting the substrate having first and second layers of lamination material affixed into at least one label; removing the liner material to expose the adhesive strip after cutting the substrate into at least one label; and arranging the labels into a pad of labels.
US09376281B2
A cam-controlled core inserter for a surface winder is disclosed. The device has a cam housing having a longitudinal axis, a cam disposed within a first surface of the cam housing, a fixed finger plate juxtaposed proximate to the cam housing and the cam, and a first cam follower cooperatively associated with the cam. The fixed finger plate has a fixed finger fixably attached thereto. The first cam follower has a finger shaft disposed through the fixed finger plate and has a movable finger attached thereto. The movable finger has an adjustable orientation relative to the longitudinal axis as the first cam follower orbits about the longitudinal axis. The distal end of the movable finger and the distal end of the fixed finger are capable of forming a space therebetween for contacting engagement and containment of a core suitable for the convolute disposal of a web material thereabout.
US09376277B2
A sheet supply device has a bottom contacting or resting on an external surface. The sheet supply device stores sheets of media and supplies the sheets of media to a processing device. The sheet supply device comprises a controller device, a platform supporting the sheets of media, and a foot-activated user input device positioned at the bottom of the sheet supply device adjacent the external surface. The platform moves upward (in a first direction away from the external surface) to supply the sheets of media to the processing device, and the platform moves downward (in a second direction toward the external surface) to allow the sheets of media to be loaded onto the platform. Operation of the foot-activated user input device causes the compartment to open and/or the platform to move downward (in the second direction).
US09376276B2
A sheet feeding apparatus includes a containing unit, a lifting and lowering unit, a loosening unit, a feed unit, a sheet-surface detection unit, an aligning member, a trailing-edge detection unit, a double-feed detection unit, and a control unit. Sheets, of a sheet bundle contained in the containing unit and lifted and lowered, are loosened by blowing air into the sheet bundle and fed. An end face of the contained sheet bundle is aligned on a trailing-edge side. The trailing-edge detection unit moves with the aligning member and detects a sheet surface of a top of the sheet bundle on the trailing-edge side. Where double feed from the containing unit is detected, a detection operation detects, in consideration of a trailing-edge detection unit result, whether the aligning member is located at a position at which the end face of the sheet bundle on the trailing-edge side is aligned.
US09376272B2
Provided is a powder supply device that can stably supply powder from a main hopper to a powder supply means including a sub-hopper without requiring component replacement and the like. The powder supply device is provided with: a first piping that guides powder accumulated in a main hopper downward; a second piping that is connected to the first piping at a lower end portion thereof while intersecting with the first piping, and that guides the powder guided by the first piping to a sub-hopper; and a switching valve that pressure-feeds the powder temporarily deposited while forming an angle of repose at an intersecting portion of the first piping and the second piping, to the sub-hopper.
US09376259B2
A gripper for gripping and held conveying of objects as well as a corresponding conveying installation. The gripper has a first gripper jaw and a second gripper jaw. The gripper jaws can assume an open and a closed condition relative to one another, can exert a clamping force onto the object to be gripped, and a restoring force in the direction of the closed condition acts upon the gripper jaws. Moreover, at least one control element is present, which is capable of interacting with a switch. The control element is designed as a cam guide and has a functional contour with at least one arcuate contour segment. The conveying installation with opening locations that include a switch of a first and second type and control elements that either interact with the switch of the first type or the switch of the second type.
US09376254B2
A method for cleaning a reactor, the method including circulating a fluid inside the reactor, pumping the fluid from the reactor into an inlet of a tank cleaner, and removing solids from the fluid to produce a clean fluid. The method further includes transferring the clean fluid to the reactor and transferring pneumatically the removed solids to a pressurized vessel. Also, a method for transferring spent granular material, the method including providing a vacuum system disposed at a hydrocarbon production site to remove spent material from a reactor, transferring the spent material through the vacuum system into a pressurized vessel, and conveying pneumatically the spent material from the pressurized vessel to a second pressurized vessel.
US09376253B2
The present invention is directed to a beverage capsule (100) comprises a capsule body (101) with an outlet (104), a plug (111) configured to mate with said outlet (104), and an opening device (110) being at least partially fabricated from a shape-memory alloy and biased to retain said plug (111) within said outlet (104) in a first, closed position, and which is configured to deflect from said first, closed position when heated above the transition temperature of said shape-memory alloy, thereby withdrawing said plug (111) from said outlet (104) into a second, open position and permitting fluid communication through said outlet (104).
US09376250B2
A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels at least partially extending around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels can comprise a top panel, at least one side panel, and at least one bottom panel. At least one retention tab can be foldably connected to the at least one bottom panel. The at least one retention tab can be for engaging at least a portion of an article of the plurality of articles. At least one corner flap can be foldably connected to the at least one side panel. Each of the at least one retention tab and the at least one corner flap can be disposed adjacent to at least one corner opening in the carton.
US09376242B2
A valve (10) is disclosed which is operable to automatically transition from a closed state to an open state in response to heat. The valve (10) includes: a cover (12) having at least one opening (12a) therein; at least one adhesive layer (32, 36) for sealing a perimeter of the cover (12) to a wall (22) of a food cooking package (20) on which the valve (10) is positioned; and, a deformable element (14) that shrinks in response to being exposed to heat, the deformable element (14) having a perimeter which is sealed by an adhesive when the valve (10) is in its closed state, wherein shrinking of the deformable element (14) pulls the perimeter of the deformable element (14) away from a site where it is sealed by the adhesive, thereby breaking the seal about the perimeter of the deformable element (14) and transitioning the valve (10) from its closed state to its open state.
US09376237B2
A storage device including a storage container that can be brought from a storage position in which a tool stored therein cannot be removed, to a removal position, in which the tool stored therein can be removed, with an indication element indicating the tool, the indication element being distinct from the storage container but firmly attached to the storage container and visible in the storage position. According to the invention, an indication element is provided that can be attached to the storage container in simple manner and is not only visible but also palpable, wherein the indication element is a flattened relief of the tool.
US09376232B2
A food container includes a glass container, a lid and a protective sleeve. The sleeve covers at least a portion of the side walls and bottom surface of the glass container. The lid has a perimeter that is absent of features directly securing the lid to the container. The lid has a receiving feature which is engaged by a latch on the protective sleeve when the latch is moved from an open position to a locked position.
US09376231B2
A carton for containing at least one product. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a back panel, and a bottom panel. The carton has a container removably attached to at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The container is for containing the food product after removal of the food product from the interior of the carton.
US09376229B2
A single-use disposable method of making a circular expandable multi-plastic and aluminum ring with locking ring connectors with a bag attached to the inner parts of the rings with a cardboard base inside and outside the bag is presented. The invention includes multiple progressively larger light-weight rings held in a stable position by multiple and equidistant positioned locking connectors and connection at the bottom to a cardboard base, with a bag positioned inside and outside the ring-connector-base structure. The invention is most useful for garbage and trash disposal in picnic, camping, family reunion, barbecue, outside gatherings and outings type areas where conventional garbage and trash disposal units are not available.
US09376228B1
A sustainable system for refilling a pressurized fluid dispenser comprises a container body having a first fluid dispenser that includes a valved opening, a pouch mounted within the container body for storing a fluid composition and fluidly coupled with the valved opening of the container for dispensing the contents of the pouch and a fluid refill system. A pressurized gas can be provided between the pouch and the container body for pressurizing the contents of the pouch. The fluid refill system includes at least one reservoir having a fluid composition therein and a second fluid dispenser having a fitting that is adapted to dispense the fluid composition from the at least one reservoir into the pouch. A controller can be programmed to respond to input signals to position the container with the fluid refill system and to dispense the fluid composition under pressure into the pouch.
US09376222B2
A method of cooling spacecraft electronics by transferring fuel between two or more satlets is provided. Each satlet's electronics is thermally coupled to the satlet's fuel tank. A controller connected to a temperature sensor determines that a temperature of a first satlet's electronics is reaching, has reached, or exceeds a predetermined threshold. The controller connected to a second temperature sensor determines that a temperature of a second satlet's propellant is lower than the temperature of the first satlet's electronics. The controller then directs the flow of propellant from the second satlet's fuel tank to the first satlet's fuel tank to cool the first satlet's electronics.
US09376219B2
An actuating system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage in which a lamination mandrel includes a plurality of sectors that are angularly spaced about an axis and mobile between an expanded lamination position and a contracted dissembled position. Each sector has screw-nut screw type actuating system in which a threaded element is rotated about the axis by a motor. The threaded element includes an internal shaft made of a first material extending along the axis, an external tubular portion made of a second material that is mounted axially on the shaft and constraint element arranged between the internal shaft and the external tubular portion to prevent angular displacement of the external tubular portion with respect to the internal shaft and allow a linear sliding of the external tubular portion with respect to the internal shaft.
US09376205B2
According to one embodiment, a radial fluid device comprises a cylinder block, first and second pluralities of pistons, a first cam disposed about the first plurality of radially extending cylinders, and a second cam disposed about the second plurality of radially extending cylinders. The direction of rotation of the second cam is independent of the direction of rotation of the first cam.
US09376204B2
A high-lift system for a wing of an aircraft is provided. The high-lift system includes movably held high-lift flaps, at least one drive unit, at least one transmission shaft connected to the drive unit, and several actuator devices, distributed on the transmission shaft and connected to the high-lift flaps, for moving the high-lift flaps. The actuator devices each comprise a driven element and a torque limiting means. In one example, the driven elements of two adjacent actuator devices are interconnected in a non-rotational manner with the use of a separate torque transmitting means. If one actuator device is blocked, for example as a result of a defective tooth arrangement or some other defect, the torque to be produced by the intact actuator device increases and triggers its torque limiting means. This ensures synchronous operation and in the case of malfunction prevents damage to or detachment of a flap.
