US09928260B2

The invention relates to electronic indexing, and more particularly, to the indexing, in a cloud, data held in a cloud. Systems and methods of the invention index data by accessing the data in place in the cloud and breaking a job into work items and sending the work items to multiple cloud processes that can each determine whether to index data associated with the work item or to create a new work item and have a different cloud process index the data. Each cloud process is proximal to an item that it indexes. This gives the system scale as well as an internal load-balancing.
US09928257B2

Techniques and mechanisms for assigning a universal unique identifier to an instance of a plurality of information objects. In an embodiment, a first unique identifier is assigned to a first universal information object management environment and a second unique identifier is assigned to a plurality of information objects within the first information object management environment. Locally-unique identifiers are assigned each to a respective instance of the plurality of information objects, wherein a first information object management environment includes a first instance of the plurality of information objects. In another embodiment, a universal unique identifier for the first instance is created by collecting into a single key the first unique identifier, the second unique identifier and the locally-unique identifier assigned to the first instance.
US09928256B2

A universal data management interface (UDMI) system includes a processing system generates a visual interface through which a user can access, manage, and manipulate data on plural different types of remote databases. The UDMI connects to multiple standard database management systems and to allow multiple users to access, manage, and manipulate data within each of the multiple standard database management systems. The UDMI also allows multiple virtual databases that reside in a single database to be available as a network service.
US09928244B2

An electronic document classification system disclosed herein classifies electronic documents. The classification of the documents may involve analyzing the document and the information attached to the document to generate a set of classification data and comparing the classification data with one or more classification rules to generate a set of classifying data. The system attaches the set of classifying data to the electronic document and displays the electronic document based on the set of classifying data. The classification data may also be used to prioritize the electronic documents and to assign a retention period to the electronic documents. The system is further adapted to receive user feedback regarding the classification of the electronic document and to update the classification rules.
US09928243B2

Superseding a prior version of a document, to which prior version a retention policy or other requirement has been applied, is disclosed. In some embodiments, an attribute of a retention policy indicates whether a document to which the retention policy has been applied is to be superseded by a subsequently created and/or saved version of the document. In some embodiments, the attribute is set by a logic or process configured to apply the retention policy to the document. If the retention policy indicates that supersede is enabled, in various embodiments when a subsequent version is created and/or saved, the prior version is promoted to the final phase of the retention policy that has been applied to it and automatically “qualified” for disposition as indicated in the final phase of the retention policy, without regard to intervening requirements, processes, phases, approvals, retention, waiting, or other periods, etc.
US09928236B2

Systems, apparatus, computer-readable media, and methods to provide translation of words or phrases from an initial language to a target language using multiple pathways are disclosed. The multiple pathways may have independent or near independent errors and the use of multiple pathways may reduce the errors that may be encountered in semantic vector based language translation. Cost values may be determined for translation to various potential words in the target language based at least in part on the multiple translation pathways between the initial language and the final language. The cost values may be used to select from among the various potential words in the target language.
US09928232B2

Concepts and technologies are described herein for providing topically aware word suggestions. Using a text input, the system determines a conditional count and an unconditional count. The system then determines an adjustment factor for a pair of words of the plurality of words based on the unconditional count and the conditional count. The system then generates a data structure defining a plurality of word clusters. The system then reconstructs the adjustment factor of the pair of words based on a number of common clusters between individual words of the pair of words. The adjustment factor is combined with other data, such as data from a language model dictionary and a freshness factor from an average cluster activation state table to determine a probability associated with a word candidate, which is displayed to a user.
US09928229B2

A technique for pre-filling a computing device form with information associated with an action command found in a message includes receiving a message. Content of the message is analyzed utilizing natural language processing (NLP) to locate an action command within the message. NLP is applied to text in the message that is associated with the action command to determine a context of the action command. A similarity algorithm is applied to the text and one or more input fields of the form to identify one or more matching elements between the text and the input fields of the form. Finally, the input fields of the form are automatically pre-filled with information associated with the matching elements in the message whose similarity exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US09928226B2

One exemplary embodiment involves downloading electronic content for editing at a local editing application, the electronic content received from a remote network source accessed through a web browser's connection to the source, the local editing application separate from the web browser. The embodiment further involves identifying edits made at the local editing application to the electronic content resulting in a new version of the electronic content. And, the embodiment further involves initiating an upload of the new version of the electronic content through the browser's network connection to the source.
US09928224B1

Disclosed are various embodiments for assigning user interface widgets to page slots associated with a page pipeline. In response to a request to generate a content page, content placement requests are then received from user interface widgets. The page slots are associated with a placement value indicating a value of the page slot relative to other page slots in the page template and can be weighted based upon their location in a page pipeline. The highest ranked user interface widgets according to an effectiveness metric or placement score are scheduled for placement in the content page.
US09928217B2

A tool for standardized layout transformations of BIDI data exchanged between legacy and modern systems is provided. The tool retrieves client connection information from a client request for data. The tool determines, based, at least in part, on the client connection information, a client application's operating system. The tool determines whether the data requested in the client request is BIDI data. Responsive to a determination that the data requested is BIDI data, the tool initiates a layout transformation of the data requested at a single point within the database server. The tool returns transformed BIDI data to the client application.
US09928215B1

