US09904675B2
A mechanism is provided for generating a natural language question for a given input text. The input text is parsed using a minimal recursion semantics (MRS) generating grammar to obtain a minimal recursion semantics (MRS) representation of the input text. Semantic rote labelling transforms the input text into at least one semantic association of a verb and semantic arguments of the verb, the semantic arguments of the verb being fragments of the input text. A question type is received for at least one verb/semantic argument association. The MRS representation of the input text is transformed into a MRS representation of one or more questions based on the at least one semantic association of the verb and respective question types. At least one question of the one or more questions is generated based on the MRS representation of the at least one question using the MRS generating grammar.
US09904672B2
Technology is disclosed for building correction models that correct natural language snippets. Correction models can include rules comprising pairs of word sequences identified from viable correction snippet pairs, where a first sequence of words in the pair should be replaced with a second sequence of words in the pair. Viable correction snippet pairs can be identified from among pairs of language snippets, such as a post to a social media website and a subsequent update to that post. Viable corrections can be the snippet pairs that both have no more unaligned words than a word alignment threshold and have no aligned word pair with a character edit difference above an edit distance threshold. In some implementations, word alignments can be found by aligning all the characters between a pair of language snippets, and identifying aligned words as those that have at least one aligned letter in common.
US09904671B2
At least one computer-mediated communication produced by or received by an author is collected and parsed to identify categories of information within it. The categories of information are processed with at least one analysis to quantify at least one type of information in each category. A first output communication is generated regarding the at least one computer-mediated communication, describing the psychological state, attitudes or characteristics of the author of the communication. A second output communication is generated when a difference between the quantification of at least one type of information for at least one category and a reference for the at least one category is detected involving a psychological state, attitude or characteristic of the author to which a responsive action should be taken.
US09904670B2
An apparatus and method for determining whether the meaning of a word included in an electronic message needs to be presented to a user, according to a dynamic determination whether the user currently knows the meaning of the word. In a client, a communication control unit receives a message sent between users, a morphological analysis unit extracts a word from the message, and a history acquisition unit acquires history information on viewing, usage, or the like of the word. A display determination unit determines whether the meaning of the word needs to be displayed, according to the acquired history information, the language level of a user stored in a user level storage unit, and the difficulty level of the word stored in a dictionary storage unit. An input/output control unit performs control such that the meaning of the word is presented to the user according to the determination result.
US09904665B2
A method and device for rasterizing content includes partitioning a webpage into webpage tiles that are associated with a front buffer and a back buffer. A rasterized version of each of the tiles may be stored in the associated front buffer, and each may include new content. If a previous copy of the at least one tile is found in memory, the new content is rasterized onto the previous copy. If a previous copy is not found, and if the proportion of the new content of the at least one tile is less than a threshold, the new content is rasterized onto the front buffer. If the proportion of the new content is above the threshold, and if unchanged content in the at least one tile is complex, then the unchanged content is copied to the back buffer and the new content is rasterized onto the associated back buffer.
US09904664B2
There are provided an augmented reality contents providing apparatus based on a Web information structure including: an HTML document that includes a URI setting unit setting a uniform resource identifier (URI) corresponding to a point of interest (POI), a POI processing unit collecting attribute information from a target terminal and identifying the POI by using the collected attribute information, a virtual object processing unit that matches a virtual object associated with the URI to the identified POI; and a 3D browser engine used for setting coordinates on the 3D physical space such that the POI and the virtual object are displayed in a 3D virtual space through a Web browser of the target terminal, analyzing video information of the POI and the virtual object based on the set coordinates, and providing the target terminal the analyzed video information.
US09904663B2
Provided is an information processing apparatus including: a detection unit for detecting quotations from a plurality of texts from other texts; a conversion unit for deleting or replacing with predetermined character strings the quotations in a plurality of the texts; and a text mining unit for executing text mining for a plurality of the converted texts.
US09904657B2
A method for representing and solving algebraic equations that allows a user to view and solve algebraic equations through a novel user-interface. The user-interface includes a primary cog and a plurality of secondary cogs as parts of a gear system. The primary cog represents a range of outcomes for the gear system and contains a plurality of teeth that is quantitatively greater than a numerical constant of the algebraic equation; amongst the teeth is a target tooth that represents the numerical constant. Each of the secondary cogs represent a term of the algebraic equation and includes a coefficient and a variable. Each of the secondary cogs contains a number of teeth equal to the coefficient. The equation is solved by rotating the secondary cogs until the target tooth is aligned with a fixed pointer where rotation of the secondary cog represents a value input for the variable of a term.
US09904656B2
A method for establishing a driving profile includes recording a value of an operating characteristic of a motor vehicle with the aid of a sensor situated in the motor vehicle at a first point in time, linking the value to a piece of location information indicating a position of the motor vehicle to obtain a linked piece of information, transferring the linked piece of information to a server, evaluating a plurality of linked pieces of information to ascertain a driving profile which includes location-dependent values of the operating characteristic, transferring the driving profile to the motor vehicle, and ascertaining a deviation between a value of the operating characteristic of the motor vehicle and a value of the operating characteristic included in the driving profile at a position of the motor vehicle at a second point in time.
US09904651B2
An operating method includes sensing a connection of the first electronic device to an interface circuit of the second electronic device; receiving an identification code from the first electronic device; and setting a state of the interface circuit as an express linkup state corresponding to the received identification code. The identification code has a value different from values defined and reserved in an interface protocol which defines an operating procedure of the interface circuit. The value of the identification code varies with an attribute of the first electronic device.
US09904649B2
A memory card includes a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts. A first edge of the memory card includes an indentation. Insertion of the memory card into a first slot of a host device engages the first set of contacts. The indentation is configured to accept a pivoting lever arm located in the first slot when the memory card is inserted into the first slot.
US09904640B2
A program loading system effective for several different types of motherboard includes a first storage module, a first control module, first switch module, and a type module. The first control module is coupled between the first storage module and the first switch module. The first switch module is coupled between the first switch module and the type module. When a program stored in the first storage module is needed to be loaded, the first switch module is turned on. The type module outputs a motherboard type signal to the first control module through the first switch module. The first control module loads the program selectively according to the type signal received.
US09904633B2
The present disclose provides a display system. The display system comprises a signal source unit a signal source unit, a transmission unit and a display unit. The signal source unit is complied with a first standard and used for providing an image signal. The transmission unit is coupled to the signal source unit, and used for transmitting the image signal, wherein the transmission unit has a plurality of pins. The display unit is complied with a second standard and coupled to the transmission unit. The display unit comprises a detection unit and a determination unit. The detection unit is used for detecting the plurality of pins. The determination unit is couple to the detection unit and used for determining voltage levels of the pins, determining the first standard according to the voltage level of the pins and configuring the display device into a corresponding mode according to the first standard.
US09904632B2
A technique to enable secure application and data integrity within a computer system. In one embodiment, one or more secure enclaves are established in which an application and data may be stored and executed.
US09904620B2
An information processing apparatus includes a controller configured to obtain the number of files to be written to a storage medium whose storage area configured in units of a predetermined block and whose stored data is erased in units of the predetermined block, and to determine a policy for selecting, based on the obtained number of files, the block to which the one or more files are to be written.
US09904612B2
A system and method for dynamic voltage and frequency scaling for processors based on end-user experience metrics is disclosed. In an embodiment, a method in a data processing system for controlling a processor includes monitoring at least one end-user experience metric; obtaining at least one device policy, the device policy specifying a device constraint or measurable device condition; and adjusting at least one operating point for a processor according to at least one end-user experience metric and at least one device policy.
US09904611B1
Examples of techniques for implementing a spare data buffer in a memory are disclosed. In one example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method may include detecting, by a processor, a failed data buffer in a memory. The method may also include enabling, by the processor, the spare data buffer in the memory. The method may further include extending, by the processor, a buffer communication to the spare data buffer to enable the spare buffer to functionally replace the failed data buffer.
US09904591B2
Techniques and mechanisms to provide selective access to data error information by a memory controller. In an embodiment, a memory device stores a first value representing a baseline number of data errors determined prior to operation of the memory device with the memory controller. Error detection logic of the memory device determines a current count of data errors, and calculates a second value representing a difference between the count of data errors and the baseline number of data errors. The memory device provides the second value to the memory controller, which is unable to identify that the second value is a relative error count. In another embodiment, the memory controller is restricted from retrieving the baseline number of data errors.
US09904588B2
The present invention relates to a method of preventing misoperation about a relay protection device in a smart substation. Reversely operating CPU operation results of two operation records about the relay protection device, in order to form corresponding disassembler codes. According to disassembler codes, calculating similarity of the CPU operation results of the two operation records about the relay protection device by a structured method. Judging whether the similarity is greater than a set threshold or not. If the similarity is greater than the set threshold, the CPU operation results of the two operation records about the relay protection device to be the same, otherwise, the CPU operation results of the two operation records about the relay protection device are judged to be different. The present invention avoids the misoperations of the relay protection device on operation.
US09904587B1
Anomalous behavior in a multi-tenant computing environment may be identified by analyzing hardware sensor value data associated with hardware events on a host machine. A privileged virtual machine instance executing on a host machine acquires hardware sensor values and causes the values to be compared to other hardware sensor value data that may be indicative of anomalous behavior; for example, various threshold values, patterns, and/or signatures of hardware counter values generated by analyzing and correlating hardware event counter data. In this manner, potential anomalous behavior on an instance may be determined without having to access customer data or workloads associated with the instance.
US09904583B2
A method for job management in an HPC environment includes determining an unallocated subset from a plurality of HPC nodes, with each of the unallocated HPC nodes comprising an integrated fabric. An HPC job is selected from a job queue and executed using at least a portion of the unallocated subset of nodes.
US09904576B2
A task scheduling method is disclosed, where each processor core is programmed with a short list of priorities, each associated with a minimum response time. The minimum response times for adjacent priorities are different by at least one order of magnitude. Each process is assigned a priority based on how its expected response time compares with the minimum response times of the priorities. Lower priorities may be assigned a timeslice period that is a fraction of the minimum response time. Also disclosed is a task division method of dividing a complex task into multiple tasks is; one of the tasks is an input gathering authority task having a higher priority, and it provides inputs to the other tasks which have a lower priority. A method that permits orderly shutdown or scaling back of task activities in case of resource emergencies is also described.
US09904553B2
A processor and method are described for scheduling operations for execution within a reservation station. For example, a method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes the operations of: classifying a plurality of operations based on the execution ports usable to execute those operations; allocating the plurality of operations into groups within a reservation station based on the classification, wherein each group is serviced by one or more execution ports corresponding to the classification, and wherein two or more entries within a group share a common read port and a common write port; dynamically scheduling two or more operations in a group for concurrent execution based on the ports capable of executing those operations and a relative age of the operations.
US09904549B2
An apparatus and method for detecting and eliminating loop-invariant instructions. For example, one embodiment of a method comprises: detecting a loop start; responsively setting the loop-invariant bit for each register entry in a register alias table; executing first N iterations of the loop and responsively clearing the loop-invariant bit of any register modified during the first N iterations of the loop; identifying one or more loop-invariant registers based on the status of the loop-invariant bit in the register alias table; identifying one or more loop-invariant instructions based on the loop-invariant registers; and propagating the identified loop-invariant instructions by storing the destination register's values in a physical register file for later reuse by other instructions.
US09904547B2
A method of an aspect includes receiving a packed data rearrangement control indexes generation instruction. The packed data rearrangement control indexes generation instruction indicates a destination storage location. A result is stored in the destination storage location in response to the packed data rearrangement control indexes generation instruction. The result includes a sequence of at least four non-negative integers representing packed data rearrangement control indexes. In an aspect, values of the at least four non-negative integers are not calculated using a result of a preceding instruction. Other methods, apparatus, systems, and instructions are disclosed.
US09904545B2
According to one general aspect, an apparatus may include a monolithic shifter configured to receive a plurality of bytes of data, and, for each byte of data, a number of bits to shift the respective byte of data, wherein the number of bits for each byte of data need not be the same as for any other byte of data. The monolithic shifter may be configured to shift each byte of data by the respective number of bits. The apparatus may include a mask generator configured to compute a mask for each byte of data, wherein each mask indicates which bits, if any, are to be prevented from being polluted by a neighboring shifted byte of data. The apparatus may include a masking circuit configured to combine the shifted byte of data with a respective mask to create an unpolluted shifted byte of data.
US09904539B2
A method and data processing system are disclosed for concurrently loading a plurality of new modules while code of a plurality of modules of an original (i.e., currently running) computer program is loaded and executed on a computer system. The method may include allocating a module thread local storage (TLS) block for each thread within an initial computer program, wherein the allocated module TLS blocks are large enough to hold all module thread variables that are loaded or to be loaded. The method further may include providing constant offsets between module TLS block pointers corresponding to the module TLS blocks and the module thread variables for all of the threads. The disclosed method may be used to add modules to the original computer program and/or to apply a concurrent patch by replacing one or more of the plurality of original computer program modules.
US09904538B2
A multi-tenant software program is maintained in a computing environment having a plurality of compatible instances of the program, each adapted to serve a plurality of tenants, with each controlling corresponding individual data. The method includes: receiving a maintenance request for a target instance, the target instance having one or more target tenants each controlling corresponding target individual data; selecting an auxiliary instance from other instances different from the target instance; providing the target individual data of each target tenant to the auxiliary instance; redirecting each target tenant by forwarding each target tenant request to the auxiliary instance; applying a maintenance operation on the target instance according to the maintenance request; returning the target individual data of each target tenant from the auxiliary instance in response to the applying of the maintenance operation; and restoring the serving of each target tenant request by the target instance.
US09904537B2
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for providing a hybrid web application. In some implementations, a computing device can be configured with a hybrid application that includes a native layer and a web view. The native layer can provide access to native features of the computing device while the web view can provide web client features, such as graphical user interfaces and server communication functionality. When the hybrid application is invoked, the native layer can load a resource bundle from local storage. The resource bundle can include the web code needed to present the web view graphical user interface, manage application data, and/or facilitate communication with the web server.
US09904519B2
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to systems and methods to process a declaratively-specified computer application by interpreting a structure and a behavior specification. Application data items are interpreted using a processing concrete model based on the structure specification. Application functionality is provided by processing the application data items in accordance to the behavior specification. The application information may further be used in an embodiment of the disclosure to perform additional processing and provide an added functionality. Various embodiments of the disclosure allow additional functions for declarative application such as performing domain activities, accessing data items, transferring application data, storing data and milestones and rendering data items.
US09904516B2
Various embodiments relate to a method of encoding data and a related device and non-transitory machine readable storage medium, including: determining a plurality of factors of a value, b, to be exponentiated; retrieving, from a lookup table, a plurality of lookup table entries associated with the plurality of factors; calculating a product of the plurality of lookup table entries; and calculating a residue of the product using a cryptographic key modulus, N, to produce an exponentiated value, s.
US09904514B1
An integrated circuit may be provided with a specialized processing block that performs floating-point addition and subtraction operations. For this purpose, the specialized processing block includes a fused adder and subtractor stage with an adder circuit and a subtractor circuit. The adder and subtractor circuits share an alignment stage for aligning the mantissas of incoming floating-point numbers and provide a simplified normalization stage with one right shifter and one left shifter. The specialized processing blocks may be arranged in rows or columns such that an input of a first specialized processing block is directly coupled to an output of a second specialized processing block and an input of the second specialized processing block is directly coupled to an output of the first specialized processing block.
US09904513B2
Floating point compound equations that involve addition of at least three terms, where each term involves a multiplication, can be implemented by using a bypass to prevent small, remaining values from being lost when shifted.
US09904505B1
Improved systems and methods for processing and recording audio with integrated script mode. A script is displayed to a user in conjunction with auto-selected and/or user configured script parameters. The script is manually advanced during a first recording of a take and the script movement is recorded. In subsequent re-takes of the same take, the script advances automatically, thereby alleviating the need of the user to manually advance the script.
US09904504B2
A system for providing environmental feedback including one or more processors and a tactile input hardware. The tactile input hardware is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The system further includes one or more memory modules communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, one or more sensing devices communicatively coupled to the one or more processors, and machine readable instructions stored in the one or more memory modules that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to receive environmental information from the one or more sensing devices, receive a gestural input on the tactile input hardware, and generate feedback regarding a subset of the environmental information acquired by the one or more sensing devices in response to the gestural input received on the tactile input hardware.
US09904498B2
An image forming apparatus prints a template sheet. The template sheet includes a graphical code and operation boxes. The graphical code includes information corresponding to a storage location address that stores information about settings for one or more image forming apparatuses. A user indicates what information is desired or to be changed on the image forming apparatus, marks it on the template sheet and scans the template sheet. Based on the instructions on the template sheet, information for settings is retrieved for an apparatus in a network.
US09904496B2
An installation system includes: a first storage unit configured to store therein driver information on printer drivers having been installed on an information processing apparatus; an acquisition unit configured to acquire shared information indicating a printer driver of a shared printer, having been reflected from a server, from the driver information; a specification unit configured to specify a printer driver not having been installed on the information processing apparatus, from the shared information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a first execution unit configured to install at least one of the printer drivers specified by the specification unit by acquiring the printer driver from the server.
US09904493B2
Methods and devices receive scheduling constraints for sheets of print media being processed as a print job through a printing device, and prepare a timing schedule for each of the sheets of print media based on the scheduling constraints. The timing schedule determines a location of each of the sheets of print media relative to the processing components of the printing device and relative to a linear time scale. Such methods and devices augment the timing schedule to produce an augmented timing schedule by adding explanatory text to the timing schedule, and receive user input selecting a portion of the augmented timing schedule. In response to the user input that selects a portion of the augmented timing schedule, the methods and devices output corresponding portions of the explanatory text that correspond to a location on the linear time scale represented by the selected portion of the augmented timing schedule.
US09904490B2
A mass storage device and method for storing data originally written to a volatile memory with byte level I/O protocol commands to a non-volatile memory using block level I/O protocol commands. The mass storage device includes a host interface for communicating with the host computer system, at least one non-volatile memory, at least one volatile memory, a memory controller configured to accept block level I/O protocol commands from the host computer system to read data from and write data to the non-volatile memory, and additionally accept byte level memory I/O commands from the host computer system for reading data from and writing data to the at least one volatile memory, and means for retrieving the data written by the host computer system using the byte level memory I/O commands from the volatile memory and writing the data retrieved from the volatile memory to the at least one non-volatile memory.
US09904489B2
Memory access requests are successively received in a memory request queue of a memory controller. Any conflicts or potential delays between temporally proximate requests that would occur if the memory access requests were to be executed in the received order are detected, and the received order of the memory access requests is rearranged to avoid or minimize the conflicts or delays and to optimize the flow of data to and from the memory data bus. The memory access requests are executed in the reordered sequence, while the originally received order of the requests is tracked. After execution, data read from the memory device by the execution of the read-type memory access requests are transferred to the respective requestors in the order in which the read requests were originally received.
US09904486B2
Methods and structure for selectively powering a storage device over a data network. An exemplary system includes a power module configured to detect power from a host system via a network port. The system also includes an input/output controller configured to receive power derived from the network port of the power module, and in response, to identify a disk drive for a read/write operation based on information from the host system. With power derived from the network port, the power module is further configured to supply power to an expander that connects the disk drive to the input/output controller, and to supply power to the disk drive to perform the read/write operation.
US09904480B1
In one embodiment, a method includes creating a first number of streams for a file system manager of a deduplicating storage system to access concurrently a type of data blocks, where each stream is for one file system and is identified by a stream identifier. The method further includes mapping stream identifiers to each of the type of data blocks passing through the first number of streams. The method further includes accessing the type of data blocks in storage units of the deduplicating storage system through a second number of streams, where the second number of streams are dedicated to the type of data blocks in the deduplicating storage system, where the second number is smaller than the first number, where the data blocks are tracked according to the mapped stream identifiers, and where the data blocks are stored in the storage units after a deduplication process to remove duplication.
US09904473B2
A page type may be identified for each of a plurality of memory pages, the page type corresponding to a particular process that accesses a particular memory page of the plurality of memory pages. The plurality of memory pages may each respectively include duplicate data. The duplicate data may be a same set of data values. Each of the plurality of respective memory pages may be ranked as candidates to deduplicate the set of data values to. The ranking may be based on at least the page type. In response to identifying the first processor and identifying a first memory device, the duplicate data may be deduplicated from the plurality of memory pages to a highest ranked memory page. The deduplication may correspond to coalescing the duplicate data to the highest ranked memory page.
US09904470B2
Ownership of a memory unit in a data processing system is tracked by assigning an identifier to each software component in the data processing system that can acquire ownership of the memory unit. An ownership variable is updated with the identifier of the software component that acquires ownership of the memory unit whenever the memory unit is acquired.
US09904468B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and terminal for operating through a touch screen. The method includes: after a transparent virtual keyboard is displayed, receiving a first operation for a display area of the transparent virtual keyboard through a touch screen; determining, according to the first operation, that a target object of the first operation is a page content in the display area of the transparent virtual keyboard; and performing the first operation for the page content in the display area of the transparent virtual keyboard. Therefore, the operation may be directly performed for the determined target object. Therefore, no additional operation is required to perform switching between the transparent virtual keyboard and the page, thereby reducing user operations and improving the user experience.
US09904467B2
A display device 100 for displaying content on a display 12, integrated with a touch panel 23, includes position detection means 32 for detecting a position indicated on the display; and content layout determination means 33 for determining a layout of a plurality of contents displayed on the display wherein, when the position detection means detects that a predetermined position on the display is indicated or a display position of a predetermined content is indicated, the content layout determination means moves at least one of displayed contents, based on a priority of displayed contents predetermined according to the display contents displayed on the display, and displays a soft key at a position where a line of sight movement amount is smaller than a line of sight movement amount of the content.
US09904461B1
A method for selecting the text on a remote computer or a server from a mobile device is provided. Actions of a user for selecting a text area on the mobile device are emulated on a remote server. A user initiates text selection on a mobile device using touch screen functionality, which is reflected on selected elements of a remote server. Once the mobile device user completes the selection, the emulator selects a corresponding area of the server screen. All mobile device user actions related to selection of text area are emulated on a remote server.
US09904449B2
A mobility device profile generation system for producing a control profile for operating a mobility device. A system processor displays profile data stored in memory on a display device in the form of a graphical representation depicting a relationship between at least two variables associated with operating the mobility device. Using a human input device a user may interactively adjust the graphical representation to calibrate the relationship between the at least two variables to produce a control profile that limits the range of operation of a controller of a mobility device according to the graphical representation. This control profile may be loaded into a controller of a mobility device to limit operation according to the profile.
US09904432B2
A touch panel of the present disclosure includes a substrate divided into a view area and an unavailable area. Sensing electrodes are formed in the view area to sense a first input, and touch electrodes are formed in the view area not to be overlapped with the sensing electrodes to sense a second input. A first wire is formed in the unavailable area to connect first ends of the touch electrodes, and second wires are formed in the unavailable area and connected to the second ends of the touch electrodes. A controller is connected to the second wires to control the touch electrodes, in which the first wire may be connected to the plurality of touch electrodes, and the second wires may connect each of the plurality of touch electrodes to the controller.
US09904431B2
Certain example embodiments relate to capacitive touch panels. First and second glass substrates are substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another. At least one multi-layer transparent conductive coating (TCC) is patterned into electrodes and located between the first and second substrates. The TCC(s) include(s) at least one conductive layer including silver, a dielectric layer including zinc oxide under and directly contacting the conductive layer including silver, and a dielectric layer(s) including tin oxide or silicon nitride over the conductive layer including silver. Processing circuitry electrically connects to the electrodes and measures an aspect of the electrodes' capacitance. A laminate material is located between the first and second glass substrates. The TCC(s), when blanket deposited, may have a visible transmission of at least 88%, a sheet resistances of no more than 10 ohms per square, and a haze of no more than 0.5%. Mutual and self-capacitance designs are disclosed.
US09904418B2
A touch display screen and a touch display device comprising the touch display screen are provided. The touch display screen comprises: an array substrate (10) and a color filter substrate (11) opposite to each other; a group of first electrode lines (12) and a group of second electrode lines (13) provided on the color filter substrate (11), wherein the first electrode lines (12) are insulated from and intersect with the second electrode lines (13); and a group of first ground lines (14) and/or a group of second ground lines (15) provided on the color filter substrate (11), wherein the first ground lines (14) are insulated from and intersect with the second ground lines (15).
US09904414B2
A projector includes a projection unit adapted to display an image based on image data supplied from a PC or an image processing unit as an image supply section, a position detection unit adapted to detect an operation by a pointing body, a coordinate conversion section or an output section adapted to output the pointed position to the image supply section in the case in which the operation is detected by the position detection unit, and an operation determination section adapted to restrict the output of the pointed position in the case in which the operation detected by the position detection unit is an operation satisfying a condition set in advance.
US09904406B2
The present disclosure provides an in-cell touch module including N data lines arranged on an array substrate, and common electrodes insulated from, and arranged at a layer different from, the data lines. A (2n-1)th data line and a (2n)th data line are connected to each other through a switch, n is a positive integer, 2n is less than or equal to N, and N is an integer greater than 1. The common electrodes include a plurality of strip-like common electrodes and a plurality of U-shaped common electrodes. Each strip-like common electrode crosses the data lines, each U-shaped common electrode surrounds the respective strip-like common electrode, and each strip-like common electrode is insulated from each U-shaped common electrode. Each strip-like common electrode is connected to a capacitive touch sensing signal line, and an open end of each U-shaped common electrode is connected to an electromagnetic touch scanning line.
US09904404B2
A display device that comprises a plurality of touch electrodes and a touchscreen driving circuit coupled to the plurality of touch electrodes. In a normal display mode of the display device, the touchscreen driving circuit senses touch via the plurality of touch electrodes using self capacitance touch sensing. In a sleep mode of the display device, the touchscreen driving circuit senses touch via the plurality of touch electrodes using mutual capacitance touch sensing.
US09904402B2
A method for controlling input in a mobile terminal can first set multiple operation modes for the mobile terminal and set multiple relation lists each of which defines a relationship between multiple predetermined functions to be executed in a corresponding operation mode and information regarding multiple predetermined touch operations input in the corresponding operation mode, and switches the operation mode of the mobile terminal among multiple operation modes, and controls the mobile terminal to execute multiple predetermined functions associated with multiple predetermined touch operations applied to a touch screen of the mobile terminal.
US09904401B2
The present disclosure relates to a touch panel and a touch display apparatus. The touch panel comprises a glass substrate, a solar cell panel located at a side of the glass substrate and comprising a plurality of solar cell modules, n sensing lines in a first direction and m sensing lines in a second direction for carrying the electric power converted by the solar cell panel, and a detection unit for detecting the electric currents or voltages on the sensing lines in the first direction and the sensing lines in the second direction and for determining a touch region of a touch object based on a variation in the electric currents or voltages, wherein each of the n sensing lines in the first direction and the m sensing lines in the second direction connects the individual solar cell modules in the respective direction in series, and m and n are positive integers. The number of the wires connected in the touch panel of the present disclosure is reduced, and a lightweight touch screen is achieved.
US09904391B2
According to an aspect, a display device with a touch detection function includes: a touch detection electrode that detects proximity or contact of an object; a drive electrode to which the excitation signal is applied; a first substrate on which the drive elements are provided; a second substrate on which at least one of the touch detection electrode and the drive electrode is provided, the second substrate being bonded to the first substrate to face each other via a sealing member; a conductor that electrically is coupled to at least one of the touch detection electrode and the drive electrode; and a conductor support member that fills a space between the first substrate and the second substrate and on the surface of which the conductor is provided.
US09904389B2
The present invention provides a touch panel wire arrangement circuit, the touch panel wire arrangement circuit comprises: an ITO region, metal wires, a touch control hole and an integrated circuit; the touch panel wire arrangement circuit further comprises: a rear end switch set, and the rear end switch set comprises: a plurality of switches, and a G electrode of each switch in the plurality of switches is inputted with a switch signal, and D electrodes of the plurality of switches are sequentially coupled to rear ends of the metal wires, and S electrodes of the plurality of switches are inputted with at least one voltage signals; the switch signal is: a signal at high voltage level as a touch panel TP signal does not function; the voltage signal is a common voltage V-com signal as the touch panel is in a display state.
US09904378B1
An elongated stylus is configured to be capacitively coupled with a sensor array providing a plurality of electrodes to indicate a position on the sensor array. The stylus includes a housing having an end in an elongated direction of the housing, a conductive tip disposed at least partially extended from the end of the housing, an electrode disposed around the conductive tip and configured to at least partially expose the conductive tip, and a signal transmit drive circuit configured to provide a signal. Control is performed to form an electrical connection between the electrode and a ground and an electrical connection between the electrode and the signal transmit drive circuit when the elongated stylus is activated for capacitive coupling with the sensor array.
US09904372B2
Provided is a method of performing an input operation through motion recognition in a glasses-type display device, which is capable of controlling the glasses-type display device through the most natural and intuitive hand motion. The method of performing the input operation through motion recognition in the glasses-type display device includes: an image acquiring operation of acquiring sequential images by using a camera mounted on the glasses-type display device; a hand recognizing operation of recognizing a hand of a user from the acquired sequential images; a hand tracking operation of tracking the recognized hand; a hand motion recognizing operation of recognizing a motion of the hand based on a position of the hand acquired in the hand tracking operation; and a control signal outputting operation of outputting a control signal corresponding to the motion of the hand. When the hand is recognized in the hand recognizing operation, the position of the hand is displayed on a screen of the glasses-type display device.
US09904366B2
Consistent with an example embodiment, a user (touch screen) interface has haptic feedback. The user interface comprises, a substrate, a transparent bottom electrode on top of the substrate, a transparent wrinkling layer on top of the transparent bottom electrode, a transparent top electrode on top of the transparent wrinkling layer; and a transparent protective surface on top of the transparent top electrode. The transparent wrinkling layer changes from a smooth surface to a roughened surface upon application of a voltage between the top electrode and the bottom electrode; the voltage generates an electrostatic force mutually attracting the top and bottom electrodes to exert a compressive force upon the transparent wrinkling layer sufficient to generate a degree of surface wrinkling that is perceptible to the touch.
US09904365B2
One embodiment of a touch panel comprises a substrate; a sensing electrode formed over the substrate, the sensing electrode configured to sense finger touch input and to provide haptic feedback; and an antenna formed over the substrate, the antenna configured to sense pen touch input; wherein a first mode in which the finger touch input is sensed, a second mode in which the haptic feedback is provided, and a third mode in which pen touch input is received are time-divisionally performed.
US09904363B2
An input apparatus has an input unit for receiving a pressure input, a load detection unit for detecting a pressure load on the input unit, a vibration unit for vibrating the input unit, and a control unit for controlling drive of the vibration unit such that a click sensation is provided to an object pressing the input unit when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a predetermined standard for receiving an input to the input unit and for controlling drive of the vibration unit such that the click sensation is provided to the object, after the input to the input unit is received, when the pressure load detected by the load detection unit satisfies a standard lower than the predetermined standard for receiving the input to the input unit. Thereby, a realistic click sensation similar to that obtained when a push-button switch is operated is provided when an operator operates the input unit of a pressure type, which enables a continuous input operation without a feeling of strangeness.
US09904360B2
A head gesture-based recognition system in Headset Computers (HSC) is disclosed. Notification dialogue boxes can be acknowledged by head nodding or ticking movement in the user interface. Question dialog boxes can be assured by head nods or head shakes in the user interface. Head swiping is also a recognizable form of user input through a head tracker of the HSC. Progress indicators and other visual display feedback are utilized.