US09376202B2
A pitch control mechanism for an open rotor gas turbine engine is provided, the engine having a first rotor assembly and a second rotor assembly, with a plurality of airfoil blades circumferentially mounted on each rotor assembly, and arranged in contra-rotational relationship to each other. The pitch control mechanism includes an actuator assembly configured to be secured to a non-rotating frame of the engine, the actuator assembly having a first actuator and a second actuator, with the actuator assembly being rotationally isolatable from and couplable to the first and second rotor assemblies such that, in use, an actuation signal from the first or second actuator induces a corresponding desired change in pitch of the airfoil blades of the respective first or second rotor assembly independently of the pitch of the airfoil blades of the second or first rotor assembly.
US09376200B2
A leaktight nose cone backplate for an aircraft having a first side oriented towards a radome zone intended to house a mobile antenna, and a second side opposite the first side and oriented towards a cockpit of the aircraft. The second side has at least one recess intended to receive at least one piece of cockpit equipment, each recess being partly delimited by a backplate structure forming a protrusion on the first side.
US09376199B2
Provided is an arctic ship with a derrick, which can stably maintain an internal environment of an enclosed derrick. The arctic ship with a derrick includes: the derrick forming an enclosed space blocked from outside air; a moonpool coupled to a lower portion of the derrick to communicate with the derrick and blocked from the outside air; and an air supply/exhaust device installed to communicate an inner space of the derrick or the moonpool with the exterior, wherein air condition of the inner space is maintained or controlled at a predetermined range by the air supply/exhaust device.
US09376198B2
A steering system for a marine vessel includes a lower pod unit rotatably mounted to an upper pod unit. The upper pod unit includes a servo motor and a steering brake. The steering system includes a controller electrically connected to the servo motor and the steering brake. Upon receiving a first signal, the servo motor provides torque to rotate the lower pod unit. The steering brake is configured to provide a braking force to prevent rotation of said lower pod unit when no signal is received from said controller. The controller sends a first signal to said servo motor to command rotating torque and sends a second signal to said steering brake to release braking force. A service harness connector is provided that is manually connected in place of the servo harness connector.
US09376195B1
An outboard motor comprises an engine having an exhaust gas discharge opening, a midsection housing coupled below and supporting the engine, and an exhaust pipe having an exhaust inlet in fluid communication with the exhaust gas discharge opening. The exhaust pipe extends downwardly to a primary exhaust outlet. An idle relief port in the exhaust pipe is located in a fluid path between the exhaust inlet and the primary exhaust outlet. A sound-attenuating plenum chamber has an interior that is in fluid communication with an interior of the exhaust pipe by way of the idle relief port. The plenum chamber is a separate component that is exterior to the midsection housing, and exhaust gas flows from the interior of the exhaust pipe to the interior of the plenum chamber without first flowing through the midsection housing.
US09376189B1
A watercraft has a hull, a deck, an engine compartment, an engine disposed in the engine compartment, a steering assembly, a jet pump, a venturi connected to the jet pump, a variable trim system (VTS) support rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a VTS axis, a steering nozzle rotationally mounted to the VTS support about a steering axis, and a gate rotationally mounted relative to the venturi about a gate axis. The gate is operatively connected to the VTS support such that rotation of the gate about the gate axis results in rotation of the VTS support about the VTS axis. An actuator is operatively connected to the gate to rotate the gate about the gate axis. The gate is operatively connected between the actuator and the VTS support. A jet propulsion system and a variable trim system and gate assembly are also disclosed.
US09376185B2
A cable containing an optical fiber is used to transmit data between an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and a support vessel floating on the surface of the water. The ROV stores the cable on a spool and releases the cable into the water as the ROV dives away from the support vessel. The ROV detects the tension in the cable and the rate that the cable is released from the ROV is proportional to the detected tension in the cable. After the ROV has completed the dive and retrieved by the support vessel, the cable can be retrieved from the water and rewound onto the spool in the ROV.
US09376173B2
A marine vessel towing assembly includes a tow pin assembly housing including therein a self-contained horizontal roller cartridge, a self-contained vertical pin cartridge, and a self-contained hook cartridge, the tow pin assembly housing defining a clear path of removal for each self-contained cartridge from the tow pin assembly housing such that removal of each self-contained cartridge is conducted with an absence of contact with remaining self-contained cartridges of the tow pin assembly housing.
US09376171B1
A mooring cleat with open design for restraining a line and for attaching a free end of the line, the mooring cleat having an overlapping horn design with an angled slot that allows a line/rope into the device at any desired position along the line, wherein the cleat restrains the line against static pull in nearly any three-dimensional direction.
US09376170B1
A housing for a boat that does not alter the structure of the vessel by requiring the drilling of holes into the hull. The present invention can be implemented into T-Top or Hard Top style open fisherman type boats. The cover assembly includes a plurality of window openings having a screen to allow light and wind to enter while keeping unwanted insects and debris out. The frame attached to the cover unit is mounted to a boat with a T-Top using clamps while suction anchoring members are used to connect the frame on a Hard Top style boat. In both embodiments, suction anchoring members are used to secure the rod members making up the frame assembly to the boat's hull.
US09376165B2
A bicycle sprocket is provided with a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth. The sprocket teeth extend radially outward from a root circle of the sprocket body with the sprocket teeth being circumferentially spaced around the outer periphery of the sprocket body. The sprocket teeth include at least one shift assist tooth that assists in a shifting operation from the bicycle sprocket to a smaller sprocket. The shift assist tooth has a maximum radial height as measured from the root circle of the sprocket body. The maximum radial height of the shift assist tooth is larger than a maximum radial height of a majority of remaining ones of the sprocket teeth as measured from the root circle of the sprocket body. The shift assist tooth has a radially inclined surface sloping toward the smaller sprocket as the radially inclined surface approaches radially toward the center rotational axis A.
US09376163B2
A battery-assisted bicycle includes a driving unit that increases an assist ratio and provides a smooth assist control that does not make a rider feel uncomfortable. The driving unit includes a crankshaft to which pedals are to be connected, a crank rotation detector that detects rotation of the crankshaft, and an assist control stopping unit programmed to stop an assist control in response to the rotation of the crankshaft detected by the crank rotation detector.
US09376157B2
The present invention discloses a tricycle having two riding modes, the tricycle comprising: a frame, a single-wheel assembly and a first handlebar mounting base that are disposed at one longitudinal end of the frame, a double-wheel assembly and a second handlebar mounting base that are disposed at the other longitudinal end of the frame, a transmission mechanism disposed between the second handlebar mounting base and the first handlebar mounting base, and a handlebar assembly selectively disposed on the first handlebar mounting base or the second handlebar mounting base, the single-wheel assembly comprising a steering wheel and a first pedal for driving the steering wheel to roll, the double-wheel assembly comprising two wheels widthwise spaced apart and a second pedal for driving the two wheels to roll. The tricycle has a first riding mode with single front wheel and double rear wheels and a second riding mode with double front wheels and single rear wheel. The tricycle of the present invention may easily switch between two riding modes and may increase the fun of riding.
US09376155B2
An electric balance vehicle including a top cover, a bottom cover, an inner cover, a rotating mechanism, two wheels, two hub motors, a plurality of sensors, a power supply, and a controller is described herein. The bottom cover is fixed to the top cover. The inner cover is fixed between the top cover and the bottom cover. The two wheels are rotatably fixed at two sides of the inner cover, respectively. The two hub motors are fixed in the two wheels, respectively. The plurality of sensors is disposed between the bottom cover and the inner cover, respectively. The power supply is fixed between the first bottom cover and the first inner cover. The controller is fixed between the second bottom cover and the second inner cover, the controller is electrically connected with the plurality of sensors, the power supply, and the hub motors.
US09376140B2
A control computing unit calculates current axial force of a steering rack based on a turning current. Moreover, the control computing unit calculates lateral axial force of the steering rack based on a lateral acceleration. Then, the control computing unit calculates steering reaction force based on the current axial force at a time of a steering increasing operation of a steering wheel, and calculates the steering reaction force based on the current axial force and the lateral axial force at a time of a steering returning operation of the steering wheel.
US09376120B2
A system and a method of controlling starting of a vehicle may include: an accelerator pedal position sensor detecting position of an accelerator pedal; a vehicle speed sensor detecting vehicle speed; and a controller receiving information on input variables including the position of the accelerator pedal and the vehicle speed from the accelerator pedal position sensor and the vehicle speed sensor, determining a short term driving tendency index of a driver based on the information, and performing starting control according to the short term driving tendency index.
US09376117B1
The disclosure includes a system, method and tangible memory for providing a driver familiarity adapted explanation to a driver of a vehicle. The system includes a sensor set configured to measure sensor data describing a task and the driver. The system also includes an onboard vehicle computer including a tangible memory, a processor, a task tracker and a familiarity application. The task tracker causes the processor to determine a vehicle operation to be proactively performed by the task tracker to autocomplete the task. The familiarity application causes the processor to execute steps including estimating how familiar the driver is with the vehicle operation based on the sensor data describing the driver of the vehicle, retrieving a template explanation associated with the vehicle operation, and adapting the template explanation to generate a driver familiarity adapted explanation describing the autocomplete of the vehicle operation.