Methods, systems, and computing system program products for iteratively calculating Simple Linear Regression (SLR) coefficients for streamed data, including iteratively calculating one or more components of SLR coefficients for an adjusted computation window based on one or more components of SLR coefficients calculated for a pre-adjusted computation window and then calculating the SLR coefficients for the adjusted computation window based on the iteratively calculated components. Iteratively calculating SLR coefficients avoids visiting all data elements in the adjusted computation window and performing redundant computations thereby increasing calculation efficiency, saving computing resources and reducing computing system's power consumption.
US09928214B2

A system, method and computer program product for quickly and approximately solving structured regression problems. In one aspect, the system, method and computer program product are applied to problems that arise naturally in various statistical modeling settings—when the design matrix is a Vandermonde matrix or a sequence of such matrices. Using the Vandermonde matrix structure further accelerates the solution of the regression problem, achieving running times that are faster than “input sparsity”. The modeling framework speedup benefits of randomized regression for solving structured regression problems.
US09928210B1

The present disclosure provides for defragmenting deduplicated data, such as one or more backup image files, stored in a deduplicated data store. A defragmentation module can be implemented on a deduplication server to reduce fragmentation of backup images and improve processing time for restoring a backup image. A defragmentation module can be configured to defragment a backup image file by migrating portions of data of the backup image file that are stored in various containers at non-contiguous locations throughout deduplicated data store. A defragmentation module can contiguously write the portions to one or more containers, which are stored at one or more new locations in the deduplicated data store. A defragmentation module can be configured to evaluate whether portions of a backup image file meet criteria for defragmentation. A defragmentation module can also be configured to update location information about the portions that are migrated to the new container(s).
US09928206B2

A system includes a management controller for managing a plurality of computing platforms. The management controller includes a processor, a physical network interface controller (NIC), a volatile memory, and a non-volatile memory storing computer executable code. The computer executable code, when executed at the processor, is configured to: provide a plurality of firmware instances, each corresponding to a respective one of the computing platforms; configure a plurality of virtual NICs (VNICs), each of the VNICs corresponding to a respective one of the firmware instances, wherein the VNICs share network resource provided by the physical NIC; and for each of the firmware instances, in response to a communication command to transmit data through the corresponding VNIC, transmit the data through the physical NIC.
US09928202B2

A two-to-one multiplexor comprises a first data input configured to hold data provided from a first preceding asynchronous pipeline stage and a second data input configured to hold data provided from a second preceding asynchronous pipeline stage, a 4-phase bundled data protocol facilitating communication between the first and the second data inputs and the first and second preceding asynchronous pipeline stage, an arbitration unit connected to the first data input and the second data input, and configured to select which of the data from the first and the second data inputs is released, a request release unit, and a reset unit wherein the arbitration unit, the request release unit, and the reset unit implement and complete a second 4-phase bundled data protocol facilitating communication with a succeeding asynchronous pipeline stage for transmission of the data chosen by the arbitration unit thereby providing asynchronous multiplexing of the data.
US09928197B2

Provided are a USB device and a method thereof for recognizing a host operating system. The method comprises the following steps: a USB device waiting for receiving a USB command from a host; determining whether the received USB command is a command for obtaining a configuration descriptor; if yes, determining a host operating system according to values of a first flag and a second flag and a value of a length byte in the command for obtaining the configuration descriptor; after the host operating system is determined, performing, by using a corresponding communications protocol, data communication with the host according to the host operating system, and shielding a file which cannot be operated under the host operating system, thereby making the host accurately recognize and operate the USB device, and making the USB device and the application of the USB device further optimized.
US09928196B2

A driver of a host bus adapter of a storage controller performs hardware resets of buses and other logic to which an embedded port of the host bus adapter is connected, in a first period of quiescing of I/O operations in the embedded port. The driver transmits one or more commands to the embedded port to resume selected I/O operations in the embedded port. A reinitialization of the driver is performed during a second period of quiescing of I/O operations in the embedded port, prior to sending a command to allow normal I/O operations in the embedded port.
US09928195B2

An interconnect, and method of operation of an interconnect, are provided for connecting a plurality of master devices and a plurality of slave devices. Hazard management circuitry is used to serialize transactions to overlapping addresses. In addition, gating circuitry ensures ordered write observation (OWO) behavior at an interface to one or more of the master devices, the gating circuitry receiving write address transfers of write transactions and performing a gating operation to gate onward propagation of the write address transfers to the slave devices in order to ensure the OWO behavior. The gating circuitry performs the gating operation under control of the hazard management circuitry. Hence, for write transactions that are subjected to hazard checking by the hazard management circuitry, this removes the need to implement any other processes to specifically manage OWO behavior for those write transactions.
US09928193B2

A silicon device configured to distribute a global timer value over a single serial bus to a plurality of processing elements that are disposed on the silicon device and that are coupled to the serial bus. Each of the processing elements comprises a slave timer. Upon receipt of the global timer value, the processing elements synchronize their respective slave timers with the global timer value. After the timers are synchronized, the global timer sends periodic increment signals to each of the processing elements. Upon receipt of the increment signals, the processing elements update their respective slave timers.
US09928175B2