US09904344B2
In an HPC system, a Resource Manager deliberately introduces heterogeneities to the execution speeds of some, but not all, of the nodes allocated to an application during the application's execution. These heterogeneities may cause changes to the amount of time spent waiting on coordination points: computation intensive applications will be most affected by these changes, IO bound applications less so. By monitoring wait time reports received from a Communications library, the Manager can discriminate between these two types of applications and suitable power states can be applied to the nodes allocated to the application. If the application is IO bound then nodes can be switched to a lower-power state to save energy. This can be applied at any point during application execution so that the hardware configuration can be adjusted to keep optimal efficiency as the application passes through phases with different energy use and performance characteristics.
US09904341B2
A method and system for cascading power consumption is described herein. The method may include providing power to a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor consumes more power than the second sensor. The method may also include detecting the first sensor does not capture a sample of data. In addition, the method may include stopping the flow of power to the first sensor. Furthermore, the method may include monitoring an operating environment with the second sensor. The method may also include providing power to the first sensor in response to the second sensor detecting a sample of data.
US09904338B2
A connection device including a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port and a chip is provided. When a host device is coupled to the first connection port and an electronic device is coupled to the second connection port, the connection device sets the level of an identification pin of the second connection port to a high level such that the electronic device operates in a device mode. In the device mode, the host device provides power to the electronic device. When the electronic device is coupled to the second connection port and a peripheral device is coupled to the third connection port, the connection device sets the level of the identification pin to a low level such that the electronic device operates in a host mode. In the host mode, the electronic device provides power to the peripheral device.
US09904336B1
A data storage system is described with an array of front fans and moving doors for airflow control. In one example an enclosure is configured to mount in a rack. A horizontal plane board in the enclosure has memory connectors aligned in a row and external interfaces. Memory cards connect to a respective memory connector of the board. Removable fans at the front of the enclosure push air along the memory cards to the rear and doors at the front of the enclosure, each have an open position to accommodate a corresponding fan and a closed position to block airflow when the corresponding fan is removed.
US09904329B2
A power supply and circuit module includes a housing, a power supply and a circuit module received in the housing. The power supply and the circuit module can be removably installed into and removed from a cage of an electronic system as a unit by a sliding action. The cage includes a first bottom plate, a backplane connected to the first bottom plate. A plurality of standoffs are formed on the first bottom plate for supporting a motherboard thereon. An electrical connector, such as a card connector, is directly formed on the backplane for connecting a circuit card.
US09904328B1
A protective cover in two parts for a portable electronic device includes a first cover, a second cover, and a locking mechanism. The first cover and the second cover form a receiving cavity, to receive a portable electronic device. The locking mechanism includes a movable member, a latch member, and at least one unlocking member. The latch member is engaged with the movable member, each unlocking member is configured for loosening restrictions on movement of the movable member. The movable member can be driven to rotate the latch member relative to the first cover to latch and lock the latch member to the second cover, or to unlatch and unlock the latch member from the second cover.
US09904320B2
A battery box for a wearable computing device is disclosed. The battery box is comprised of a cover, battery, a structural housing sized to hold the battery, and a polymer rim. The battery box is enveloped in a thermoplastic elastomer molecularly bonded to the polymer rim. The polymer rim, thermoplastic elastomer, and cover of the battery box cooperatively resist fluid ingress into the battery box.
US09904319B2
A tablet adapted to be combined with a rod holder is provided. The tablet comprises a device body with a first surface and a second surface. The device body includes a first side edge, a second side edge adjacent to the first side edge, and a support area located at a joint of the first side edge and the second side edge. A through hole extending through the first surface and the second surface is formed at the support area. When the rod holder is inserted through the through hole to be combined with the device body, an end of the rod holder abuts against a supporting surface, and a support angle is formed between the device body and the supporting surface via the other end of the rod holder.
US09904316B2
In one of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, a method of controlling through a cover of a mobile electronic device would include not limited to detecting, by the mobile electronic device, for a first event and a device triggering event; displaying, through openings of the cover on the touch screen, a first image; replacing the first image with a second image that corresponds to the first event in response to the first event being detected; displaying, through the openings of the cover on the touch screen, a third image corresponding to the device triggering event while the first image or the second image is still being displayed; and performing a function corresponding to the device triggering event in response to a touch input on third image being detected by the touch screen through the cover.
US09904314B2
A device includes a display configured to display an interface, wherein the display includes one or more touch sensors configured to detect a touch operation on an operating surface of the display. The device includes a cover that includes one or more projections arranged on a surface of the cover that opposes the operating surface of the display when the cover is in a closed position. The device includes circuitry configured to determine when the cover is in an open position and the closed position; determine, based on an output generated by the one or more touch sensors, an arrangement position of the one or more projections; and control, when the cover is determined to be in the closed position, the display based on the determined arrangement position of the one or more projections.
US09904310B2
A regulator circuit includes a power transistor, a current mirror, a first NMOS transistor, a second NMOS transistor and a current source. The power transistor has a source connected to an external power supply voltage supply, a gate connected to a first node having a first voltage and a drain connected to a second node outputting an internal power supply voltage. A current mirror provides a first current to a third node having a second voltage and provides a first node with a second current. A first NMOS transistor has a drain connected to a first node, a gate receiving a first reference voltage and a source connected to a fourth node. A second NMOS transistor has a drain connected to a third node, a gate connected to a second node and a source connected to the fourth node.
US09904302B2
System and method for gas pressure stabilization. The system comprises a pressure stabilizer which is divided into a receiving chamber and a pressure chamber by a flexible membrane, a booster device, a gas divider, and a control driver that can sense movement of the flexible membrane and control the gas divider accordingly. A pressure pilot is used to set the desired pressure in the pressure chamber. The pressure of the receiving chamber will stabilize to be the same with that of the pressure chamber regardless of the gas flow change or gas pressure change at the gas source, or the pressure fluctuation in the downstream system. The gas passing the system can eventually be recycled to a recycling system in the downstream without harming the environment.
US09904296B2
Apparatuses, methods and systems for controlling flow in a fluid distribution system are described herein. One apparatus includes a flow sensor configured to determine a flow of a fluid through a conduit of a fluid distribution system, a valve associated with the conduit and coupled to an actuator, and a controller connected to the flow sensor and the actuator.
US09904287B1
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to mitigating vigilance decrement of a vehicle operator. In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring the operator by collecting operator state information using at least one sensor of the vehicle. The method includes computing an engagement level of the operator according to a vigilance model and the operator state information to characterize an extent of vigilance decrement presently experienced by the operator. The method includes rendering, on an augmented reality (AR) display, at least one graphical element as a function of the engagement level to induce the operator to maintain vigilance with respect to operation of the vehicle and a present operating environment around the vehicle.
US09904286B2
A method and apparatus for providing adaptive transitioning between operational modes of an autonomous vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle is a land-based passenger-carrying vehicle that travels on a road network and has an automatic mode in which one or more systems control travel of the vehicle on the road network. A system provides a modification of the operation of the vehicle to defer a transition time at which a transition occurs from the automatic mode to a manual mode to extend a period of time during which the vehicle is operated in the automatic mode beyond an earlier possible time at which the transition could occur.
US09904276B2
An access-level control apparatus includes an NC machine tool, an RFID that is held by an operator and stores an ID given to the operator, a reader unit that reads out the ID, an authenticating unit that determines operator processing limitation information including an operable range by the operator associated with the ID or display information provided to the operator, an operation/display limiting unit that limits processing by the operator for the NC machine tool on the basis of the operator processing limitation information, and a separation detecting unit that periodically reads out, after the authentication, the ID in the RFID, performs re-authentication, and detects presence or absence of separation of the operator. When detecting as a result of the re-authentication that the operator separates from the NC machine tool, the separation detecting unit releases the authentication.
US09904275B2
An apparatus including an ultrasonic motor having an electrostrictive element of a stator for driving a rotor thereof; and a microcontroller having a central processing unit (CPU), a built-in memory (ROM) and a pulse generating circuit which generates an pulse output signal which is applied to the electrostrictive element of the ultrasonic motor, wherein the pulse generating circuit comprising a rise setting register, a fall setting register, a phase adjustment data register, a cycle data register, a phase arithmetic circuit, a counter, a 1st comparator, a 2nd comparator, and a pulse generator, wherein the counter starts to count up, incrementing its count value from a count initial value, wherein the cycle data register stores, as cycle data, a count maximum value for the counter to count up to it.
US09904270B2
A numerical control apparatus includes: a program input unit that reads a tool distal end position and a tool posture and generates designated position sequences of the linear axis and designated position sequences of the rotation axis; a distal-end-position-curve generating unit that generates a tool distal end position curve concerning the tool distal end position; a tool-posture-curve generating unit that generates a tool posture curve concerning the tool posture associated with movements of the tool distal end position; an interpolation calculating unit that calculates an interpolation point of the tool distal end position, calculates an interpolation point of the tool posture, and calculates an interpolation point of a machine position of the linear axis; and an interpolation output unit that moves the linear axis to the calculated interpolation point of the machine position and moves the rotation axis to the calculated interpolation point of the tool posture.
US09904267B2
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to techniques for exchanging data and/or power between a plurality of devices. In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a device may receive power via a voltage terminal of an interface. The interface may also comprise at least one configuration channel terminal. The device may determine to terminate power reception via the voltage terminal causing a current through the configuration channel terminal to decrease below a threshold, and the device may determine to supply power to the voltage terminal.
US09904264B2
According to one embodiment, a system for digital process management comprises at least one memory and processor communicatively coupled to one another. The memory is operable to store input data, output data, and a process model, each associated with a digital process management system. The processor is operable to determine the process model, which comprises a set of rules, determine the input data based upon data received from a data source, and determine whether to initiate the process model based upon the input data. The system is further operable to execute the process model across two of an Internet-connected device, a gateway, and an enterprise by determining a state of a process, determining an activity based upon the state and the set of rules, executing the activity, determining results data, and determining the output data based upon the results data. The system is further operable to communicate the output data.
US09904263B2
Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may be used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another and with devices within a process plant to model and depict the operation of a process plant. The smart process objects may include one or more device objects, which represent physical devices within the process plant, and may include one or more smart connection objects which represent and model the flow of a material, such as a gas, a liquid, a composition of solid, electricity, etc., through a connection between entities within the process plant. The smart process objects may also include one or more smart stream objects, which also may represent and model the flow of a material at a particular point in the process plant. The smart device, connection, and stream objects may be interconnected to model the flow of material through the actual physical devices within the process plant thereby enabling enhanced simulation and modeling capabilities with the smart connection and stream objects providing a convenient manner of enabling different entities and sections of a process model to be tied to one another.
US09904256B2
A process and device for controlling a synchronous motor driving an operating lever in opposition to a friction brake, including a sensor for sensing the position of the lever, and a control computer include: a first regulator defining a nominal control voltage (U*) as a function of a difference (Δω) between the speed of rotation (ω_feedback) of the motor and a set-point speed (ω_cmd); a second regulator determining saturation limits (−Usat; +Usat) of the nominal control voltage as a function of an instantaneous torque provided by the motor; a saturator providing a limited control voltage (U_cmd) on the basis of the nominal control voltage and on the basis of the saturation limits; a converter feeding each winding of the motor with an alternating-voltage signal (U_alim) worked out on the basis of the limited control voltage as a function of the angular position of the motor.
US09904251B2
A holographic display apparatus includes a light source unit, a spatial light modulator, and a spatial light modulator control circuit for controlling the spatial light modulator, the spatial light modulator control circuit including a data driving circuit for providing a data voltage to a signal line, a demultiplexer circuit which includes a plurality of switching elements connected to the signal line and sequentially turned on, and transfers the data voltage to a transfer line through a turned-on switching element among the switching elements, and a first element connected between the transfer line and a data line, passing a current flowing from the transfer line to the data line, and blocking a current flowing from the data line to the transfer line.
US09904235B2
A cleaning device includes a toner storing container that stores a collected toner, a conveyance screw that conveys toner in the toner storing container, and a toner crushing member that crushes the toner accumulated in the toner storing container. The toner crushing member is formed so as to include: a supporting portion being attached above a rotation axis of the conveyance screw; and a plurality of elastic pieces each extending from the supporting portion toward the conveyance screw and being swung by a fin that rotates in association with the rotation of the conveyance screw. Each of the elastic pieces is formed with a raised portion rising toward the seal member, so that the elastic pieces come in contact with the seal member.
US09904233B2
An elastic blade includes a contact edge to contact a contact object, an edge region including the contact edge, and a backup region different in at least one of material and physical property from the edge region and adjacent to the edge region on a cross section perpendicular to a direction in which the contact edge extends. The backup region is free of direct contact with the contact object. In the elastic blade, a converted elastic power X is from 57% to 90% and defined as X = S A S A + S B × e A + S B S A + S B × e B where SA and SB represent cross-sectional areas of the edge region and the backup region on the cross section, and eA and eB represent elastic powers of the edge region and the backup region.
US09904225B2
In a first image formation mode, an image is formed with a first development contrast C1 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a second development contrast C2, which is lower than the first development contrast C1; in a second image formation mode, an image is formed with a third development contrast C3 and a specific dot pattern is formed with a fourth development contrast C4, which is lower than the third development contrast C3; and when ΔC1 (=C2/C1) denotes a ratio between the second development contrast C2 and the first development contrast C1, and ΔC2 (=C4/C3) denotes a ratio between the fourth development contrast C4 and the third development contrast C3, ΔC2<ΔC1 is satisfied.
US09904222B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing portion for fixing an image formed on a recording material; and a guide member for guiding the recording material. The guide member is provided at an entrance to the fixing portion and at an end portion with respect to a direction perpendicular to a feeding direction of the recording material The guide member is moved when the guide member is pushed by the recording material.
US09904207B2
An image formation apparatus includes a toner bottle, a sub hopper configured to temporarily store toner supplied from the toner bottle, a development apparatus configured to receive supply of the toner from the sub hopper, a first detector configured to detect a remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle, a second detector configured to detect an empty space for toner in the sub hopper, and a controller configured to have the toner supplied from the toner bottle to the sub hopper each time the empty space in the sub hopper exceeds a threshold value Th1. When the remaining amount of toner in the toner bottle is smaller than a threshold value ThA, the controller lowers the threshold value Th1 to a threshold value Th2.
US09904205B2
An image forming apparatus includes a rotating polygon mirror configured to rotate and reflect the first laser beam and the second laser beam, a first generation unit configured to generate a first signal based on timings at which the respective first laser beams, a second generation unit configured to generate a second signal for determining a timing to form an electrostatic latent image on the second image bearing member with the second laser beam based on the first signal and a correction value, and a calculation unit configured to calculate the correction value based on the output of the detection unit, in which the calculation unit calculates the correction value based on the signal output from the detection unit in a period of time that has passed until the rotating polygon mirror reaches steady rotation since it has started to be driven to rotate.
US09904203B2
This image forming apparatus includes an image carrier, a charging member, a capacitor, a voltage control portion, and a current conduction control portion. The charging member is configured to charge the image carrier. The capacitor is connected on a current conduction path connecting the charging member and a ground. The voltage control portion is configured to control whether or not to apply DC voltage to the charging member. The current conduction control portion is configured to make the current conduction path conductive after DC voltage is applied by the voltage control portion, and to disconnect the current conduction path before application of DC voltage by the voltage control portion is stopped.
US09904200B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image-bearing member, which is charged by a charge voltage in which direct and alternating-current voltages are superposed on each other. A toner image is formed on the charged image-bearing member. A current flowing through the charging member is detected when the charge voltage is applied to the charging member. A current, in a frequency band including a discharge current component, is extracted from the detected current. The alternating-current voltage is adjusted based on the current extracted by an extraction unit. Environmental information is acquired. Based on the environmental information acquired by an acquisition unit, a frequency band for extraction performed by the extraction unit is set.
US09904197B2
An electrostatic charge image developing toner includes toner particles containing a binder resin, and an external additive including silica particles having a compression aggregation degree is from 60% to 95% and a particle compression ratio is from 0.20 to 0.40, and resin particles containing a polymer obtained by polymerizing a (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer.
US09904191B1
An electrostatic charge image developing toner set includes an electrostatic charge image developing black toner that includes black toner particles including a black colorant, a binder resin, and a release agent, and inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 50 nm to 300 nm; and an electrostatic charge image developing color toner that includes color toner particles including a color colorant, a binder resin, and a release agent, and inorganic particles having an average particle diameter of 50 nm to 300 nm, wherein a proportion of the release agent exposed to a surface of the color toner particles is greater than a proportion of the release agent exposed to a surface of the black toner particles.
US09904186B2
A layered, positively-charged electrophotographic photoreceptor, a method for manufacturing the photoreceptor and an electrophotographic apparatus using the photoreceptor are disclosed. The layered, positively-charged electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a conductive support on which is provided a sequential stack composed of a charge transport layer containing at least a first hole transport material and a first binder resin; and a charge generation layer containing at least a charge generation material, a second hole transport material, an electron transport material, and a second binder resin, wherein the charge generation layer and the charge transport layer have a total amount of residual solvents that is 50 μg/cm2 or less. The photoreceptor is highly sensitive, highly durable, and has excellent image qualities including low image defects from cracks generated due to image memory or contact contamination. The photoreceptor is applicable to a high-resolution and high-speed positively-charged electrophotographic apparatuses and provides excellent operational stability.
US09904174B2
A projection objective includes at least four curved mirrors, which include a first curved mirror that is a most optically forward mirror and a second curved mirror that is a second most optically forward mirror, as defined along a light path. In addition, an intermediate lens element is disposed physically between the first and second mirrors, the intermediate lens element being a single pass type lens. The objective forms an image with a numerical aperture of at least substantially 1.0 in immersion.
US09904173B2
An inspection apparatus may determine precise OV measurements of a target on a substrate using an optical pupil symmetrizer to reduce the inspection apparatus's sensitivity to asymmetry and non-uniformity of the illumination beam in the pupil plane. The inspection apparatus includes an illumination system that forms a symmetrical illumination pupil by (1) splitting an illumination beam into sub-beams, (2) directing the sub-beams along different optical branches, (3) inverting or rotating at least one of the sub-beams in two dimensions, and recombining the sub-beams along the illumination path to symmetrize the intensity distribution. The illumination system is further configured such that the first and second sub-beams have an optical path difference that is greater than a temporal coherence length of the at least one beam and less than a depth of focus in the pupil plane of the objective optical system.
US09904172B2
A shrink material is provided comprising a specific polymer and a solvent containing an anti-vanishing solvent. A pattern is formed by applying a resist composition comprising a base resin and an acid generator onto a substrate to form a resist film, exposing, developing in an organic solvent developer to form a negative resist pattern, applying the shrink material onto the pattern, and removing the excessive shrink material with an organic solvent for thereby shrinking the size of holes and/or slits in the pattern.
US09904164B2
A glass substrate for a mask blank has main surfaces. A root-mean-square surface roughness (RMS) in at least one main surface is 0.15 nm or less. An aspect ratio of a surface profile (Str) of the main surface in accordance with ISO 25178-2:2012, where s=0.2, is 0.30 or more. The aspect ratio is determined through measurement of the surface profile at measurement intervals of 0.2 nm or less in a measurement range of 100 nm×100 nm using an atomic force microscope.
US09904162B2
Disclosed is an apparatus and method of tiling and stitching together multi-projector images. The projection system enhances brightness, enables polarization based stereoscopic imagery and matches brightness for all viewers that view the images from the projection system. The projection system includes two or more projectors and projects two dimension and three dimensional images onto projection screens, such as gain screens.
US09904161B2
A lighting device includes at least one excitation radiation source designed to emit excitation radiation; a wavelength conversion arrangement, which is arranged in such a way that excitation radiation can be radiated onto a wavelength conversion element. The wavelength conversion element is designed to convert excitation radiation into conversion light. An unavoidable non-converted part of the excitation radiation is reflected by the wavelength conversion element. The device further includes a unit for collimating the excitation radiation to form at least one collimated excitation beam; a unit for directing the at least one collimated excitation beam onto the at least one wavelength conversion element; a unit, which is arranged between collimation optical unit and converging optical unit and has at least one region for reflecting that part of the at least one excitation beam which is not converted, but rather is reflected by the at least one wavelength conversion element.
US09904143B2
Provided is a hologram display apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The hologram display apparatus includes: a detector configured to detect a position of a viewer; and a spatial light modulation panel that modulates a light to display a hologram. Further, a grade is determined on the basis of the detected position of the viewer. An optical path switching unit refracts the light from the spatial light modulation panel with the determined grade. A laser source of the hologram display apparatus generates the light with a compensated output on the basis of the grade.
US09904116B2
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes preparing a display panel including a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates, pretilting liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer, and molding the display panel into a curved shape having a first curvature, in which the liquid crystal molecules are pretilted according to a gap interposed between the first and second substrates that overlap the liquid crystal layer.
US09904108B2
A liquid crystal display comprises a liquid crystal panel and a backlight unit. The liquid crystal panel includes a main display area and a sub-display area protruding from the main display area. The backlight unit includes a light guide plate having a main light plate below the main display area and a sub-display light plate below the sub-display area. A first light source emits first light primarily into the main light plate below the main display area and a second light source emits second light primarily into the sub-display light plate below the sub-display area.
US09904091B2
A display panel of touch screen includes color filter substrate and array substrate; color filter substrate includes black matrix; array substrate includes pixel units and touch control units; the pixel units includes first pixel units and second pixel units, each first pixel unit includes first sub-pixel for displaying first color, second sub-pixel for displaying second color and third sub-pixel for displaying third color, each second pixel units includes first sub-pixel for displaying first color, second sub-pixel for displaying second color and fourth sub-pixel for displaying white color; the white sub-pixel includes first region and second region, the second region is sheltered by the black matrix from the light emitting direction of the display panel, TFT corresponding to third sub-pixel is located in sub-pixel region of white sub-pixel, and electronic contact point between TFT and pixel electrode of third sub-pixel is located within second region of white sub-pixel.
US09904084B2
The present invention provides a display apparatus capable of reliably mounting at least one of a holding member and a bezel to a holding plate with no damage to a light emitting element mounting substrate by a simple structure without providing a mounting member, and coping with an increase in an area of a driving circuit board disposed to the holding member. The display module of a TV receiving apparatus includes a light guide plate, a holding plate which holds a substrate having a plurality of LEDs, and is disposed to face a side surface of the light guide plate, a display panel disposed to face a main surface of the light guide plate, a holding member which covers the holding plate and holds the display panel, and a bezel which covers a peripheral edge part of the display panel and the holding member. The holding plate is provided with a mounting part which extends and protrudes in a direction which is away from the display panel, and at least one of the holding member and the bezel is mounted to the mounting part by a screw.
US09904077B2
Provided are an optical nano-antenna including a tunable material layer and methods of manufacturing and operating the optical nano-antenna. The optical nano-antenna includes a substrate; and a plurality of material layers sequentially laminated on the substrate. The plurality of material layers include at least one tunable material layer and at least one slot. A first tunable material layer and a metal layer are sequentially laminated on the substrate, and a first slot is formed in the metal layer. A metal layer and a first tunable material layer are sequentially laminated on the substrate, and a first slot is formed in the metal layer. A first tunable material layer, a metal layer, and a second tunable material layer are sequentially laminated on the substrate, and a first slot is formed in the metal layer. A second slot tilted with respect to the first slot is formed in the metal layer.
US09904065B2
A refractive lens for displaying three-dimensional images (3D) comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a refractive layer configured between the first substrate and the second substrate and configured as a plurality of lens units of the refractive lens. The refractive lens is capable of being coupled to a first display panel having a pixel unit pitch A and a second display panel having a pixel unit pitch B to display the 3D images, the pixel unit pitch A being different from the pixel unit pitch B. Each lens unit of the refractive lens has an equal length p, and p is a common multiple of 2*A and 2*B. Each lens unit of the refractive lens is driven by a same driving voltage.
US09904060B2
An illumination optical unit serves for illuminating objects to be examined by a metrology system. The illumination optical unit has an optical pupil shaping assembly for generating a defined distribution of illumination angles of illumination light over an object field in which an object to be examined can be arranged. An optical field shaping assembly for generating a defined intensity distribution of the illumination light over the object field is disposed downstream of the pupil shaping assembly in the beam path of the illumination light. The field shaping assembly has at least one optical field shaping element arranged in the region of a pupil plane of the illumination optical unit. This results in an illumination optical unit which ensures an illumination which can be set in a defined manner with regard to an intensity distribution and an illumination angle distribution over the entire object field.
US09904059B2
A reading aid for magnifying text includes a first frame. The first frame comprises an annular wall that extends from a top to a bottom. The bottom is open. A first lens is positioned in the top. A second lens is adjustably coupled to an interior of the annular wall. The second lens is parallel planarly positioned relative to the first lens. A power module is coupled to the first frame. A plurality of lights is coupled to an upper end of the first frame. The lights are operationally coupled to the power module. The second lens is adjustably positionable relative to the first lens to obtain a magnification level required by a user. The lights are configured to illuminate a printed item positioned beneath the first frame such that the printed item is readable by the user.
US09904053B2
A head-mounted type display device includes an image display unit that is mounted on the head of a user to display an image, and is capable of transmitting an external landscape, a nine-axis sensor and a head side sensor which detect a relative position of the image display unit to the head of the user. An AR display control unit of the head-mounted type display device adjusts a display position of an object that is displayed on the image display unit on the basis of a detection result of the nine-axis sensor and the head side sensor.
US09904052B2
The present invention provides a projection apparatus capable of clearly displaying a projected image, and allowing the sight behind the projected image to be viewed to a sufficient degree. A projection apparatus (1) of the present invention includes a light irradiation device (3) configured to emit an output light (2) having one polarized light component, and a polarizing plate (4) including a polarizer (41) irradiated with the output light (2), wherein in the polarizing plate (4), an absorption axis is arranged to absorb and reflect the output light (2) by the polarizing plate, reflectance of the polarizing plate (4) for the output light (2) is 10% or more, and single transmittance of the polarizing plate (4) is in the range of 30% to 90%.
US09904048B2
An electrowetting display device comprising: a first, second, third and fourth display element each including: a first fluid adjoining a surface of a support plate; a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid; a color filter overlapping a part of the surface; and an electrode for use in applying a voltage for controlling a configuration of the first and second fluids. The color filter of the first, second, third and fourth display elements outputs respectively a red hue, a green hue, a blue hue and a yellow hue. At least one of the display elements comprises a transmissive region configured to transmit light of at least one wavelength filtered by the respective color filter of the first, second, third and fourth display elements.
US09904044B2
A zoom lens, including, in order from an object side: a negative first unit being not moved for zooming; a second unit including at least one sub-unit that is moved during zooming, and having a positive refractive power as a whole; a negative third unit including an aperture stop, being not moved for zooming; a fourth unit including at least one sub-unit and being moved during zooming; and a fifth unit being not moved for zooming, at least three sub-units among the sub-units included in the second and fourth units being moved during zooming, in which focal lengths of the first and third units, and a movement amount of a sub-unit that is moved most in the second unit and a movement amount of a sub-unit that is moved most in the fourth unit during zooming from a wide angle end to a telephoto end satisfy predetermined conditions.
US09904041B2
A projection lens is applied to image projection of a projection device including an imaging unit. The projection lens includes a first lens group with a negative diopter and a second lens group with a positive diopter. The first lens group has a first lens having a first negative diopter. The second lens group is adjacent to the imaging unit and includes second, third, fourth, and fifth lenses. The second lens has a second negative diopter. The third and fourth lenses are between the first and second lenses. The fifth lens is between the imaging unit and the second lens and is an aspherical lens. A refractive index of the first lens is less than or equal to 1.64. An ABBE number of the first lens represents Vd1, an ABBE number of the second lens represents Vd2, 0.4≦Vd2/Vd1≦1.2, and Vd1<50.
US09904039B2
A near infrared lens assembly includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and a fourth lens, all of which are arranged in sequence from an object side to an image side along an optical axis. The first lens is with positive refractive power and includes a convex surface facing the object side. The second lens is a meniscus lens and includes a convex surface facing the object side and a concave surface facing the image side. The third lens is a meniscus lens and includes a concave surface facing the object side and a convex surface facing the image side. The fourth lens is with negative refractive power and includes a concave surface facing the object side.
US09904038B2
A photographing system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element, a fourth lens element, a fifth lens element, a sixth lens element and a seventh lens element with refractive power. The first lens element with positive refractive power has an object-side surface being convex in paraxial region. The second lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in paraxial region. The third, fourth and fifth lens elements all have refractive powers. The sixth lens element with refractive power has an image-side surface being concave in paraxial region, wherein the image-side surface has at least one convex shape in off-axis region, and both of two surfaces are aspheric. The seventh lens element with refractive power has an object-side surface being concave in paraxial region, and both of two surfaces are aspheric.
US09904032B2
An optical macro adaptor assembly comprising two or more lens components arranged successively along the optical axis thereof, configured to be mounted in front of the objective lens of a telescope, and acting to reduce the minimum focus distance of the telescope to permit the telescope to be used in environments requiring a close focus. The optical macro assembly can be a Galilean-type optical system of approximately unit magnification with adjustable spacing between the lens elements to allow for focusing.
US09904031B2
A lens module having lenses disposed in a lens barrel; and a spacer disposed between two of the lenses comprising a light shielding hole configured to adjust an amount of light incident therethrough, and the spacer is coupled to at least one of the two lenses.
US09904027B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques and configurations for a rack assembly. In one embodiment, a tray to be disposed in a rack assembly may comprise a plurality of sleds with individual sleds including one or more compute nodes; and a networking element coupled with a sled of the plurality of sleds and configured to communicatively connect the sled to one or more other components of the rack assembly via an optical communication system. The optical communication system may include an external optical cable configured to communicatively connect the networking element with the rack assembly. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
US09904024B2
Lens assemblies including a substrate and a plurality of mechanically isolated lenses coupled to the substrate are disclosed. The substrate may have a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Optical connectors including the lens assemblies described herein, as well as methods of fabricating a lens assembly, are also disclosed. In one embodiment, a lens assembly includes a substrate having a first surface, and a lens layer including a plurality of lenses. A coefficient of thermal expansion of the substrate is different from a coefficient of thermal expansion of the plurality of lenses. The lens layer is coupled to the first surface of the substrate, and each lens of the plurality of lenses is mechanically isolated from adjacent lenses of the plurality of lenses by gap regions within the lens layer.
US09904023B2
Provided herein are a multi-channel receiver optical sub-assembly and a manufacturing method thereof. The multi-channel receiver optical sub-assembly includes a PLC chip having a first side into which an optical signal is received and a second side from which the received signal is outputted, with an inclined surface formed on the second side of the PLC chip at a preset angle, a PD carrier bonded onto the PLC chip and made of a glass material, and an SI-PD bonded onto the PD carrier, a lens being integrated therein. The PLC chip, the PD carrier, and the SI-PD are passively aligned by at least one alignment mark and then are bonded.
US09904018B2
The present invention provides a direct laser writing fabrication method and system for devices having periodic refractive index modulation structures, for example, Bragg gratings. By focusing a modulated pulsed laser beam into a transparent material substrate, a path of laser modified volumes can be formed with modified refractive index compared with the unprocessed material. Modulation of exposure conditions provides periodic or modified periodic waveguide structures such that the waveguide structures exhibit grating responses and can be used for a variety of optical applications, for example, as spectral filters, Bragg reflectors, grating couplers, grating sensors, or other devices. The method enables direct one-step fabrication and integration of periodic or modified periodic refractive-index modulation devices together with other optical waveguiding devices to enable low-cost, multifunctional one-dimensional, two-dimensional or three-dimensional optical circuit fabrication of simple and complex optical systems.