US09376077B2
An apparatus for the personal protection is described. The apparatus has at least one main control unit which is connected to one or more main sensors and to a first main transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a first radio channel control signals and/or activation signals, wherein the main control unit is also connected to a second main transceiver for transmitting and receiving on a second radio channel control signals and/or activation signals. Vehicles and a system which comprise the apparatus are also described. The vehicles and the system also include a secondary apparatus and a protective garment which can communicate with the apparatus. A process which can be carried out by the system is also described.
US09376075B2
A vehicle body structure includes: a side member that is disposed running along a vehicle front-rear direction; an upper member that, when viewed along the vehicle width direction, is disposed running along the vehicle front-rear direction at a vehicle upper side of the side member, and comprises a vehicle front-rear direction outside end portion that is positioned at a different position in a vehicle up-down direction from a position in the vehicle up-down direction of a vehicle front-rear direction outside end portion of the side member; a coupling member that couples the vehicle front-rear direction outside end portion of the upper member and the vehicle front-rear direction outside end portion of the side member; and a crash box that comprises a vehicle front-rear direction inside end portion that is joined to the coupling member.
US09376073B2
A vehicle frame component for limiting the movement of the wheel of the vehicle toward the cab of a cab on frame vehicle including a base member welded to openings in the frame side rail and extending outwardly and located proximal the wheel structure. In one embodiment the vehicle frame component is located forward of the wheel and includes a tire puncture device to deflate the tire during an offset front impact and in a second embodiment the vehicle frame component is located rearward of the wheel. The vehicle frame component has particular utility during an offset front impact where the offset is less than approximately twenty-five percent (25%) of the width of the vehicle.
US09376072B2
A motor vehicle electronic computer (10), includes: an electrical power supply device (11) supplying a first regulated electrical voltage V1 and a second regulated electrical voltage V2 greater than V1; control peripherals (13) of the vehicle actuators (30); and a processor (12) connected to the first electrical voltage source, controlling the control peripherals. The computer includes at least one control peripheral (14), including an output switch (141) having to be supplied with an electrical voltage of value V2, and a voltage step-up circuit (140) supplying, on an output port (140b), an electrical voltage of value V2 for the power supply of a control circuit (142) of the output switch from an electrical voltage, on an input port (140a) of the voltage step-up circuit, of a lower value than the value V2. A vehicle including such an electronic computer (10) is also described.
US09376070B2
Each of wire harnesses includes a conductive path, an exterior member which covers the conductive path, a base portion which is retrofitted to or integrally formed with the exterior member, and a combination structure portion which is integrally formed with the base portion. The combination structure portion includes a combining engagement portion and a combined engagement portion. The combining engagement portion of the combination structure portion in one of the wire harnesses is detachably engaged with the combined engagement portion of the combination structure portion in the other wire harness, or the combined engagement portion of the combination structure portion in the one of the wire harnesses is detachably engaged with the combining engagement portion of the combination structure portion in the other wire harness, so that the wire harnesses are combined with each other.
US09376056B2
A power supply device includes a DC power supply circuit configured to output DC power, and a ground-fault determining circuit configured to determine presence or absence of a ground fault at a post-stage of the DC power supply circuit. The ground-fault determining circuit includes a capacitor having an end that is connected with ground, and a diode including an anode and a cathode. The anode is connected with another end of the capacitor, and the cathode is connected with an output end on a high voltage side of the DC power supply circuit. The ground-fault determining circuit further includes a constant voltage source configured to charge the capacitor with a prescribed charging voltage, and a comparator as a determining portion configured to determine presence of the ground fault when a voltage across the capacitor falls below a prescribed determination reference voltage lower than the prescribed charging voltage.
US09376053B2
A head lamp cut off position correction system for a vehicle includes a head lamp switch configured to output a turn-on/off signal of a head lamp. A vehicle speed detector is configured to detect a driving vehicle speed. A video input is configured to detect a video of a front of the vehicle while driving. A controller is configured to determine an actual cut off position of a head lamp low beam by analyzing a video image detected by the video input, compares the determined cut off position and a cut off control value of the head lamp low beam depending on a height of the vehicle, and corrects the cut off position. An actuator aligns a beam position of the head lamp upward or downward by control from the controller.
US09376048B2
A stowable floor panel system includes a horizontal railing coupled to a sidewall of a package delivery vehicle where the horizontal railing includes an upper and a lower track that are spaced apart from each other. The upper track defines an upper channel, and the lower track defines a lower channel. A hinge assembly couples a stowable floor panel to the horizontal railing. A hinge body has a plurality of relief features and an upper projection extending from a rail receiving body portion and a lower projection extending from the rail receiving body portion opposite the upper projection. When the hinge body is inserted in the railing and rotated 90 degrees the upper projection seats in the upper channel, and the lower projection seats in the lower channel. A hook assembly maintains the stowable floor panel in a stowed position and includes a cam block with a cam surface that is configured to direct the hook to a rest position with the hook-shaped portion disposed generally parallel to the sidewall of the package delivery vehicle.
US09376043B2
A cushion pan for a vehicle seating assembly includes a body portion having at least one pocket including a module retention aperture disposed therein. First and second suspension assembly retainers are disposed in the body portion. A peripheral flange extends substantially orthogonal to the planar extent of the body portion and includes a plurality of trim tabs. A plurality of support ribs extend through a midportion of the body portion.
US09376042B2
The invention relates to a vehicle oscillation apparatus with a horizontal springing device which is arranged between a vehicle seat and/or a driver's cab and a base element of a vehicle and which is suitable for the horizontal springing and/or damping of the vehicle seat and/or the driver's cab with respect to the base element, wherein the horizontal springing device is arranged substantially parallel to a surface of the base element and comprises an elastomer spring element which has a characteristic spring curve.
US09376041B2
A journaled armrest for a furniture piece includes an arm with, a hollow bearing portion with a rigid inner journal member. The journal member has a torque-bearing end and a connecting end. The connecting end is adapted to be connected to a seatback of a furniture piece. The torque-bearing end has three equally spaced planar surfaces formed in each of first and second annular portions. Each planar surface has an indention formed in it. The armrest is cast by way of injection molding around the journal member so that each of the equally spaced planar surfaces is parallel to an interior wall of the bearing portion. The new armrest is lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme amounts of torque without shearing at the connecting end.
US09376029B2
A vehicle with an electric drive includes at least one deformation element for protection of pedestrians, which is at least partially formed of a foamed material; at least one secondary transformer unit for electrically charging an energy storage device of the vehicle; and at least one shielding element configured to prevent propagation of electromagnetic radiation emitted from the secondary transformer unit into the vehicle.
US09376023B2
A method and device for automatically connecting and disconnecting a current collector of a vehicle which is designed for operating with an overhead line. The invention specifies a device and a method for automatically connecting and disconnecting at least one current collector (3) of a vehicle which is designed for operation with at least one overhead line (1). The device comprises at least one actuator (9), which moves the current collector (3), and at least one image-capturing and image-evaluation unit (6 and 7), which controls the actuator (9) in such a way that the current collector (3) is connected or disconnected to or from the overhead line (1). The invention provides the advantage that current collectors of a vehicle can be reliably and securely connected and disconnected to and from an overhead line in an automatic fashion.
US09376021B2
A method of installing a motor in a machine includes moving a tray coupled to a frame of the machine to a first position, securing the tray to the machine in the first position, placing the motor proximate to a first end of the tray, sliding the motor proximate to a second end of the tray, inserting at least two studs into apertures defined on the motor and corresponding mounting apertures defined in the frame, rotating a nut in a threaded engagement with a corresponding stud to raise the motor to an installed position, successively removing one of the studs from the aperture of the motor and the corresponding mounting aperture followed by inserting a mounting bolt therein. The method further includes moving the tray from the first position to a second position and securing the tray to the frame in the second position by one of the studs.
US09376015B2
A control apparatus for a 4WD vehicle is provided. The control apparatus includes a driving force source, main driving wheels, auxiliary driving wheels, a driving force transmission shaft, a first disconnection mechanism, a second disconnection mechanism, and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to: (i) control one of the first disconnection mechanism and the second disconnection mechanism to be engaged and then engage the other one of the first disconnection mechanism and the second disconnection mechanism when a disconnect state is canceled; and (ii) set, when the disconnect state is canceled, an increasing gradient of a rotation speed of the driving force transmission shaft in accordance with a condition that the electronic control unit determines to cancel the disconnect state.
US09376006B2
Provided is a vehicle provided with left and right electric motors electrically connected to a battery and mechanically connected respectively to left and right vehicle wheels, a power generator mechanically connected to an internal combustion engine being electrically connected to the battery, wherein the battery is reliably protected during traction control and at other such times. Two electric motors, specifically first and second electric motors, are temporarily handled integrally to determine a torque down amount (TD), which is the total allowable power variation width (α) of the two electric motors, on the basis of left and right total power (Y), and the respective motive powers of the first and second electric motors are controlled while being limited by values obtained by simply dividing the determined torque down amount (TD) equally, whereby the allowable input/output power (allowable input power (Z)) of the battery is reliably protected.
US09376005B2
A method is provided for operating a hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a first electric machine, to which a common input shaft of a transmission is assigned, for driving a first axle of the hybrid vehicle. The hybrid vehicle also has a second electric machine for driving a second axle of the hybrid vehicle, and a traction battery is provided for the two electric machines. The electric machines have a total power greater than the power of the internal combustion engine. The method includes operating the first electric machine in a generator mode for charging the traction battery when the hybrid vehicle is driven exclusively by internal combustion engine. The method ensures, with a high level of electrification, a long electromotive travelling range of the vehicle.