A method for identifying, in a system including two or more computing devices that are able to communicate with each other, with each computing device having with a cache and connected to a corresponding memory, a computing device accessing one of the memories, includes monitoring memory access to any of the memories; monitoring cache coherency commands between computing devices; and identifying the computing device accessing one of the memories by using information related to the memory access and cache coherency commands.
US09928170B2

In accordance with some embodiments, a scatter/gather memory approach may be enabled that is exposed or backed by system memory and uses conventional tags and addresses. Thus, such a technique may be more amenable to conventional software developers and their conventional techniques.
US09928167B2

According to one embodiment, a memory system includes a nonvolatile storage device and an information processing apparatus. The information processing apparatus includes a first control circuit configured to send a delete notification to the nonvolatile storage device to invalidate data in a first logical address area when read data corresponding to the first logical address area is the same as data expressed by a first function. The nonvolatile storage device include a nonvolatile storage medium, a management table configured to associate a logical address corresponding to valid data for the nonvolatile storage device with a physical address, and a second control circuit configured to update the management table to invalidate a logical address designated by the delete notification, and to send the data expressed by the first function to the information processing apparatus when a logical address included in a read instruction received from the information processing apparatus is invalid.
US09928164B2

Performing data processing for data sets stored in each of a plurality of storage devices includes collecting access data indicating details of accesses to each of the plurality of storage devices and computing predicted changes in access frequency for each of the storage devices on the basis of the access data for each of the plurality of storage devices in response to a request to reserve a storage area for storing a new data set. A storage device in which the storage area for storing the new data set is to be reserved is selected from among the plurality of storage devices on the basis of the predicted changes for each storage device.
US09928157B2

A method for filtering multiple in-memory trace buffers for event ranges is provided. The method includes allocating a plurality of main trace buffers, based on the number of central processing units (CPU) participating in a trace. Each CPU has a dedicated main trace buffer, and each main trace buffer is circular. Each main trace buffer is divided into an equal number of sub-buffers. A plurality of events is written to the current sub-buffer. When the current sub-buffer is filled, events are written to the next sub-buffer. Events are extracted from at least one of the sub-buffers, starting with the sub-buffer that includes a compare time and ending at the end of the main trace buffer.
US09928146B2

A data storage environment can include a secondary storage computing device that acts as a proxy for other secondary storage computing devices. For example, the secondary storage computing device receives a storage operation request from one or more of the other secondary storage computing devices, such as a request to create a snapshot of client data. The secondary storage computing device generally acts as an intermediary between the other secondary storage computing devices and the storage device to carry out the snapshots or other storage operations. The secondary storage computing device may further receive a notification upon completion of the storage operations, and transmit relevant data to the requesting secondary storage computing device regarding the storage operation.
US09928144B2

An illustrative “open archive” architecture relieves the immediate need to add network-attached storage (NAS) devices to a storage management system. The open archive architecture provides streamlined access to live production data, which originally was stored on a NAS device but which is archived to secondary storage to free up NAS space. An open-archive server coordinates with an open-archive layer that operates on the NAS device. The open-archive server identifies data sets on the NAS that meet archiving criteria, which are then automatically moved to an open archive in secondary storage. The open archive layer intercepts data-access calls coming into the NAS device, e.g., open calls, read calls, write calls. The intercepted calls are reported to the open-archive server for analysis. If the open-archive server determines that the data referenced in an intercepted call is stored in the open archive, the open-archive server initiates a restore job that recovers the data from secondary storage and stores it back on the NAS device. The intercepted call may now be served from the NAS. These operations occur automatically and do not involve users or their computing devices, and the computing devices operate without data agents for the NAS-based data.
US09928140B2

A method of operating a non-volatile memory device, includes, storing sensed data in a page buffer circuit by sensing data stored in a source page of a memory cell array, outputting the sensed data from the page buffer circuit, performing error correction code (ECC) decoding of the sensed data output from the page buffer circuit, storing the decoded data in the page buffer circuit, and providing de-randomized data to an external device as read data by performing de-randomizing of the decoded data output from the page buffer circuit using seed values corresponding to the source page.
US09928123B1

Processes from a set of processes are divided for use at a second triggering event and which are part of a single application programming interface (API). The set of processes including a subset of the set of processes including at least one process in the set and a remainder of the set of processes including at least one process in the set of processes and outside of the subset of the set of processes. A first triggering event is identified. The subset of the set of processes are performed using a processor and in response to the first triggering event to obtain a first result for use at the second triggering event. A state and the first result of the subset of the set of processes is saved. The remainder of the set of processes are performed using the processor in response to the second triggering event occurring after the first triggering event, and using the state and first result, to obtain a second result.
US09928120B1