US09904013B2
A light guide for industrial, medical, or cosmetic applications is provided, having an outer circumferential surface and at least one end face made of glass, with an optical element made of at least one transparent plastic directly molded to the end face of glass by molding or reactive injection molding, so that the electromagnetic radiation guided in the light guide when in its operational state is directed through the end face of glass into the transparent plastic of the optical element and exits therefrom.
US09904012B2
A method and system for coupling optical signals into silicon optoelectronic chips are disclosed and may include coupling one or more optical signals into a back surface of a CMOS photonic chip comprising photonic, electronic, and optoelectronic devices. The devices may be integrated in a front surface of the chip and one or more optical couplers may receive the optical signals in the front surface of the chip. The optical signals may be coupled into the back surface of the chip via one or more optical fibers and/or optical source assemblies. The optical signals may be coupled to the grating couplers via a light path etched in the chip, which may be refilled with silicon dioxide. The chip may be flip-chip bonded to a packaging substrate. Optical signals may be reflected back to the grating couplers via metal reflectors, which may be integrated in dielectric layers on the chip.
US09904009B2
A through-silicon-via structure formed within a semiconductor device is provided. The TSV structure may include a trench located within a substrate of the semiconductor device, an insulator layer located on at least one side wall of the trench, an electrically conductive layer located on the insulator layer, a first dielectric layer located on the electrically conductive layer, and a second dielectric layer located on the first dielectric layer and filling the trench. The second dielectric layer includes a higher refractive index relative to the first dielectric layer, such that the first and the second dielectric layer create an optical waveguide. The electrically conductive layer provides electrical coupling between the semiconductor device and another semiconductor device, while the optical waveguide provides optical coupling between the semiconductor device and the another semiconductor device, whereby the another semiconductor device has another substrate that is separate from the substrate of the semiconductor device.
US09904007B2
The present invention is generally directed to a photonic bad gap fiber and/or fiber preform with a central structured region comprising a first non-silica based glass and a jacket comprising a second non-silica based glass surrounding the central structured region, where the Littleton softening temperature of the second glass is at least one but no more than ten degrees Celsius lower than the Littleton softening temperature of the first glass, or where the base ten logarithm of the glass viscosity in poise of the second glass is at least 0.01 but no more than 2 lower than the base ten logarithm of the glass viscosity in poise of the first glass at a fiber draw temperature. Also disclosed is a method of making a photonic bad gap fiber and/or fiber preform.
US09904005B2
The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module includes a back plate and a light guide plate on the back plate. The light guide plate includes a light incidence side. An edge of the light guide plate that is adjacent to the light incidence side has an inclined first portion. An angle defined between the inclined first portion and the light incidence side is an obtuse angle. At least one first column is on the back plate at a position corresponding to the first portion of the edge adjacent to the light incidence side of the light guide plate. Each first column is in contact with the first portion of the light guide plate.
US09904003B2
A backlight module includes a backplane, a light guide plate arranged in the backplane, a backlight source arranged in the backplane and located at one side of the light guide plate, a quantum dot rail arranged between the backlight source and the light guide plate, and a retention rack that is fixedly mounted to the backplane to receive and retain a first side of the quantum dot rail. The retention rack includes a trough section in the form of a concave recess receiving and retaining the first side of quantum dot rail therein. The quantum dot rail has a second side that is opposite to the first side and a reflection sheet is attached to the second side of the quantum dot rail such that the reflection sheet is opposite to the trough section of the retention rack mounted to the backplane.
US09904000B2
A display device includes a light source to emit light, a light guide plate on which the light emitted from the light source is incident and which irradiates light through a first and a second surface of the light guide plate, a quantum dot sheet on which the light irradiated through the first surface of the light guide plate is incident and which irradiates blue light, green light and red light, a reflective sheet for reflecting the irradiated light to the light guide plate, and a light-converting material at an edge portion of the light guide plate, the quantum dot sheet and the reflective sheet, for converting the light into a yellow light, green light or red light. The light incident on the quantum dot sheet includes the light emitted from the light source and the yellow light, the green light or the red light.
US09903998B2
A lighting device includes an elongated profiled body including at least one light permeable material, e.g. a polymeric material, having a mouth portion where an e.g. white light radiation source assembly is arranged which includes one or more electrically powered light radiation sources facing the profiled body. The light radiation emitted by the light radiation source assembly propagates through the light permeable material of the profiled body. The material of the profiled body includes pigments and is at least in part light diffusive, whereby, by propagating through profiled body, the light radiation becomes a colored light radiation of a color determined by the pigments and with a homogeneous near field distribution.
US09903997B2
The present disclosure discloses a light transmission device including a first prism layer. The first prism layer includes a plurality of first prism bars formed on a surface of the first prism layer facing away from the panel, and a plurality of reflective grooves formed on a surface of the first prism layer facing the panel. Each of the reflective grooves includes a plurality of reflective surfaces matching with prism surfaces of the first prism bars; the reflective surfaces reflect received light to corresponding prism surfaces; the prism surfaces of the first prism bars are configured to emit received light reflected from the corresponding reflective surfaces towards the panel in a first direction.
US09903996B2
A light guide plate display device includes a light guide plate, a plurality of light source devices, and a plurality of prisms. The light guide plate includes a display face and a plurality of end faces, and is formed of a light transmitting material. The light source devices are provided along respective end faces of the light guide plate, and radiate light from the end face toward an inside of the light guide plate. The prisms are formed inside the light guide plate. The prisms respectively have a plurality of side faces which face the respective light source devices. The respective side faces are inclined at least in two stages of a transmitting inclined face which transmits light radiated from the light source device, and a reflecting inclined face which reflects the light radiated from the light source device, and outputs the light to the display face, in a thickness direction of the light guide plate.
US09903993B2
An illuminated display contained within a translucent container that employs flat fiber optic material as the primary illuminated design. When this material is illuminated at its base edge and the illumination is optionally programmed, light then travels to and is emitted all along its cut top edge, resulting in a clear “line of light” display that appears to exist in space, unattached from any other material and evokes a specific desired effect within the translucent container, including the effect of a specific ephemeral phenomenon. The illuminated display effect is often strengthened by adding one or more additional displays to the translucent container.
US09903992B2
A light guide element and a lamp are provided. The light guide element includes a light-incident surface, a light-emitting surface, an outer surface and an inner surface. The light-incident surface has a first outer peripheral edge and a first inner peripheral edge. The light-emitting surface is opposite to the light-incident surface and has a second outer peripheral edge and a second inner peripheral edge. The outer surface connects the first outer peripheral edge and the second outer peripheral edge. The inner surface connects the first inner peripheral edge and the second inner peripheral edge. A first opening defined by the inner surface adjacent to the first inner peripheral edge is larger than a second opening defined by the inner surface adjacent to the second inner peripheral edge.
US09903989B2
Provided is a metal structure body comprising a substrate, a metal layer, and a color adjustment layer, where various colors are implemented by adjusting a thickness of the color adjustment layer, and a method for manufacturing the same. The metal structure body can implement various colors while having a small thickness, and has an effect that resistance characteristics of a metal layer do not deteriorate. The metal structure body can be applied to a bezel of a display board, to a touch screen panel and a display device.
US09903984B1
An optical-dispersion corrected optical-element with a first and a second surface for imaging equal angle quadrilateral focal plane array (FPA). The optical-dispersion element comprises a first nanocomposite-ink with a first nanofiller dispersed in a cured organic-matrix and a second nanocomposite-ink with a second nanofiller dispersed in the cured organic-matrix. Optical-dispersion of the second nanocomposite-ink is different than optical-dispersion of the first nanocomposite-ink. The distribution of the first nanocomposite-ink and second nanocomposite-ink corrects chromatic aberration and creates a refractive gradient that is non-radially symmetric to correct for an image plane array.
US09903979B2
A method and apparatus estimate yield. A first method comprises receiving a first signal indicating an aggregate yield measured by an aggregate yield sensor during a measurement interval, receiving a second signal indicating a plurality of geo-referenced regions across which a harvester head has traveled prior to the measurement interval, allocating a portion of the aggregate yield to each of at least two geo-referenced regions based upon different travel times for crops from different portions of the head and outputting aggregate yield portion allocations. A second method estimates yield based upon sensed power characteristics across the harvesting width of a harvesting machine.
US09903973B2
Methods and devices for obtaining well log data with reduced coherent noise are provided. One such method may include placing a downhole tool into a well to obtain a set of unfiltered well log data that includes individual measurements obtained at various azimuthal angles within the well. Some of the unfiltered well log data may represent eccentered well log data obtained while the downhole tool is eccentered in the well. The individual measurements of the eccentered well log data may have delays that vary as a function of the azimuthal angle at which they were obtained. By comparing the measurements of the eccentered well log data, a common pattern independent of delay, representing coherent noise, may be identified. The common pattern may be subtracted from the well log data to produce filtered well log data that is less noisy than the unfiltered well log data.
US09903972B2
A seismic sensor cable 10 for lowering into a subterranean well 15 for acquiring information about seismic, microseismic and mechanical vibration incidents in the subterranean well 15, where the device comprises a first portion 20 that is elongate and has a first length with a proximal end and a distal end that are to be lowered down into a lower part of the subterranean well 15, the first portion 20 having a plurality of electric or electromechanical multicomponent seismic sensors 25 that are connected and distributed over large parts of its first length, and wherein the seismic profiling device 10 further comprises a second portion 30 that is elongate and has a second length with a proximal end that is to be held above the subterranean well 15 and a distal end that is to be lowered down into the upper part of the subterranean well 15, said second portion 30 comprising an optical fiber 35 that runs along large parts of said second portion 30, and an electric cable 40 for conducting electric power from the proximal end to said seismic sensors in the first portion 20, and a connector 45 for connecting the proximal end of the first portion 20 to the distal end of the second portion 30. The invention also comprises a system and a method for acquiring information about seismic, microseismic and mechanical vibration incidents in the subterranean well 15.
US09903971B2
An acoustic transmitter includes: an acoustic diaphragm configured to transmit acoustic waves into a medium; a piezoelectric actuator assembly configured to deform in an axial direction in response to an applied electrical signal; and a highly incompressible elastic material disposed between the piezoelectric actuator and the acoustic diaphragm and configured to transmit pressure waves to the acoustic diaphragm in response to motion of the piezoelectric actuator.
US09903967B2
This disclosure is related to marine seismic sources, for example marine seismic sources known in the art as benders. Some embodiments of this disclosure use magnetic reluctance forces to produce seismic energy. For example, pole pieces may be attached to one or more plates of a marine seismic source, and a wire coil may induce an attractive force between the pole pieces to cause deformation of the plates to produce seismic energy. Such marine seismic sources may be components of a marine seismic survey system, and may be used in a method of marine seismic surveying. Methods of making marine seismic sources are also disclosed.
US09903958B2
There is provided a method for at least partly determining the orientation of an edge-on x-ray detector with respect to the direction of x-rays from an x-ray source. The method includes obtaining (S1) information from measurements, performed by the x-ray detector, representing the intensity of the x-rays at a minimum of two different relative positions of a phantom in relation to the x-ray detector and the x-ray source, the phantom being situated between the x-ray source and the x-ray detector and designed to embed directional information in the x-ray field when exposed to x-rays. The method also includes determining (S2) at least one parameter associated with the orientation of the x-ray detector with respect to the direction of x-rays based on the obtained information from measurements and a geometrical model of the spatial configuration of the x-ray detector, x-ray source and phantom.
US09903956B2
The invention relates to a method for selecting a satellite which is designed to send a global navigation satellite system-signal, also known as a GNSS-Signal, to a vehicle, consisting of: measuring measurement position data of the vehicle in relation to the satellite based on the GNSS-Signal; determining redundant reference position data of the vehicle in relation to the measurement position data determined according to the GNSS-Signal; and selecting the satellite when a comparison of the measurement position data and the reference position data meets a predetermined condition.
US09903952B2
An error correcting location system includes a ground station with fixed reference coordinates. The ground station may receive satellite broadcast messages from a plurality of location system satellites. Further, the ground station may determine location coordinates based on the satellite broadcast messages, and compare the location coordinates to the fixed reference coordinates to determine a compensation value. In addition, the ground station may send the compensation value to location system devices. Upon receipt of the compensation value, the location system devices may utilize the compensation value to generate highly accurate location coordinates.
US09903947B2
A boundary signal detection system distinguishes a valid boundary signal for a target region from an extraneous boundary signal for a neighboring region. The system includes electronics that convert the candidate signal from a time domain to a frequency domain to identify at least one embedded frequency in the candidate, that compare the at least one embedded frequency in the candidate signal to at least one predetermined embedded frequency of the valid boundary signal, and that identify the candidate signal as the valid boundary signal based upon the comparison.
US09903944B2
Some embodiments are directed to methods of detecting a target that include: receiving signals reflected from a target of interest, the signals having a bandwidth large enough to provide a plurality of range cells along an expected target, and processing the received signal(s) by (i) determining the phases of contiguous groups of range cells, the group size selected to approximate to sizes of targets of interest, (ii) phase-shifting the returns within a group to increase constructive interference and thereby signal power; and (iii) combining the phase shifted returns to produce phase-adjusted combined returns, and performing a detection on those combined returns. Some embodiments may provide enhanced target detection capabilities. The process may be repeated for different potential target sizes, and may be performed either on real time data, or off-line on recorded data, and is applicable to both radar and sonar.
US09903941B2
A time of flight (TOF) camera device and a method of driving the same are provided. The TOF camera device includes a pulse generator configured to generate a pulse signal, and generate a first photo gate signal and a second photo gate signal; a light source configured to irradiate an object with light emitted in synchronization with the pulse signal; and an image sensor configured to receive light reflected from the object in synchronization with the first photo gate signal during a first frame, and receive light reflected from the object in synchronization with the second photo gate signal during a second frame. The pulse generator is further configured to modulate the pulse signal so as to use a frequency of the light as a single frequency.
US09903939B2
A system comprising synchronization circuitry, a first interrogator, and a second interrogator. The first interrogator includes a transmit antenna; a first receive antenna, and circuitry configured to generate, using radio-frequency (RF) signal synthesis information received from the synchronization circuitry, a first RF signal for transmission by the transmit antenna, and generate, using the first RF signal and a second RF signal received from a target device by the first receive antenna, a first mixed RF signal indicative of a distance between the first interrogator and the target device. The second interrogator includes a second receive antenna, and circuitry configured to generate, using the RF signal synthesis information, a third RF signal; and generate, using the third RF signal and a fourth RF signal received from the target device by the second receive antenna, a second mixed RF signal indicative of a distance between the second interrogator and the target device.
US09903937B2
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for using known geographical information in directional wireless communication systems. In some aspects, an estimated position of a receiver relative to a transmitter may be determined based at least in part on known geographical information, and a desired beam direction for wireless communication from the transmitter to the receiver may be searched for based at least in part on the estimated position of the receiver.
US09903934B2
A dimensional measuring device sends a beam of light to a remote probe having a retroreflector and a pitch/yaw sensor. The pitch/yaw sensor passes the light through an aperture and a lens to a position sensor that generates an electrical signal indicative of the position of the received light. A processor uses the electrical signal to determine a pitch angle and a yaw angle of the remote probe.
US09903933B2
A system for determining a direction for an electromagnetic signal. The system includes a receiving array antenna, including a plurality of antenna elements, each antenna element having a position in the receiving array antenna; a digitizer configured to receive an analog signal from each of the antenna elements, and to sample and digitize each of the analog signals to form a sequence of digitized samples from each of the analog signals; and a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to receive the sequences of sample values from the digitizer; and, for each direction of a plurality of hypothesized directions: combine the sample values from the plurality of antenna elements to form a single time record; fit the single time record with a combination of one or more functions of time; and identify a direction at which a measure of the magnitude of the linear combination is greatest.
US09903931B2
In a diagnostic device, a determiner determines whether a rotational speed of an AC motor is within a low rotational-speed range in which its rotational speed is approximately zero. An input-voltage estimate calculator calculates, as an input-voltage estimate, an estimate of an input voltage to an inverter when it is determined that the rotational speed of the AC motor is within the low rotational-speed range. A malfunction determiner performs a diagnostic task. The diagnostic task calculates an absolute value of a difference between an input-voltage measurement value measured by an input voltage sensor and the input-voltage estimate. The diagnostic task determines whether the absolute value of the difference is higher than a predetermined voltage threshold. The diagnostic task determines that there is a malfunction in the input voltage sensor upon determining that the absolute value of the difference is higher than the predetermined voltage threshold.
US09903902B2
An electrical connection member capable of detecting discontinuities in an electrical network is provided. The connection member includes a casing having at least three branches, each of the branches including, at the end of same, at least one terminal for electrical connection to a respective piece of equipment, and least one main conductor linking two terminals at the ends of two branches in the casing, at least one secondary conductor linking at least one terminal of the end of the third branch in the casing, and including an electrical coupler designed to inject an electrical test signal from the secondary conductor into the main conductor, and to transmit, to the secondary conductor, an electrical response signal generated by the reflection of the electrical test signal against a discontinuity encountered in the electrical network.
US09903898B2
A thermal poling method in which a poling treatment can be performed easily by a dry process. The poling treatment is performed on a PZT film by performing a heat treatment on the PZT film under a pressurized oxygen atmosphere at a temperature of 400° C. or more and 900° C. or less. The PZT film before the heat treatment has a single-domain crystal structure, and the PZT film after the heat treatment has a multi-domain crystal structure.
US09903894B2
The present invention relates to a method and system for monitoring the secondary electric power distribution grid with remote fraud and power theft detection, readings, power cuts-off, reconnection and client load control, besides continuous monitoring of the electric grid parameters, providing diagnostics on the status of the grid and public lighting from an assigned Command Central, located at the secondary busbar of the distribution transformer, and Measuring Modules at clients installations.
US09903892B2
In one embodiment, a method for measuring current comprises generating a sensor current based on a current being measured. The method also comprises converting a combined current into a first frequency, wherein the combined current is a sum of the sensor current and a common-mode current, and converting the first frequency into a first count value. The method further comprises converting the common-mode current into a second frequency, converting the second frequency into a second count value, and subtracting the second count value from the first count value to obtain a current reading.
US09903890B1
Disclosed are methods, systems, apparatuses and computer programs for estimating a measure of the gain and offset of a converter that generates, based on digital settings, reference voltages to be used as thresholds by a comparator in a photon-counting detector in an x-ray imaging system. Steps include selecting a first converter as a reference converter and a second converter as a target converter; assigning different digital settings to the reference converter to generate at least two different reference voltages to be used as thresholds by a comparator associated with the reference converter; and obtaining, based on photon count measurements, the number of photons registered in a photon counter associated with a comparator whose reference voltage is generated by the target converter. Based on the number of photons and the at least two digital settings, an estimate of the gain and offset of the target converter relative the reference converter results.
US09903884B2
A parallel plate capacitor includes a first polar plate (10), and a second polar plate disposed opposite to the first polar plate (10). The parallel plate capacitor further includes at least a pair of sensitive units disposed on a substrate forming the first polar plate (10); the sensitive units includes sensitive elements (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b) and element connecting arms (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) connecting the sensitive elements (21a, 21b, 22a, 22b) to the first polar plate (10). The parallel plate capacitor further includes anchoring bases (30, 31, 32, 33) disposed on a substrate where the second polar plate is located; the anchoring bases (30, 31, 32, 33) are connected to the element connecting arms (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) via cantilever beams (30a, 30b, 31a, 31b, 32a, 32b, 33a, 33b); each element connecting arm (23a, 23b, 24a, 24b) is connected to at least two anchoring bases (30, 31, 32, 33), which are symmetric with respect to the element connecting arm. The parallel plate capacitor is more likely to be influenced by an external factor, thus being more likely to experience capacitance change. An acceleration sensor including the parallel plate capacitor is also provided.
US09903879B2
Described are methods and systems to allow the use of a very simple physiological meter without a user input interface (i.e., buttonless) while maintaining the ability to store time linked measurement records for retrospective or prospective analysis of the measured physiological measurements.
US09903877B2
The present invention relates to analytical testing devices including micro-environment sensors and methods for assaying coagulation in a fluid sample applied to the micro-environment sensors, and in particular, performing one or more types of coagulation assays using one or more micro-environment sensors in a single point of care combined test cartridge. For example, the present invention may be directed to test sensor including at least one transducer coated with a polymer layer. The polymer layer comprises a thrombin-cleavable peptide with a detectable moiety.
US09903874B2
Provided is a method of providing an effective means as a countermeasure for handling a pandemic of an influenza virus. The resistance to a type A influenza virus is determined using, as an indicator, the presence or otherwise of antibodies using the VH1-69 gene in a biological sample originating from a subject.
US09903862B2
The present invention generally relates to nanotechnology and sub-microelectronic circuitry, as well as associated methods and devices, for example, nanoscale wire devices and methods for use in determining nucleic acids or other analytes suspected to be present in a sample. For example, a nanoscale wire device can be used in some cases to detect single base mismatches within a nucleic acid. In one aspect, dynamical information such as a binding constant, an association rate, and/or a dissociation rate, can be determined between a nucleic acid or other analyte, and a binding partner immobilized relative to a nanoscale wire. In some cases, the nanoscale wire includes a first portion comprising a metal-semiconductor compound, and a second portion that does not include a metal-semiconductor compound. The binding partner, in some embodiments, is immobilized relative to at least the second portion of the nanoscale wire.
US09903860B2
The present disclosure is directed towards characterizing liquids through the use of magnetic discs that rotate in response to dynamic magnetic fields. In some embodiments, a light beam is transmitted into the liquid while the magnetic discs rotate, and one or more parameters a light beam signal associated with the transmitted light beam are identified. Various characteristics of the liquid may be detected based on the one or more parameters of the light beam signal.
US09903859B2
The invention relates to a method for identifying aptamers, having the following steps —bringing a mixture of oligonucleotides into contact with an aptamer target structure and binding at least some of the oligonucleotides to the target structure, —separating the oligonucleotides which have been bound to the aptamer target structure from the aptamer target structure and from oligonucleotides that are not bound to the aptamer target structure, —amplifying individual oligonucleotides which were bound to the aptamer target structure in a physically separate manner and producing a plurality of physically separate amplicons, each amplicon predominantly containing one type of oligonucleotides, —specifying a specific marker for a plurality of the physically separate amplicons such that each of the marked amplicons can be uniquely identified using the specified marker of the amplicon, —sequencing oligonucleotides in a plurality of marked amplicons and assigning the marker that is specific for the amplicon to the sequence of the type of oligonucleotides in the amplicon for each amplicon examined by means of the sequencing process —analyzing the binding properties of the types of oligonucleotides to the aptamer target structure and assigning the analyzed binding properties to the specific markers of the amplicons and to the sequences of the types of oligonucleotides.
US09903854B2
A point-of-test diagnostic chip that is capable of simultaneous evaluation of blood coagulation time (INR Value) and hematocrit level. A finger prick volume of blood is placed at the inlet of the device, and the residual vacuum contained within the device provides a pressure gradient to drive the flow of whole blood. The INR value is determined by the distance the blood traverses down the channel before it coagulates. The channel is primed with tissue factor and phospholipids to induce coagulation. A control channel is primed with anticoagulants for use as a way to normalize initial loading times. The hematocrit level is determined by sedimentation of blood cells into a trench and the interface between blood cells that have overfilled the trench and plasma provide a visual readout.
US09903835B2
A fully automated high-precision capillary electrophoresis instrument, comprising an electrophoresis system, a sample injection flow path, and an automatic sampling flow path; the sampling flow path comprising a shunt waste bottle, which is connected to a four-way connector, a four-way sample injection valve and a buffer syringe pump; the automatic sampling flow path comprises a sampling needle, a sample tray, a cleaning tank, reagent bottles, a buffer tube, a six-channel liquid dispenser, and a syringe pump. The described capillary electrophoresis instrument has a fast sample injection speed, high accuracy, good reproducibility, and can be widely used in automated analysis of different substances by capillary electrophoresis.
US09903828B2
A photothermal examination method and corresponding examination unit are provided. In the method first and second zones of the surface to be characterized are scanned simultaneously, and first and second photosensitive surfaces separate from one another acquire images of the infrared radiation emitted by these two zones.
US09903822B2
Provided herein is an apparatus including a photon emitter configured to emit photons onto a surface of an article. In addition, the apparatus includes a photon detector array configured to receive photons scattered from surface features and magnetic features of the article. The photon detector array is configured to provide information for mapping the magnetic features.
US09903810B2
Apparatus and method for the determination of weight fractions of hydrocarbons, water and acid in the acid catalyst phase of petroleum refinery alkylation catalyst streams by flowing the acid catalyst phase through a density detector and a spectrometer cell so that the determination can be made according to first principles. An alternative apparatus and method uses spectroscopy without the density detector.
US09903804B2
A label-free imaging-based flow cytometer that measures size and cell protein concentration simultaneously is disclosed. Cell protein concentration adds a parameter to cell classification that improves the specificity and sensitivity of flow cytometers without the requirement of cell labeling. The system uses coherent dispersive Fourier transform to perform phase imaging at flow speeds as high as a few meters per second. To retrieve cell information in real-time, an analog signal processing system based on quadrature phase demodulation is described.
US09903803B2
Methods of evaluating particle attributes in a sample fluid subjected to flow cytometry investigation in a flow cytometer instrument, methods of processing time series signal data traces output by a flow cytometer instrument, and a flow cytometer system are provided. In the methods and systems, data points comprising time series signal data traces corresponding with detection during the flow cytometry investigation of light from the sample fluid in one or more wavelength ranges indicative of the presence of one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid are batch-processed using a batch-specific signal peak threshold determined as a function of a batch-specific noise characteristic to identify signal peaks in the batch of data points indicative of the presence of the one or more particle attributes in the sample fluid.
US09903799B2
Devices and methods are presented in which a plasma separation device with a first and second portion separates a blood containing fluid. Most preferably, the first portion produces a cell fraction and a plasma fraction, and the second portion captures the plasma fraction. A first actuator then fluidly isolates a portion of the plasma fraction within the second portion, and a second actuator moves the isolated portion of the plasma fraction from the second portion.
US09903796B2
A photocleavable polymer comprising a photocleavable linker and a polymer having a functional group that binds to a protein, lipid, sugar of a cell, or any combination thereof, as well as a method of selectively lysing cells by incubating a sample comprising two or more cells with the photocleavable polymer to reversibly fix the cells; selectively irradiating the fixed cells or a target or non-target cell among the fixed cells to cleave the photocleavable polymer; and adding a cell lysis solution to selectively lyse the irradiated cells.
US09903795B2
The present invention relates to a cell treatment composition for the permeabilization of fixed blood cells, to the use of said composition, to a method for the treatment of a biological sample comprising fixation of said sample and subsequently contacting said biological sample with said cell treatment composition. The invention further relates and to a kit comprising said cell treatment composition.
US09903790B2
A binary lambda sensor has a first electrode arranged on the exhaust gas side, a second electrode arranged contiguous to a reference air volume, and a power source arranged between the first and second electrode. A potential difference between the first and second electrodes forms a measurement signal of the sensor. In a measurement operation of the sensor, the power source is operated in a measurement operating state and provides the measurement signal. To adjust a specified oxygen concentration in the reference air volume, the power source is operated in a regeneration operating state. If a specified condition is fulfilled and the engine is operating in a coasting mode, the power source is operated in the measurement operating state, and a power source adjustment signal is determined for the regeneration operating state based on the measurement signal, for the adjustment of the specified oxygen concentration in the reference air volume.
US09903788B2
An apparatus includes an electroactive polymer member and a first electric terminal and a second electric terminal. The electroactive polymer member has a free portion configured to change position relative to a fixed portion in response to an external stimulus corresponding to at least one of a flow parameter or a fluid parameter. The first electric terminal and the second electric terminal are coupled to the electroactive polymer member. The first electric terminal and the second electric terminal provide an electrical signal in response to the change.
US09903784B2
A testing device is provided which can provide a testing force to smoking articles of various types, in order to determine if ash breakage is appropriate or if the heating element of a heat not burn smoking article becomes loose under normal working conditions.
US09903780B2
A method and device detect the imbalance of a vehicle wheel. The method includes measuring a rotation speed of the wheel while the vehicle is moving, and calculating a filtered value by applying at least one step of band-pass filtering to the measured rotation speed value of the wheel. A position of a pass-band of the band-pass filtering step is offset while moving as a function of the rotation speed of the wheel.
US09903777B2
In an embodiment, a pressure transducer includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The third portion is positioned in a cavity contained in the second portion. In addition, a seal is placed in the cavity. The first portion and second include provisions for applying a downward pressure on the third portion when the first portion and the second portion are joined. The downward pressure is applied by the third portion to the seal the cavity. The first portion also includes a stop and the second portion also includes a snap member. The snap member includes a prong that contains a first edge and a second edge. The snap member allows movement of the first portion after the first edge of the prong meets the stop and restricts movement of the first portion after the second edge of the prong meets the stop.
US09903772B2
A load cell has a longitudinal body including a bending beam axially between a force input element and a force output element, strain gages applied on strainable measuring parts of the bending beam, a hermetically sealed enclosure outside around the strain gages and the strainable measuring parts, and an overload protection arrangement including an overload beam in a recess in the bending beam, a receiving hole partially in the overload beam, and a fitting pin received in the receiving hole so that a defined gap is formed between the fitting pin and an adjacent stop surface in the recess of the bending beam. In further embodiments, the enclosure includes a stiff pipe sleeve and ring elements with flexible membranes connecting the sleeve to the longitudinal body, and a mounting end face of the longitudinal body has centering pins in holes and an O-ring in a groove.
US09903771B2
In a system for detecting merchandise theft, pre-loaded force sensitive input devices, force sensing resistors (FSR), are formed as a multiple membrane assembly that is capable of detecting low intensity pressure inputs and quantifying varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. Pre-loading the force sensor elements results in controlled amount of force between the two substrates causing a constant state of pre-load and eliminating the low-end or minimal pressure signal noise associated with unloaded sensors. Pre-loading the force sensing resistor sensors also enables the sensor to detect removal of low intensity pressure input such as might occur during theft of light weight articles placed in contact with the pre-loaded force sensor. Using an FSR or FSR Matrix Array will enable any handling of protected retail packaging to be detected and identified. A library of “touches” can be established that will yield cutting, ripping, twisting, etc. making the detection of a theft in progress more accurate.
US09903766B2
An example method includes outputting, by a device, a first current through a temperature sensor that is that is external to the device; determining, by the device and based on a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the first current is flowing through the temperature sensor, a current level; outputting, by the device, a second current at the determined current level through the temperature sensor; determining, by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) of the device, a value that corresponds to a voltage drop across the temperature sensor while the second current is flowing through the temperature sensor; outputting, by the device, a third current through a reference resistor that is external to the device; and determining, based on the value and a voltage drop across the reference resistor while the third current is flowing through the reference resistor, a temperature of the temperature sensor.
US09903759B2
A method for manufacturing an etalon is disclosed. The method comprises arranging a plurality of first spacers between a flat surface of a first optical plate and a concave surface of a second optical plate. For each of the spacers, the flat surface bears on a first abutment surface of the spacer and the concave surface bears on a second abutment surface of the spacer. The concave surface is deformed to be parallel to the second abutment surfaces. For each of the spacers, the flat surface is bonded to the first abutment surface and the concave surface is bonded to the second abutment surface.