US09375999B2
A vehicle roof apparatus includes: guide rails provided on both edge portions of an opening formed on a vehicle roof, respectively; a front housing connecting front-end portions of the guide rails to each other; and a support member having a shoe portion protruding only on one side and mounted on each of the guide rails to be immovable on the one side and supporting each of the edge portions of the movable panel which opens or closes the opening, wherein the support member is rotatable about the shoe portion such that the movable panel performs a tilting up operation in a completely closed state, and wherein, in the front housing, a regulation wall is formed, which comes into contact with or approaches the support member from a side opposite to the shoe portion when the movable panel enters the completely closed state or the tilting up operation state.
US09375998B2
An open roof construction for a vehicle is provided, comprising a roof opening in a stationary roof part, a movable panel for opening and closing said roof opening and two panel operating assemblies positioned at two opposite longitudinal sides of the roof opening. As seen in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the panel operating assemblies have a varying width in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In one embodiment the width of the panel operating assemblies varies in a gradual and/or step-wise fashion. In another embodiment the width of the panel operating assemblies decreases in a forward and/or backward direction of the vehicle.
US09375995B2
A heater apparatus for a vehicle may include a main heater of a vehicle, and an auxiliary heater coupled with the main heater at the rear side thereof and having a housing including an edge part and an inner part, wherein heat radiation fins and positive temperature coefficient (PTC) element assemblies are coupled with the housing at the front surface thereof.
US09375993B2
An electrical heating unit for a heating device for a vehicle is provided comprising a heating layer and a heat conducting body. The heating layer may comprise at least one heating resistor, and the heat conducting body may comprise a heat absorbing face for absorbing heat from the heating layer and a heat releasing face for releasing heat to a heat carrier fluid. The heat conducting body may comprise a base body and at least two heat releasing bodies, wherein the base body and the heat releasing body may be connected to each other by substance bonding or integrally formed, wherein the heat absorbing face is a surface of the base body facing the heating layer and extending parallel to the heating layer, and the heat releasing face is a surface of the heat releasing bodies. A heating device and method for producing a heating unit is provided.
US09375982B2
A motorcycle tire for running on rough terrain comprises a tread portion provided with a plurality of blocks defining a block pattern. The blocks include center blocks whose centroids of their top surfaces are disposed within a center region of the tread portion defined as being centered on the tire equator and having a developed width of 25% of a developed tread width. The top surface of each of the center blocks is provided with an axially extending edge extending straight and parallel with the tire axial direction, and arc edges curved convexly toward the centroid of the top surface and disposed on both sides of the axially extending edge in the tire axial direction.
US09375981B2
A pneumatic tire comprises a tread portion with a left-right asymmetry tread pattern including inboard and outboard tread edges, a pair of inboard and outboard center main grooves to form a center portion therebetween, a pair of inboard and outboard shoulder main grooves to form a pair of middle portions and a pair of shoulder portions, inboard lateral main grooves extending from the inboard tread edge beyond the tire equator without reaching the outboard center main groove, inboard shoulder lateral grooves between adjacent inboard lateral main grooves, outboard shoulder lateral grooves extending from the axially outside of the outboard tread edge without reaching the outboard shoulder main groove, inboard middle lateral grooves between adjacent inboard lateral main grooves and extending from the inboard shoulder main groove without reaching the inboard center main groove, outboard middle lateral grooves and outboard middle sub lateral grooves.
US09375980B2
A coextrusion process for coextruding a thermoplastic elastomer with two outer layers of adhesive to form a film, and a laminate comprising a plurality of layers including an adhesive layer, a sublayer and a barrier layer. The barrier layer comprises a dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer composition present in one or more plies of the barrier layer. The sublayer comprises a first ply of a first adhesive composition joining the barrier layer and a second ply, and the adhesive layer comprises the second ply, which is vulcanizable with diene-based rubber. The sublayer of the adhesive can be laid down in contact with the relatively hot thermoplastic elastomer to moderate the temperature of the outer layer of the adhesive, whereby the outer layer of the adhesive at least is protected from scorching and can be co-vulcanized with rubber in a tire building process.
US09375975B2
A canvas with a textured appearance includes a base layer, a gesso layer on the base layer, a microporous layer on the gesso layer, the microporous layer including uniform cracks formed according to a weave pattern of the base layer; and a transparent layer to fill the cracks. A method of forming a canvas with a textured appearance includes forming a base layer, forming a gesso layer on the base layer, forming a microporous layer on the gesso layer, the microporous layer comprising uniform cracks formed according to a weave pattern of the base layer, and forming a transparent layer to fill the cracks.
US09375973B2
An autograph ball with built in writing utensil may include a ball having an outer skin, an inner core, and a hole through the outer skin into the inner core. A writing utensil may be removably placed within the hole of the ball. A spring and cap mechanism may be placed within the hole before placing the writing utensil within the hole. The autograph ball may further include a hatch that may cover the hole and a latch that may removably secure the hatch in place. The autograph ball may be for various sports, be of various sizes, and be made from various materials.
US09375965B2
Water soluble marking compounds comprising a transition metal oxyanion and at least one ammonium cation, comprising a nitrogen atom at least one further group selected from the group consisting of OH, COOH, NH2, NHC1-5 alkyl, and N(C1-5 alkyl)2, wherein the two C1-5 alkyl may be the same type of alkyl or different alkyls, may be used to obtain clear imageable coatings.
US09375958B2
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet feed conveying unit having an outlet for a recording medium on one side; at least one image forming unit having an inlet for the recording medium on one side and an outlet for the recording medium on the other side; and a sheet eject conveying unit having an inlet for the recording medium on one side, wherein the sheet feed conveying unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet eject conveying unit are arranged along a conveying direction of the recording medium; the outlet of the sheet feed conveying unit matches the inlet of the image forming unit; the outlet of the image forming unit matches the inlet of the sheet eject conveying unit; and the sheet feed conveying unit, the image forming unit, and the sheet eject conveying unit are connected to each other in a separable manner.
US09375957B2
An image recording device includes a drive roller that conveys a recording medium by rotating, a driven roller that grasps the recording medium between it and the drive roller, a recording unit capable of recording an image on the recording medium arranged further to the downstream side than the drive roller in a first direction which is the recording media conveyance direction, and a control unit that records an image on the recording media while conveying the recording media in the first direction. The control unit, when the conveying of the recording media in the first direction stops, starts conveying the recording media in a second direction which is the reverse direction of the first direction, and stops conveying of the recording media in the second direction in a state with the image recorded on the recording media positioned between the drive roller and the driven roller.
US09375954B2
A printer includes a first roller and a second roller that pinch a paper sheet therebetween and rotate to transport the paper sheet to the recording unit, a roller support member that support the second roller and is capable of switching between a first state in which the second roller is in contact with the first roller and a second state in which the second roller is moved away from the first roller, and a slider that engages the roller support member and is linearly displaceable in the rotation axis direction of the second roller so as to perform switching by the roller support member.
US09375950B1
A method for printing an image with authentication features, including: printing a media treatment material onto a print medium in accordance with a pattern of predefined authentication features, and printing one or more visible printing materials onto the print medium in accordance with an image pattern, thereby providing a printed visible image. The media treatment material, the one or more visible printing materials and the print medium interact to produce surface deformations of the print medium. Characteristics of the surface deformations are different in image regions where the media treatment material was printed than in image regions where the media treatment material was not printed, so that the difference between the characteristics of the surface deformations causes the pattern of authentication features to be detectable.
US09375944B2
A laser erasing apparatus includes a conveyance unit to move a reversible thermal recording medium having display information thereon at a predetermined moving speed, the reversible thermal recording medium reversibly changing a color tone thereof depending on a temperature; and a laser erasing unit configured to erase the display information by irradiating the reversible thermal recording medium with a laser beam while the reversible thermal recording medium is moving and by deflecting the laser beam at a predetermined scanning speed lower than the predetermined moving speed in a same direction as a moving direction of the reversible thermal recording medium.
US09375939B2
The liquid housing container recycling method includes removing a second case member from a first case member, taking out a liquid housing body from inside of the first case member, forming on the liquid housing body an opening part that communicates with inside of a liquid housing unit, injecting into the inside of the liquid housing unit from the opening part that is formed liquid of a volume that is smaller than an initially housed volume when the liquid is initially injected and housed in the liquid housing unit of the liquid housing body in a state of being housed inside the case member, sealing the opening part of the liquid housing body, housing inside the first case member the liquid housing body for which the opening part is sealed, and attaching the second case member to the first case member.
US09375934B2
A supporting section is disposed to confront an ejection surface and supports a recording medium. A first tank is mounted on a first-tank mount section. A liquid conveying section conveys liquid to a liquid ejecting head. A receiving section receives liquid ejected from the liquid ejecting head. A waste-liquid conveying section conveys liquid to the waste-liquid tank. A first casing holds the liquid ejecting head, the first-tank mount section, and the liquid conveying section. A second casing holds the supporting section, the receiving section, the waste-liquid tank, and the waste-liquid conveying section. The first casing is connected with the second casing such that the first casing is movable relative to the second casing. The first casing takes a first position at which the ejection surface confronts the supporting section and a second position at which the ejection surface is farther away from the supporting section than at the first position.