Embodiments are described for systems and methods of reconfiguring logical units (LUN) in a network of SCSI target endpoints by defining a first bitmap associated with each LUN of a plurality of LUNs in the network, wherein each bit of the first bitmap represents an endpoint utilizing a corresponding LUN so that a bit pattern of the first bitmap represents a first set of endpoints utilizing the corresponding LUN, applying a lock to block I/O operations to the plurality of LUNs, updating the first bitmap to generate a second bitmap representing a second set of endpoints utilizing the corresponding LUN, and releasing the lock to update a LUN to endpoint mapping for the plurality of LUNS and the endpoints in a single update operation.
US09928112B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for resource allocation. The systems and methods for resource allocation include: configuring a plan to utilize computer resources; partitioning computer resources; and applying a set of two or more hypervisors, which use a single service processor, to execute the plan to utilize computer resources. The hypervisors facilitate the partitioning of the computer resources, group partitions of the computer resources, control access to nodes, and change node boundaries.
US09928106B2

Method and system for dynamically assigning control to one or more BOTs to execute at least one task are disclosed. The method comprises tracking user actions on at least one graphical user interface to obtain tracking data, and analyzing the at least one graphical user interface using one or more computerized image processing techniques to obtain screen data, and comparing the tracking data and the screen data with one or more confirmatory predictors. Upon comparing a list of tasks are identified, and the list of tasks comprise the at least one task being performed by the user. Upon determining number of tasks less than a predefined threshold value, the list of tasks is provided to a user. Further, one or more BOTs configured to perform the at least one task are assigned control to execute the at least one task.
US09928101B2

In an environment that includes a host computing system that executes virtual machines, and a secure cloud computing channel that communicatively couples the host to a client computing system that is assigned to a particular one of the virtual machines, the particular virtual machine generates a certificate, install the certificate on the itself, and returns a certificate representation to the client. This may occur when the virtual machine is provisioned. During a subsequent connection request from the client to the virtual machine, the virtual machine returns the certificate to the client. The client compares the certificate representation that was returned during provisioning with the certificate returned during the subsequent connection, and if there is a match, then the virtual machine is authenticated to the client. Thus, in this case, the virtual machine authenticates without the client having to generate, install, and manage security for a certificate.
US09928095B2

A hypervisor can handle requests from applications in a processing environment, where the processing environment consists of shared computing resources. A system can receive a request from an application, and the hypervisor can determine that the request is one that may result in poor interoperability between the application and the processing environment. The hypervisor can identify a processing solution that is more compatible, and it can fulfill the request using the more compatible option. However, the hypervisor need not alert the application of the modified execution; rather, the hypervisor can communicate to the application that the request has been fulfilled.
US09928088B2

A method, apparatus, server and system for implementing a web application. The method, for example, comprises: detecting an operating environment of a current web application; and automatically loading a component of a native version when it is detected that the current web application is operating on a light application platform; and automatically loading a component of a hypertext markup language (HTML) version when it is detected that the current web application is operating on a browser. By automatically loading the component of a native version and automatically loading the component of the HTML version, the disclosed method improves the compatibility of the web application so that the web application may complete the function thereof in various environments; and adopting an HTML tag development component reduces the development costs of the web application and increases the loading speed of the web application.
US09928080B2

Trusted firmware on a host server is used for managing access to a hardware security module (HSM) connected to the host server. The HSM stores confidential information associated with an operating system. As part of access management, the firmware detects a boot device identifier associated with a boot device configured to boot the operating system on the host server. The firmware then receives a second boot device identifier from the HSM. The boot device identifier and the second boot device identifier are then compared by the firmware. Based on the comparison, the firmware determines that the boot device identifier matches with the second boot device identifier. Based on this determination, the firmware grants the operating system access to the HSM.
US09928077B2

A chip starting method, a multi-core processor chip and a storage medium. The chip starting method comprises: setting a first starting priority for more than two processors, and separately setting, for each processor, a second priority of starting each storage unit in more than two storage units; determining, according to the first priority, a first processor that is to be started and has the highest priority; the first processor successively loading a start program from each storage unit according to the second priority corresponding to the first processor, and executing the start program to perform an initialization operation; ending program loading of the first processor when loading of the start program from any storage unit in the more than two storage units succeeds, or loading of the start program from all storage units in the more than two storage units fails; and starting program loading of the second processor and so on until program loading of the more than two processors is completed.
US09928069B2

A hazard check instruction has operands that specify addresses of vector elements to be read by first and second vector memory operations. The hazard check instruction outputs a dependency vector identifying, for each element position of the first vector corresponding to the first vector memory operation, which element position of the second vector that the element of the first vector depends on (if any). In an embodiment, the addresses of the vector memory operations are specified using a base address for each vector memory operation and a vector that is shared by both vector memory operations. In an embodiment, the operands may include predicates for one or both of the vector memory operations, indicating which vector elements are active. The dependency vector may be qualified by the predicates, indicating dependencies only for active elements.
US09928063B2

Instructions and logic provide vector horizontal majority voting functionality. Some embodiments, responsive to an instruction specifying: a destination operand, a size of the vector elements, a source operand, and a mask corresponding to a portion of the vector element data fields in the source operand; read a number of values from data fields of the specified size in the source operand, corresponding to the mask specified by the instruction and store a result value to that number of corresponding data fields in the destination operand, the result value computed from the majority of values read from the number of data fields of the source operand.
US09928055B1