US09903755B2
Determining time spent outdoors. A method includes, at a first time, using one or more primary criteria including one or more criteria related to information provided by a first hardware input sensor on a device, to determine that the device is outdoors. The method further includes at one or more other times, using one or more secondary criteria, different than the primary criteria, the secondary criteria related to information provided by one or more second hardware input sensors, to determine continuity of the device being outdoors from the first time to the one or more other times. The method further includes based on determining that the device is outdoors and determining continuity of the device being outdoors from the first time to the one or more other times, identifying a total amount of time that the device has been outdoors.
US09903750B2
A method of determining information relating to the mass of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The method comprises loading the semiconductor wafer on to a measurement area of a weighing device having weight compensation means arranged to compensate for a predetermined weight loaded on to the measurement area; generating measurement output indicative of a difference between the weight of the semiconductor wafer and the predetermined weight; and using the measurement output to determine information relating to the mass of the semiconductor wafer. Also discloses is a corresponding weighing device for determining information relating to the mass of a semiconductor wafer.
US09903745B2
An ultrasonic flow meter is disclosed, the ultrasonic flow meter including a flow tube with a flow channel for a fluid to be measured, and two ultrasound reflectors fixated inside the flow tube, a first ultrasound transducer, a second ultrasound transducer, and an electronic control arrangement for operating the ultrasonic flow meter. The ultrasound transducers and reflectors have relative positions and orientations forming an ultrasound path from the first ultrasound transducer to the at least two ultrasound reflectors, to the second ultrasound transducer, and vice versa. The ultrasonic flow meter measures absolute transit times of the ultrasound signal from the first ultrasound transducer to the second ultrasound transducer, and/or vice versa, and the ultrasound reflectors include at least 50% by weight of copper, and the ultrasound signal includes at least 8 pulses.
US09903740B2
A rotation-angle detecting device includes: an angle detecting unit that detects a rotation angle of a rotating body on the basis of sinusoidal wave signals that multiple sensors arranged to have a phase difference output according to the rotation angle of the rotating body; and a resolution setting unit that allows change of a resolution of the rotation angle detected by the angle detecting unit.
US09903733B2
A vehicular communications network for use with at least one source of historical path data relevant to historical conditions of a vehicular path, at least one source of current path data relevant to current conditions of the path, and vehicle location data relevant to a vehicle's location on the path. The vehicular communications network can include a processor that is configured to: access the historical path data, the current path data, and the vehicle location data, determine the vehicle's current location based on the vehicle location data, determine a path pattern relevant to the determined vehicle current location based on the historical path data, and predict an anticipated path condition based on the determined path pattern and the current path data. A driver vehicle interface can be configured to communicate the anticipated path condition to the vehicle operator.
US09903726B2
Emergency response re-routing is provided. Event information is received, wherein the event information identifies a first location. Emergency resources available at the first location are determined. At least one entity in an area surrounding the first location is identified. A notification is issued to at least one entity in an area surrounding the first location, wherein the notification identifies one or more resources required at the first location.
US09903724B2
The present disclosure relates to a computer implemented method, a computer program product, and a computer system for verifying the road network of map. An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for verifying a road network of a map. The method comprises: determining, based on locations of a set of points in the map, a trajectory distance of a trajectory between a start point and an end point in the set of points on the map; determining a route distance between the start point and the end point in the road network of the map; and verifying the road network by comparing the trajectory distance and the route distance.
US09903717B2
In a disclosed embodiment, a system includes a digital imaging device, an electronic compass (e-compass), and a processor coupled to the digital imaging device and the e-compass. The processor is operable to execute instructions that cause the image device to scan a visual code, read a yaw angle from the visual code, cause the e-compass to obtain magnetic field measurements, estimate a yaw angle based on the magnetic field measurements, compare the yaw angle read from the visual code and the estimated yaw angle to determine a quality factor; and determine whether the e-compass is calibrated based at least partially upon the quality factor.
US09903715B2
A measuring system for marking a known target point in a coordinate system includes a mobile marking unit and a geodetic measuring device. The measuring device has a sighting unit, angle measurement functionality, and a camera for capturing a camera image. The measuring system has a database storing a target point position, an output unit that presents the camera image, and a control and processing unit. The measuring system has presentation functionality that presents a spatial deviation between the marking unit and target point positions on the output unit in first and second directions using, respectively, using first and second deviation displays. The first deviation display indicates a distance of the target point position from a plane defined by the measuring device and the marking unit. The second deviation display indicates a distance of the target point position from a normal to the plane defined by the marking unit position.
US09903709B2
An insertion portion detection device provided with a light source unit which emits measuring beam to an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical shape of an insertion portion to be inserted into an insertion target and to be a detection target, an optical pattern detection unit which receives reflected light from the outer circumferential surface and which sequentially acquires image data in a predetermined range of the outer circumferential surface including given optical patterns so that at least some of the optical patterns correspond to the image data, and a displacement amount calculation unit which detects a corresponding optical pattern from the image data and calculates at least one of an insertion amount of the insertion portion and an amount of rotation around the central axis of the cylindrical shape.
US09903700B2
A fixture enables a stylus extension to be angularly aligned relative to an adapter plate that mounts onto a CMM probe head. Alignment may be carried out on a flat surface remotely from the CMM. The adapter plate is mounted to the fixture, which includes an access hole providing access to adjustment screws at the rear of the adapter plate. One or more lateral extensions are connected to the stylus extension to define a calibration axis perpendicular to a probe axis of the stylus extension and perpendicular to a central axis of the adapter plate about which angular alignment is desired. Angular adjustments of the stylus extension are made while the adapter plate is mounted to the fixture, and a degree to which the calibration axis is parallel to a plane of the flat surface is detected, for example using a dial indicator engaging points on the lateral extension(s).
US09903695B1
A detonator device includes a mechanism for shifting between an out-of-line orientation, wherein initiation of a detonator does not result in initiation of the explosive train, and an in-line orientation, wherein initiation of the detonator results in initiation of the explosive train.
US09903693B2
A broadhead arrowhead has blades that deploy when the arrowhead penetrates a target. The blades extend after the arrowhead has penetrated the target a sufficient distance for a lead edge of the blade to contact the wound made in the target. Before and during flight the extendable blades are held in a retracted position by frictional engagement with a retaining element that remains attached to the arrowhead. The configuration of the extendable blades provides a stable profile when the arrowhead is in flight.
US09903684B2
A high pressure air cylinder to use in an airsoft gun or similar devices and systems. In some embodiments, the present general inventive concept encompasses a cylinder in which an imbalanced poppet valve directs and controls the axial motion of a piston. Some embodiments include a two-way solenoid valve. Some embodiments include a precisely sit two-way solenoid valve. The solenoid valve controls the flow of air to drive a piston forward; air then pushes the piston back into place.
US09903680B2
A gun rest assembly that includes: a top bracket; a post supporting the top bracket; a connecting pivot at a distal end of the post; a connection clamp integrated with the connection pivot; and a release integrated with the connecting pivot, where the release and connecting pivot are adapted to open the connection clamp for placement on a stationary object based upon the depression of the release. The connection clamp preferably includes a beveled inner surface, where the connection clamp includes a first arm and a second arm. The gun rest assembly may further include a vertical extension, where the vertical extension is adapted for attachment to the connection clamp.
US09903675B2
A multi use retro fit capable adjustable gas block designed to interface with an autoloading gas operated firearm is provided to replace existing gas blocks. The adjustable gas block optimizes gas flow into the host firearms operating system. The adjustable gas block has a spring loaded adjustment knob that releases when pulled forward allowing it to rotate. By rotating the adjustment knob the gas flow is increased or decreased based on one of four provided gas settings. Setting one is optimal for using a silencer, setting two is optimal for normal operations, setting three is optimal for adverse conditions, and setting four either turns the gas flow off optimizing sound reduction and providing for manual operation, or provides an extra high gas setting for the host firearm. The system works by precisely metering gas entering the operating system and not by exhausting excess gas into the atmosphere. The adjustable gas regulator may be configured with a piston operating system or a direct gas impingement operating system, e.g. gas tube, as is the case with the standard AR-15/AR-10 family of firearms.
US09903669B2
Provided is a heat exchange element that suppresses an increase in air-flow resistance by suppressing deflection of a partition member caused by a change in temperature and humidity. The unit constituent members are stacked, each of which is formed of partition members that have heat-transfer properties and moisture permeability, and spacing members that hold the partition members. A primary air flow that passes along an upper-surface side of the partition member and a secondary air flow that passes along an undersurface side of the partition member cross each other so as to exchange heat and moisture via the partition member. The spacing member includes: spacing ribs that maintain the spacing between the partition members; and deflection suppressing ribs that have a height smaller than the spacing ribs so as to suppress deflection of the partition members.
US09903667B2
A distribution structure of a heat exchanger includes one inlet pipe connected to a header. The heat exchanger includes a first header having a first chamber and a second chamber, a second header having a third chamber and a fourth chamber, and a plurality of tubes arranged in a plurality of rows. An inlet pipe is connected to the first chamber and an outlet pipe is connected to the second chamber. A distributer distributes the refrigerant flowing into the first chamber to the tubes of the front row, the distributor includes a first separating baffle dividing the first chamber into a mixing chamber in which the refrigerant is mixed and a supplying chamber for supplying the refrigerant to the tubes, a distribution pipe communicating the mixing chamber with the supplying chamber, and a second separating baffle dividing the supplying chamber into a plurality of independent chambers.
US09903664B2
Jet impingement cooling apparatuses are disclosed. One cooling apparatus includes at least one fluid inlet channel, at least one fluid outlet channel, a target surface, and a jet orifice surface that is offset from the target surface. The jet orifice surface includes an array of jet orifices fluidly coupled to the at least one fluid inlet channel, wherein each individual jet orifice of the array of jet orifices has an area corresponding to a distance of the individual jet orifice to the at least one fluid outlet channel such that individual jet orifices closer to the at least one fluid outlet have an area that is smaller than individual jet orifices further from the at least one fluid outlet. The area of each individual jet orifice of the array of jet orifices increases radially from a central region of the array of jet orifices.
US09903663B2
Apparatuses and methods described herein relate to brazed heat exchangers, which may be used for example in a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) system and/or unit thereof. The heat exchanger includes a fluid flow structure to allow a fluid stream, for example a chilled fluid stream to exchange heat serially with more than one refrigerant circuit, where each refrigerant circuit is a distinct and independent refrigerant circuit. Generally, an apparatus to exchange heat serially with more than one heat exchange fluid circuit includes an internal flow path that allows a working fluid to flow through a first brazed heat exchanger, through one or more internal routing channels, and through a second brazed heat exchanger.
US09903649B2
A dryer for an electrode substrate of a rechargeable battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a drying oven for drying an electrode substrate by feeding the electrode substrate to an inlet and discharging it through an outlet; fixed guide rolls provided at a distance from each other between the inlet and the outlet to guide the electrode substrate; lifting guide rolls ascended or descended at one side of the respective fixed guide rolls to guide the moving electrode substrate; driving rolls disposed to correspond to locations of the lifting guide rolls; and a shuttle moving toward the outlet from the inlet.
US09903641B1
A refrigerator appliance includes a compartment and a door having an interior wall and at least one rail attached thereto. A harvest bin assembly is attachable to the at least one rail and includes a housing having a mount for securing the housing to the at least one rail. First pivot elements are disposed on each side of the housing. A removable bin defines a storage space and includes a plurality of holes formed in a bottom wall thereof. Second pivot elements are disposed on a side wall of the removable bin and engage a corresponding first pivot element on the housing. The first pivot elements and the second pivot elements define a pivot axis whereby the removable bin pivots between a first, closed position and a second, open position. A tray engages the bottom wall of the removable bin when the removable bin is in the first, closed position.
US09903628B2
Disclosed herein is a method for controlling an electromotive compressor in a heat pump system for a vehicle. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an unexpected cutoff of a compressor attributable to overload and the generation of noise and vibration attributable to frequent restarts can be prevented by controlling the number of rotations of the compressor within a specific range based on the discharge pressure of the compressor.
US09903627B2
A method of operating an air conditioning system includes cooling a selected space with the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system includes two or more compressors and two or more crank case heaters. Each crank case heater of the two or more crank case heaters is operably connected to a compressor of the two or more compressors. Operation of the two or more compressors is stopped, thus initiating operation of the two or more crank case heaters. The air conditioning system is switched to a conservation mode, including de-powering at least one compressor of the two or more compressors and a connected at least one crank case heater or the two or more crank case heaters.
US09903626B2
A spill over tank for an evaporator of a HVAC system may be configured to receive a refrigerant spilled over from the evaporator. The spill over tank may be configured to have an outlet that directs the refrigerant in the spill over tank out of the spill over tank. The refrigerant may flow through the outlet back to a compressor of the HVAC system. The spill over tank may be equipped with a refrigerant level sensor configured to measure a refrigerant level in the spill over tank. The measured refrigerant level in the spill over tank may be used to control and/or maintain a refrigerant level in the evaporator, and/or may be used to control a return refrigerant flow into the compressor of the HVAC system so as to manage an oil return to the compressor.
US09903624B2
The invention relates to a plate heat exchanger including a plate package, which includes a number of first and second heat exchanger plates which are joined to each other and arranged side by side in such a way that first and second plate interspaces are formed. At least two injectors are provided, each injector being arranged to supply a first fluid to at least one of the first plate interspaces in the at least one plate package and at least one valve is arranged to control the supply of the first fluid to the at least two injectors.
US09903622B2
A heat exchanger of flooded type, having: a primary tube bundle, inside which a first “hot” operating fluid to be cooled down flows; a skirt, circumscribed to the primary tube bundle, which receives a second “cold” operation fluid which laps against the primary tube bundle in order to subtract heat to the first operating fluid, which second operating fluid flows inside the skirt along to a vertical longitudinal direction orthogonal to the development of the tubes of the primary tube bundle, and wherein the skirt has a prevalent development dimension (L) along the flow longitudinal direction of the second operating fluid; and nozzles for delivering the secondary operating fluid inside the skirt, wherein an alternative configuration is provided using only the second operating fluid flooding the skirt by entering from a side inlet, without the presence of the above-mentioned nozzles, and an additional configuration using only the nozzles but not such side inlet.
US09903621B1
A cooling system includes an evaporator unit, a condensing unit, and a thermal battery fluidly coupled to the evaporator unit and the condensing unit. The cooling system also includes a control system configured to selectively direct a fluid refrigerant between any two of the condensing unit, the evaporator unit, and the thermal battery.
US09903619B2
An adsorptive heat transformation arrangement includes at least two adsorbers which are connected to at least one pump, an evaporator, and a condenser, a heat store comprising a plurality of horizontal loading and unloading devices for simultaneously stratifying and/or withdrawing a heat transfer fluid, and two or more supply lines fluidically coupled to one another and fluidically coupled to at least one adsorption module. Each horizontal loading and unloading device can be supplied with heat transfer fluid via at least one of the two or more supply lines.
US09903608B2
An air conditioner including an opening and closing apparatus configured to open/close a discharge port for discharging air into an indoor space, the opening and closing apparatus includes a plurality of covers provided with a guide unit, a guide plate provided with a spiral guide hole alternately formed with a guide hole having a first section and a second section, and a rail plate extended in a radial direction and having a plurality of rails through which the guide unit is inserted. When the guide plate is rotated, the plurality of covers are moved in a radial direction while having a time interval with respect to the adjacent cover as to open/close the discharge port.
US09903606B2
Methods and systems are described for controlling parameters in a building. According to at least one embodiment, a method for controlling parameters in a building includes using a first sensor type to determine whether the building is occupied and using a second sensor type to determine how reliable the first sensor type determines occupancy.
US09903599B2
A fluid feed system cover with an integrated funnel. A fluid feed system includes a reservoir and equipment installed on a top surface of the reservoir. The top surface of the reservoir also has a fill hole for replenishing the reservoir. A cover is installed on top of the reservoir, protecting the equipment. A funnel integrated into the cover extends into, or to just above, the reservoir fill hole, making it possible to replenish the reservoir without removing the cover. A manway is used to cover the upper opening of the funnel when reservoir replenishment is complete.
US09903592B2
The present invention relates to an Oven muffle (1), comprising at least a first metal sheet part (2) and a second metal sheet part (3) wherein the first metal sheet part and the second metal sheet part are arranged in an overlapping manner relative to each other, wherein the second metal sheet part comprises a portion (32) which is formed by a S-like or Z-like displacement of the second metal sheet part, and wherein the first metal sheet part and the second metal sheet part are connected by a welding seam at least in the overlapping region of first metal sheet part and second metal sheet part.
US09903586B2
A liquid fuel combustion device that utilizes waste and contaminated oils without the need for pre-processing or filtering the fuel stock.
US09903577B2
An LED tube lamp is disclosed. The LED tube lamp includes a filtering circuit, an LED lighting module, and an anti-flickering circuit. The filtering circuit is configured to filter a rectified external driving signal. The LED lighting module has an LED module, and is configured to generate a driving signal, and the LED module is configured to receive the driving signal to emit light. The LED module is formed on an LED light strip, which includes at least a first pad connected to the filtering circuit, and at least an opening formed on the first pad. The anti-flickering circuit is configured to reduce flickering effect in light emission of the LED module. The LED tube lamp further includes a conduction-delaying circuit; a first rectifying circuit and at least a fuse; or first and second filament-simulating circuits respectively coupled to two opposite ends of the lamp tube.
US09903574B2
Inventive embodiments include a device for distributing power to devices over an area, with a power density of at least one Watt per ft2 (or 900 cm2 if we go metric). The device includes a flexible substrate; a circuit comprising a thin film conductor having a thickness of 400 nanometers or less, wherein the circuit is adhered to the substrate; a plurality of devices positioned on the sheet and attached to the circuit wherein each device of the plurality is driven at substantially the same voltage; and the power delivered to the devices is at least 90% of the input power of the energized circuit.
US09903571B2
A retrofit assembly for inserting LED luminaries into previously recessed lighting fixtures has a horizontal bridge adjustable for various existing opening diameters of ceiling holes. The horizontal bridge carries two vertically adjustable brackets at its opposing ends. Tabs on the end plates of the bridge and tabs on the vertically adjustable brackets together help form bolt-operated vertical clamps adjustable for various ceiling thicknesses. The vertically adjustable brackets also carry torsion spring receivers for accepting the torsion springs of a retrofit LED luminaire/trim assembly. The vertically adjustable brackets may be spring-loaded for ease of adjustment when increasing the dimension of the vertical clamps.
US09903570B2
A decorative paneling assembly for interior and exterior decorative display includes a plurality of panels that is interlocking. Each panel comprises a plate that is substantially flat. A plurality of first couplers and a plurality of second couplers are coupled to opposing side edges of the plate. A plurality of fasteners is coupled to the plate and is configured to reversibly couple the plate to a surface. An image is coupled to and positioned on a front of the plate. A power cord is coupled to the plate and is configured to interconnect with the power cords of adjacent panels. A plurality of lights is coupled to the plate and is operationally coupled to the power cord. The second couplers are positioned to couple with the first couplers to interlock adjacent panels. The lights are positioned to illuminate the images for decorative display.
US09903557B2
A vehicle lighting fixture can form a predetermined light distribution pattern at a position horizontally or vertically shifted with respect to a reference position. The vehicle lighting fixture include: a light source; an optical deflector configured to include a mirror part; a rotary reflecting member configured to reflect light having been reflected by the mirror part of the optical deflector; a screen member configured to form a luminance distribution by the light reflected by the rotary reflecting member; an optical system configured to project the luminance distribution formed in the screen member to form the predetermined light distribution pattern; and a rotary control unit configured to control the rotary reflecting member to form the luminance distribution at a reference position or a position shifted with respect to the reference position. The rotary control unit can control any of the rotational direction and the rotational amount of the rotary reflecting member.
US09903555B2
A vehicle lighting fixture is configured to form a predetermined light distribution pattern (for example, a high-beam (driving) light distribution pattern and a low-beam (passing) light distribution pattern) by superimposing N partial light distribution patterns wherein N is a natural number of 2 or more. The vehicle lighting fixture can include a light intensity changing unit configured to change a light intensity of at least one partial light distribution pattern out of the N partial light distribution patterns.
US09903547B2
The present invention discloses a light bar assembly and a backlight. The light bar assembly includes a light bar and a light bar fixing tape arranged on a back surface of the light bar, wherein the light bar fixing tape includes a main body part and multiple extension parts extending out from the main body part, the main body part is used for being attached to a flexible printed circuit board on the light bar, and the multiple extension parts are used for being attached to a backplane of a backlight to be assembled. The backlight includes a backplane and the light bar assembly, multiple through holes one-to-one corresponding to the positions of the multiple extension parts are formed on the backplane, and each extension part can penetrate through the corresponding through hole and be attached to the back surface of the backplane.
US09903546B2
A portable lighting assembly includes a cart that may be rolled along a support surface. A bracket is coupled to the cart. A lighting unit is movably coupled to the bracket. The lighting unit is positioned at a selected orientation with respect to the panel. Thus, the lighting unit may emit light in the selected orientation with respect to the panel.
US09903540B2
A light emitting apparatus and lighting fixture including a plurality of light emitting sub assemblies, each sub assembly comprising a plurality of LEDs. At least one light emitting subassembly comprises a diffuser positioned in front of a light emitting side of the LEDs on the subassembly. At least one of the other light emitting subassembly comprises a reflector reflecting light emitted from the LEDs.
US09903529B2
A filter holder for receiving filter cassettes (19) and a method for sterilizing the filter are provided. The filter holder has first and second parallel plates (3, 4). The first plate (3) is fixed and the second plate (4) is movable along at least one rail (2) by a drive (7, 9) so that the filter cassettes (19) can be clamped between the plates (3, 4) with a predefined clamping pressure. The drive (7, 9) is designed to be removable. The at least one rail (2) has at least one tension rod (5) with a spring clamping element (6) so that the first and second plates (3, 4) can be clamped with a pre-definable pressure against the filter cassettes (19).
US09903516B2
A press fitting includes a socket defining at one end an opening for insertion of an end of a tube, a sealing ring within the socket, and a gripping ring within the socket, arranged in front of the sealing ring in the direction of insertion of the tube, wherein the gripping ring is provided with at least two weakening features in the form of notches, being reducible in size by deforming the gripping ring when applying a pressing action on the socket such that an inner diameter D2 of the gripping ring is reduced. A joint assembly may include such a press fitting having a tube inserted therein.
US09903507B2
A micro-position gap sensor assembly, including a structural housing, a flexible diaphragm fixedly attached at a first end of the structural housing, and a shaft orthogonally attached to the flexible diaphragm. The micro-position gap sensor assembly may further include a first retainer coupled to the shaft, a second retainer formed as a step of the structural housing, and a plate gap sensor. The plate gap sensor may include a non-contact sensor plate biased by a compression spring so that the non-contact sensor plate is held against a portion of the second retainer. The plate gap sensor may further include a target plate positioned adjacent the non-contact sensor plate and separated therefrom by a gap. The target plate may be biased by a return spring so that the target plate is held against a portion of the first retainer. The target plate may be coupled to the shaft.
US09903484B2
A flow passage switching unit includes a valve body in which plural ports are formed, a spool arranged slidably in axial directions in the interior of the valve body, a spool drive unit for driving the spool in an A direction, a biasing mechanism that is configured to bias the spool elastically in the interior of the valve body, and a piston section that exerts a force on the spool in a B direction based on the pressure of a first output port.
US09903480B2
A poppet valve with an integrated dampener is disclosed. In some embodiments, the valve includes a poppet guide with a stem and a hollow poppet is disclosed. The hollow poppet receives the poppet guide stem therein, thereby defining an internal cavity. The poppet is movable relative to the poppet guide to adjust the volume of the internal cavity. The poppet is also moveable relative to a valve seat between a seated position and an unseated position. The poppet may include a body with a seal groove and an elastic seal disposed within the seal groove. The seal is configured to engage the valve seat prior to the poppet body when the poppet moves toward the seated position. The valve may include a poppet guide pivot system that enables pivoting of the poppet guide and the poppet relative to an axial centerline of the valve.
US09903478B2
The invention relates to a valve apparatus having a housing (100), which housing has a first port (102), which can be connected to a tank (200), and a second port (106), having a closing element (110) which is provided in the housing and which can be placed into an open position, in which a fluid connection is produced between the first port and second port, and which can be placed into a closed position, in which the first and second ports are separated from one another in fluid-tight fashion, having a first (120) and a second (130) seal arrangement between closing element and housing, wherein the first and the second seal arrangement (120, 130) are spaced apart from one another and wherein each seal arrangement interacts with a corresponding seat (126, 136). To create a valve device for the aseptic transport of filling material, it is proposed that a chamber (140) be provided which, in the closed position, is delimited by the seal arrangements, the closing element and the housing, and that a reservoir (142) is provided which can be connected to the chamber and which serves to accommodate a bactericidal fluid, and that the chamber (140) and the reservoir (142) are adapted to form a germ barrier that is created in the closed position with the bactericidal fluid. The invention also relates to an arrangement having a valve apparatus of said type and to a method for operating an arrangement.
US09903475B2
A packing ring is disclosed for sealingly engaging a movable rod member within a stuffing box having an internal cavity. In an embodiment, the packing ring includes a carrier and a sealing ring mounted to the carrier. The sealing ring is configured to sealingly engage with an outer surface of the rod when the rod is disposed within the internal cavity. The carrier includes a radially outer surface that is configured to sealingly engage with an internal surface of the stuffing box. In addition, the carrier includes a radially inner surface that is proximate to an outer surface of the rod when the rod extends through the stuffing box. Further, the carrier includes a plurality of lubrication grooves each groove extending from the radially outer surface to the radially inner surface and configured to convey a lubricant flow between the radially outer surface and the radially inner surface.
US09903471B2
A system and method of controlling a continuously variable transmission with variator speed ratio (VSR) closed-loop feedback is provided. The method includes determining a desired VSR based on at least one of the driver and vehicle inputs, determining a motor position adjustment needed to adjust the position of a roller to achieve the desired VSR, driving the motor based on the determined motor position adjustment needed, sensing a transmission output speed as the motor is being driven, determining an actual VSR as the motor is being driven, and providing closed-loop feedback corresponding to any difference between the actual VSR and the desired VSR and driving the motor to eliminate the difference, thereby achieving the desired VSR.
US09903470B2
A control system for a transmission includes first and second engagement devices and a controller. The first engagement device brings first dog teeth of a first member into engagement with second dog teeth of a second member to enable torque transmission therebetween. The second engagement device connects a third member and a fourth member while changing a torque transmitting capacity therebetween. The transmission establishes a predetermined gear stage by bringing into engagement the first engagement device and the second engagement device. The controller is configured to bring the first engagement device into engagement while reducing a torque transmitting capacity of the second engagement device and then to increase the torque transmitting capacity of the second engagement device, when shifting a gear stage from another gear stage established by bringing the first engagement device into disengagement while bringing the second engagement device into engagement to said predetermined gear stage.
US09903466B2
A worm backlash adjustment device includes a drive unit, a backlash adjustment unit, and a control device. The drive unit includes a first motor device, a first drive member, a linking member, a passive member, and a second drive member. The first drive member and the linking member are coaxially driven by the first motor device. The passive member is coaxially connected with the second drive member and linked by the linking member to turn reversely. The two drive members are disposed at two sides of a driven member to drive the driven member, respectively. The backlash adjustment unit includes a second motor device, a screw member, and a backlash adjustment member. Through the screw member, the backlash adjustment member is driven by the second motor device to move linearly. The second drive member has a drive function and a backlash adjustment function.
US09903464B2
A differential device distributively transmitting rotational force of an input member rotatable together with a pinion support portion to paired output shafts includes: paired side gears respectively having an outer peripheral portion including a toothing portion meshing with a pinion and connected to the output shafts; and a cover portion covering an outside of at least one side gear and rotating integrally with the input member, even under severe driving conditions, preventing seizure in the portions and degradation of lubricant oil is suppressed. At least one cover portion includes an oil retaining portion covering a back surface of the one side gear in a first predetermined area including an area overlapping the pinion and a lightening portion exposing the back surface in a second predetermined area without overlapping the pinion, as seen in a side view from axially outside of the output shafts.
US09903462B2
A planetary gear transmission has a gearbox, multiple stages of planetary gears, and an output shaft. Except for the last stage, each planetary gear stage shares a common first internal gear ring. Each stage has a sun gear, a planet carrier, and multiple planet gears. The sun gear of each stage, except for the first stage is integrally formed with or fixed to the planet carrier of an immediately preceding stage. The last stage of the transmission has a second internal gear ring. The planet gears of the last stage mesh with the second internal gear ring. The second internal gear ring includes a support portion, and the output shaft passes through and is rotatably supported by the support portion.
US09903459B2
A strain wave gearing includes a rigid internally toothed gear, a flexible externally toothed gear disposed coaxially within the internally toothed gear, and a wave generator fitted within the externally toothed gear. The internally toothed gear and the externally toothed gear are spur gears having module m; and the number of teeth of the externally toothed gear is 2n less than the number of teeth of the internally toothed gear, where n is a positive integer. Taking a transverse cross-section at a prescribed position along a tooth trace direction of the external teeth as a main cross-section, a degree of flexing, with respect to a rim-neutral circle of the externally toothed gear prior to ellipsoidal flexing, of a rim-neutral line of the ellipsoidally flexed externally toothed gear is set, at a position on the major axis in the main cross-section, to 2mn.
US09903455B2
A torque converter is provided. The torque converter includes an impeller and a stator. The stator includes a thrust assembly connected to both the stator and the impeller. The thrust assembly includes an axial thrust surface for axially contacting an axial surface of a radially extending wall of the impeller. A method of forming a torque converter is also provided. The method includes connecting a thrust assembly to a stator and connecting an impeller to the thrust assembly.
US09903453B2
A reclining device includes: a first member; a pawl having external teeth; a second member; a cam; and a spring, which biases the cam to move the pawl in the direction where the external teeth engage with the internal teeth, the pawl guide includes a first pawl guide and a second pawl guide, a wedge-shaped space is formed between the pawl and the first pawl guide, and a width of the wedge-shaped space is gradually reduced in a direction where the pawl is guided, an end of the spring is inserted into the wedge-shaped space, and the end of the spring is directly wedged into the wedge-shaped space, thereby pressing the pawl against the second pawl guide.
US09903449B2
Provided is a toroidal continuously variable transmission capable of preventing the application of bending stress to a variator shaft during rotation and the application of an eccentric load to each of support parts even when misalignment between the axis of a fitting hole formed in a post and the axis on which the variator shaft is supported occurs.A thrust bearing 12 which determines the position of an output side disc 10 in an axial direction and rotatably supports the output side disc 10 is fitted into a fitting hole 62b provided in a post 61, and a predetermined gap S is provided between the thrust bearing 12 and the fitting hole 62b in a direction perpendicular to the variator shaft 3. Therefore, even when misalignment between the axis of the fitting hole and the axis on which the variator shaft is supported occurs, the axes of the thrust bearing 12 and the variator shaft 3 can be aligned with each other in the predetermined gap S, thereby preventing the application of bending stress to the variator shaft 3 during rotation and the application of an eccentric load to each of support parts.