US09375931B2
A liquid receiving apparatus includes a liquid holder including a discharging hole for discharging liquid, a bottom portion in which the discharging hole is disposed, and a wall rising from the bottom portion and surrounding the discharging hole. The bottom portion and the wall define a liquid retaining section configured to retain the liquid. The liquid holder is configured to move in a first movement direction intersecting a gravity direction. The wall includes a first inclined wall oblique to the first movement direction. The discharging hole is positioned next to the first inclined wall.
US09375912B2
A cantilever carousel system for efficiently storing multiple print cylinders while providing a common access point for loading and unloading the print cylinders. The cantilever carousel system generally includes an external frame structure defining an internal cavity and a shell connected to the external frame structure to surround the cavity, wherein the shell includes at least one access opening extending therethrough. An internal frame structure is positioned within the cavity and a vertically oriented carousel is supported by the internal frame structure. A drive assembly is mechanically connected to the carousel, wherein the drive assembly circulates the carousel and a plurality of cantilever mandrels are supported by the carousel and circulate with the carousel. A plurality of print cylinders are removably received by the plurality of cantilever mandrels through the access opening.
US09375889B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a golf ball having a multilayer structure. The method uses a forming apparatus including an upper mold, a lower mold, and an intermediate mold. The upper mold and the lower mold include a plurality of hemispheric cavities, respectively. The intermediate mold includes a plurality of protrusions having smaller diameters than those of the cavities, on a top and a bottom to correspond to the cavities.
US09375885B2
This invention discloses methods and apparatus for providing a media insert with a Data Processor into an ophthalmic lens. An energy source is capable of powering the Data Processor included within the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an ophthalmic lens is cast molded from a silicone hydrogel.
US09375882B2
In a method for forming a structural component of an aircraft or spacecraft a preform comprising at least one band is formed by means of braiding around a core. A severing cut is introduced at least in portions into the at least one band of the preform to form two band portions of the at least one band. The two formed band portions of the at least one band are then deformed into a predetermined shape by means of a deformation tool which can be guided along the severing cut. A deformation device is used to carry out the method. A structural component is produced by means of the method and/or the deformation device.
US09375881B2
An apparatus (100) for making an object (122) is disclosed. The apparatus has a flexible element (101) having an upwardly facing surface for disposing thereon a material (104) used to make the object, and a member (110) connected to an actuator (112) that can move the member (110). A controller is in communication the actuator (112). A method which may be executed using the apparatus (100) is also disclosed.
US09375880B2
A rapid prototyping apparatus includes a construction platform, a movable platform, and a page-width array printing module. The construction platform includes a construction chamber. The movable platform and the construction platform are movable relative to each other. The page-width array printing module includes plural inkjet head structures. The printing platform and the movable platform are synchronously moved along a single direction in a reciprocating motion. The plural inkjet head structures are collaboratively defined as at least one page-width array printing unit. The plural inkjet head structures include respective inkjet chips. The inkjet chips are arranged in plural rows and in a staggered form, so that a printing width of the inkjet chips is larger than or equal to a width of a printed pattern. Moreover, at least one monochromatic print liquid is introduced into the construction chamber from the plural inkjet head structures.
US09375875B2
A method for processing two different thermoplastic films in a thermoforming system selectively and variably brings on request cuts of the one or the other film in a conveyor through the thermoforming system, such that different successive cuts are conveyed by the conveyor to a thermoforming station and processed therein, and two successive cuts are joined into a film strip, either edge to edge or with an overlap.
US09375874B2
An accessory suitable for an electronic device is provided. The electronic device has a display area. The accessory includes a coupling portion and a cover portion. The coupling portion is suitable to be coupled to the electronic device. The cover portion is connected to the coupling portion and is suitable for covering the display area of the electronic device. The cover portion has a plurality of light-transmitting areas, and the light-transmitting areas are arranged on the display area in an array. An image generated by the display area is projected out of the cover portion through the light-transmitting areas. Moreover, an electronic assembly containing the electronic device and the accessory is also provided. Furthermore, a control method is also provided for controlling the electronic assembly. A method is also provided for forming an accessory.
US09375853B1
Examples are provided that describe a motion based light display for a robotic arm. In one example, a robotic device comprising one or more components configured to be actuated for movement. The robotic device also includes one or more processors are configured to determine a motion per path metric of the one or more components based on a motion plan associated with the robotic device. The one or more processors are configured to determine one or more feedback characteristics based on the motion per path metric. The one or more feedback characteristics include information indicative of an effect of motion associated with the one or more components. The robotic device also includes an indicator coupled to the one or more components and configured to provide feedback about the one or more components based on the feedback characteristics indicative of the effect of motion.
US09375850B2
Embodiments reduce capacitive cross-talk between micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) arrays through grounding of the substrate over which the arrays are fabricated. In embodiments, a metal-semiconductor contact is formed to a semiconductor device layer of a substrate and coupled to a ground plane common to a first electrode of the transducer elements to suppress capacitive coupling of signal lines connected to a second electrode of the transducer elements.
US09375846B2
A transfer apparatus includes a pair of hand units, a gripping mechanism that grips and releases an object by changing an interval between a pair of hands, a servomotor for a gripping action that drives the gripping mechanism, at least one spline shaft that supports the pair of hands so that the hands are able to move, a servomotor for an extending and contracting action that rotates the spline shaft, and an extension and contraction mechanism that is extended and contracted by rotation of the spline shaft so that the hands move to a gripping position or a releasing position.
US09375845B1
A method of synchronizing robot motion with a social interaction. The method comprises storing in the robot a map that associates keywords with at least one robot motion, composing by the robot a dialogue based on a context of a social interaction with a human being, searching the dialogue for keywords, parsing the dialogue to determine its syntax, and analyzing the syntax. The method further comprises generating, by the robot, a robot motion script synchronized with the dialogue based on mapping one or more keywords located in the dialogue to robot motions, based on the syntax of the dialogue, and based on a physical cadence, wherein the robot motion script comprises a sequence of separate robot motions. The method further comprises playing aloud the dialogue by the robot and performing the robot motion script by the robot in synchronization with the playing aloud of the dialogue.
US09375840B2
A handling apparatus for automated or robot-supported contact tasks is disclosed. The handling apparatus has the following components: a mechanical interface for releasably or fixedly connecting the handling apparatus to a manipulator; a holder, which is movable in relation to the interface, for holding a tool; at least one static-frictionless adjusting element for positioning the holder in relation to the interface to the manipulator; a sensor device for directly or indirectly measuring the force acting on the at least one adjusting element; and a closed-loop controller which is configured to regulate the contact force depending on a predefinable force profile when there is contact between the handling apparatus and a surface.
US09375834B2
A self-adjusting and self-locking sawhorse made up of a frame for holding an item in a cantilevered position and self-adjusting jaw means on the frame for receiving the item, the self-adjusting jaw means being automatically responsive to the size of the item to hold the log in the sawhorse.
US09375832B2
A power tool, in particular an angle grinder, includes at least one switching unit which has at least one pivotably mounted pawl element. The pawl element defines a pivot axis. The pawl element is mounted so as to pivot about the pivot axis of the pawl element through an angular range greater than 30°.
US09375830B2
Embodiments of the claimed invention are directed to a screw and screw driver which provides for a screw that is held in position on the driver for use in a variety of applications including surgery, auto mechanics, carpentry or any field where a screw driver instrument could be used. After the screw is driven into place, the driver is easily released and removed from the screw.
US09375828B2
Improved techniques for avoiding and remediating connector-related stripping and other material damage are provided. In some aspects, specialized drive heads and systems are provided in conjunction with sensors for detecting proper distance characteristics and contact orientations (a.k.a., “seating”) with connectors, which, upon sensing improper seating, reduce, reverse-pulse or otherwise alter or remove power. The specialized driver heads may include reverse-grip members that pull the driver-head into the seated position. In other aspects, multiple-section connector sets are included, which may be self-tightening, and create detectable conditions of potential tightening energy being expended and/or loosening occurring, allowing an external sensor to sense such a condition and identify a connector that has loosened, slipped, or may be in need of recharging or tightening. A specialized connector head may selectively break away before stripping and thereby expose a stronger, secondary driver head. Associated driver refinements are also provided, which may further avoid damage.
US09375816B2
Described is a novel spindle mounting assembly for use with a computer numeric controlled (CNC) machine, such as a drill tap machine. In one example an auto changer spindle mounting assembly includes a collar with a gas inlet. The collar defines a collar opening therethrough to create a passage between the first side of the collar with the second side of the collar. The collar further includes a passage in fluid communication between the gas inlet and through a nipple to the collar opening. The mounting assembly includes a manifold body with a gas outlet adapted to mate with the gas inlet of the collar, the manifold body defined a passage in fluid communications between, the gas outlet and a manifold body inlet. Also included is at least one extension bar, adapted to mechanically fasten to the manifold body to a computer controlled machine.
US09375811B2
The present invention provides an active metal brazing material composed of a Ag—Cu—Ti—Sn alloy containing by weight 20 to 40% of Cu, 1.0 to 3.0% of Ti, 1.2 to 6.0% of Sn and the balance being Ag, and having a metallographic structure including a Sn—Ti or Cu—Ti intermetallic compound dispersed in a Ag—Cu alloy matrix, wherein the weight ratio Sn/Ti between Ti and Sn is 1.2 or more, and additionally the particle size of the intermetallic compound is 20 μm or less. The foregoing active metal brazing material improves the workability of the hitherto known Ag—Cu—Ti alloy active metal brazing material and enables a critical dimension processing with a high processing rate, and can be produced by melting and casting the foregoing Ag—Cu—Ti—Sn alloy, and by subsequently plastically working the cast at a working rate of 90% or more to make finer the intermetallic compound involved.