A system for validating wireless communication network inventory software. The system comprises a processor, a non-transitory memory, and an application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the application processes a first data set with the first version of the software system to produce an authoritative data store, processes the first data set with a second version of the software system to produce a first trial data store, and processes a second data set with the second version of the software system to produce a second trial data store, wherein the second data set comprises later data than the first data set, and responsive to determining that the first trial data store matches the authoritative data store and determining that the second trial data store does not match the authoritative data store, designates the second data set changed.
US09928049B2

A method and a related system for identifying unmatched registry entries may be provided. The method may comprise scanning a file system and discovering software based on a file signature, collecting first attributes of the discovered software, collecting native registry entries, and comparing the first attributes against second attributes of the collected registry entries based on a filtering rule. Thereby, the registry entries may be grouped into two groups. One group may represent matched registry entries and the other group may represent unmatched registry entries. The unmatched registry entries may be identified as unequivocal entries for further software discovery.
US09928047B2

A system and method are provided for installing applications on a mobile device at first device initialization. An installation client communicates with a management server at an initial start-up state of a mobile device. The management server identifies a set of applications that are available for installation on the client device, and provides the installation files to the device. This initialization-installation of application programs allows the user to have the experience of having access to pre-installed applications at device initialization, while allowing application providers and mobile network operators real-time management of application programs being offered, without requiring pre-installing a bundle of applications on a device prior to device distribution.
US09928043B2

The described technologies can be used for customizing and evolving user interfaces. In one embodiment, a method can comprise storing a default graphical user interface template. A user-customized graphical user interface template can be stored in a repository of user-customized graphical user interface templates. A popularity of the user-customized graphical user interface template can be measured. The popularity of the user-customized graphical user interface template can be incorporated into a graphical user interface selection process.
US09928042B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for automatically determining configuration properties of a compiler. One of the methods includes determining that an executable of the newly created process is a compiler called by the build system to compile source code of a source code file. In response to the determining, a plurality of configuration properties of the compiler called by the build system are determined, the configuration properties including first properties of a plurality of built-in functions of the compiler, second properties of a plurality of built-in types of the compiler, or both. A compiler emulator is configured to emulate the behavior of the compiler called by the build system using the determined configuration properties. Access to the source code is provided to the compiler emulator configured using the determined configuration properties.
US09928035B2

A multiply and accumulation (MAC) unit for multiplying a provided first and a provided second multiplicand and for adding a provided summand to the resulting product is described. The MAC includes at least one multiplication block which is configured to multiply a first input signal and a second input signal, wherein the first input signal is given in a carry-save adder format and the second input signal is given in a binary format, wherein the multiplication result is provided in a carry-save format, and a carry-save adder which is configured to add to the result of the multiplication the provided summand.
US09928034B2

A method, computer readable medium, and system are disclosed for processing a segmented data set. The method includes the steps of receiving a data structure storing a plurality of values segmented into a plurality of sequences; assigning a plurality of processing elements to process the plurality of values; and processing the plurality of values by the plurality of processing elements according to a merge-based algorithm. Each processing element in the plurality of processing elements identifies a portion of values in the plurality of values allocated to the processing element based on the merge-based algorithm. In one embodiment, the processing elements are threads executed in parallel by a parallel processing unit.
US09928029B2

An electronic device provides data to present a user interface with a plurality of user interface objects. A current focus is on a first user interface object of the plurality of user interface objects. The device receives an input. In response, the device provides data to move the current focus from the first user interface object to a second user interface object based on a direction and/or magnitude of the input, and provides sound information to provide a sound output concurrently with the movement of the current focus from the first user interface object to the second user interface object. A pitch of the sound output is based on a size of the first user interface object, a type of the first user interface object, a size of the second user interface object, and/or a type of the second user interface object.
US09928026B2

An example method includes, based on an adjustment to a first displayed volume control, instructing the first playback device to adjust playback volume level; based on an adjustment to a second displayed volume control, instructing the second playback device to adjust playback volume level; after sending the commands, instructing the first and/or second playback device to process an audio stream into a first and/or second channel and to reproduce a respective one of the first and second channel, wherein the grouped first and second playback devices provide multi-channel sound; and based on an adjustment to a third displayed volume control, instructing the first and/or second playback device to adjust a group volume level for both the first and second playback devices.
US09928024B2

A method of buffering audio data in an audio playback system that is adapted to receive and playback separate, discrete audio files from one or more audio sources, where the audio files comprise audio data, and where the audio playback system comprises a master device that receives audio files from a source, buffers the received audio data, and distributes the buffered audio data to one or more active slave audio playback devices. The master device requests a first audio file from an audio source, receives the first audio file, buffers audio data from the first audio file, and sends buffered audio data from the first audio file to one or more active slave audio playback devices. During playback of the audio data from the first audio file, the master device requests a second audio file from an audio source, receives the second audio file, buffers audio data from the second audio file, and sends buffered audio data from the second audio file to one or more active slave audio playback devices.
US09928021B2