US09903447B2
An automatic transmission device for a vehicle includes a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, a third planetary gear mechanism, a fourth planetary gear mechanism, an input shaft, an output shaft, six engaging elements including a first engaging element, a first clutch, a second clutch, a third clutch, a first brake and a second brake, a first connection member, a second connection member, a third connection member, a fourth connection member, a fifth connection member, and a sixth connection member. Nine forward speeds and one reverse speed are provided by an engagement of three engaging elements of the six engaging elements.
US09903441B2
A chain component which has a simple surface treatment structure and in which satisfactory wear resistance is maintained for a long term; and a chain which employs this chain component so that a satisfactory wear elongation resistance is maintained are provided. A roller chain serving as an industrial chain for power transmission is constructed such that a pair of outer plates linked by two pins and a pair of inner plates linked together by two bushes onto each of which a roller is fit are alternately linked together in a plurality in a state that each pin is loosely fit in each bush. A chromium nitride layer is formed on the outer side of the steel-based substrate of the pin. The chromium nitride layer contains iron at a content higher than 0 mass % and lower than or equal to 55 mass %.
US09903436B2
A shock absorber has a valve controlling the flow rate of fluid between a first chamber and a second chamber. The shock absorber may include a blocker that has a variable profile. The blocker may be rotatable using an external adjuster to position the blocker to variably occlude an aperture and vary the damping of the suspension. A bias may also be positioned adjacent the blocker to allow force from the fluid to move the blocker and expose the aperture, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the entirety of the aperture.
US09903430B2
An electromagnetically actuatable brake system is provided, particularly for an electric motor having a rotor shaft, and an electric motor, the brake system having an armature disk,wherein the brake system has a brake lever, especially for the manual release of a brake,the brake lever having a first lever section and a second lever section, in particular, being made up of a first lever section and a second lever section.
US09903424B2
A selectable one-way clutch includes pawl members provided to a held plate rotatably via a spindle; a selector plate rotatable between a lock position where the pawl members are protrudable from the held plate and a release position where the pawl members are kept in a state the pawl members are housed in the held plate side by contacting a non-formation portion where no aperture is formed; and a device which restricts an operation of the pawl members by using volume change of material whose volume changes according to temperature change, so that the pawl members are more restricted to protrude from the first plate as an environmental temperature gets lower.
US09903411B2
A thrust bearing is a thrust bearing disposed facing a thrust collar provided on a rotary shaft and includes a top foil, a back foil and a base plate. The back foil includes a plurality of back foil pieces. The top foil includes a plurality of top foil pieces. In addition, a leading side of the top foil piece in the rotation direction of the rotary shaft is provided with a fixed part fixed to the base plate, the top foil piece is provided with a thin part in which a part is removed from the surface of the top foil piece facing the back foil piece, and the thin part extends from an outer circumferential edge to an inner circumferential edge or to a side edge of the top foil piece.
US09903406B2
A low energy wood screw that may be inserted quickly and using less energy than conventional screws. In various embodiments, the screw may include a countersunk head having a recess for accommodating a driving tool, a tapered neck, a plurality of crown ribs extending over the head and neck, a lubricating coating, main threads with a large thread lead, and lower threads having an asymmetrical profile and extending onto a gimlet point.
US09903400B2
A single piece retention clip for attaching a foam part to a substrate is disclosed. The retention clip includes a pair of spaced apart and opposed curvilinear retention clip arms, a planar foam part retaining member, and a bridge having first and second ends. The first bridge end extends from the planar foam part retaining member. The clip arms are flexibly attached to the second bridge end. The insulation part is captured between the planar foam part retaining member and the clip arms, prior to attachment of the clip to the substrate. An operator-usable handle to facilitate clip insertion and removal relative to the substrate may be formed on the foam part retaining member. Each clip arm includes a body having wide and narrow parts. The wide part of each of clip arm is attached to the bridge. A hook is formed at the narrow part of each arm.
US09903396B2
A valve assembly is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a bore, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve and the second valve are disposed within the bore and each of the first valve and the second valve include a first end and a second end. Further, the first end of the first valve and the first end of the second valve are configured to contact each other. The valve assembly further includes a pilot chamber defined within the bore. The pilot chamber is configured to receive a pilot fluid. Further, a pressure of the pilot fluid inside the pilot chamber is controlled to permit independent movement of the first valve and the second valve within the bore.
US09903395B2
A proportional pressure controller includes a body having inlet, outlet, and exhaust ports. A fill valve communicates with pressurized fluid in the inlet port. A dump valve communicates with pressurized fluid from the fill valve. An inlet poppet valve opens by pressurized fluid through the fill valve. An exhaust poppet valve when closed isolates pressurized fluid from the exhaust port. An outlet flow passage communicates with pressurized fluid when the inlet poppet valve is open, and communicates with the outlet port and an exhaust/outlet common passage. An isolation valve assembly selectively isolates fluid flow to and from the inlet port or the exhaust port to achieve a zero pressure condition.
US09903393B2
A construction machine includes a first hydraulic pump, a second hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic circuit. The first hydraulic pump supplies hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator of a first system. The second hydraulic pump supplies the hydraulic oil to a hydraulic actuator of a second system. The hydraulic circuit supplies the hydraulic oil flowing out from at least one of the hydraulic actuators of the first and second systems to the intake side or the discharge side of at least one of the first and second hydraulic pumps. At least one of the first and second hydraulic pumps operates as a hydraulic motor so as to assist the other of the first and second hydraulic pumps that operates as a hydraulic pump.
US09903390B2
An intake box of an air supply system in a compressor arrangement, having an intake grill and an air intake pipe arranged on the compressor side, wherein the intake grill and the air intake pipe are arranged between a lower lid and an upper lid, wherein, in addition, a sound damping box for minimizing noise emissions is arranged between the intake grill and the air intake pipe, wherein the longitudinal dimension and width dimension of the sound damping box are each at least three times as large as the depth dimension of the sound damping box.
US09903388B2
A centrifugal pump includes an impeller rotatably disposed in a volute case for forcing a fluid to flow along a volute internal flow channel formed in the volute case, and first to fourth flow-channel recessed portions opening to the volute internal flow channel. The first and fourth flow-channel recessed portions are formed so as to be recessed in a direction substantially orthogonal to a direction of flow of the fluid. In a self-priming operation, the fluid is introduced into the first and fourth recessed portions whereupon the prime fluid is stirred within internal spaces of the first and second flow-channel recessed portions.
US09903382B2
An axial compressor of a fluid-flow machine includes a flow path disposed between a rotor shaft and a relatively stationary housing wall. The flow path extends in an axial direction of the rotor shaft concentrically with the rotor shaft and the housing wall. A plurality of compressor stages are axially arranged in sequence along the flow path in the axial direction. Each of the compressor stages includes a rotor blades row and a guide vane row disposed after the rotor blades row in the axial direction. The flow path and the compressor stages operating therein are penetrable by a mass flow of a fluid to be compressed in a flow direction during operation of the compressor. A return is configured to return a part of the mass flow from a compressor discharge.
US09903378B2
A pumping system for evacuating an enclosure comprises a pumping mechanism (30), a motor (32) for driving the pumping mechanism, and a controller (36) for controlling the motor. The controller sets a maximum value for a rotational frequency of the motor and a maximum value for a current in the motor, and, to optimise the performance of the pumping system, independently adjusts the maximum values during evacuation of the enclosure.
US09903374B2
A multi-stage compressor is described, comprising a rotor having a plurality of axially stacked impellers and a tie rod extending through the stacked impellers and holding the impellers together. A gas compression path extends from a compressor inlet to a compressor outlet and through the impellers. A flow channel is provided between the tie rod and the stacked impellers. The flow channel develops along at least a portion of the tie rod. Hot gas is diverted from the compression path and flows through the flow channel to heat the tie rod during startup of the compressor.
US09903373B2
An electric submersible pump (ESP) control system includes a primary variable frequency drive (VFD), a transformer, and a secondary VFD. The primary variable frequency drive (VFD) is configured to receive power from a power source and output a variable voltage and variable amplitude AC voltage. The transformer has a low voltage side and a high voltage side of the transformer. The primary VFD is coupled to the low voltage side. The transformer is configured to receive the AC voltage from the primary VFD and output a stepped up AC voltage. The secondary VFD is coupled to the high voltage side of the transformer, wherein the secondary VFD is configured to provide a supplemental voltage in addition to the stepped up AC voltage when the operational values of an electric motor exceed a threshold value.
US09903355B2
A method of compressing a gas includes maintaining a first volume of liquid in a first high pressure chamber and maintaining a first volume of gas in a second high pressure chamber, wherein the first volume of gas is at a first pressure and the first high pressure chamber and the second high pressure chamber are fluidly connected through a high pressure pump. A pressurized gas is forced into the first high pressure chamber having the first volume of liquid and simultaneously pumping, using the high pressure pump, at least a portion of the first volume of liquid in the first high pressure chamber to the second high pressure chamber, wherein the first volume of liquid pumped into the second high pressure chamber compresses the first volume of gas in the second high pressure chamber to a second pressure greater than the first pressure.
US09903346B2
A component with a coating, wherein the component is a part of a wind turbine, the component is in contact with a lubricant and the lubricant comprises atomic hydrogen, is provided. The coating at least partly covers a surface of the component. The coating reduces diffusion of the atomic hydrogen into the component by a means of inducing a recombination of the atomic hydrogen to hydrogen gas. A method of reducing diffusion of atomic hydrogen into a component of a wind turbine by using such a coating is also provided.
US09903345B2
Lubrication method and wind turbine comprising a rotor with a hub supported by a main bearing with two opposite bearing races coaxially spaced by rotatably fitted bearing rollers in a lubrication area which is sealed by oil sealing rings between the bearing races. The lubrication area comprises one or more oil inlets operatively connected to an oil supply, and one or more oil outlets. The vertical distance between the outlet(s) and the lowest point of the lubrication area is 0-0.2 times the inner diameter of the outer bearing race. The inlet (s) and the oil supply are configured to supply an oil flow not exceeding the drain capacity of the one or more outlets.
US09903343B2
A wind turbine is arranged to operate in a fully-functional converter mode and a faulty-converter mode. A plurality of converters are arranged to share electric current in the fully-functional converter mode. The converters are dimensioned not only to operate at nominal active current but to provide an over-current margin to enable reactive current to be produced on top of the nominal active current in the fully-functional converter mode. In the fully-functional converter mode the converters are caused to produce reactive current on top of the nominal active current. In response to a fault of one or more of the converters, operation is changed from the fully-functional converter mode to the faulty-converter mode. In the faulty-converter mode, one or more other converters of the converter system are caused to produce additional active current by using their over-current margin to compensate at least partly for a reduction of active-current production due to the fault of one of the converters, and to reduce the reactive-current production by the other converter correspondingly.
US09903338B2
A wind turbine blade is provided. The wind turbine blade includes a first section and a second section adjacent the first section. At least one of the first section and the second section includes a skin segment and a network of support members disposed within the skin segment. The network of support members is configured for expansion.
US09903333B2
An ignition apparatus for an internal-combustion engine includes a main ignition CDI circuit that has a main ignition boosting circuit boosting battery voltage and a main ignition capacitor storing electric charge boosted by the main ignition boosting circuit, and that releases the electric charge stored in the main ignition capacitor to a primary coil of an ignition coil to make an ignition plug generate spark discharge, and an energy input circuit that has an energy input boosting circuit boosting battery voltage and an energy input capacitor storing electric charge boosted by the energy input boosting circuit, and that releases the electric charge stored in the energy input capacitor to the primary coil, during a spark discharge started by operation of the main ignition CDI circuit, to make a secondary current flow in the same direction and to a secondary coil of the ignition coil, thereby making spark discharge continue which is started by the operation of the main ignition CDI circuit.
US09903331B2
A method for the injector-specific diagnosis of a fuel injection device of an internal combustion engine, including the following steps: detecting a pressure progression in an individual accumulator of an injector in a time-resolved manner; evaluating the detected pressure progression; determining if there is a fault state of the injection device in the region of the injector on the basis of the detected and evaluated pressure progression; and identifying the fault state on the basis of the detected and evaluated pressure progression.
US09903329B2
A fuel injector is provided that includes various precise configuration parameters, including dimensions, shape and/or relative positioning of fuel injector features, resulting in improved efficiency of fuel flow through the fuel injector.
US09903325B2
The invention relates to a dual-fuel fuel injector that includes a plurality of stroke-controllable gas nozzle needles which are axially movably mounted on the dual fuel fuel-injector in a plurality of respective seats and which are distributed in a circumferential direction of the dual fuel fuel-injector, and a nozzle chamber provided for the plurality of stroke-controllable gas nozzle needles. The nozzle chamber includes a plurality of externally positioned bulges, wherein within each respective cross section of which an inlet cross section of a flow path is defined which can be blocked selectively via a respective stroke-controllable gas nozzle needle of the plurality of stroke-controllable gas nozzle needles to at least one nozzle opening.
US09903313B2
A thrust reverser of a propulsion system nacelle is provided. The thrust reverser extends circumferentially about a lengthwise-extending centerline. The thrust reverser includes a lengthwise-extending upper track beam, a lengthwise-extending lower track beam, an annular torque box extending circumferentially between the upper and lower track beams, and an annular cascade array extending circumferentially between the upper and lower track beams. The cascade array is circumferentially segmented into a plurality of cascade portions. At least one of the plurality of cascade portions is made at least substantially of a material that permits the at least one cascade portion to bear high loads during both a forward thrust operation of the thrust reverser and a thrust reversing operation of the thrust reverser.
US09903309B2
A pre-finished piston part is disclosed that may be used to form a piston assembly. A pre-finished piston may include a lower part defining a piston axis, the lower part having a skirt and forming a lower surface of a cooling gallery. The lower part may include a radially inner bowl surface defining a lower part radially inner mating surface. The pre-finished piston assembly may further include an upper part having a radially outer bowl surface meeting the radially inner bowl surface at a radially inner joint. The upper part may include a radially inner wall defining a radially inner upper part mating surface. The radially inner wall may define a radially inwardly facing surface that defines a non-parallel angle with the radially inner bowl surface where the radially inner bowl surface meets the radially innermost edge of the radially inner mating surface.
US09903306B2
A system and method for measuring fuel pressure decreases in a fuel accumulator caused by a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system includes the ability to stop a fuel flow to a fuel accumulator of the engine. Pressure signals are transmitted to a control system of the engine until the fuel pressure in the fuel accumulator drops by a predetermined amount, at which time fuel flow is re-enabled. The pressure signals are then analyzed to determine the amount or quantity of fuel delivered by each fuel injector. The system and method maintain engine and emissions performance by limiting the amount of fuel pressure decrease in the fuel accumulator.
US09903304B2
A method for controlling an internal combustion engine operated with direct fuel injection may include, during a transition phase after the end of an overrun cut-off with resumption of fuel injection and normal operation of the internal combustion engine, shifting an injection start time (SOI) by an adaptation value (ΔSOI) in relation to an injection start time (SOI) which lies later than an injection start time (SOI_Norm) determined during normal operation of the internal combustion engine.
US09903303B2
A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine having an air flow control valve which changes intake air flow achieves the stratified lean combustion, in place of the homogeneous lean combustion, in a specific combustion stroke of a specific cylinder, when it switches the opening of the air flow control valve, if all of or a part of a specific intake stroke overlaps with a switching period of the air flow control valve, the specific combustion stroke following the specific intake stroke of the specific cylinder. As a result, even when the opening of the air flow control valve is changed, it is possible to make combustion stable. Thereby, the occurrence of torque fluctuation is suppressed.
US09903294B2
An injection system for an injection system includes at least one injection valve for injecting fuel into an internal combustion engine. A closing element of the injection valve is moved in recurring injection cycles such that the closing element hits an upper stop at an actual opening time and/or hits a closing position at an actual closing time and thereby triggers a characteristic signal of a sensor element of the injection valve, wherein a signal course of the sensor element over time is detected and a part of the signal course contained in a searching time period of the injection system is examined, wherein a searching method is performed in subsequent injection cycles if the characteristic signal is not detected in said part of the signal course over time.
US09903292B2
An abnormality diagnosis system of limit current type air-fuel ratio sensors comprises a current detecting part and a sensor temperature control device. The abnormality diagnosis system uses the current detecting part to detect the output current of the air-fuel ratio sensor when the air-fuel ratio is made the rich air-fuel ratio in the state where temperature of the air-fuel ratio is made the first temperature and when the air-fuel ratio is made the rich air-fuel ratio in the state where the temperature of the air-fuel ratio is made a second temperature higher than the first temperature. It is judged that the air-fuel ratio sensor is abnormal if the output current when the temperature of the air-fuel ratio sensor is the first temperature is larger than the output current when it is the second temperature by a predetermined value or more.
US09903291B2
Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine cold-start emissions. An exhaust system having a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) may store NOx during an engine cold-start until conditions are optimal for release of the stored NOx to a downstream SCR catalyst. Based on PNA conditions, including a NOx load and a PNA bed temperature, adjustments to EGR rate and/or injection timing may be made to achieve a catalytically favorable ratio of NOx species upstream of the SCR catalyst, after the SCR catalyst has reached its light-off temperature.
US09903283B1
A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes providing a vehicle having an internal combustion gasoline engine including multiple cylinders and wherein the engine is capable of running on at least one of a plurality firing fractions, providing a vacuum offset (Offsetvac) to adjust airflow capacity for each of the plurality of firing fractions, determining a torque capacity of each of the plurality firing fractions and a plurality of available firing fractions that provides at least enough torque capacity to accommodate a current torque requested (Treq), determining a plurality of viable firing fractions of the plurality of available firing fractions, and determining and implementing an optimal firing fraction of the viable firing fractions if the optimal firing fraction provides enough fuel economy benefit over a current firing fraction.
US09903279B2
Provided are more efficient techniques for operating gas turbine systems. In one embodiment a gas turbine system comprises an oxidant system, a fuel system, a control system, and a number of combustors adapted to receive and combust an oxidant from the oxidant system and a fuel from the fuel system to produce an exhaust gas. The gas turbine system also includes a number of oxidant-flow adjustment devices, each of which are operatively associated with one of the combustors, wherein an oxidant-flow adjustment device is configured to independently regulate an oxidant flow rate into the associated combustor. An exhaust sensor is in communication with the control system. The exhaust sensor is adapted to measure at least one parameter of the exhaust gas, and the control system is configured to independently adjust each of the oxidant-flow adjustment devices based, at least in part, on the parameter measured by the exhaust sensor.
US09903272B2
An offshore compressed air energy storage system has a barge comprising with a deck, and at least one pressure vessel configured to store compressed air. A power source powers at least one air compressor configured to pressurize the pressure vessel. A compander set has at least one turboexpander having an input, an output, and a shaft, as well as at least one heat exchanger and at least one turbocompressor. A mass air control valve is configured to control the compressed air flow from the pressure vessel to the turboexpander. A generator is in communication with the shaft of the turboexpander, and a control system. The at least one pressure vessel is buoyant, and wherein the at least one air compressor, the turboexpander, the mass air control valve, and the generator are attached to the barge.
US09903266B2
A system for targeting an air-fuel mixture flow pattern within the intake port of an internal combustion engine is provided. The system includes a flow pattern control plate movably provided within the intake port. The plate includes at least one air-fuel mixture funneling opening. The opening is rounded and is preferably ovoid. Preferably there are two openings with one opening being larger than the other. The upstream side of the plate includes a sloped surface formed from its edge toward the openings, thus funneling the air-fuel mixture passing from the upstream side, through the plate, and to the downstream side. The size, shape and number of openings can be selectively adjusted thus making the system tunable. The intake port includes a sloped portion formed on its inner surface adjacent the flow pattern control plate to funnel the flow of the air-fuel mixture through the at least one plate opening.
US09903257B2
The invention relates to a thermostat valve for an internal combustion engine, comprising a housing having a plurality of cooling fluid connections and comprising at least two hollow valve elements, which are arranged adjacent to one another and are mounted in the housing so as to be rotatable about a common rotational axis, wherein the valve elements each have at least one opening which is formed in the region of their shell surface, wherein the openings can be connected selectively to one or more, of the cooling fluid connections of the housing by rotating the valve elements, wherein drive means are provided with which a first of the at least two valve elements can be rotated between two end positions, wherein a second of the at least two valve elements can be coupled selectively to the first valve element and decoupled from the first valve element, wherein in the state in which it is coupled to the first valve element the second valve element is also driven in rotation by a rotation of the first valve element, and wherein coupling means are provided which are actuated by rotating the first valve element into the first end position, in such a way that the second valve element is coupled to the first valve element, and which are actuated by rotating the first valve element into the second end position in such a way that the second valve element is decoupled from the first valve element.
US09903255B2
The invention relates to a coolant circuit (1) for an internal combustion engine (2), wherein the coolant can circulate between the internal combustion engine (2) and a heat sink (3) depending upon a switchable valve (4), which is closed in the initial state during a cold start of the internal combustion engine (2), wherein the valve (4) can be switched to an at least partially opened sequential state depending on an exhaust gas mass flow emitted by the internal combustion engine (2), and wherein a control device (6) determines an integral of the exhaust gas mass flow with respect to the time and switches the valve (4) into the sequential state when an integral threshold value is exceeded.
US09903254B2
An MBT ignition time and a knock ignition time are acquired from an engine rotation speed and engine load, and an ignition time on a delay angle side, out of these ignition times, is set as the most advance angle ignition time. An ignition time on the delay angle side only by the KCS learning value with respect to the most advance angle ignition time is set as a required ignition time, and when an actual ignition time set by a knock control system exceeds a predetermined amount and is positioned on the delay angle side with respect to the required ignition time, it is determined that abnormality occurs in an oil jet. Fail-safe processing to the effect that the opening degrees of a throttle valve are corrected to a closed side is executed in response to the abnormality determination.
US09903241B2
An engine assembly includes an engine, an external oil reservoir, a supply pump, and a return pump. The engine includes an oil gallery configured to distribute oil and a crankcase chamber. The external oil reservoir includes an oil tank defining an oil chamber and an oil filter assembly including a housing at least partially defining a filter chamber, and a filter positioned within the filter chamber. The supply pump is in fluid communication with the oil chamber and the oil gallery and the supply pump is configured to draw oil from the oil chamber and provide pressurized oil to the oil gallery. The return pump in fluid communication with the crankcase chamber and the filter chamber and the return pump is configured to draw oil from the crankcase chamber and provide pressurized oil to the filter chamber.
US09903237B2
A valve opening and closing timing control apparatus includes a drive-side rotational member, a driven-side rotational member, an intermediate member arranged between the driven-side rotational member and a camshaft, a mounting member connecting the driven-side rotational member and the intermediate member to the camshaft in a state being mounted at the camshaft, and a control valve mechanism arranged with a same axis as a rotation axis of the drive-side rotational member. The intermediate member includes a first side wall making contact with the driven-side rotational member and a second side wall making contact with the camshaft. An outlet flow passage is provided at an intermediate position between the first side wall and the second side wall to be positioned along a radial direction for sending out a fluid which is supplied to an inner peripheral surface of the intermediate member to the control valve mechanism.
US09903228B2
A composite external casing for a compressor of an axial-flow turbomachine, the casing comprising a generally circular wall having a matrix and a woven fibrous reinforcement. The latter is formed by a stack of fibrous plies having fibers woven according to a weft positioned in the axis of the circular wall, and a warp positioned around the circumference of the wall. The stack of plies comprising, depending on thickness, two external layers and one central layer. The layers include differences in the proportions between the weft fibers and the warp fibers. In the external layers the warp fibers make up the majority. In the central layer the weft fibers make up the majority. The stack exhibits interlayers inserted between the central layer and each external layer. The plies corresponding to the interlayers exhibit fibers woven at +45° and −45° in relation to the axis of rotation of the turbomachine.
US09903227B2
The present disclosure is directed to lubrication systems for gear systems of a gas turbine engine. In one embodiment, a lubrication system includes an auxiliary reservoir configured to store lubricant and a lubrication collection device. The auxiliary reservoir is contained within an annular structure of the gas turbine engine. The lubricant collection device can collect lubricant from a gear system of the gas turbine engine and direct collected lubricant to the auxiliary reservoir. The auxiliary reservoir is configured to receive collected lubricant by way of a channel within the annular structure. The lubrication system may compliment a main lubrication system, and in particular, when the main lubrication system is temporarily unable to supply lubricant to the gear system.
US09903224B2
A gas turbine module comprises a frame, a bearing support ring, a service line, and a scupper channel system. A service line is disposed through a radial passage of the frame and a service line port of the bearing support ring. The scupper line is disposed radially through a radial passage of the frame and is open to the scupper drain port. The scupper channel system is formed into a radially inner surface of the bearing support ring, and includes a collection portion in fluid communication with the scupper drain port.
US09903218B2
A turbine shroud assembly is disclosed including an inner shroud having a surface adjacent to a hot gas path, an outer shroud, a damper block disposed between the inner shroud and the outer shroud, a first biasing apparatus, and a second biasing apparatus. The first biasing apparatus provides a first biasing force to the inner shroud, biasing the inner shroud a first deflection distance in a direction toward the hot gas path and away from the outer shroud. The second biasing apparatus provides a second biasing force to the damper block, biasing the damper block a second deflection distance in a direction toward the hot gas path and away from the outer shroud. The second deflection distance is greater than the first deflection distance.
US09903217B2
A sealing element for positioning radially outwardly of aerofoil blades of a gas turbine engine is provided. A radially inner surface region of the sealing element includes a seal structure having one or more inwardly projecting walls formed by additive layer, powder fed, laser weld deposition. The walls form a plurality of curved profile shapes which are arranged in a repeating pattern across the radially inner surface region. None of the walls intersects with any other wall. The curved profile shapes have no radii of curvature less than 0.5 mm.
US09903216B2
A gas turbine engine assembly includes a second module connected axially to a first module along a joint, and an annular cavity defined between the first module and the second module. The seal assembly is disposed proximate the cavity, and includes a seal support ring, a first finger seal, and a second finger seal. The support ring has a backing portion secured to a radial wall of to the first module, and a first seal land extending axially into the cavity away from the first module. The first finger seal has a free end adapted to contact an inner side of the first seal land. The second finger seal is adapted to seal a radially outer portion of the annular cavity.
US09903213B2
A turbomachine rotor blade has a firtree shaped root, to be secured in a rotor disc rotatable around a rotor axis. In a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, the root has a first, second, and third root lobe with a first, second, and third root contact face. Each of the first, second, and third root contact face is angled relative to a radial root bottom axis with a first, second, and third root angle, respectively. The first root angle is smaller than the second and the second root angle is substantially equal to the third. A turbomachine rotor disc has a firtree shaped slot having a first, second, and third slot angle, the first slot angle being smaller than the second and the second slot angle being substantially equal to the third. A gas turbine engine has the turbomachine rotor herein.
US09903207B2
A method of manufacturing a turbo-machine impeller, which includes a hub and a plurality of blades, using powder material in an additive-manufacturing process. The method includes: applying energy to the powder material by way of a high energy source, and solidifying the powder material. At least one bulky portion of the hub is irradiated such that the powder material solidifies in a lattice structure surrounded by an outer solid skin structure enclosing the lattice structure.
US09903196B2
A pressure test and actuation tool includes a housing; an insert disposed in operable communication with the housing. A metering head initially in sealed relation to both the housing and insert. A damper relief shoulder operably positioned relative to the metering head to initially support the metering head in sealed relationship with the housing and the insert and movable to unsupport the metering head defeating the sealed relationship with the housing and the insert. A method actuating a tool.
US09903188B2
The inhibition of anionic surfactant retention phenomena in an oil reservoir, especially in a carbonate-based or argillaceous reservoir, by the use of at least one compound corresponding to the formula R—O-(A)m-H, in which R is a hydrocarbon-based group comprising from 6 to 40 carbon atoms, A is a hexose or pentose unit, and m is a non-zero number ranging from 1 to 10, is described herein.
US09903186B2
The invention generally relates to a plunger lift system that can be used in all type of oil and gas wells including wells of vertical, highly deviated, S-curved or horizontal bores. The plunger lift system has a ball-shaped plunger. Multiple ball plungers may be used for a single operation to lift liquid out of a wellbore. Certain embodiments further include a surface lubricator, associated piping and valve systems in communication with a pipeline, a surface control system and related equipment, a downhole bumper spring assembly and/or retrieval device having a magnet to retrieve the ball plunger of the wellbore if and when needed. The invention also relates to ball-shaped plungers and to methods for lifting liquid out of a wellbore employing such ball-shaped plunger. In certain embodiments, the ball plunger comprises a hole or a plurality of holes to aerate the fluid load.
US09903184B2
Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.
US09903183B2
A magnet assembly having selectively removable magnet members can be attached to, or placed in the vicinity of, a conventional bell nipple or riser on a drilling rig to generate a magnetic field within a wellbore. The magnetic field catches falling metal objects and prevents such objects from passing beyond the magnet assembly and entering subterranean portions of a wellbore. Hatch doors are provided for easy access to inner portions of the magnet assembly.
US09903180B2
A main body housing includes a main body port. An O-ring sleeve is contained in the housing. The O-ring sleeve includes an O-ring sleeve port and O-rings mounted on either side of the O-ring sleeve port. The O-ring sleeve is not rotatable with respect to the main body housing and is translatable with respect to the main body housing between an open O-ring sleeve position and a closed O-ring sleeve position. The O-ring sleeve port aligns with the main body port when the O-ring sleeve is in the open O-ring sleeve position and the O-ring sleeve port is sealed from the main body port by the O-rings when the O-ring sleeve is in the closed O-ring sleeve position.
US09903171B2
A system for extracting oil and gas includes at least one drilling rod having an elongated body and a working head positioned at the distal end of the elongated body, wherein the working head has a proximal end and a distal end, a first mechanical drilling device positioned at the distal end of the working head, a second mechanical drilling device position at the proximal end of the working head, a central laser emitter positioned at the distal end of the working head, at least one lateral emitter positioned on a side wall of the working head between the distal end and the proximal end, a fiber optic cable positioned within a lumen of the elongated body and coupled to the central laser emitter and the at least one lateral emitter, and a laser source coupled to and supplying a laser beam to the fiber optic cable.
US09903158B2
A window covering is provided according to the present application, to achieve automatic extending or retracting of a window covering curtain. The window covering includes: a rotating shaft for extending and retracting control, a wound sheet spring and a cord winding box. The extending and retracting of the window covering curtain is achieved by winding the curtain pull cord via the cord winding box, and the force transmission between the wound sheet spring and the cord winding box is achieved by gear transmission. A spring wound sheet is provided inside the wound sheet spring. One proper wound sheet spring is chosen according to the weight of the window covering curtain to allow the window covering curtain to maintain a balance state of force without under the effect of an external force, to fix the extending or retracting state of the window covering curtain.
US09903156B2
A cutting machine for cutting window coverings includes a machine base, on which a cutting device and a clamping device are mounted. The cutting device has a cutter. A blade edge of the cutter is oblique to a sustaining face, on which the window covering is rested, of the machine base. It is beneficial to cut a first rail, a covering material, and a second rail of the window covering in sequence. The cutting machine may cut the window covering with a flat cutting facet to have a good cutting quality and also extend the life of the cutter.
US09903153B2
An acoustic mullion plug having a composite core construction that includes a mineral plug core enclosed on at least one side by a sound transmission barrier, and includes a fabric covering, is installed via applying a sealant to the wall partition and to the glazing adjacent each end of a mullion and to the mullion itself, so that the acoustic mullion plug is then pressed into the opening and secured into position via either adhesive or via hook-and-loop fastener.