US09375810B2
A bidirectional twistable stent is disclosed. The stent comprises a cylinder-shaped stent body having a plurality of axially arranged rows of struts encircling a central lumen and a plurality of flex connectors that connect at least two adjacent rows of struts in such a manner that allows the stent to be twisted clockwise or counter clockwise without causing deformation of any struts in the stent body. Also disclosed are the method of making the stent, method of using the stent, and a kit containing the stent.
US09375807B2
A coating removal apparatus utilizing a common optics path to provide laser pulses to a coated surface and to direct a light illumination reflected from the coated surface to a photosensitive detector and analyzer. The apparatus is an integrated device including a laser source, a beam splitter, scanning optics, a waste removal apparatus, one or more light illuminators, a photosensitive detector, a comparator, and a control logic circuit. Alternatively, the laser source is external to the integrated device and a fiber optic cable is used to connect the laser source to the integrated device.
US09375805B2
Method for the microdeformation of the front face of a thin part, by modifying the rear face or the periphery of the part.According to the invention, which can notably be used to correct the wave surface of a mirror, a local treatment is applied to the rear face or to the periphery which causes a static microdeformation, which is frozen once and for all, of the front face, without applying any mechanical force to the part.
US09375800B2
The projection weld element can include a barrel having a first axial end and a second axial end, a central axial bore being defined through the barrel from the first axial end towards the second axial end, and at least a portion of the central axial bore including an attachment structure, such as internal threads. A radial flange can extend from the second axial end of the barrel, with the flange including a distal axial face on a side of the flange facing away from the first axial end of the barrel and a proximal axial face on a side of the flange facing toward the first axial end of the barrel. The flange can include an annular projection weld ring formed along the proximal axial face of the flange on the same side of the flange as the barrel that extends from the flange. A method for joining a working piece with a weld element can include joining a working piece with the above-described weld element and heating the structures to effect a projection welding between the working piece and the weld element.
US09375799B2
A multi-wire electrical discharge machining system for slicing a workpiece into a thin leaf at intervals of a plurality of wires arranged together causes the wires arranged together to travel in the same direction and includes a power feed contact configured to collectively comes into contact with the traveling wires, a machining power supply portion configured to supply a machining power supply to the power feed contact, and an electrical discharge portion configured to electrically discharge a machining power supply in which the traveling wires comes into contact with the power feed contact to collectively supply power to the traveling wires to the workpiece, in which a resistance between the machining power supply portion and the power feed contact is smaller than a resistance between the power feed contact and the electrical discharge portion.
US09375792B2
A sheet film forming roll is manufactured by processing a thin cylindrical work used as an external cylinder of the sheet film forming roll by holding the thin cylindrical work using a holding jig and machining an outer peripheral surface of the thin cylindrical work. The holding jig includes a holding member, a diameter changing unit, and a pair of circular side plates. The holding member is made of a metal and has a cylindrical shape and an elastically expandable or contractible diameter. An outside diameter of the holding member is held smaller than an inside diameter of the thin cylindrical work for insertion of the holding member into an inner periphery of the thin cylindrical work and expanded after insertion of the holding member into the inner periphery of the thin cylindrical work to hold the thin cylindrical work from an inner peripheral side of the thin cylindrical work.
US09375788B2
Described herein is a method of combining discrete pieces of BMG in to a BMG feedstock that has at least one dimension greater than a critical dimension of the BMG, by methods such as thermoplastic forming, pressing, extruding, folding or forging. Other embodiments relate to a bulk metallic glass (BMG) component or feedstock having discrete pieces of a BMG, wherein the BMG component or feedstock has at least one dimension greater than a critical dimension of the BMG.
US09375759B2
A microwave radiation applicator for exposing mined material to microwave radiation is disclosed. The applicator includes side walls 3 and end walls 5 that define a chamber. One end wall has an opening that forms an inlet for mined material to be supplied to the chamber and the other end wall has an opening that defines an outlet for mined material to be discharged from the chamber. The side walls define a pentagon in transverse cross-section.
US09375754B2
In a laminated piezoelectric body, a laminated piezoelectric body manufacturing method, an ultrasound transducer, and an ultrasound diagnostic device according to the present invention, a plurality of mutually laminated piezoelectric bodies are electrically connected in parallel to each other, and each of the plurality of piezoelectric bodies arranges an orientation of residual polarization or a crystal axis that is related to an electrical displacement or a sign of an electric field due to a direct piezoelectric effect in a direction which reduces sensitivity in a first resonance mode and increases sensitivity in a second resonance mode of a higher order than the first resonance mode with respect to an axis of a first-level piezoelectric body on a fixed end-side.
US09375752B2
A mask for depositing a thin film and a thin film deposition method using the same are disclosed. The mask includes pattern bars disposed on a frame. The pattern bars are moveable and are position to form a deposition pattern. The mask includes a pattern modification mechanism configured to move the pattern pars to a plurality of positions to modify the deposition pattern.
US09375750B2
A method for coating a building panel (1, 1′), including applying a first coating fluid including an organic binder on a surface (11) of the building panel (1, 1′) to obtain at least one coating layer (13), and applying barrier components and photocatalytic particles, preferably TiO2, on said at least one coating layer (13). Also, such a building panel (1, 1′).
US09375745B2
An apparatus and method is provided for moistening cleaning materials prior to use. The apparatus has a fluid container configured to dispense fluid onto a section of cleaning material from a nozzle when brought in proximity to a motion sensor positioned near the nozzle. The apparatus has a fluid pump disposed in the body of the apparatus, and a control circuit, operatively connected to the fluid pump and the motion sensor. A battery disposed in the body provides the electrical power to operate the apparatus. The body can be releasably attached to a hanger member configured for suspending the apparatus from a support.
US09375742B1
The motorized hydration kit provides motorized unpressurized hydration to persons riding bicycles and/or persons using waist or back packs while driving, walking, running and hiking. A miniature light weight vane and/or peristaltic and/or diaphragm liquid pumps powered by a rechargeable direct current power source are built into a proprietary water bottle cap assembly that will replace most caps of water bottles type in the market. Same cap along with two tubing fittings will allow a simple and quick modification of most types of hydration bladders used in waist or back packs in the market. A programmable pump power control module will allow users to draw liquid and liquefied food additives from water bottles or water bladders and proprietary food additive capsules/containers on demand.
US09375734B1
In rotary coating apparatus for coating a substrate, the apparatus includes a rotatable bell cup coating applicator affixed to the distal end of a rotatable drive shaft driven by a turbine, and including a source of supply of suitable coating material, a source of pressurized air for driving the turbine, a second source of pressurized air for creating and directing a curtain of air circumferentially and externally about the bell cup to shape and control the diameter and pattern of the coating material applied to the substrate. More specifically, the apparatus includes multiple air channels formed therein and through the apparatus through which the drive air and the shaping air are conveyed to and through the turbine to (1) drive the turbine and (2) to control the shape and pattern of the applied coating.
US09375733B2
The present invention relates to a method and a device for coating an alignment film. The method includes: (1) providing a substrate to which an alignment film is to be coated and placing the substrate to which an alignment film is to be coated on a working table that is reciprocally movable frontward and rearward and leftward and rightward; (2) providing a pressurization tank and depositing a predetermined amount of an alignment liquid in the pressurization tank; (3) providing a supply tank and using a liquid pump to convey the alignment liquid contained in the pressurization tank to the supply tank; (4) using a supply conduit to connect the supply tank to an alignment liquid jet nozzle and subjecting the supply conduit heating to reduce viscosity of the alignment liquid so as to allow the alignment liquid to smoothly move into the alignment liquid jet nozzle; and (5) operating the alignment liquid jet nozzle to apply the viscosity reduced alignment liquid to the substrate to which an alignment film is to be coated and, when necessary, reciprocally moving the working table during the process of application so as to have the alignment liquid uniformly coated on the substrate and complete the coating of the alignment film. The present invention improves surface uniformity of an alignment film so as to ensure product quality and enhance product yield rate.
US09375731B2
A process is disclosed which includes separating selected solids from a process stream with a selected solids mechanical processor containing a filter to produce a filtrate substantially free of selected solids and a retentate containing recovered selected solids. In one embodiment, the process stream contains an increased amount of liquid is provided to a downstream mechanical processor as compared to a process stream having no selected solids mechanical processor upstream. The selected solids mechanical processor can be a dynamic filtration device or a static separation device. Bio-oil recovery efficiency, quantity, and quality can be improved as a result.
US09375727B2
In a drum for magnetic separator comprising a cylinder (C) of ferromagnetic material on the outside of which there are formed a plurality of longitudinal grooves (6) housing permanent magnets (7) arranged in longitudinal rows along a magnetic arc of 130°-160° with alternate N-S polarity, the cylinder (C) being located within a shell (M) of nonmagnetic material, the length (D) of the single dipole of the magnetic circuit is comprised in a range between 100 and 150 mm so as to provide a substantially homogeneous magnetic field along the whole magnetic arc, thanks to the limited length (D) of the dipole which results in a sinusoidal pattern of very limited amplitude and therefore with nominal values of the magnetic field that are present over almost 100% of the magnetic arc.
US09375725B2
Extraction of bitumen from oil sands may generate oil sands tailings mixed with a liquid. Systems may be used to separate the liquid from the tailings so the tailings can be disposed or otherwise reclaimed. In some examples, a system includes a primary separation vessel configured to receive oil sands tailings mixed with water and to separate the oil sands tailings into a plurality of layers, where at least one of the plurality of layers includes a mature fines tailing material. The system may include an apparatus configured to receive the mature fines tailing material from the primary separation vessel and to mechanically separate a portion of the water in the mature fine tailings material. The system may also include an apparatus configured to receive a concentrated oil sands tailings material and to thermally evaporate water from the concentrated oil sands tailings materials, thereby producing trafficable dried oil sands tailings.