An example method of dynamically selecting content to display on a secondary display coupled to a user device includes allocating, at a kernel, a first frame buffer for content to be output to a primary display. The method also includes receiving a set of image layers. The method further includes allocating, at the kernel when the set includes one or more image layers to be displayed only on the primary display, a second frame buffer for content to be output to the secondary display.
US09928018B2

An information processing apparatus includes a graphics device interface application configured to issue graphics device interface drawing commands in accordance with a print instruction, a conversion module configured to convert the graphics device interface drawing commands to extensible markup language paper specification drawing commands, and a printer driver configured to generate print data of a document file corresponding to the print instruction by using the extensible markup language paper specification drawing commands as an input. In the information processing apparatus, when converting drawing commands for a pattern drawing included in the document file from a graphics device Interface format to an extensible markup language paper specification format, the conversion module sets a pattern resolution of the pattern drawing on the basis of external information.
US09928016B2

In some embodiments, a method which includes receiving an indication of the presence of a first message from a first client device, the first message including a first specification file and a first network address associated with a first print data file. The method includes retrieving the first print data file from the first network address. The method includes processing the first specification file and the first print data file by a raster image processor.
US09928014B2

A printer includes a memory storing instructions for authenticating a login user and determining whether a user identity information is included in a print data. When the user identity information is included in the print data, the instructions cause the printer to determine whether the login user is identical with a data sender user having sent the print data. When the login user is identical with the data sender user, the instructions cause the printer to print the pint data. When the login user is not identical with the data sender user, the instructions cause the printing portion to not print the print data. When the user identity information is not included in the print data, the instructions cause the printer to print the print data irrespective of whether the login user is identical with the date sender user.
US09928012B2

An information processing apparatus having a printer driver includes a display part that displays on a screen a first image, a second image, a first setting item that relates to the first image and a second setting item that relates to the second image, a control part that determines one of the first and second images as a main image and the other of them as a sub image, displays both of the main and sub images on the screen, and receives a selection made by a user of the apparatus, and a display switching part that displays the first image as the main image relating to the first setting item when the first setting item is selected by the user, and the second image as the sub image.
US09928011B2

Systems and methods for bypassing a print dialog box that indicates a print confirmation, a prompt message, or a page preview, by employing a background print applet. The systems and methods may include detecting a print content to be printed by a printer, identifying one or more features of the print content, and determining one or more print settings based on the identified one or more features. The systems and methods may further include initiating the print content to be printed by the printer based on the determined print settings, whereby initiating the print content includes bypassing the print dialog box.
US09927998B2

Systems and method for reading compressed data from non-volatile storage such as an SSD device are disclosed. A logical section, e.g. page, of data includes a plurality of data blocks that are compressed such that the lengths thereof are different. A header section of the page stores headers for the data blocks and storing a length for each data block. The header section may be a codeword encoding the headers according to an error correction scheme. To read out a data block a hardware decoder requests reading of the page and transfers the header section into a hardware decoder that decodes the headers to obtain an offset for a desired data block. Without instructing reading of the page, the offset is used by the hardware decoder to request transfer of the desired data block that is then decoded and returned to a requesting device.
US09927996B2

An information processing device includes a host and a memory subsystem. The host issues an identifier indicating a data erasable order and a data write command to the memory subsystem and includes an information processing circuit for processing the data. The memory subsystem includes a first memory and a control circuit for writing the data in the first memory. The first memory has a data erase unit size larger than a data write unit size. The control circuit classifies the data based on the identifier, writes the data belonging to a first group in a first simultaneous erase region, in which data can be simultaneously erased, in the first memory, and writes the data belonging to a second group different from the first group in a second simultaneous erase region, in which data can be simultaneously erased, in the first memory. Consequently, the performance and the life of a storage device can be improved, and costs of the storage device can be reduced.
US09927993B2

A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array including a block of memory cells, gates of which are connected to a plurality of word lines, and a control unit configured to perform a writing operation in response to a command received from the outside, the writing operation including applying a program level voltage to at least two word lines at the same time.
US09927992B2

Various examples are directed to systems and methods for database migration. A data migration system may access schema data describing data stored at a database. The data migration system may identify a first segment of the first plurality of records having a first value for a first segmenting parameter and a second segment of the first plurality of records having a second value for the first segmenting parameter. The data migration system may begin to migrate the first segment of the first plurality of records. After the first segment of the first plurality of records is migrated, the data migration system may begin to migrate the second segment of the first plurality of records.
US09927991B2

Mechanism designed to minimize copying of data from one memory tier to another. Data in a first memory location, is addressed based on its logical block address (LBA). When the data is copied into a second cache memory location, the LBA is updated to address the data at the second location. The first memory location is preserved intact. If the data is to be copied back to the first memory location, and the data has not changed since being copied into the second location, the LBA is updated to address the data at the first memory location, and no physical copying of the data from the second location to the first is performed.
US09927983B2