US09903148B2
A sliding closure assembly includes a frame assembly, at least one sliding closure panel, a second panel, and a powered actuator. The frame assembly has a first track portion, a second track portion, and a catch portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame assembly. The second closure panel is adjacent to the at least one sliding closure panel and is positioned within the second track portion of the frame assembly. The powered actuator assembly is positioned adjacent to the second panel and entirely within the second track portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame such that an opening is formed through the sliding closure assembly when the sliding closure panel is in the opened position and the opening is closed when the sliding closure panel is in the closed position.
US09903145B2
An actuating drive includes an actuating arm pivotally mounted about a pivoting axis for moving the movable furniture part, a spring device for applying a force onto the actuating arm, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting a force of the spring device onto the actuating arm. The transmission mechanism includes an actuating portion movement-coupled to the actuating arm, a setting contour, and a pressure portion pressurized by the spring device. The pressure portion is a rotatably mounted pressure roller for running along the setting contour. The setting contour is arranged between the actuating portion and the pressure roller, and the setting contour is on a contour portion separate from the actuating portion. The contour portion has a fastening section configured to rest against the actuating portion and a limb protruding transversely from the fastening section, and the setting contour is a curved outer surface of the limb.
US09903143B2
A switch assembly of a vehicle door latch device, the switch assembly includes: a latch switch detecting a position of a latch, the latch being pivotally supported by a latch shaft to be engaged with a striker; a ratchet switch that detecting a position of a ratchet, the ratchet being pivotally supported by a ratchet shaft to be engaged with the latch and prevented reverse rotation of the latch; and a one common switch case that the latch switch and the ratchet switch are installed in the one common switch case. The latch shaft and the ratchet shaft are arranged to be isolated across a striker moving trajectory of the striker. The one common switch case is arranged on a latch body on one side of a striker moving trajectory.
US09903142B2
A vehicle door includes a powered latch mechanism and an interior door handle having first and second sensors disposed on opposite sides of the interior door handle. The first and second sensors are configured to detect the presence of a user's hand to control operation of the powered latch mechanism. The powered latch may be unlatched if an unlatch switch is actuated and the first and second sensors detect the presence of a user's hand.
US09903135B1
A water-proof fabric has a perimeter consisting essentially of a straight section and a remaining section. The perimeter of the remaining section is circumscribed by first and second zipper tapes arranged in series. The perimeter of the straight section is circumscribed by third and fourth and fifth zipper tapes in series. The fourth zipper tape is located centered around a center of the straight side. The second zipper tape extends along the remaining side to an end of the remaining side. The fifth zipper tape extends along the straight side to the end of the straight side in an orientation to mesh at the corner with the second zipper tape. The fourth zipper tape mates with itself to form a cape. When the first zipper tape mates with itself and the second zipper tape mates with the fifth zipper tape a bivy tent is formed.
US09903134B2
A portable shading assembly for provision of shade using a tethered panel includes a mast and a panel. The mast has a bottom configured to couple to a surface. The panel is flexible and has a respective opposing side reversibly couplable to a top of the mast. The mast is positioned substantially equally distant from opposing edges of the panel. A plurality of tethers is coupled to and extends from the panel. Each of a plurality of stakes is reversibly couplable to a respective tether distal from the panel. The panel is positioned to couple to the mast. The mast and the stakes are configured to couple to the surface. The tethers are positioned to couple the panel to the stakes. The panel is positioned above the surface to use the natural force of the wind to inflate the panel and hold it aloft to provide shade to a user.
US09903133B2
An underwater cleaning apparatus includes a front body having a filter and a rear body removably attachable to the front body. The rear body includes a motor having a shaft, an impeller configured to draw in water through an inlet opening in the front body, and a gap. The impeller is positioned in the gap in the rear body. A lock is configured to secure the rear body to the front body. A battery is configured to supply electrical power to the motor to drive the shaft and a power switch is configured to control the supply of electrical power to the motor.
US09903127B2
A funeral institution includes an entrance connected to an approach way of a vehicle, an exit connected to an exit path of the vehicle, a roadway of the vehicle, a vehicle mourner reception device, car stop lifts, and incense-burner stands. The roadway is placed along front-side wall surfaces of ceremonial halls and connects the entrance and the exit. The vehicle mourner reception device is placed on a right side in a direction of travel on the roadway so as to be closer to the entrance than to the ceremonial hall. The car stop lifts fix the vehicles in predetermined areas, respectively. The predetermined areas and are areas in which altars and screens can be seen in front of the ceremonial halls on the roadway. The incense-burner stands are placed on the right sides of the predetermined areas, respectively, in the direction of travel.
US09903125B2
A molding system installed at or near the top of a vertical wall having a molding portion and an attachment portion, where the attachment portion is attached securely to the wall above at least the center of mass of the molding portion, and the molding portion has an outwardly visible decorative face which extends down to where the lower edge of the molding portion meets the wall. The attachment portion is enabled to flex as it is firmly attached to an imperfect wall, and the structure of the molding portion is such that the decorative face of the molding system remains preferentially straight and preferentially positioned as the molding system is installed on an irregular wall. A hinge-like flex is enabled along the length of the molding above the center of mass of the molding portion such that the decorative face of the molding can pivot like a pendulum ensuring the lower edge of the molding is placed against the wall. None of the methods of installation of this system violate the decorative face of the molding and a consistent decorative face profile extends around the entire installation.
US09903124B2
A prefabricated wall panel has a precast body including at least one decorative design element. In addition, the wall panel includes a mounting element having a first end embedded in the precast body and a second end projecting from the precast body. A groove is formed between the precast body and the second end of the mounting element along a first edge of the precast body. A tongue is formed along a second edge of the precast body opposite the first edge. The tongue and groove cooperate to allow prefabricated wall panels to be more easily installed on a support substrate.
US09903123B1
A mounting apparatus for a plurality of panels to allow non-progressive fixing of the same to a façade. The apparatus employs a base having flanges, forming a channel, that are engaged by a fastener twisted within the channel. When operated, the fastener is forced against extension elements that depend from adjacent panels.
US09903122B2
One variation of an exterior cladding system includes a set of panels including a first panel and a second panel, each panel in the set of panels including: a face; an upper flange extending from an upper edge of the face and defining a receiver; a hang tab extending from the upper flange substantially parallel to the face, offset from the face by a first depth, and defining a fastener bore; a lower flange extending from a lower edge of the face; a lock tab extending from the lower flange opposite the upper flange by a first height and offset from the face by a second depth less than the first depth; and a striker extending from the lower flange opposite the upper flange by a second height less than the first height.
US09903117B2
A structural member includes an inflatable member having an elastic, imperforate wall, an outer layer enclosing the inflatable member so as to define a cavity between the inflatable member and the outer layer, and at least one separator member positioned in the cavity so as to separate the outer layer from the inflatable member. The outer layer has at least one opening formed therealong and structured to enable fluid communication between the cavity and an exterior of the structural member.
US09903107B1
An improved beam connector providing enhanced means for connecting beams in geodesic spherical or domed dwellings and commercial structures. The improved connector design provides for construction of an entire geodesic frame using only one connector size and shape, and one beam size and shape. The improved connector comprises three angularly spaced apart legs radiating from the center at a downward pitch, each leg for receiving a beam. The top surfaces of each leg may form a dihedral angle for supporting adjacent exterior hexagonal and pentagonal panels. The bottom surfaces of each leg may form a dihedral angle for supporting adjacent interior hexagonal and pentagonal panels.
US09903100B2
An excavation system is disclosed as having first and second actuators configured to move a work tool in first and second directions. The second actuator may only be capable of full-range movement when the first actuator is positioned within a sub-range. The excavation system may also have first and second sensors configured to generate first and second signals indicative of first and second actuator movements, and a controller in communication with the first and second sensors. The controller may be configured to command movement of the first actuator to the sub-range, to confirm that the first actuator has moved to the sub-range based on the first signal, to command movement of the second actuator to an end-of-stroke position after the first actuator is confirmed to be within the sub-range, and to selectively record a current position of the second actuator as the end-of-stroke position based on the second signal.
US09903099B2
An exemplary embodiment disclosed in the present specification relates to an apparatus and a method for selecting a screen mode for each operation mode in construction equipment. The apparatus for selecting the screen mode for each operation mode in the construction equipment provides an optimal screen which can determine an operation mode using a boom angle and a turning angle and a driving speed of an upper body, remove a blind spot according to an operation mode, and improve safety.
US09903097B2
A hydraulic circuit for a construction machine including a direction control valve group including direction control valves provided in tandem to a center bypass passage, and a bleed-off valve provided to the center bypass passage downstream of the direction control valve group.
US09903093B2
The present invention provides an integrally cast excavator bucket and a manufacturing method thereof. The integrally cast excavator bucket comprises a lifting lug, a top plate, two side plates and a bottom plate connected with the two side plates. A method for manufacturing the integrally cast excavator bucket by adopting the cast steel comprises the following steps: putting cast steel components into a melting furnace, and carrying out modification treatment before furnace after melting is finished; manufacturing models and a template, coating, heating, vacuumizing, placing sandboxes, adding sand, molding, carrying out mold closing, casting, quenching, tempering and cooling to room temperature to finish casting of the excavator bucket. The integrally cast excavator bucket is formed by once casting from a low-alloy steel material by adopting a vacuum sealing technology, and is high in product strength, resistant to wear and corrosion, high in impact resistance and long in service life.
US09903081B2
To provide a floating flap gate that requires an auxiliary force of a counterweight or the like, and in which bending does not occur in a forward end portion of a door body, even in cases in which an installation site has a wide span. A floating flap gate 1 having a forward end portion 2c of a door body 2 that is configured to rotate around a base end portion serving as a fulcrum at a time of a rising water, so as to float upwards, and provided with an upper beam 2d attached to the forward end portion 2c of the door body 2 and a door body suspension member 3 contained within the upper beam 2d, and having two ends each being connected to one end of a wire rope 4. A counterweight 5 is connected to the other end side of the wire rope 4 as a pulling device. Bolts 6b are used as adjusting members interposed between the upper beam 2d and the door suspension member 3, and are inserted into bolt holes 6a provided on an upper surface of the upper beam 2d, so as to exert an opposing force to the tension of the wire rope 4 resulting from the weight of the counterweight 5 acting on the door body suspension member 3, the opposing force being applied uniformly to the upper beam 2d during ordinary use.
US09903078B2
The subject invention provides methods of preparing and/or modifying a working area of interest that results in a level surface layer. In preferred embodiments, a three-dimensional (3-D) paver is utilized to deposit a compressible paving material, wherein, prior to being compacted mechanically, the pavement has a thickness that varies in accordance with the topography of the subgrade surface. Advantageously, paving methods comprising 3-D printing technology provided herein offer a more effective, economical, and versatile solution in preparing level road surface layers than existing paving machines.
US09903073B2
Disclosed is colored aramid paper which comprises aramid paper comprising aramid fibrids and short aramid fibers and, formed on at least one surface thereof, a colored layer comprising a colorant and a binder, wherein the colored layer has a surface resistivity of 1×1012Ω/□ or higher and the colored layer comprises portions colored in a single hue, the colored portions having a color difference of 5.0 or less.
US09903070B2
An industrial fabric such as an endless belt or sleeve for use in the production of nonwovens, and a method of making thereof are disclosed. The fabric includes a plurality of through voids, where each of the voids has a first opening associated with a top surface of the fabric and a first raised edge circumferentially adjacent to the first opening. The voids may each further include a second opening associated with a bottom surface of the fabric and a second raised edge circumferentially adjacent to the second opening, such that the first opening may have a surface area that is larger than or the same as the second opening.
US09903067B2
A laundry machine (100) is disclosed. The laundry machine (100) includes a tub (120), an air supply unit (160) configured to circulate air in the tub (120), a heat pump including a compressor (165), an evaporator (220), an expansion valve, and a condenser (240), the heat pump being configured to dehumidify and heat the air from the air supply unit (160), and a cooling unit (300, 400, 500) installed at the compressor (165) to cool the compressor (165) using a supplied fluid.
US09903064B2
A laundry washing machine (1) has an outer casing (2) and, inside the outer casing (2), a washing tub (3), a detergent dispensing assembly (9) structured for supplying detergent into the washing tub (3), and a fresh-water supply circuit (10) structured for selectively channeling a flow of fresh water from the water mains towards the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and/or the washing tub (3). A water softening device (12) is arranged/located along the fresh-water supply circuit (10) and is structured for reducing the hardness degree of the fresh water channeled to the detergent dispensing assembly (9) and/or the washing tub (3). The water softening device (12) being internally provided with a given amount of water softening agent able to reduce the hardens degree of the fresh water flowing through the same water softening device (12), and with a given amount of consumable regeneration agent, able to regenerate the water softening function of the water softening agent. The laundry washing machine (1) further has an appliance control panel (11) located on a front wall (2a) of the casing (2), close to a worktop (2b) of the casing (2), and structured for allowing the user to manually select the desired washing-cycle. The water softening device (12) being provided with a loading inlet or mouth (33a, 52) structured for allowing the user to load a regeneration agent inside the same internal water softening device (12) and arranged/located inside the casing (2) so that its loading inlet or mouth (33a, 52) is exposed or exposable to the outside on said worktop (2b) of the casing (2), substantially behind the appliance control panel (11).
US09903061B2
A laundry appliance (1) has a control-panel assembly (3, 30) having: an outer shell (5) which is coupled to a casing of the laundry appliance and provides a user interface; an internal printed circuit board (6) provided with one or more sensors; and a protecting box (7) firmly attached to the printed circuit board (6) and at least partially interposed between the outer shell and the printed circuit board; one or more spring detectors (18) which transmit to the one or more sensors a signal related to the capacitive variation that is generated when the user interface is touched. The protecting box (7) has one or more head zones (11) compressing the one or more spring detectors (18) when the protecting box (7) is attached to the printed circuit board (6). The capacitive variation is sensed by the one or more spring detectors (18) through the one or more head zones (11).
US09903059B2
A laundry treating appliance may include a tub and a rotatable drum defining a first access opening to the drum, a cabinet including a front wall having a second access opening aligned with the first access opening, a bellows extending between the front wall and the tub to form a fluid seal between the first and second access openings, and the bellows having a compliance portion to accommodate relative movement between the tub and the front wall, and a door movably mounted to the front wall having a planar window element and a baffle extending from the planar window element.
US09903058B2
An absorbent article manufacturing apparatus includes: a first conveying route that is arranged in a straight line along a first direction in plan view; a plurality of processing devices that process an intermediate product of an absorbent article that is conveyed along the first conveying route; a heating unit that restores bulk of a non-woven fabric through heating the non-woven fabric by blowing hot air onto the non-woven fabric while conveying the non-woven fabric along a direction in which the non-woven fabric is continuous, the non-woven fabric being a strip shape and serving as a part of the absorbent article; and a second conveying route that conveys the non-woven fabric in a second direction that intersects the first direction in plan view, the non-woven fabric having been restored of the bulk through heating with the heating unit the non-woven fabric being input to the first conveying route via the second conveying route.
US09903056B2
The feed dog adjustment device, includes a feed rock shaft rotatably attached to a sewing machine frame with an eccentric shaft provided at an eccentric position with respect to a center, a feed rock shaft crank that slides about the feed rock shaft, a feed bar rotatably attached to the feed rock shaft crank, a feed dog provided on the feed bar, an actuator for inclination adjustment that rotates the eccentric shaft, and a controller that drives the actuator for inclination adjustment to adjust an inclination of the feed dog on a basis of data related to a type and stretchability of fabric.
US09903052B2
The lint cleaning system is a modified jet-type lint cleaner that includes a supplemental air control vane. The supplemental air control vane (among other things) segregates discharged foreign materials from incoming supplemental air so that the incoming supplemental air is not contaminated by the discharged materials. The current system also enables a user to more effectively control the volume and the pathway of supplemental air entering the cleaner and thereby optimize the function of the air cleaner.
US09903046B2
Single crystal silicon carbide epitaxial layer on an off-axis substrate are manufactured by placing the substrate in an epitaxial growth reactor, growing a first layer of epitaxial silicon carbide on the substrate, interrupting the growth of the first layer of epitaxial silicon carbide, etching the first layer of epitaxial silicon carbide to reduce the thickness of the first layer, and regrowing a second layer of epitaxial silicon carbide on the first layer of epitaxial silicon carbide. Carrot defects may be terminated by the process of interrupting the epitaxial growth process, etching the grown layer and regrowing a second layer of epitaxial silicon carbide. The growth interruption/etching/regrowth may be repeated multiple times. A silicon carbide epitaxial layer has at least one carrot defect that is terminated within the epitaxial layer. A semiconductor stricture includes an epitaxial layer of silicon carbide on an off-axis silicon carbide substrate, and a carrot defect having a nucleation point in the vicinity of an interface between the substrate and the epitaxial layer and is terminated within the epitaxial layer.
US09903044B2
There is provided a silicon single crystal producing method in producing a silicon single crystal by the Czochralski method using a pulling apparatus including a heat shield, wherein an oxygen concentration in the crystal is controlled through the adjustment of a flow velocity of inert gas introduced into the apparatus at the gap portion between an exterior surface of the single crystal and a lower-end opening edge of the heat shield, in accordance with a gap-to-crystal-diameter ratio (“the area of the gap portion”/“the area of a cross-sectional of the single crystal”). By this producing method, it is possible to appropriately control the oxygen concentration in the pulled single crystal.
US09903042B2
An object of the present invention is to suppress macro step growth in the growth of GaN crystal through a flux method. As a crucible for holding a melt when growing a GaN crystal through the Na flux method, the crucible is made of alumina and produced by plaster mold casting. The crucible is used, in which there are alumina grains abnormally grown on the inner walls thereof, and the maximum grain size of the abnormally grown alumina grains is not less than 10 μm. When such a crucible is selected and used, the macro step growth can be suppressed, thereby improving the GaN crystal quality.
US09903036B2
A method for manufacturing rotogravure cylinders with a cylinder base made of aluminum. The method involves the coating of the cylinder surface with high velocity spraying, the copper plating in an appropriate solution, the engraving of the cylinder, and the hardening of the cylinder by chromium plating.The spraying process is accomplished by High-Velocity Air-Fuel or High-Velocity Oxygen-Fuel thermal spraying which leads to less surface porosity, better adhesion of the copper substrate and better dimensional accuracy.
US09903034B2
A method of depositing aluminum onto a substrate is disclosed. In this method, the substrate is disposed as cathode in an electrochemical cell with an anode and a liquid electrodeposition composition comprising an ionic liquid and a source of aluminum, and aluminum is electroplated onto the substrate. Residual water content in the electroplating bath is controlled by exposure to light in the presence of a photo-oxidation catalyst to decompose the water or species associated with water.
US09903026B2
A method for production of disinfectant with active chlorine concentration in the range 0-6000 ppm from a flow through diaphragm—electrolyzer with one of the aims to reduce the volume of disinfectant for its transportation to the point of usage.
US09903017B2
A method of tailoring an amount of graphene in an electrically conductive structure, includes arranging a substrate material in a plurality of strands and arranging at least one graphene layer coated circumferentially on one or more of the strands of the plurality of strands, the graphene layer being a single atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern, the substrate material and the at least one graphene layer having an axial direction. A first cross-section taken along the axial direction of the substrate and the at least one graphene layer includes a plurality of layers of the substrate material and at least one internal layer of the graphene alternatively disposed between the plurality of layers of the substrate material.
US09903015B2
A substrate with a transparent electrode which includes an amorphous transparent electrode layer on a transparent film substrate. When a bias voltage of 0.1 V is applied to the amorphous transparent electrode layer, the layer has continuous regions where a current value at a voltage-applied surface is 50 nA or more. Each of the continuous regions has an area of 100 nm2 or more and the number of the continuous regions is 50/μm2 or more. In one embodiment, the layer has a tin oxide content of 6.5% or more and 8% or less by mass. In another embodiment, the layer has a tin oxide content of 6.5% or more and 8% or less by mass. With respect to the substrate with a transparent electrode according to the present invention, the transparent electrode layer may be crystallized in a short period of time.
US09903009B2
A rare-earth element including a magnet body containing a rare-earth element, and a protective layer formed on a surface of the magnet body. The protective layer may include a first layer covering the magnet body and containing a rare-earth element, and a second layer covering the first layer and containing substantially no rare-earth element. Another protective layer in accordance may include an inner protective layer and an outer protective layer successively from the magnet body side. The outer protective layer is any of an oxide layer, a resin layer, a metal salt layer, and a layer containing an organic-inorganic hybrid compound.
US09903007B2
The present invention provides a hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy die-cast member which contains 20.0% by mass to 30.0% by mass of silicon and also has a thickness of 2.5 mm or less, and a method for producing the same.Disclosed is a die-cast member made of a hypereutectic aluminum-silicon alloy containing 20.0% by mass to 30.0% by mass of silicon, wherein the die-cast member has a thickness of 2.5 mm or less and an average size of primary crystal Si is 0.04 mm to 0.20 mm.
US09903002B2
The present invention provides Salmonella non-coding RNA and the identification and application thereof. In particular, the present invention proves through experiments that a Salmonella bacterium delivers non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) encoded by the bacterium itself into a host cell, generates milRNAs similar to microRNAs by means of a microRNA splicing system in the cell, regulates the immune system with the milRNAs, and further protects the Salmonella bacterium from being cleared by the host. Adsorbing milRNAs using milRNA inhibitors can effectively inhibit the survival ability of the bacterium in the cell, leading to a reduced vitality of the bacterium. The present invention further provides relevant reagents and methods for effective detection of, treatment to and study on Salmonella bacteria or Salmonella infectious diseases.
US09902990B2
Microfluidic devices are provided for trapping, isolating, and processing single cells. The microfluidic devices include a cell capture chamber having a cell funnel positioned within the cell capture chamber to direct a cell passing through the cell capture chamber towards one or more a cell traps positioned downstream of the funnel to receive a cell flowing. The devices may further include auxiliary chambers integrated with the cell capture chamber for subsequent processing and assaying of the contents of a captured cell. Methods for cell capture and preparation are also provided that include flowing cells through a chamber, funneling the cells towards a cell trap, capturing a predefined number of the cells within the trap, interrupting the flow of cells, flowing a wash solution through the chamber to remove contaminants from the chamber, and sealing the predefined number of cells in the chamber.
US09902983B2
The present invention relates to agarooligosaccharide hydrolase and a method for producing 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose and galactose from agarose by using the same. More specifically, the production yield of 3,6-anhydro-L-galactose and galactose from agarose, that is, the saccharification yield, is improved by using β-agarooligosaccharide hydrolase having an agarotriose hydrolytic activity.
US09902980B2
The present disclosure identifies pathways, mechanisms, systems and methods to confer chemoautotrophic production of carbon-based products of interest, such as sugars, alcohols, chemicals, amino acids, polymers, fatty acids and their derivatives, hydrocarbons, isoprenoids, and intermediates thereof, in organisms such that these organisms efficiently convert inorganic carbon to organic carbon-based products of interest using inorganic energy, such as formate, and in particular the use of organisms for the commercial production of various carbon-based products of interest.
US09902970B2
The invention relates to large-scale production of human antibodies by transgenic animals with high production of fully human IgG up to >10 g/L in sera with human IgG1 subclass dominancy. This invention also supports a feasibility of complex chromosome engineering for complicated genetic studies in non-murine mammalian species.
US09902969B2
The present invention relates to a new gene fragment derived from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell for enhancement of recombinant protein expression in animal cells and a use thereof. It has been found that using the vector comprising a gene fragment of the present invention enhances the expression of a target protein in animal cells. Accordingly, the vector comprising a gene fragment of the present invention could be usefully used in the production of biopharmaceuticals such as therapeutic antibodies, etc.
US09902962B2
Disclosed herein are chimeric polypeptides, including compositions thereof, expression vectors, and methods of use thereof, for the generation of transgenic cells, tissues, plants, and animals. The compositions, vectors, and methods of the present invention are also useful in gene therapy techniques. The invention provides a chimeric polypeptide. The polypeptide includes: a) a recombinase, nuclease or transcription factor, or fragment thereof; and b) a transcription activator-like effector (TALE) protein.
US09902958B2
The present invention relates to antisense oligonucleotides that modulate the expression of and/or function of Discs large homolog (DLG), in particular, by targeting natural antisense polynucleotides of Discs large homolog (DLG). The invention also relates to the identification of these antisense oligonucleotides and their use in treating diseases and disorders associated with the expression of DLG.
US09902957B2
Co-oligomer compounds, complexes of the same with polyanions, such as siRNAs, and methods for using the same are provided. the delivery of polynucleotides, into a cell. The subject co-oligomers include at least a liphopilic monomer and at least a hydrophilic monomer (e.g., a guanidinium containing monomer). In some embodiments, the co-oligomer compounds are capable of complexing a siRNA of interest, thereby increasing the cell permeability of the siRNA, prior to release of the siRNA into the cell. In some embodiments, the subject method is a method of delivery a siRNA into a cell. In some embodiments, the subject method is a method of reducing expression of a protein target of a siRNA of interest. The subject co-oligomer/siRNA complexes may be formulated and administered to a subject to treat a condition resulting from expression of a protein target of the siRNA of interest.
US09902955B2
The invention relates to an isolated RNA that mediates RNA interference of an mRNA to which it corresponds and a method of mediating RNA interference of mRNA of a gene in a cell or organism using the isolated RNA.
US09902954B2
The invention relates to an isolated RNA that mediates RNA interference of an mRNA to which it corresponds and a method of mediating RNA interference of mRNA of a gene in a cell or organism using the isolated RNA.
US09902952B2
It is disclosed a method for determining the biological activity of defibrotide, which comprises the steps of: a) bringing into contact defibrotide, mammalian euglobulin and a substrate specific for the plasmin which, by reaction with the plasmin, provides a measurable product; and b) measuring the amount of product formed at successive times, to thereby determine the biological activity of the defibrotide. Liquid defibrotide formulations are also disclosed, preferably water solutions, having a defined biological activity and, in particular, having an activity of 25 to 35 IU/mg of defibrotide, preferably from 27.5 to 32.5 IU/mg and, more preferably, from 28 to 32 IU/mg.
US09902951B2
A nucleic acid molecule can be annealed to an appropriate immobilized primer. The primer can then be extended and the molecule and the primer can be separated from one another. The extended primer can then be annealed to another immobilized primer and the other primer can be extended. Both extended primers can then be separated from one another and can be used to provide further extended primers. The process can be repeated to provide amplified, immobilized nucleic acid molecules. These can be used for many different purposes, including sequencing, screening, diagnosis, in situ nucleic acid synthesis, monitoring gene expression, nucleic acid fingerprinting, etc.
US09902950B2
Methods and compositions for high-throughput, single cell analyzes are provided. The methods and compositions can be used for analysis of genomes and transcriptomes, as well as antibody discovery, HLA typing, haplotyping and drug discovery.
US09902949B2
The invention generally relates to methods for universal target capture.
US09902946B2
The present invention relates to alpha-amylase variants. The present invention also relates to polynucleotides encoding the variants; nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides; and methods of using the variants.
US09902942B2
A method of purifying a sample that includes a desired virus includes the steps of (i) providing a packed chromatographic column having negatively charged porous particles, (ii) equilibrating the column to the conditions to which the desired virus in the sample is to elute, (iii) contacting the sample with the packed chromatographic column such that the sample volume applied to the packed chromatographic column is less than or equal to the interparticle space of the negatively charged porous particles within the packed chromatographic column, (iv) eluting the desired virus from the packed chromatographic column, where the desired virus is in a purer state and in the conditions to which the packed chromatographic column was equilibrated.
US09902933B2
The present invention provides a method of producing a cell sheet including the following steps(1) seeding and culturing retinal pigment epithelial cells on a collagen gel to form a cell sheet composed of the retinal pigment epithelial cells, and(2) degrading the collagen gel with collagenase to detach the cell sheet composed of the retinal pigment epithelial cells, and the like.
US09902925B2
There is provided a cleaner composition for a process of manufacturing a semiconductor and a display. The cleaner composition includes 0.01 to 5.0 wt % of amino acid-based chelating agent, 0.01 to 1.5 wt % of organic acid, 0.01 to 1.0 wt % of inorganic acid, 0.01 to 5.0 wt % of alkali compound, and the balance of deionized water and is based on acidic water with pH levels of 1 to 5. The cleaner composition may enhance metal contaminants removal capability and have a function to remove particles and organic contaminants, and prevent corrosion of copper and reverse adsorption of copper. Thus, cleaner composition may be used for various purposes of etching copper, removing residues, and a cleaner by adjusting an etch rate.
US09902918B2
Compositions having a plurality of hard particles and a plurality of lubricant nanoparticles are disclosed. Methods of making and using the compositions are also disclosed.
US09902916B2
A lubricant composition includes a base oil and a cyclic amine compound. A method of lubricating a system including a fluoropolymer seal with the lubricant composition is also provided. An additive concentrate for a lubricant composition is also provided. The cyclic amine compound is useful for adjusting the total base number of a lubricant composition. The lubricant composition is compatible with fluoropolymer seals.
US09902914B2
Plants, processes, and methods for reducing the H2S and CO2 contents of shale gasses from fields that produce shale gasses having varying H2S and CO2 contents are provided. Acid gas enters an absorber and is scrubbed using a lean physical solvent, producing a treated gas and a rich physical solvent. The H2S content of the treated gas is further reduced in an amine absorber, producing a pipeline gas and a semi-lean amine. The pipeline gas contains lower levels of H2S and CO2 than gas produced using a polishing bed. A physical solvent regeneration unit regenerates the lean physical solvent from the rich physical solvent for feeding into the absorption unit. An amine regeneration unit regenerates the lean amine from the semi-lean amine for feeding into the amine absorber. Contemplated plants may further comprise a Claus Unit or a Redox unit for oxidizing H2S to elemental sulfur.
US09902912B2
A process for hydrotreating coker kerosene is described. Instead of a post treat reactor, a smaller trim reactor zone which operates at a lower pressure than the post treat reactor is used downstream of the product stripper. The trim reactor uses a noble metal catalyst to reduce the BI of the stripped product to less than about 150, and desirably in the range of about 50 to about 100.
US09902911B1
On-line detection of mesophase particles employs a laser diode light source to illuminate a target area with a pulsed laser linearly or circularly polarized probe beam. Analysis of images determines extent of presence the birefringent mesophase particles, which are precursors to coking in catalytic hydrocracking processes. The inherently polarized low-coherence, unfocused but sufficiently collimated, pulsed laser beam yield sharp imaging with high depth of field of very small mesophase particles that are present in a moving, dark reactor liquid environment.
US09902910B2
A method and apparatus a crude oil treating apparatus includes a treating section and a flashing section connected together by a pipe and a flashing valve. The method includes the steps of passing wet crude oil into the treating section; separating water from the wet crude oil in the treating section; obtaining partially dry crude oil; passing the partially dry crude oil via the pipe and the flashing valve to the flashing section of the apparatus; heating the partially dry crude oil upstream of the flashing section and downstream of the flashing valve by heat exchange with the water separated from the crude oil in the treating section; and obtaining dry crude oil from the flashing section.
US09902903B2
The present invention relates to compositions capable of emitting circularly polarized electroluminescence comprising an electroluminescent polymer and a chiral dopant, processes for the synthesis of such compositions and light emitting devices incorporating such compositions.