US09375716B2
A valve for regulating fluid flow includes a housing base defining a lower cavity and comprising a pinch structure within the lower cavity, a gas inlet providing external access to the lower cavity, a base fluid inlet, and a base fluid outlet. A housing cover defines an upper cavity and comprises a cover fluid inlet and a cover fluid outlet. The cover fluid inlet is in fluidic communication with the base fluid outlet between the upper cavity and the lower cavity, and the cover fluid outlet provides external access from the upper cavity. A diaphragm is disposed between the housing base and the housing cover. A pinch plate is disposed in the lower cavity and comprises a pinch point disposed opposite the pinch structure. A pinch tube is in fluidic communication between the base fluid inlet and the base fluid outlet in the lower cavity.
US09375710B2
Disclosed herein is a catalytic composition comprising a first catalyst composition portion that comprises a zeolite; and a second catalyst composition portion that comprises a catalytic metal disposed upon a porous inorganic substrate; the first catalyst composition portion and the second catalyst composition portion being in an intimate mixture.
US09375707B2
An amorphous catalyst support comprising at least a first oxide selected from the group consisting of: silica, germanium oxide, titanium oxide, zirconium oxide or mixtures thereof, preferably silica gel beads or diatomaceous earth; a group 3 metal oxide; and anions in an amount not greater than 10% by weight of the catalyst support; wherein the group 3 metal oxide is incorporated in the first oxide structure at the molecular level. The catalyst support is prepared by (a) mixing the first oxide, with an anhydrous source of the group 3 metal oxide, and water, at a pH above 11, thus forming a suspension, (b) washing the catalyst support with water, (c) separating the catalyst support from the water, and (d) optionally drying and/or calcining the catalyst support. A catalyst based on such a support has improved catalytic properties.
US09375703B2
Provided are biomass-based materials and valuable uses of microalgal biomass including: (i) acetylation of microalgal biomass to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (ii) use of triglyceride containing microalgal biomass for production of thermoplastics; (iii) combination of microalgal biomass and at least one type of plant polymer to produce a material useful in the production of thermoplastics; (iv) anionization of microalgal biomass to form a water absorbant material; (v) cationization of microalgal biomass, and optional flocculation, to form a water absorbant material; (vi) crosslinking of anionized microalgal biomass; (vii) carbonization of microalgal biomass; and (viii) use of microalgal biomass in the making of paper.
US09375699B2
Cross-linked compositions include a first precursor functionalized with a first reactive member and a second precursor functionalized with a second reactive member, the first and second reactive members covalently bonding with each other when exposed to UV radiation. The compositions are useful in a variety of surgical and wound treatment applications.
US09375697B2
An extraction cell assembly includes a cell body, a cap assembly having a cap body and a cap insert, a bed support and a seal. The cap body is removably secured to the cell body and includes a throughbore and a peripheral wall. The cap insert includes a plunger, a peripheral flange extending outwardly from the plunger, and a recess disposed within the plunger. The flange and plunger of the cap insert are slidably received, respectively, inside the peripheral wall and throughbore of the cap body. The bed support is removably received within the recess. The seal is removably received within the throughbore. The seal forms a fluid seal between the cell body and the cap assembly when the cap assembly is secured to the cell body. A method of using the extraction cell assembly is also disclosed.
US09375696B2
Provided is a microarray processing apparatus which is capable of sufficiently washing a microarray. The microarray processing apparatus (30) includes a well plate (38) in which one or two or more wells (40) are formed, each well (40) accommodating a microarray (1), and a suction nozzle (46) that suctions a liquid from the well. The well has a concave portion whose upper end is opened, which has a depth equal to or greater than a height of the microarray, and into which a front end of the suction nozzle can be inserted up to a height position of a lower end of the microarray accommodated in the well. The suction nozzle can relatively descend in the well until the front end of the suction nozzle is located at the height position of the lower end of the microarray accommodated in the well.
US09375692B2
A mixing device which can be connected to a discharge unit and is provided to mix one or more substances together as they are discharged from the discharge unit. The mixing device has a base element with a circumferential side wall and an insert which can be inserted into the base element in such a manner that at least one circumferential zone of said insert lies against the side wall of the base element in a sealing manner. A mixing structure with mixing channels is formed on the insert, through which mixing structure the substances can be discharged from the discharge unit.
US09375690B2
A fluidics apparatus is disclosed for manipulation of at least one fluid sample, typically in the form of a droplet. The apparatus has a substrate surface with a sample manipulation zone for location of the fluid sample. A transducer arrangement such as an interdigitated electrode structure on a piezoelectric body provides surface acoustic waves at the substrate surface for manipulation of the fluid sample. The substrate surface has an arrangement of surface acoustic wave scattering elements forming a phononic crystal structure for affecting the transmission, distribution and/or behavior of surface acoustic waves at the substrate surface. Also disclosed is a method for lysing a cell. In this method, the cell is comprised in a fluid sample contacting a substrate surface, the method comprising providing surface acoustic waves at the substrate surface, such that the cell lyses.
US09375688B2
This invention relates to a mixing apparatus assembly with air gap separation, comprising a first duct (22), having an inlet mouth (235) and a diameter D, connected to an air gap valve (223) downstream of which a venturi mixing device (4) is connected, the air gap valve (223) comprising a nozzle (224) having an outlet (225) spaced apart by a separation distance (226) from a collecting duct (227), the first duct (22) and the air gap valve (223) forming a linear channel upstream of the outlet (225) of the nozzle (224), going from the inlet mouth (235) of the first duct (22) to the outlet (225) of the nozzle (224) and having a length L, the assembly being characterized in that the length L being not shorter than D and not longer than 20D, i.e. D≦L≦20D, and in that said linear channel is provided with a flow straightener (228). This invention further relates to an apparatus for mixing a liquid comprising such assembly.
US09375682B2
A method for feeding reducing agent or reducing agent precursor into exhaust systems of mobile internal combustion engines and an exhaust system are preferably used for internal combustion engines with high nitrogen oxide compound emissions. A feed time is established. An exhaust parameter and/or necessary quantity of reducing agent is determined and a feed state of the reducing agent is defined. The reducing agent is treated if the feed state does not correspond to a stored state. The reducing agent feed to the exhaust system takes place last. The steps are repeated multiple times. This permits reducing agent to be fed into an exhaust system in a state suitable for the exhaust temperature, so that complete conversion of reducing agent takes place and selectively catalytic reduction is also ensured. This reduces the quantity of electrical energy necessary for converting reducing agent. A motor vehicle having the system is also provided.
US09375680B2
A purification arrangement for purifying a contaminated gaseous medium comprising: an ionizing equipment for ionizing air; a supply pipe for the supply of contaminated air; and at least one mixing chamber, wherein the contaminated air is fed through the mixing chamber in a main flow and ionized air is added to the main flow; an inlet for introducing ambient air into the main flow of the contaminated gaseous medium prior to the mixing chamber; a first temperature sensor arranged in the supply pipe prior to the inlet and configured to detect the temperature of the contaminated gaseous medium; wherein if the temperature of the contaminated gaseous medium detected by the first temperature sensor is above 70° C., ambient air is added through the inlet into the main flow.
US09375677B2
Helium-containing natural gas is processed with three gas separation stages to produce a natural gas product and a Helium-containing gas that may be injected into the reservoir from which the Helium-containing natural gas is obtained. A permeate from the first gas separation membrane stage is compressed and fed to the second gas membrane stage. The permeate from the second gas separation membrane stage is recovered as the Helium-containing gas that may be injected into the reservoir. The non-permeate from the second gas separation membrane stage is fed to the third gas separation membrane stage. Non-permeates from the first and third gas separation stages are combined to produce a natural gas product. A permeate from the third gas separation membrane stage is combined with a non-permeate from the first gas separation membrane stage before it is compressed and fed to the second gas separation membrane stage.
US09375671B2
A pre-concentration device is provided for a gas analysis system (10) for collecting molecular contamination in a vacuum environment (11). The pre-concentration device (13) comprises a hollow element (15) having an entrance opening (20) for receiving molecules from the vacuum environment (11) in a collection phase, a gas outlet for transferring collected molecules to a vacuum compatible detector or second preconcentration device in a transfer phase. The device has an inner wall for adsorbing molecules in the collection phase and desorbing molecules in the transfer phase. The device has a filler element (14) that is movable from a first position outside the hollow element in the collection phase to a second position inside the hollow element in the transfer phase which second position leaves open a transfer channel to the gas outlet along the inner wall. Advantageously, the device enables transferring of the organic or inorganic contaminants collected in the device under vacuum conditions, and requires a minimal amount of ultra pure gas for the transport of the contaminants to a detector or further a concentration device, which lowers the lower limit of detection.
US09375667B2
Presented is a method and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas. A series of filters and conditioning units are used to separate and extract various substances from the exhaust gas, typically originating from an industrial process. In an exemplary embodiment, a cyclone filter, a ceramic filter, a baghouse filter, and a pair of gas conditioners are used to initially separate and extract iron-rich dust from an exhaust gas and then extract zinc from the gas.
US09375663B2
The invention provides methods and systems for sanitizing and/or regenerating porous filter media using dissolved ozone in the filter backwash under fluidized conditions.