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for intelligent fetching of storage device commands from submission queues are disclosed. On method is implemented in a data storage device including a controller and a memory. The method includes collecting submission queue command statistics; monitoring resource state of the data storage device. The method further includes using the submission queue command statistics and the resource state to select a submission queue from which a next data storage device command should be fetched. The method further includes fetching the command from the selected submission queue. The method further includes providing the command to command processing logic.
US09927976B2

A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module of a dispersed storage network (DSN) sending a plurality of sets of encoded data slices to DSN memory for storage in accordance with a plurality of sets of DSN data addresses. The method continues with the DS processing module generating retrieval data that is based on a data object number and data storage information. The method continues with the DS processing module dispersed storage error encoding the retrieval data to produce a set of encoded retrieval data slices and generating a set of DSN retrieval data addresses based on the data name and on retrieval data storage information. The method continues with the DS processing module sending the set of encoded retrieval data slices to the DSN memory for storage in accordance with the set of DSN retrieval data addresses.
US09927975B2

A multi-mode hybrid memory drive comprises a bulk memory device and a removable cache memory device. A controller of the bulk memory device may be configured to operate the bulk memory device in either a stand-alone mode or a hybrid mode responsive to detecting the removable cache memory device being coupled with a cache port of the bulk memory device. A method of operating a multi-mode hybrid drive may also comprise monitoring a cache port of a bulk memory device to determine a presence of a removable cache memory device, operating the bulk memory device as a stand-alone drive responsive to determining the removable cache memory device is not present, and operating the bulk memory device as a hybrid drive using the removable cache memory device as a data cache responsive to determining the removable cache memory device is present. Additional hybrid memory drives and computer systems are also described.
US09927960B2

In some embodiments, a touchscreen may display a graphical user interface with one or more input options and may detect which input options are selected by a user by detecting a user's contact on the touchscreen. The system may determine a new graphical user interface configuration to increase the size and/or spacing of the input options. In some embodiments, one or more of the input options may be removed to increase the space available to increase the size of the other input options. In some embodiments, the system may maintain a history of input option use to determine which input options to remove. In some embodiments, the new graphical user interface configuration may include smaller (and/or additional) input options (e.g., if the contact areas are detected as consistently within the displayed input options).
US09927950B2

A method for providing a graphical user interface (GUI) to receive a user command on a touch screen, and a multimedia apparatus using the same. The method for providing a GUI includes determining whether an enlargement command for a GUI item is received, and enlarging the GUI item. Therefore, it is possible to enable a user to operate the GUI item more correctly, and to provide the superior visual effect when the GUI item is operated.
US09927942B2

A method of sharing data, in a system having both an image display device and an external device, can include connecting the image display device to the external device; capturing, by the external device, a current screen on the external device; generating, by the external device, first screen information based on the captured current screen, which includes the captured current screen and margin information when the external device is in a portrait mode; encoding, by the external device, the generated first screen information; transmitting, by the external device, the encoded first screen information to the image display device; decoding, by the image display device, the encoded first screen information; and outputting, by the image display device, a first mirroring image based on the decoded first screen information, in which the first mirroring image corresponds to the current screen on the external device and includes right and left margins.
US09927939B2

A touch panel including a substrate, first touch electrodes, each of the first touch electrodes including first mesh patterns disposed on the substrate, an insulation layer disposed on the first touch electrodes, second touch electrodes, each of the second touch electrodes including second mesh patterns disposed on the insulation layer, first auxiliary mesh electrodes disposed on the substrate, the first auxiliary mesh electrodes being electrically connected to at least a portion of the corresponding second mesh patterns, and second auxiliary mesh electrodes disposed on the insulation layer, the second auxiliary mesh electrodes being electrically connected to at least a portion of the corresponding first me patterns.
US09927931B2

A touch panel includes: a substrate which has sensing and peripheral areas; first sensing electrodes located on a surface of the substrate and arranged along a first direction in the sensing area and second sensing electrodes arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction; a first connector located on the surface of the substrate and connecting the first sensing electrodes along the first direction; an insulating layer pattern located on the first connector; a second connector located on the insulating layer pattern, intersecting the first connector to be insulated from the first connector, and connecting the second sensing electrodes along the second direction; wiring lines located on the surface of the substrate, located in the peripheral area, and electrically connected to the first sensing electrodes or the second sensing electrodes; and a conductive pattern located between each of the second sensing electrodes and the second connector.
US09927930B2

A touch sensing device includes a panel including pixels disposed in a matrix form defined by data lines and gate lines, the pixels including thin film transistors (TFTs). The touch sensing device includes at least one touch sensor having a mutual capacitance and a sensor driving circuit configured to receive an electric charge from the mutual capacitance. The touch sensing device further includes a display driving circuit configured to supply a first parasitic capacitance suppressing signal to the data lines and a second parasitic capacitance suppressing signal to the gate lines during a touch sensor driving period.
US09927925B2

A capacitive type touch sensor appropriately detecting an object, and a display and an electronic device including such a touch sensor are provided. The display including a drive electrode receiving a drive signal, a detection electrode located adjacent to the drive electrode, and a dielectric material located between the drive electrode and the detection electrode defining a capacitive area. The detection electrode generates an output signal driven by the drive signal, a detection circuit electrically connected to the detection electrode sensing the output signal. A switch element is electrically connected between the detection electrode and a voltage source providing a predefined voltage level and having a first state and a second state. A display control circuit controls a voltage applied between a display common voltage electrode and a pixel electrode to display an image based on an image signal, and the display common voltage electrode serves as the drive electrode.
US09927923B2