US09902897B2
A fiber formed from a resin that degrades in treatment fluid for hydrocarbon resource recovery, an oligomer component content of a resin forming an outer surface of the fiber being not greater than 1 mass %, and a birefringence of the fiber being not less than 0.02; a method for manufacturing a degradable fiber for use in well treatment fluid, the oligomer component content of a resin that forms an outer surface of an undrawn yarn obtained in a spinning step being not greater than 1 mass %, and a birefringence of a drawn yarn before heat treatment in a drawing step being not less than 0.02; and a well treatment method using the well treatment fluid containing the degradable fiber for use in well treatment fluid and a proppant.
US09902888B2
Disclosed herein is a composition comprising (a) from 1 to 29 weight percent difluoromethane; (b) from 1 to 19 weight percent pentafluoroethane; (c) from 9 to 42 weight percent 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, or a mixture thereof; and (d) from 34 to 68 weight percent 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, E-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene or mixture thereof; wherein when the composition contains 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, the composition also contains at least some 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane; wherein the ratio of component (a) to component (b) is at most 1.5:1; and wherein the ratio of component (c) to component (d) is at least 0.04:1. The compositions are useful in methods for producing cooling and heating, methods for producing air conditioning, methods for replacing HCFC-22, R-410A, R-407C, HFC-134a, CFC-12, HCFC-22 and HCFC-124 and in heat transfer systems including heat pumps and air conditioners.
US09902884B2
The present invention relates to a hot melt adhesive composition, comprising based on the total weight of the hot melt adhesive composition: (a) more than 25 weight percent of at least one block copolymer, (b) from about 27 to about 45 weight percent of at least one plasticizer, (c) from about 18 to less than about 55 weight percent of a combination of at least two different resins; and (d) optionally up to 10% weight percent of at least one wax. The hot melt adhesive composition of the invention can be used for bonding bundles of plastic containers such as bottles into packs.
US09902878B2
This invention provides a PSA sheet with which degradation of the appearance after its application is efficiently prevented while showing uniform adhesive properties over the entire sheet with greater ease of application. The PSA sheet provided by this invention is an air-impermeable PSA sheet having an adhesive surface. The PSA sheet comprises a PSA layer forming the adhesive surface. In the adhesive surface, at least one groove is formed. The groove runs in a wavy shape in the adhesive surface.
US09902868B2
The present invention relates to a hard coating film, and, more particularly, to a hard coating film having hardness and excellent physical properties. According to the present invention, the hard coating film has high physical properties including hardness, scratch resistance, transparency, durability, light resistance, and light transmittance.Thus, the hard coating film can find useful applications in various fields thanks to its excellent physical properties.
US09902867B2
Disclosed herein are sacrificial coating compositions comprising at least one hydrophilic polymer; at least one hygroscopic agent; at least one surfactant; at least one non-reactive silicone release agent; and water. In certain embodiments, the at least one non-reactive silicone release agent is chosen from polyether modified polysiloxane and nonreactive silicone glycol copolymers. In certain embodiments, the at least one non-reactive silicone release agent may be present in an amount ranging from about 0.001% to about 2%, based on the total weight of the composition, such as from about 0.03% to about 0.06%. Also disclosed herein is a blanket material suitable for transfix printing comprising a sacrificial coating composition, as well as an indirect printing process comprising a step of applying a sacrificial coating composition to a blanket material.
US09902850B2
A thermoplastic resin composition includes (A) a rubber-modified vinyl-based graft copolymer, (B) a silicone-modified aromatic vinyl-based copolymer, and (C) an aromatic vinyl-unsaturated nitrile-based copolymer. The thermoplastic resin composition can exhibit low-gloss characteristics and a synergistic effect of impact resistance and heat resistance.
US09902848B2
The invention relates to a vinyl chloride resin composition and a vinyl chloride resin molded article obtained by molding the vinyl chloride resin composition, wherein the vinyl chloride resin composition contains a vinyl chloride resin (A), a stabilizer (B) as a compound containing at least one of calcium and zinc, and a processing auxiliary (C). The processing auxiliary (C) is a copolymer containing 19 mass % to 95 mass % of a methyl methacrylate monomer (c1) unit and 5 mass % to 81 mass % of an alkyl methacrylate monomer (c2) unit having a C3-C5 alkyl group.
US09902833B2
A pretreatment liquid for ink jet textile printing according to an aspect of the invention used by being applied to a fabric before applying an ink composition for ink jet textile printing to the fabric includes a multivalent metal salt; and an aqueous medium, in which the concentration of the multivalent metal salt is within in a range of 0.025 mol/kg or more and 0.08 mol/kg or less. A textile printing method according to another aspect the invention includes applying a pretreatment liquid to at least a partial region of a fabric; and applying an ink composition for ink jet textile printing to at least a portion of the region to which the pretreatment liquid is applied.
US09902832B2
Inorganic, halogen-free flameproofing agent on the basis of chemically modified recarbonized red mud
The disclosure relates to an inorganic, halogen-free flameproofing agent produced from modified, recarbonized red mud (MKRS-HT). The agent may have a mineral composition of 10 to 50 weight % of iron compounds, 12 to 35 weight % of aluminum compounds, 5 to 17 weight % of silicon compounds, 2 to 10 weight % of titanium dioxide, 0.5 to 6 weight % of calcium compounds the weight ratio of Fe (II) carbonate to the oxides of iron being at least 1. The agent, according to examples, can be used as a flame retardant in the high-temperature range. The disclosure further relates to flameproofing agent produced from modified, recarbonized and rehydrated red mud, which may be a flame retardant in the low-temperature range as well as in the high-temperature range, methods for producing same and use as flame retardants, substitutes, synergists, thermal stabilizers, heat accumulators, heat insulators and/or sound insulators and/or as electromagnetic radiation shielding materials.
US09902826B2
A transparent layered film is produced by forming an anti-water-mark layer on a first side of a transparent resin layer and forming an uneven structure on a surface of the anti-water-mark layer, wherein the anti-water-mark layer comprises a cured product of a curable composition containing a curable resin, a thermoplastic resin, and a metal oxide particle having an average primary particle size of 1 to 100 nm, and the uneven structure has a roughness average Ra of not less than 0.005 and less than 0.03 μm, a mean spacing of profile irregularities Sm of 50 to 300 μm, an average absolute slope Δa of less than 0.1°, and a ten-point average roughness Rz of less than 0.2 μm. Lamination of the film on a glass-containing upper electrode of a touch screen display prevents scattering of glass fragments produced by breakage of the upper electrode, occurrence of water marks, and sparkling on a high-definition display provided with the film.
US09902824B2
Disclosed is a process for production of a colored polyimide molded article including the steps of molding a polyamic acid solution composition containing a polyamic acid solution obtained from at least a tetracarboxylic acid component and a diamine component and a coloring precursor, or a polyimide solution composition containing a polyimide solution and a coloring precursor; and then thermally treating a molded product at 250° C. or higher.
US09902821B2
A composition [composition (C)] comprising at least one poly(aryl ether ketone) polymer having a melt flow rate (MFR) equal to or higher than 8 g/10 min at 400.degree. C. and under a load of 2.16 kg, [(PAEKHMF) polymer], from 0.1 to 50 wt. % of at least one poly(tetrafluoroethylene) polymer having a D50 particle size equal to or below 10.mu.m, and having a melt viscosity equal to or lower than 1.times.105 Pas at 372.degree. C., from 0 to 50% wt. % of at least one poly(aryl ether sulfone) polymer having a melt flow of at least 15 g/10 min at 365 degree C. and under a load of 5.0 kg, [(PAES) polymer], from 0 to 50% wt. % of at least one reinforcing filler, with the proviso that—should the composition (C) comprise a (PAES) polymer having MFR of more than 22 g/10 min, then the (PTFE) polymer is present in an amount of less than 40 wt. %, and—should the composition (C) comprise a (PAES) polymer having MFR of 22 g/10 min or less, then the (PTFE) polymer is present in an amount of less than 30 wt. %, and wherein all % are based on the total weight of the composition (C).
US09902820B2
Provided herein is a cellulose nanofiber-containing composition producing method for producing a cellulose nanofiber-containing composition that can be easily combined with compounds having a reactive double-bond group, and that contains only a small amount of uncured material that acts as a plasticizer in a molded product, using a simple producing method that does not require any process involving solvent displacement or solvent removal. A high-strength molded body prepared by using the cellulose nanofiber-containing composition is also provided. In refining cellulose in a mixture containing a compound having a reactive double-bond group and a hydroxyl group of 10 KOHmg/g or less and a defibrating resin as essential components, the cellulose has a moisture content of 4 to 25 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass of the amount of the cellulose converted on the assumption that the percentage moisture of the cellulose is 0%.
US09902817B2
Disclosed herein is a polyvinyl chloride resin, including: a first particle group having a particle diameter of 0.01 μm or more and less than 1 μm; and a second particle group having a particle diameter of 1 to 10 μm, wherein the volume ratio of the first particle group to the second particle group is 1:0.4 to 1:1.
US09902812B2
The present invention relates to a consumer goods product comprising a consumer goods product ingredient and a functionalised lignin oligomer, wherein the functionalised lignin oligomer: (a) has an average number of lignin monomers of from 3 to 8; (b) comprises a siloxane functional group; (c) comprises a functionalisation content between 85 and 0.5% lignin (m/m).
US09902808B2
A copolymerized polyamide resin includes a polymer of a monomer mixture comprising a dicarboxylic acid component comprising adipic acid and a dicarboxylic acid represented by Formula 1, wherein each R1 is independently a C1 to C5 alkyl group and a is an integer from 0 to 4, and a diamine component comprising m-xylene diamine and a diamine represented by Formula 2, wherein A is a single bond or a C1 to C10 hydrocarbon group, R2 and R3 are each independently a C1 to C5 alkyl group, and b and c are each independently an integer from 0 to 4, wherein the copolymerized polyamide resin has a difference between a melting temperature (Tm) and a crystallization temperature (Tc) of about 50° C. or more. The copolymerized polyamide resin may have excellent heat resistance and reduced or no gel generation and yellowing phenomenon in a molding process.
US09902802B2
An article of manufacture includes a zinc sulfide layer and a coupling agent adhered to the zinc sulfide layer by a disulfide bond. The coupling agent comprises a functional group extending from the zinc sulfide layer.
US09902797B2
The present invention is directed to a method for producing an oxymethylene copolymer by subjecting trioxane and 1,3-dioxolane to copolymerization using boron trifluoride or a coordination compound thereof as a catalyst, wherein the copolymerization is conducted in the presence of a steric-hindrance phenol in an amount of 0.006 to 2.0% by weight, based on the weight of the trioxane, using 0.01 to 0.07 mmol of boron trifluoride or a coordination compound thereof as a catalyst, relative to 1 mol of the trioxane, and wherein, at a point in time when the polymerization yield becomes 92% or more, the formed oxymethylene copolymer and a polymerization terminator are contacted to terminate the polymerization.
US09902796B2
Provided are core-shell structured polymer particles capable of enhancing abrasion resistance, rolling resistance and wet slip resistance of rubber while improving mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tensile elongation, a rubber composition including the same, and a molded rubber article, for example, a tire, prepared therefrom. Such core-shell structured polymer particles are capable of enhancing abrasion resistance (lifespan property), rolling resistance (fuel efficiency performance) and wet slip resistance (brake performance) while providing excellent mechanical properties to rubber.Accordingly, the molded rubber article, for example, a tire, prepared from the rubber composition including the core-shell structured polymer particles is capable having an excellent lifespan property, fuel efficiency performance and brake performance while exhibiting excellent mechanical properties.
US09902794B2
Provided are a curable composition exhibiting excellent solvent solubility while maintaining a high refractive index; an optical component using such a curable composition; and a compound. The curable composition contains a compound represented by the following Formula (1) and at least one kind selected from thermal radical polymerization initiators or photo radical polymerization initiators. In Formula (1), Ar1 to Ar4 each independently represent an aromatic ring, at least one of Ar1, . . . , or Ar4 represents a benzothiazole ring, a benzoxazole ring, an aromatic ring containing a benzothiazole ring or a benzoxazole ring, or an aromatic ring having a benzothiazolyl group or a benzoxazolyl group as a substituent, and two or more of Y1 to Y4 represent a polymerizable group.
US09902789B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a hybrid supported metallocene catalyst by using two or more different types of metallocene compounds. One type of the metallocene compounds shows a high polymerization activity even when it is supported, and thus the catalyst has an excellent activity and can be utilized in the polymerization of olefinic polymers having ultra-high molecular weight. Based on the hybrid supported metallocene catalyst obtained according to the preparation method of the present invention, an olefinic polymer having high molecular weight and the desired physical property can be prepared.
US09902782B2
Provided is an anti-human Tie2 antibody for preventing or treating diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and critical limb ischemia by binding to a human Tie2 to activate the human Tie2. The present inventors have conducted investigations on an anti-human Tie2 antibody, and have thus provided an anti-human Tie2 antibody comprising four heavy chain variable regions and four light chain variable regions, in which the heavy chain variable region consists of the amino acid sequence of the amino acid numbers 1 to 122 of SEQ ID NO: 2, the light chain variable region consists of the amino acid sequence of the amino acid numbers 1 to 113 of SEQ ID NO: 4, the one heavy chain variable region and the one light chain variable region constitute one antigen-binding site, and the antibody comprises four antigen-binding sites.
US09902780B2
This invention provides antibodies that specifically bind to and typically neutralize botulinum neurotoxins (e.g., BoNT/A, BoNT/B, BoNT/E, etc.) and the epitopes bound by those antibodies. The antibodies and derivatives thereof and/or other antibodies that specifically bind to the neutralizing epitopes provided herein can be used to neutralize botulinum neurotoxin and are therefore also useful in the treatment of botulism.
US09902778B2
The invention relates to the treatment and/or prevention of tumor diseases associated with cells expressing CLDN6, in particular cancer and cancer metastasis using antibodies which bind to CLDN6. The present application demonstrates that the binding of antibodies to CLDN6 on the surface of tumor cells is sufficient to inhibit growth of the tumor and to prolong survival and extend the lifespan of tumor patients. Furthermore, binding of antibodies to CLDN6 is efficient in inhibiting growth of CLDN6 positive germ cell tumors such as teratocarcinomas or embryonal carcinomas, in particular germ cell tumors of the testis.
US09902775B2
Antibodies and antibody fragments that bind to BDCA2 are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the antibodies and antibody fragments to induce death of a plasmacytoid dendritic cell, inhibit production or secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and treat or prevent immunological disorders such as inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
US09902774B2
A method for the treatment of inflammatory disorders is disclosed, particularly the treatment of arthritis. The method comprises the administration of a function blocking antibody which is capable of binding an epitope of VLA-1.
US09902773B2
The present invention relates to immunoglobulins that bind FcγRIIb+ cells and coengage the antigen on the cell's surface and an FcγRIIb on the cell's surface, methods for their generation, and methods for using the immunoglobulins.
US09902766B2
Isolated monoclonal antibodies are disclosed herein that specifically bind endoplasmin. In some embodiments these antibodies are fully human. Recombinant nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, expression vectors including these nucleic acids, and host cells transformed with these expression vectors are also disclosed herein. In several embodiments the disclosed antibodies are of use for detecting and/or treating tumors that express endoplasmin, such as melanoma, breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, renal cancer, lung cancer, glioma, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer. In one example, the tumor is a melanoma.
US09902764B2
The present invention provides, among other things, antibody agents (e.g., antibodies, and/or antigen-binding fragments thereof) that bind to DV epitopes, as well as compositions containing them and methods of designing, providing, formulating, using, identifying and/or characterizing them. In some embodiments, provided antibody agents show significant binding to a plurality of DV serotypes. In some embodiments, provided antibody agents show significant binding to all four DV serotypes. Such antibody agents are useful, for example, in the prophylaxis, treatment, diagnosis, and/or study of DV.
US09902753B2
The present invention relates to a long-acting human growth hormone NexP-hGH protein and its production method. More specifically, it relates to a specific isoform of long-acting human growth hormone NexP-hGH protein in which human growth hormone is fused with a highly glycosylated alpha-1 antitrypsin mutant whereby long-acting properties in vivo are increased. The present invention also relates to a high-purity purification method for NexP-hGH, which includes the steps of: (a) carrying out anion-exchange resin chromatography on a biological emulsion comprising NexP-hGH in which human growth hormone is fused with an alpha-1 antitrypsin mutant; (b) carrying out hydrophobic resin chromatography on the biological emulsion comprising NexP-hGH, or on the eluate produced in step (a); and (c) carrying out affinity chromatography, entailing packing with a resin to which anti-alpha-1 antitrypsin antibody fragments are attached, on the biological emulsion comprising NexP-hGH and on the eluate produced in step (a) or step (b).
US09902747B2
The present invention relates to a novel phosphite compound represented by the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 5 to 8 carbon atoms, an alkylcycloalkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, an aralkyl group having 7 to 12 carbon atoms, or an aryl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, a process for producing the same, and uses thereof as a stabilizer for an organic material.
US09902746B2
The present inventors prepared novel benzoxaphosphole compounds and shown a process for the synthesizing these novel compounds. The process of preparing the compounds is simple, transition metal free and gives product with high yield. The synthesized benzoxaphosphole compounds are expected to show potential biological.
US09902745B2
Large scale (bulk) compositions comprising high-purity stannsoporfin are disclosed, as well as methods of synthesizing such compositions.
US09902743B2
A composition and method are disclosed for capturing CO2. A pollutant/greenhouse gas can be converted into a valuable organic compound using a nontoxic reducing agent. CO2 may be economically captured from the atmosphere, from products of combustion, or from byproducts of various chemical processes. The method reduces CO2 in a three-step reaction cycle, in which a binuclear metal-organic compound converts CO2 to oxalate in a redox cycle under mild conditions.
US09902742B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (Ia): or a stereoisomer, a tautomer, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein all the variables are as defined herein. These compounds are selective factor XIa inhibitors or dual inhibitors of FXIa and plasma kallikrein. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and methods of treating thromboembolic and/or inflammatory disorders using the same.
US09902741B2
Compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein ring A, ring B, W, m, D, R2, R2a, R3, R3a, and Z are as defined herein, are inhibitors of Trk kinases and are useful in the treatment of pain, cancer, inflammation, neurodegenerative diseases and certain infectious diseases.
US09902738B2
Disclosed herein are compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions that include such compounds, for preventing, treating, and/or protecting against sensory hair cell death. Methods of using the compounds, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, are also disclosed.
US09902732B2
Stable crystalline forms of a compound represented by the formula (IA): an acid addition salt, and/or a solvate thereof are provided by the present invention. Said crystalline forms are extremely useful as materials for preparing medicines. Novel processes for preparing 6,7-unsaturated-7-carbamoyl morphinan derivatives are also provided by the present invention.
US09902730B2
The invention provides a compounds, immunogenic compositions and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat diseases or disorders associated with Toll-Like Receptor 7 activity.
US09902715B2
The present invention relates to novel retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) modulators and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by RORγ.
US09902712B2
The present invention relates to the field of medicine, provided herein are novel nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds, their preparation methods and their uses as drugs, especially for treatment and prevention of tissue fibrosis. Also provided herein are pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the nitrogenous heterocyclic compounds and the uses of the compositions in the treatment of human or animal tissue fibrosis, especially for human or animal renal interstitial fibrosis, glomerular sclerosis, liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, IPF, peritoneal fibrosis, myocardial fibrosis, dermatofibrosis, postsurgical adhesion, benign prostatic hyperplasia, skeletal muscle fibrosis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, pancreatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, myosarcoma, neurofibroma, pulmonary interstitial fibrosis, diabetic nephropathy, alzheimer disease or vascular fibrosis.
US09902710B2
Substituted 6, 7-dialkoxy-3-isoquinoline derivatives as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE 10A)
The invention relates to compounds of the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R′, R1 through R7 and Ar are as defined herein. These compounds are useful as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 10 (PDE10A) which are useful in treating central nervous system diseases such as psychosis and also in treating, for example, obesity, type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, pain and ophthalmic diseases.
US09902708B2
One embodiment of the present invention can provide an optical material composition that includes a cyclic compound that is represented by formula (1) and an episulfide that is represented by formula (2). Another embodiment of the present invention can provide an optical material production method that includes a step wherein, with respect to the total amount of the optical material composition, 0.0001-10 mass % of a polymerization catalyst is added to the optical material composition and the optical material composition is polymerization cured. (In formula (2), m is an integer from 0 to 4, and n is an integer from 0 to 2.)
US09902705B2
The present application relates to functionalized 1,2,4,5-tetrazine compounds. The compounds are useful in compositions and methods using bioorthogonal inverse electron demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition reactions for the rapid and specific covalent delivery of a “payload” to a ligand bound to a biological target.
US09902704B2
The present invention relates to a triazole compound of formula I, an N-oxide or an agriculturally suitable salt thereof, wherein the variables are defined as in the specification. The invention further refers to a composition comprising such compound and to the use thereof for controlling unwanted vegetation.
US09902686B2
A one-to-many parallelized millireactor system capable of high throughput production in millireactors. Also disclosed is a method for carrying out multi-phase reactions.
US09902685B2
The present invention relates to a method for reducing the production of methane emanating from the digestive activities of a ruminant and/or for improving ruminant animal performance by using, as active compound at least one organic molecule substituted at any position with at least one nitrooxy group, or a salt thereof, which is administrated to the animal together with the feed. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in feed and feed additives such as premix, concentrates and total mixed ration (TMR) or in the form of a bolus.
US09902681B2
The invention describes novel mono-hydroxy, di-hydroxy and tri-hydroxy docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) analogs, their preparation, isolation, identification, purification and uses thereof. Resolution of inflammation is now held to be an active process where autacoids promote homeostasis. Using functional-metabololipidomics and in vivo systems, endogenous n-3 docosapentaenoic (DPA) acid is converted during inflammation-resolution in mice and by human leukocytes to novel n-3 products congenerous to D-series resolvins (Rv), protectins (PD) and maresins (MaR), termed specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM). The new n-3 DPA structures include 7,8,17-trihydroxy-9,11,13,15E, 19Zdocosapentaenoic acid (RvD1n_3 DPA), 7, 14-dihydroxy-8, 10, 12, 16Z, 19Z-docosapentaenoic acid (MaR1n_3 DPA) and related bioactive products.
US09902674B2
The present invention relates to a new method to produce 2,5-dimethylphenol (2,5-DMP).
US09902670B2
The present invention provides a method that produces a composition containing 1223xd and/or 1213xa by a gas-phase reaction, and that achieves production efficiency higher than known methods. The present invention provides a method for producing a composition containing at least one fluorine-containing olefin selected from 1,2-dichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1223xd) and 1,1,2-trichloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (CFO-1213xa), the method comprising subjecting at least one starting compound selected from a chlorine-containing alkane represented by Formula (1-1): CF3CHXCHX2, wherein each X is independently H or Cl, with the proviso that at least one X represents Cl, and a chlorine-containing alkene represented by Formula (1-2): CF3CX═CX2, wherein each X is independently H or Cl, with the proviso that at least one X represents Cl, to a gas-phase oxychlorination reaction in a temperature range of 380° C. or lower in the presence of oxidative gas and hydrogen chloride gas.
US09902667B2
An energy conservation process directed to the purification of styrene monomer via distillation after the dehydrogenation reaction of ethylbenzene to produce crude styrene is disclosed. As practiced today, the purification of styrene via distillation requires large amounts of energy (i.e., steam) to provide heat to the various distillation columns. The presently disclosed improved process allows for a reduction in the amount of steam needed for this purpose.
US09902649B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a surface-treated glass fiber film comprising steps of: preparing a treatment solution consisting of a mixture of a hydrolysable silane compound and a partially hydrolyzed condensate thereof; coating a glass fiber film with the treatment solution so that the attached amount of the mixture is 2% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, relative to 100% by mass of the surface-treated glass fiber film and drying the same; and heat-treating the glass fiber film coated. There can be provided a method for producing a surface-treated glass fiber film having high strength, a low average coefficient of linear expansion, a high storage rigidity at high temperature and excellent in heat resistance, flexibility, electric insulation, dimensional stability, and surface homogeneity, with less environmental impact.
US09902647B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing phase-separated glass, sequentially including a melting step of melting a glass, a phase separation step of separating phases in the glass, and a shaping step of shaping the glass, and to the phase-separated glass obtained by the production method.
US09902645B2
Provided is a non-alkali glass having a strain point of 680° C. or higher, having an average thermal expansion coefficient of from 30×10−7/° C. to 45×10−7/° C. at from 50° C. to 350° C., containing, indicated by mass % on the basis of oxides: SiO2: 54% to 66%, Al2O3: 10% to 27%, B2O3: 0.2% to 5.5%, MgO: 0% to 10%, CaO: 0% to 15%, SrO: 0% to 15%, BaO: 0% to 15%, and MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO: 8% to 25%, containing 600 mass ppm or less of Na2O, and satisfying a mass ratio (Na2O/B2O3) between Na2O and B2O3 being from 0.001 to 0.3.
US09902643B2
A production method of an optical fiber preform includes: forming a porous preform by depositing silica particles at an outer periphery of a core rod; and vitrifying the porous preform by conducting thermal treatment steps. At a first thermal treatment step that is an initial thermal treatment step of the thermal treatment steps, the porous preform is heated so that internal temperatures at two end portions in a longitudinal direction of the porous preform increase before an internal temperature of a center portion in the longitudinal direction increases.
US09902641B2
A mold for shaping glass-based material can include a mold body having a surface, wherein at least a portion of the mold body near the surface comprises at least about 90% by weight nickel and from about 0.2% to about 0.35% by weight manganese; and a nickel oxide layer on the surface of the mold body. The nickel oxide layer has first and second opposing surfaces wherein the first surface of the nickel oxide layer contacts and faces the surface of the mold body and the second surface of the nickel oxide layer includes a plurality of grains. The plurality of grains has an average grain size of about 150 μm or less.
US09902640B2
Methods and apparatus provide for modification of a work-piece at elevated temperatures. A carrier may be provided and operable to support the work-piece. A support mechanism may be provided that is movable via gross translation between a retracted position such that a distal end thereof is away from the carrier, and an extended position such that the distal end thereof is at least proximate to the carrier. A work-piece modification system may be coupled to, and disposed proximate to, the distal end of the support mechanism, and operating to facilitate modifying the work-piece at an elevated temperature. A precision tuning mechanism may couple the work-piece modification system to the support mechanism, and may operate to provide fine adjustments to an orientation, and a distance, of the work-piece modification system relative to the work-piece.
US09902629B2
An apparatus for magnetic treatment of fluids comprises a tubular body which retains a plurality of magnets and which defines an inner flow channel, a plurality of spaced apart positioning rings secured in the flow channel to the body, each positioning ring having including a plurality of annularly distributed, radially extending turbulence fins disposed in alignment with and annularly to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the tubular body, and one or more radially extending support posts, one support post on a first one of the rings having an outwardly-biased retaining pin, and one of the support posts on a second one of the rings including an outwardly-oriented locking nut for locking the second ring flow channel of the tubular body by rotatably extending the nut from the post.
US09902624B2
A preparation method for a composite ferrate reagent. 1, Weigh raw materials; 2, evenly mix a ferric salt, an activating agent and an alkali maintaining agent and heat the mixture; 3, add an oxidant solution; and 4, cool and mix the solution with water. The technical problems of high energy consumption, low yield and poor ferrate product stability of the existing method for preparing ferrate are solved. The obtained product can be stably stored, and the yield of the ferrate reaches 60% to 95%.
US09902623B2
Provided are a macroporous titanium compound monolith and a production method thereof, the macroporous titanium compound monolith having a framework that is composed of a titanium compound other than titanium dioxide, having controlled macropores, and having electron conductivity, the titanium compound being oxygen-deficient titanium oxide, titanium oxynitride, or titanium nitride. Provided is a method including: placing a macroporous titanium dioxide monolith and a metal having titanium-reducing ability in a container, the macroporous titanium dioxide monolith having a co-continuous structure of a macropore and a framework that is composed of titanium dioxide; creating a vacuum atmosphere or an inert gas atmosphere within the container; and heating the monolith and the metal to cause gas-phase reduction that removes oxygen atom from the titanium dioxide composing the monolith by the metal acting as an oxygen getter, thereby obtaining a macroporous oxygen-deficient titanium oxide monolith having a co-continuous structure of the macropore and a framework that is composed of oxygen-deficient titanium oxide, the macroporous oxygen-deficient titanium oxide monolith having electron conductivity derived from the oxygen-deficient titanium oxide.
US09902622B2
A method for preparing zirconium boride and synchronously preparing a cryolite is provided which includes the following steps: Step A: placing aluminum in a reactor, heating the reactor to 700-850 degrees centigrade, and adding the mixture of fluorozirconate and fluoborate; and Step B: stirring the reactants for 4-6 hours and extracting the upper molten liquid to obtain a cryolite, wherein the lower substance is zirconium boride. The disclosure has the following beneficial effects: the new zirconium boride preparation method provided herein is simple in preparation flow and the device used, short in preparation period and high in reaction efficiency, the prepared zirconium boride with many contact angles has a large specific surface area and contains a controllable amount of aluminum.
US09902614B2
Disclosed is a method of producing hydrogen from formaldehyde, the method comprising obtaining an aqueous mixture having a basic pH and comprising formaldehyde, an iron containing photocatalyst, and a base, and subjecting the aqueous mixture to light to produce hydrogen (H2) gas from the formaldehyde.
US09902612B2
A method for forming a microelectromechanical device may provide forming a first layer at least one of in or over a semiconductor carrier; forming a second layer at least one of in or over at least a central region of the first layer, such that a peripheral region of the first layer is at least partially free of the second layer; removing material under at least a central region of the second layer to release at least one of the central region of the second layer or a central region of the first layer; and/or removing material under at least the peripheral region of the first layer to such that the second layer is supported by the semiconductor carrier via the first layer.
US09902609B2
One exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to, among other things, a tunable cushion including a core made of a polymer material, and at least one topper layer adjacent the core, which is also made of a polymer material. Further, the core and the at least one topper layer provide a cushion assembly having a support factor of less than or equal to 4 with an Indentation Load Deflection (ILD) determined using a 4 inch batt sample of the cushion assembly.
US09902608B2
A safety device for equestrian sports uses at least one hook-and-loop fastener for connecting ends of the control lines for guiding a horse such that the ends of the control lines will separate and thereby stop a fallen rider or driver from being dragged by a horse or a horse drawn vehicle.
US09902607B2
A liquid transportation system includes a loading station where a liquid is loaded into a container of a delivery vehicle, and a drop off location where the delivery vehicle transfers the liquid into a storage tank. The storage tank includes a tank marker including a first identification device that generates a first signal. The first signal identifies a type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank. The delivery vehicle includes a product marker having a control system and a second identification device. The second identification device identifies a type of liquid contained in the container. The control system receives the first signal and the second signal and determines whether the type of the liquid stored in the container is the same as the type of liquid to be stored in the storage tank.
US09902606B2
Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques for labeling a refill contain and/or for enabling operation of the refill container by a dispensing system based upon one or more indicia of the label satisfying a dispensing key are provided. In an example, a label may be applied to a refill container. The label may comprise a first region having a first indicia that may correspond to a shape, color, and/or texture (e.g., a yellow star indicia). A dispensing system may enable operation of the refill container (e.g., installation and/or dispensing of material from the refill container) based upon the first indicia satisfying a dispensing key (e.g., a yellow key component and/or a star shape component). Otherwise, the dispensing system does not enable operation of the refill container (e.g., the refill container is not genuine or is not an appropriate refill container type).