US09375659B2
A solids containment device for use in n hydromechanical grease interceptor, sized and shaped to be removably carried within the hydromechanical grease interceptor. The solids containment device includes a containment body with side and end walls, an open top, a wastewater inflow opening and an outflow opening. At least one removable solids separating screen is carried within the containment body, and is located between the inflow opening and the outflow opening. The outflow opening is directed away from the outflow aperture of the hydromechanical grease interceptor, in order to encourage a generally diagonal flow path for the wastewater stream within the hydromechanical grease interceptor, thereby encouraging separation of fats, oils and grease.
US09375648B2
A toy vehicle is provided. The toy vehicle having: a vehicle chassis defining a first interior region; a leg movably secured to the vehicle chassis for movement from a first position to a second position, wherein the leg and a wheel rotatably secured to the leg is extended away from the chassis when the leg is moved to the second position; a spring for providing a biasing force to retain the leg into the first position; and an actuation unit received within the first interior region of the chassis and operably coupled to the movable leg member and a body portion movably secured to the chassis, the actuation unit being configured to overcome the biasing force of the spring and move the leg to the second position when the body portion is moved with respect to the chassis.
US09375644B2
A method for establishing communication between a portable electronic device and an electronic gaming machine within a gaming environment includes receiving wireless signal data transmitted from the portable electronic device, determining a wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine based on the wireless signal data, and based on a determination that the wireless signal strength relative to the electronic gaming machine has increased, exceeded a predetermined threshold level, and leveled off for an amount of time exceeding a time threshold after becoming stronger, initiating a wireless communication link between the electronic gaming machine and the portable electronic device.
US09375642B2
A network game system is provided which can inhibit a user from disconnecting the power supply or communication connection of the user's game device during a competition for the user's own reasons. A condition storage (70c) stores a plurality of game status conditions related to a game status. A condition judging unit (76) judges whether or not the game status satisfies each of the plurality of game status conditions. A partway-end judging unit (74) judges whether or not the competition has ended partway through the competition. A predetermined process executing unit (78) executes, in a case where the competition has ended partway through the competition, a predetermined process based on a judgment result of whether or not a game status at the time when the competition has ended partway through the competition satisfies each of the plurality of game status conditions.
US09375641B2
A social matchmaking service selects matches of on-line game players based on personal/social characteristics of the players. The social matching service evaluates several criteria to obtain a list of available, socially compatible, game sessions. Criteria about the player include a player's friends, positive feedback about the player, negative feedback about the player, games completed with other players, players to avoid, and the player's gamer zone, country and language. Criteria about hosts of potentially compatible game sessions are also considered. Social matching utilizes a multi-pass approach, applying rules for prioritizing social criteria at each pass. The multi-pass approach starts with a narrow search and broadens the search at each successive pass. At each successive pass, sessions are added to the list of potential sessions until a reasonable number of sessions is achieved. Game sessions are assigned session values in accordance with affiliations between players.
US09375640B2
A load applied to a first input device is sequentially detected, and a first display image to be displayed on a portable display device is sequentially generated based on load data. The portable display device obtains image data representing the first display image, and sequentially displays the first display image represented by the obtained image data. In this exemplary embodiment, when a user performs an operation based on his/her action and thereby a process based on the user's action is performed, the user is allowed to view the result of the process in a favorable situation.
US09375611B2
A golf ball that enhances flight performance is provided. A golf ball according to the present invention includes a spherical core, at least one cover member that covers the core, and a coating layer that covers the cover member configuring the outermost layer. A plurality of dimples are formed in the cover member configuring the outermost layer. The thickness of the coating layer is 5.0 μm or more. Roughness is formed on the surface of the coating layer after coating the cover member configuring the outermost layer. The maximum height Rz and the arithmetic average roughness Ra of the surface of the coating layer satisfy the relationship Rz≧Ra×6.0.
US09375609B2
Rope clamps and methods for attaching rope clamps to climbing structures are provided. Rope clamps illustratively comprises a clamp portion configured to be attached to a climbing structure, wherein the clamp portion comprises a clamp body, a cover, a rope path and a fastener. The clamp body is configured to engage a portion of the climbing structure. The cover is configured to engage with a front of the clamp body. The rope path extends between the clamp body and the cover. The fastener is configured to attach the cover to the clamp body. Further, at least one rope configured to enter the rope path at a first point, extend through the rope path and exit the rope path at a second point.
US09375608B2
A wearable device assembly has a housing supporting a controller, display and indicator system thereon. The controller has at least one sensor wherein activity of a user wearing the device is detected. The controller selectively illuminates the indicator system to indicate a level of activity of the user.
US09375585B2
The present publication discloses a device and method for generating magnetic pulses and directing them to brain. The device in accordance with the invention comprises means (15) for generating short, high energy current pulses (18), means (7) for controlling amplitude (16) of the current pulses (18), means (1) for generating high energy electromagnetic field stimulation pulses from the current pulses (18) and directing them to brain, and means (6, 14) for measuring biologic responses to the stimulation pulses. In accordance with the invention the device includes means (7) for creating such a pulse sequence (17) of electromagnetic pulses where the amplitude (18) varies irregularly.
US09375584B2
A medical device for caring for a patient includes a patient utility for measuring a patient parameter or administering a therapy to the patient and an alarm system that has a receiver to accept status information about the medical device. A use detector of the alarm system is structured to determine when the medical device is being prepared for use and a status detector of the alarm system is adapted to determine from the status information that the medical device is in a ready state. The alarm system further includes an alarm that is activated when the medical device is both being prepared for use and not in the ready state. This description also includes methods of generating an alarm when the medical device is both being prepared for use and not in the ready state.
US09375581B2
An implantable stimulation device including a stimulation module and a data communication module. The stimulation device includes electrodes to delivery stimulation pulses, a voltage source, a DC-blocking capacitor and autoshort switch. The voltage source is connected to the electrodes via stimulation-pulse-switch(s) that controls delivery pacing pulses. The DC-blocking capacitor is connected with the voltage source and an electrode. The autoshort switch allows discharging of the DC-blocking capacitor via the electrodes when closed. The data communication module includes a data transmission control module connected to the autoshort switch and/or the at least one stimulation-pulse-switch, to alternatingly open and close the autoshort switch or the at least one stimulation-pulse-switch respectively, during an autoshort period following the delivery of a stimulation pulse or during a stimulation pulse period, respectively, to modulate an autoshort pulse or a stimulation pulse peak amplitude, respectively.
US09375576B2
A method and apparatus for using low levels of electrical stimulation to treat focal dystonia by stimulating the afferent nervous system and/or altering the function of the gamma motor neurons innervating muscles which experience symptomatic spasms.
US09375568B2
To protect an airway of a patient, it is important for the patient to be able to swallow and cough effectively. To promote an effective cough or swallow, electrodes are positioned upon skin of the neck of the patient, the electrodes configured for both capturing electromyographic (EMG) information, and for transmitting a stimulating electrical signal to the body. A microphone is positioned upon or near the neck to capture audio information emanating from the body of the patient. Software analyzes the EMG and audio information to identify an attempted or needed cough or swallow, and causes the electrodes to apply an electrical stimulus to the neck of the patient to produce a more efficacious cough or swallow. An additional microphone can be positioned to capture ambient noise, so that such noise can be reduced in the audio information of the first microphone.
US09375566B2
An embodiment of a device for reporting a heart failure status of a patient comprises: a parameter acquisition module configured to acquire at least one trended heart failure parameter; a predetermined event acquisition module configured to acquire at least one predetermined event corresponding to the at least one trended heart failure parameter, wherein each of the at least one predetermined event represents an event condition where a predetermined event definition is satisfied; an alert acquisition module configured to acquire at least one heart failure status alert associated with the at least one predetermined event, wherein each of the at least one alert represents an alert condition where a predetermined alert definition is satisfied; and an output communication module configured to communicate the at least one heart failure status alert.
US09375564B2
Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.
US09375561B2
A valve is disclosed that has a body with an inlet, an outlet, and a needleless access port coupled to the body. The access port has an interior space and is configured to be actuated by a needleless connector. The inlet is selectively coupled to the outlet through the interior space such that fluid entering the inlet entirely flows through the interior space to the outlet.
US09375560B2
A connector system for medical fluid administration has a female connection member, which can act as an access port for a container of medical fluid, and a male connection member, for accessing the container of medical fluid. The female connection member defines a sheath for receiving a portion of the male connection member and this sheath is spanned at one end by a septum, which acts to close the container of medical fluid. A lumen is defined through the male connection member to allow passage of fluid therethrough. The septum has a central region and a peripheral region, the central region being of substantially greater thickness than the peripheral region. The male connection member comprises means for rupturing the peripheral region of the septum when it is received in the female connection member to form a connection.
US09375556B2
A method and apparatus for treating a stricture in a body lumen. The method comprises (a) sensing pressure being exerted by a treatment device on the stricture, (b) determining if enough force is being exerted on the stricture, (c) if enough force is being exerted on the stricture, timing the application of enough force, (d) determining if too much force is being exerted by the treatment device on the stricture, (e) if too much force is being applied to the stricture, decrementing the force being applied to the stricture, (f) determining if not enough force is being applied to the stricture, (g) if not enough force is being applied to the stricture incrementing the force being applied to the stricture, and (h) repeating (a)-(g) until (i) a desired pressure has been maintained on the tissue for a desired time. The apparatus comprises a device for exerting pressure on the stricture, a controller for controlling the amount of pressure the device exerts on the stricture, and a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure being exerted on the stricture by the device.