US09902598B2
Braking systems and methods are provided for a drum winch system having a winch drum having an outer surface and a winch drum braking system. The winch drum braking system has a first brake having a first brake lining, located adjacent to the winch drum, and a first three-ring ratchet linkage system connected to the first brake lining. The first three-ring ratchet linkage system is rotatable and adapted to move the first brake lining to a first position or a second position with respect to the outer surface of the winch drum. In the first position, the first brake lining contacts the outer surface of the winch drum to apply break force thereon, and, in the second position, the first brake lining is separated from the winch drum.
US09902597B2
Disclosed is a torque limiter for a power winch, and a torque limit mechanism is installed for timely cut off the power transmission whenever the reverse torque generated by a carrying load exceeds a torque bearable by the power supply during a power transmission process for transmitting the power outputted from a power supply to a reduction mechanism through a long shaft, so as to prevent the power supply from being damaged by overload. The torque limit mechanism is formed by a torsion shaft, a friction plate, a brake pad, a disc-shaped elastic member, an adjustable positioning ring and a positioning screw ring.
US09902588B2
A payout tube for enabling payout of a consumable filament from a consumable assembly that is configured for use with an additive manufacturing system, the payout tube comprising a tip end having an inlet opening, a base end having an outlet opening, and a tube body having an average effective outer diameter that is substantially greater than an effective inner diameter of the inlet opening.
US09902587B2
An apparatus for fabricating a stretch film roll includes a device configured to fold a stretch film web to yield a folded stretch film web comprising at least one longitudinal band of increased thickness, with each band of increased thickness being spaced from the longitudinal edges of the folded stretch film web, and a driven winding shaft for winding the folded stretch film web.
US09902586B2
A sheet processing apparatus capable of creating fold sections suitable for an apparatus that performs saddle-stitch processing on fold sections. A sheet processing apparatus includes a printer engine configured to form an image on a recording sheet. The sheet processing apparatus sets a bookbinding lap which is a distance between a first sheet end and a second sheet end of the recording sheet assumed to have been folded in two. A finisher creates the fold section by forming a folding line on recording sheets according to a reference line which is shifted from the centerline of the recording sheet by the bookbinding lap.
US09902578B2
A sheet containing device, which is included in a sheet feeder and an image forming apparatus, includes a first sheet container, a second sheet container disposed adjacent to the first sheet container, a transfer unit to transfer a bundle of sheets contained in the second sheet container to the first sheet container, a pair of side fences including a first side fence and a second side fence to regulate a position of the bundle of sheets in a width direction of the bundle of sheets loaded on the first sheet container, and a pressing unit mounted on the first side fence and pressing the bundle of sheets loaded on the first sheet container against the second side fence.
US09902569B2
The invention relates to a sorting system of the support structure type, which includes known sorting systems such as tray type sorting systems. They include a track along which carts and support structures are conveyed. Cover plates are arranged to close gaps between the support structures, also when the support structures are conveyed through curved sections, so that conveyed items are prevented from falling through the gaps. The invention further involves a gap closing kit for a support structure sorting system. The invention also involves a method of providing a support structure sorting system having a gap substantially closed between at least two support structures. The cover plates are connected to the support structures by leading systems as well as connected to guiding systems, which guiding systems have one part fixated to an adjacent cart. The support structures, the guiding systems and the leading systems are configured to control movement of the cover plates relative to the support structures in order to close a gap between adjacent support structures, when conveyed in sections of a track, which track may have only horizontal straight and curved sections, or include inclined or declined straight or curved sections.
US09902568B2
A conveyance apparatus including a variable jig and a driving method thereof. The conveyance apparatus includes a transport unit including a transfer belt extending from a loading position to an unloading position of works, the transport unit being a movement path for the works, a variable jig module disposed with respect to a position, where the works stop, in the movement path to support the works, the variable jig module being a variable jig that varies a supporting base, based on shapes of the works, a sensing unit disposed outside the transfer belt with respect to the variable jig module to measure a movement or position of the works, an image processing unit configured to perform image processing on the works transported through the transfer belt, and a controller electrically connected to the variable jig module to control an operation of the variable jig module.
US09902563B2
A conveyor is provided with a supply roll, a corrective holding part and an additional holding part. The supply roll rotatably supports a belt-shaped cell material for an electrode or a separator. The corrective holding part conveys and holds the cell material fed out from the supply roll while bending a first side surface of the cell material that lies against an outer peripheral side of the supply roll into a concave shape. The additional holding part conveys and holds the cell material while bending a second side surface of the cell material into a concave shape. The holding parts include a curved contact surfaces that contact opposite side surface of the cell material. The curved contact surface of the corrective holding part has a radius of curvature that is less than a radius of curvature of the curved contact surface of the additional holding part.
US09902555B2
The present invention concerns a capsule (11) containing a beverage ingredient, adapted to be functionally inserted in a food preparation machine (1), said capsule comprising walls (12) that define a cavity wherein said beverage is prepared by mixing said ingredient with a fluid injected therein under pressure by said machine, said capsule further comprising a dispensing opening (13), and opening means that open upon effect of the rise of pressure within said cavity, characterized in that said opening means comprise a flow-conducting channel (14) able to connect the capsule cavity to the dispensing opening (13) and a spring-mounted piston plug (15) that is movable in said channel between: (i) a closed position where said cavity pressure is below a first predetermined pressure Pc, the piston spring (16) is at rest, and the piston plug (15) seals against a sealing portion (19) of the channel walls, (ii) a dispensing position where said cavity pressure is equal or superior to Pc, the piston spring (16) is elastically deformed and the piston plug (15) is moved away from the channel walls so that beverage can flow outside of said capsule through said channel (14).
US09902550B2
The present disclosure is directed to a box. The box includes six outwardly facing surfaces, the surfaces comprising a first face spaced apart from a second face, a top face spaced apart from a bottom face, and a left side face substantially parallel to and spaced apart from a right side face, the surfaces forming an interior space of the box, and at least one flap formed in a first face, wherein the flap is configured for deflection from the surface of the first face into the interior of the box, wherein the box is configured to enclose one or more sheets in an interior of the box, wherein the at least one flap is configured to support the one or more sheets in a position nearer the top face than the bottom face.
US09902535B2
A child-resistant closure for a container, the closure comprising outer and inner nested caps each having a top panel and a side skirt depending generally peripherally therefrom, said outer cap loosely generally encompassing said inner cap to allow relative rotary and axial movement there between, the outer and inner caps having corresponding drive formations which can be brought into driving engagement when the caps are moved axially towards one another to a first axial position, one of the inner and outer caps comprising one or more spring members for urging the inner and outer caps axially away from each other to a second axial position, the other of the inner and outer caps comprising one or more ramps.
US09902532B2
A pourer comprises a conduit having an inlet and an outlet; sealing means comprising a plurality of sealing members extending radially from the conduit and dimensioned to engage an interior surface of a bottle neck; an air vent having an inlet and an outlet; the inlet and outlet of each of the conduit and air vent being located on opposite sides of the sealing means; wherein the pourer has no component with a diameter greater than a diameter to engage completely within the bottle neck. In this way, the pourer is configured to be inserted into a bottle neck without any part of the pourer extending outwardly from the bottle neck; and wherein the conduit includes a chamber having a valve comprising an annular valve seat and a moveable member located in the chamber arranged to engage the valve seat to close the valve when the pourer is inverted.
US09902524B2
The present invention generally relates to a sheetlike composite (3) comprising a layer configuration with at least the following layers: i. a first layer of thermoplastic KSu (13); ii. a carrier layer (4); iii. a barrier layer (5); iv. a second layer of thermoplastic KSw (7); wherein the sheetlike composite has at least one further layer of thermoplastic KSv (35); wherein the Vicat softening temperature of the layer of thermoplastic KSu (13) is higher than the Vicat softening temperature of the layer of thermoplastic KSw (7). The present invention furthermore relates to a process for the production of the sheetlike composite, a container surrounding an interior which comprises at least one such sheetlike composite, and a process for the production of this container.
US09902500B2
An aircraft having at least one first and one second engine, each engine comprising a main air inlet opening, a by-pass air inlet opening and a bleed air outlet, said main air inlet opening being provided with an inlet barrier filter for filtering a main air stream through said main air inlet opening into the engine, said by-pass air inlet opening being provided with a by-pass door that is operable by an associated operating element to enable a by-pass air stream through said by-pass air inlet opening into the engine, and said bleed air outlet being provided for creating an outgoing bleed air stream going out of the engine in operation, at least one associated operating element being controllable by an outgoing bleed air stream.
US09902495B2
An unmanned aerial vehicle includes at least one rotor motor configured to drive at least one propeller to rotate. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a data center including a processor; a data storage component; and a wireless communications component. The unmanned aerial vehicle includes a hybrid generator system configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor and to the data center, the hybrid generator system including a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor; an engine configured to generate mechanical power; and a generator motor coupled to the engine and configured to generate electrical power from the mechanical power generated by the engine. The data center may include an intelligent data management module configured to control power distribution and execution of mission tasks in response to available power generation and mission task priorities.
US09902491B2
A reconfigurable unmanned aircraft system is disclosed. A system and method for configuring a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft and system and method for operation and management of a reconfigurable unmanned aircraft in an airspace are also disclosed. The aircraft is selectively reconfigurable to modify flight characteristics. The aircraft comprises a set of rotors. The position of at least one rotor relative to the base can be modified by at least one of translation of the rotor relative to the boom, pivoting of the boom relative to the base, and translation of the boom relative to the base; so that flight characteristics can be modified by configuration of position of at least one rotor relative to the base. A method of configuring an aircraft having a set of rotors on a mission to carry a payload comprises the steps of determining properties of the payload including at least mass properties, determining the manner in which the payload will be coupled to the aircraft, determining configuration for each of the rotors in the set of rotors at least partially in consideration of the properties of the payload, and positioning the set of rotors in the configuration for the aircraft to perform the mission.
US09902485B2
Systems, methods, and apparatus for permitting evacuation of an aircraft following a water landing are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method involves deploying, an evacuation unit, from inside a storage housing located proximate a door of the aircraft. In one or more embodiments, the evacuation unit comprises at least one step and a wave fence. In at least one embodiment, when the evacuation unit is fully deployed, at least a portion of the wave fence is in water-tight contact with at least a portion of a frame of the door such that water flow into the aircraft is prevented and/or inhibited.
US09902481B2
An aircraft interior equipment component (10) with a frame (12) which comprises two rigid frame sections (14a-h) and a joint (16a-h) connecting the rigid frame sections (14a-h) to one another, and with a sheetlike section (18) which is supported by the frame (12) and is formed by a flexible and/or foldable membrane (20) connected to the frame (12).
US09902476B1
A life vest with a rescue handle located on the back side thereof. The rescue handle has a flange located at the lower end thereof, the flange being attached to the back side of the life vest with the rescue handle extending substantially vertically upwards. The rescue handle is attached to the back side of the life vest in a manner adapted to support the weight of a user. The rescue handle has a non-loop shape that eliminates the potential for entanglement with objects in the water.
US09902471B2
Methods and systems are for transferring fluid cargo between a first vessel and a second vessel at open sea in a Parallel configuration. The first vessel is equipped with a cargo connection point and the second vessel is equipped with cargo manifold. A tubular line is connectable between the cargo connection point and the cargo manifold. The method can include attaching a self-propelled buoy to the second vessel; connecting a cargo connection between the self-propelled buoy and the cargo manifold; connecting a cargo line between the cargo connection point and the self-propelled buoy; transferring cargo between the cargo connection point and the cargo vessel; and relying on the self-propelled buoy to keep the self-propelled buoy within predetermined distance boundaries from the first vessel also when the self-propelled buoy is attached to the second vessel.
US09902465B2
Disclosed are an moving apparatus and a method of performing work to an interior of a hull block. The moving apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a guide rail configured to guide a working robot, a moving means driving unit configured to move the moving apparatus, and a storage battery configured to supply electricity to the moving means driving unit.
US09902460B2
A chassis controller controls a shock absorber of a bicycle for spring-assisted damping of a relative movement between a first and a second connecting unit. A damper device and a spring device absorb shocks between the connecting units. A sensor device acquires measurement data relating to a relative movement of the connecting units. A control device controls the shock absorber. The sensor device has a scaling device connected to one of the connecting units and the sensor device extends over a measuring section in a direction of movement of the relative movement. The scaling device has a structure with magnetic properties that repeat periodically over the measuring section. The sensor device has a detector head which interacts with the scaling device, is connected to the other of the connecting units and determines a position of the shock absorber.
US09902454B1
A foldable velocipede for ease of stowage includes a bicycle that comprises a frame. The frame has a top tube and a down tube. The top tube and the down tube each comprise a front section and a rear section. Each of a pair of rotators is coupled to and extends between a respective front section and an associated rear section. The rotators are selectively positionable in extended configurations, wherein each front section extends linearly from an associated rear section and the bicycle is configured for riding. The top tube and the down tube also are selectively positionable in folded configurations, wherein each front section is positioned substantially adjacent to an associated rear section and the bicycle is configured for stowage. The improvement is the pair of rotators that is positioned singly in the top tube and the down tube such that the bicycle is reversibly foldable.
US09902452B2
A bicycle includes a computing device including a processor and a memory. The processor is programmed to communicate with a user input device of a vehicle when the bicycle is docked to the vehicle. The processor is programmed to communicate with a mobile device when the bicycle is undocked from the vehicle.
US09902447B2
A system for selective anchoring a climbing vehicle or robot to a surface of a structure. The system includes a foot (1) having at least one surface contacting toe assembly (2). The toe assembly includes a magnetic adhesion system transitionable between an engageable state, wherein said adhesion system is configured to actively hold said toe to the surface on a plane of engagement thereby anchoring said foot to the structure, and a disengageable state to allow detachment of said foot from said surface. The adhesion system includes a magnetic field generator for projecting a magnetic field outwardly from the plane of engagement toward said engaged surface when the adhesion system is in the engageable state, to thereby generate a magnetic attractive force between the module and a magnetic target material within or beneath the surface of the structure.
US09902438B2
A system is configured to control aerodynamics of a vehicle. The vehicle includes a vehicle body arranged along a longitudinal axis with a first vehicle body end configured to face incident ambient airflow. The system includes an aerodynamic-aid element mounted to the vehicle body and configured to generate a downforce thereon via controlling the incident ambient airflow. The system also includes an adjustable flap arranged at the aerodynamic-aid element. The adjustable flap is configured to shift relative to the aerodynamic-aid element and thereby control movement of the incident ambient airflow relative to the aerodynamic-aid element. The system additionally includes a mechanism configured to vary position of the adjustable flap relative to the aerodynamic-aid element and thereby vary a magnitude of downforce generated by the aerodynamic-aid element.
US09902429B2
An automobile structural member (2) has a closed transverse section shape constituted with a first composing member (12) and a second composing member (13). The first composing member (12) has a vertical wall portion (12c), a bent portion (12b), and an inward flange (12a), and has a load transmission portion (20) formed in at least a part of a region being a region between the bent portion (12b) and the second composing member (13) and being a region of an extension of the vertical wall portion (12c) toward the second composing member (13) and which joins the bent portion (12b) and the second composing member (13). Thereby, a bending and crushing performance can be improved.
US09902411B2
The present disclosure generally relates to work block encroachment warning systems for providing protection for rail workers working in a mobile or fixed work block. For example, a vehicle (V)-aware unit installed on a moving rail vehicle and a work block limit encroachment unit mounted on a railroad may wirelessly communicate with each other to determine a distance between them. When a vehicle is moving toward an occupied work block, the distance may be used to identify potential hazards.
US09902406B2
Contemplated ladder assemblies include: a) at least two rails, b) at least one step, wherein each step is coupled to the at least two rails, such that the rails are relatively vertical and the steps are relatively horizontal, c) at least one grappling footing peg, wherein the peg is operationally coupled with a rail, d) at least one safety handle, wherein the handle is coupled with at least one rail, and e) at least one commuter train, passenger train or railway car coupling fixture, wherein the coupling fixture operationally engages with a mating fixture on the commuter train, passenger train or railway car. In addition, contemplated ladder assemblies for use with a commuter train, a passenger train or a railway car include: at least two rails, at least one step, wherein each step is coupled to the at least two rails, such that the rails are relatively vertical and the steps are relatively horizontal, at least one grappling footing peg, wherein the peg is operationally coupled with a rail, at least one safety handle, wherein the handle is coupled with at least one rail, and at least one commuter train, passenger train or railway car coupling fixture, wherein the coupling fixture operationally engages with the ladder assembly.
US09902404B2
When transporting an article between a transport target location that belongs to, located along, or associated with, a first travel path in which actuating electricity is supplied to transport vehicles and a transport target location that belongs to, located along, or associated with, a second travel path in which actuating electricity is not supplied to transport vehicles, a managing member manages traveling of a first transport vehicle to cause the first transport vehicle to travel only along a first travel path and manages traveling of a second transport vehicle to cause the second transport vehicle to travel along both a first travel path and a second travel path.
US09902373B2
An end fitting for a wiper blade that can be mounted on a longitudinal end of the blade and that includes means for locking the end of the vertebra when in its inserted position in a longitudinal housing, the means are designed to engage with a slot made in a longitudinal edge of the end of the vertebra is disclosed, where the locking means are produced symmetrically with respect to a vertical longitudinal mid-plane of the longitudinal housing.
US09902371B2
The present invention relates to a device for dispensing a windshield-cleaning liquid for windshield wiper blades of a motor vehicle, comprising: a hydraulic pipe (7, 8) having at least one liquid flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b); at least one hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15) for transporting of liquid to said pipe or discharging the liquid from said pipe, characterized in that the dispensing device also comprises at least one non-return valve (20) received in the flow channel (7a, 7b, 8a, 8b) or in a hydraulic coupling (9, 10, 11, 15).
US09902366B2
A locking retractor includes a frame, a spool shaft rotatably mounted thereto, an outer surface of a base of a housing mounted to the frame with one end of the spool shaft extending into an opening defined through the base, one or more locking components arranged on an inner surface of the housing and configured to cooperate with the spool shaft to selectively block rotation of the spool relative to the frame, a sealing member configured to extend about and engage a periphery of the first opening and to extend about and engage a periphery of the spool shaft to form a seal between the base of the housing and the spool shaft to block ingress of moisture and particles, and a cover hermetically attached to the housing with the locking components sealed between the cover and the base of the housing.
US09902365B2
In a through anchor (10), a guide piece (24) is molded in an area around a through hole (16) in an anchor plate (12), webbing (30) is inserted through an insertion hole (26) in the guide piece (24) in such a way that the webbing is movable along a lengthwise direction, and the webbing (30) is slidably supported on a sliding surface (28) of the guide piece (24). Here, the guide piece (24) is placed only on the whole circumference of the through hole (16) in the anchor plate (12) and allows an entire outer peripheral end surface (12C) of the anchor plate (12) to be exposed. For this reason, the use amount of molding resin of the guide piece (24), which is molded from a relatively high-grade resin, and the cost of the through anchor (10) can be reduced.
US09902360B2
A cushion for a driver airbag apparatus may include: a cushion body deployed between a steering wheel and a driver, and including a front chamber contacted with the steering wheel and a rear chamber coming in contact with the driver; a middle panel installed in the cushion body so as to divide the front chamber and the rear chamber, and having an inner vent hole through which gas is introduced from the front chamber to the rear chamber; and an internal tether arranged in the front chamber, and restricting the backward movement of the middle panel such that the middle panel forms a concave shape in the forward direction when the cushion is deployed.
US09902359B2
Disclosed is an airbag apparatus which comprises: a first airbag configured to be deployed rearwardly from a steering wheel during an oblique collision of a vehicle; and a second airbag configured to be deployed rearwardly and upwardly from a position below a steering shaft during the oblique collision of the vehicle. The second airbag comprises an upward deployment portion capable of, in its deployed state, extending upwardly via a lateral side of the steering shaft, wherein the upward deployment portion is disposed between a lateral portion of the first airbag in its deployed state and an instrument panel.
US09902353B1
A device for protecting the bumper of a vehicle having an undercarriage includes a bumper protector which is connectable to the undercarriage of the vehicle. The bumper protector includes a cushion which is positionable to (1) a retracted position beneath the undercarriage of the vehicle, and (2) an extended position outwardly projecting from the vehicle. In the extended position the cushion is rotatable to an upright position outside the bumper of the vehicle. The cushion protects the bumper during a collision with another vehicle or object.
US09902352B2
Disclosed is a vehicle side wing anti-collision system, including a telescopic assembly fixed on a vehicle frame; and a collision panel located in a groove of a vehicle side body and provided correspondingly to the telescopic assembly. The groove is provided with a connection hole and the telescopic assembly is extended out of the connection hole towards two sides in a transverse direction of the vehicle to drive the collision panel to extend out of the groove till protruding from the vehicle side body when the collision panel is subjected to a collision. Through the telescopic assembly and the collision panel, protection layers are formed on two sides of the vehicle, and thus the anti-collision ability of the vehicle side wing is enhanced.
US09902351B2
A method of making a hybrid energy absorbing beam, comprises: forming a polymer member comprising a first portion, wherein the first portion includes a first ledge and a connecting ledge connected by a first portion wall; and a rib extending from the first portion wall, wherein a cross-section of the rib taken along a line, A-A, comprises a first channel formed from an opening between a channel wall and a first traverse wall of a lobe, wherein the lobe comprises the first traverse wall and a second traverse wall with a connecting wall disposed between the first traverse wall and the second traverse wall; wherein the first channel extends along a portion of a length, Lp, of the polymer member; and forming a metal/composite member; and attaching the polymer member to the metal/composite member on an opposite side of the polymer member as the connecting wall.
US09902339B2
Embodiments of a retractable storage apparatus are described. Some embodiments include a hinge component, a back support disposed on a first side of the hinge component, and a lower support disposed on the first side of the hinge component. Some embodiments include an anchor component that is disposed on a second side of the hinge component, where when the retractable storage apparatus is disengaged, the back support, the lower support, and the anchor component are substantially coplanar and disposed within a mechanism cavity. Similarly, in some embodiments, in response to receiving a force directed into the mechanism cavity, the retractable storage apparatus is engaged such that the back support and the lower support extend from the mechanism cavity to expose the back support and the lower support and the back support and the lower support rotate on the hinge component to receive a mobile device.
US09902335B2
Described are adjustable support assemblies that include a base (16), a support platform (14) elastically coupled to the base, and a slide bar (12) elastically coupled to a pair of tracks on the base, wherein the adjustable support assembly is positioned within a recess (62) of a passenger seat back (64) and at least partially surrounded by a shroud (72) so that only portions of the support platform and the slide bar extend through the shroud, wherein the adjustable support assembly is configured to securely hold portable electronic devices having a range of heights, widths, and thicknesses.
US09902331B2
A stowable accessory holder includes a compartment and a door rotatably mounted with respect to the compartment. The door is rotatable between a first, stowed position in which a side of the door faces into the compartment and a second, accessible position in which the side faces outwards from the compartment. At least one resilient retainer on the door is configured to retain an object on the door.
US09902327B1
A running board for a vehicle includes a base member mountable to a vehicle. The base member has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion extending therebetween defining a longitudinal axis. A selectively deployable step member is mounted to the base member. The selectively deployable step member is selectively slidable relative to the base member along the longitudinal axis.
US09902313B2
A two-wheeled motor vehicle is configured in such a manner that left and right side body covers (35L, 35R) are mounted to left and right seat rails (14L, 14R), respectively, so as to cover the sides of the vehicle body (20) and so as to sandwich a tail light unit (62). A rear center lower cover (50) has a cover center mounting section (51), a cover left mounting section (52L), and a cover right mounting section (52R). The cover center mounting section (51) is mounted to a second cross plate (27) together with a light center mounting section (65) and a center mounting section (46). The cover left mounting section (52L) and the cover right mounting section (52R) are individually mounted to a rear fender (40) so as to cover a part of the rear fender (40) from below.
US09902312B1
A whisker illumination apparatus is for attachment to a plow blade with one such apparatus being secured to opposite sides of the plow blade for marking the outer extremities of the plow blade. Each such apparatus includes an elongated and translucent or transparent tubular member having top and bottom ends, and a mounting piece secured to the bottom end of the elongated and translucent or transparent tubular member, and for mounting from a mounting surface of the snow plow blade so that the elongated tubular member is disposed in a substantially vertical position. The apparatus also includes an elongated light string that extends within the elongated tubular member between the top and bottom ends thereof, a source of electrical energy for the elongated light string, and conductor wiring for connecting the source of electrical energy to the elongated light string.
US09902310B2
The transport authentication system and method includes an electronic vehicle identification device configured to connect to a vehicle that is registered for on-call or scheduled transportation use with a service provider organization (“SPO”) to obtain vehicle identification information from the vehicle, such as by being connected to the OBD port of the vehicle. The obtained vehicle identification information is transmitted to a SPO for comparison with identification authentication information retained by the SPO. A notice may then be transmitted to a potential passenger or package owner to notify the individual that the vehicle is an authentic, authorized vehicle for transport service. Driver identification information may additionally be obtained for comparison to driver identification authentication information retained by the SPO. Notification may thus also be transmitted to the potential passenger or package owner that the driver is the authorized, registered driver.
US09902308B2
A vehicle lighting system comprised at least a pair of two-dimensional image forming devices whose shining areas are each divided into a plurality of elements and which are each configured to form an optical image of an arbitrary shape by changing the elements arbitrarily. The shining area of at least one of the two-dimensional image forming devices differs from the shining area of the other of the two-dimensional image forming areas. According to the vehicle lighting system, the light distribution patterns can be formed easily and accurately.
US09902304B2
A trim cover fixing structure used in a vehicle seat 1 comprising a cushion body 16 having elasticity and a trim cover 17 covering the cushion body 16. This structure comprises engagement members 19a, 19b and 19c anchored near the edge of the trim cover 17, and an fixing member 23 provided with an engaging member (periphery 32) that engages with the engagement members 19a, 19b and 19c existing on the trim cover 17 in a state covering the cushion body 16. The fixing member 23 can apply tension to the trim cover 17 covering the cushion body 16 by engaging with the engagement members 19a, 19b and 19c, and in this state with tension applied, the trim cover 17 is anchored to the surface of the cushion body 16. This trim cover fixing structure has a simple structure and low cost and can apply desirable tension to the trim cover, and furthermore is easily applied to a vehicle seat having a split rear seat structure.
US09902301B2
A sleeve device for a headrest comprising a sleeve body to be inserted into an opening in a frame of a vehicle seat, the sleeve body comprising an inner axial passage to accommodate a rod of the headrest, the inner axial passage including an inner wall, a top end portion and a bottom end portion; a head portion; an external side; and an upper inner seat portion at the inner the wall of the top end portion of the axial passage, the upper inner seat portion for encircling an upper portion of the rod of the headrest; and an upper inner bushing overmoulded to the upper inner seat portion, the upper inner bushing being made from an antifriction resilient plastic material and comprising an inner axial opening for guiding the rod of the headrest.
US09902300B2
Systems and methods for improving ride quality of an active payload support system. In one example, a seat system for a vehicle includes a seat, a support structure including an actuator configured to rotate the seat about an axis of a pivot, a first sensor positioned to detect movement of the vehicle, and a controller configured to receive a first input from the first sensor, determine a cornering lateral acceleration of the vehicle in a direction perpendicular to an axis parallel to a direction of travel of the vehicle around a turn, the cornering lateral acceleration determined based at least on the first input, generate a command signal based at least on the cornering lateral acceleration to instruct an actuator to rotate the seat about the axis of the pivot in a direction of the turn, and provide a force command to the actuator to move the seat.
US09902288B2
An apparatus is provided for safely discharging hydrogen permeated and leaking from a fuel tank of a fuel cell vehicle. The hydrogen exhaust apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle collects and safely processes hydrogen permeating a tank, and quantitatively detects the hydrogen transmissive amount. Thus the apparatus has improved a shape and attachment manner of a dome protector mounted in a hydrogen fuel tank. The safety aspect of hydrogen discharged to the air is improved, and an active response to various controls by quantitatively detecting the hydrogen transmissive amount is implemented.
US09902284B2
A heating and cooling apparatus for a battery may include a base plate in which at least one fluid path for flowing-through of at least one of a coolant and a refrigerant is provided. At least one support part may be provided, in which in each case at least one electrical heating element is provided that is thermally coupled to the base plate. The heating and cooling apparatus may include a cover plate. The base plate, the at least one support part and the cover plate may be arranged adjacent to one another along a stack direction.
US09902281B2
The present invention is applied to a charger that charges a rechargeable battery mounted on an electric vehicle. The charger according to the present invention includes an electric power supply unit that supplies electric power to said rechargeable battery; a payment unit that makes payment with electronic money to use said charger; and a control unit, when said control unit is instructed by said electric vehicle to start charging, that instructs said electric power supply unit to start supplying electric power to said rechargeable battery and that instructs said payment unit to make payment with said electronic money.
US09902278B2
A wireless power-supplying system includes a power-supplying coil installed within a predefined parking space, a balloon provided to cover the power-supplying coil and configured to expand to occupy a space between the power-supplying coil and a power-receiving coil of the vehicle parked in the parking space, and fix the vehicle from below, and a power supply control unit configured to cause the balloon to fix the vehicle until payment of a usage fee of the parking space is completed when the vehicle has been fixed from below by the balloon, wherein power is wirelessly supplied from the power-supplying coil to the power-receiving coil of the vehicle in a state in which the vehicle is fixed to the balloon.
US09902271B2
An IPA-ECU (410) recognizes a position of a power transferring unit by image recognition based on image information from a camera (120) incorporated in a vehicle. Then, the IPA-ECU (410) performs guidance control such that the vehicle is guided to the power transferring unit based on a result of the image recognition (first guidance control). A resonant ECU (460) estimates a distance between the power transferring unit and a power receiving unit based on an electric power feeding condition from the power transferring unit to the power receiving unit. When the power transferring unit comes under a body of the vehicle, an HV-ECU (470) performs guidance control of the vehicle such that a position of the power receiving unit is adjusted to a position of the power transferring unit based on distance information from the resonant ECU (460) (second guidance control).
US09902270B2
Disclosed is a motor-driven vehicle including: a first and second battery; a voltage converter that includes a plurality of switching elements configured to perform voltage conversion between an electric power output path and the first and second battery, and to switch the connection of the first battery and the second battery between an in-series connection and an in-parallel connection; a motor-generator; and a control device configured to turn on and off the switching elements, in which the control device switches connection to either of connection between the electric power output path and both the first battery and the second battery, and connection between the first battery and the second battery based on the switching element temperature, and the operating point of the motor-generator.
US09902268B2
A display device for a vehicle includes: a ring portion and a moving mechanism to display various vehicle information associated with a travel of the vehicle for a viewer within a display area. The ring portion forms an outer periphery of an indicator indicating at least one vehicle information of the various vehicle information, and is visually recognized as a virtual image within the display area. The moving mechanism is able to move a position of the ring portion.
US09902260B2
A fuel tank structure is obtained that can prevent or suppress excessive stress concentrating at fixed portions of a separator and an inner wall of a fuel tank main body. A separator for reducing flow noise of fuel is disposed at an interior of a fuel tank that accommodates fuel. Projecting portions that serve as fixed portions that are fixed at two or more places to an inner wall of the fuel tank, are provided at the separator. Deformation portions that allow deformation of the separator are formed between the projecting portions at the separator.
US09902258B2
A fuel tank vent valve includes a venting apparatus for regulating discharge of fuel vapor from a fuel tank and admission of outside air into a fuel tank. The vent valve is used to regulate pressure in a fuel tank.