In a projection-type video display device that displays an image by projecting the image onto a projection object starting from a desk surface, a display screen on which a position and a gesture operation of a user are reflected is displayed in a predetermined area. An illumination and a camera are disposed in the projection-type video display device installed on the desk surface, a gesture using user's fingers is detected, and, for example, a menu screen and an operation guide are displayed according to the gesture. The shadows of the fingers are photographed by the camera, and a gesture is detected. According to the gesture, the display screen is moved, rotated, divided, or enlarged/reduced, or a menu screen is displayed. The display direction is determined in consideration of the direction of sides of the desk.
US09927911B2

A touch display panel, a fabrication method thereof, a touch display apparatus are provided. The touch display panel includes touch driving electrodes touch driving electrode wires touch driving electrode connection wires. Each column of touch driving electrodes include touch driving electrode blocks, each of the touch driving electrode blocks which is connected with one touch driving electrode wire, different columns of touch driving electrode blocks are connected with different touch driving electrode wires. Each of the touch driving electrode blocks includes a plurality of interruptedly distributed touch driving electrode units that are electrically connected by the touch driving electrode connection wires. An orthogonal projection of the touch driving electrode wire connected with corresponding touch driving electrode block on the array substrate does not overlap with orthogonal projections of the touch driving electrode units of the touch driving electrode blocks other than the corresponding touch driving electrode block on the array substrate.
US09927904B2

Disclosed herein are a capacitive type touch detection means and a detection method using a new scheme, which detects a touch signal using a difference between voltage magnitudes detected by a touch detector according to whether a touch is generated, when an alternating voltage is applied to a line equivalent capacitor formed between a sensing pad which is detecting a touch signal and a non-sensing pad adjacent to the sensing pad. The touch detection means includes: a sensing pad configured to generate the touch capacitance Ct between a sensing pad and the touch input means; an alternating voltage configured to be applied to a line equivalent capacitor Ceq formed between the sensing pad and a non-sensing pad adjacent to the sensing pad; and a touch detector connected to the sensing pad to detect a difference in voltage generated according to whether the touch is generated by the touch input means.
US09927896B2

A display device includes a display part that displays an image, a touch part on the display part, the touch part including a first conductive layer on the display part, a lower inorganic layer on the first conductive layer, an upper inorganic layer covering the lower inorganic layer and a second conductive layer on the upper inorganic layer. The upper inorganic layer includes substantially a same material as the lower inorganic layer. The upper inorganic layer has a hydrogen atomic percent less than a hydrogen atomic percent of the lower inorganic layer.
US09927894B2

A display device comprises counter electrodes configured to be used as common electrodes for displaying and scan electrodes for touch sensing, a first scan circuit which scans gate lines, and a second scan circuit which scans the counter electrodes. In the display device, one frame period includes a write period for continuously scanning one screen and a touch sensing period existing between the write period and a write period in the next frame. The second scan circuit includes a shift register unit and a switch unit. The switch unit includes a seventh thin-film transistor which outputs a DC drive signal to an output node and an eighth thin-film transistor which outputs an AC drive signal to the output node. A second control signal for fixing the voltage of a third retention node to which the gate electrode of the seventh thin-film transistor is connected is inputted in the write period.
US09927890B1

A computer controlled pointing device having, a telescoping wrist support integral with and associated with the pointing device, so as to permit adjustable extension and retraction from the pointer device housing, to accommodate the preferred support position of an individual user's wrist. The means from effecting such adjustable incremental extension and retraction of the wrist support includes coupling means for releasable locking of the wrist support in a fixed position relative to the housing of the pointing device.
US09927888B2

According to one embodiment, an electronic device provided with a touchpad includes a switching controller, a display processor, a notification processor and a notification controller. The notification controller is configured to control the notification processor to prevent a notification processing from being executed, even if an operation is performed on the touchpad, when the switching controller switches from a state of enabling an operation on the touchpad to a state of disabling an operation on the touchpad.
US09927885B2

A user terminal device and a control method are provided. The user terminal device includes a display, a sensor configured to sense a user interaction on the display, and a controller configured to, in response to a user interaction being sensed by the sensor of a touch being made by an input device of a polyhedral shape that includes different touch patterns on each of a plurality of surfaces, control a function of the user terminal device according to a touch pattern on a touched surface among the plurality of surfaces.
US09927868B2

A system for perspective based tagging and visualization of avatars in a virtual world may include determining if another avatar has moved within a predetermined proximity range of a user's avatar in a virtual world. The system may also include allowing the user to tag the other avatar with information in response to the other avatar being within the predetermined proximity range of the user's avatar.
US09927867B2

A method and apparatus for processing an image based on detected information are provided. The method includes obtaining information relating to properties of the image, property information related to the image; obtaining ambient environment information of a display device for displaying the image; and processing the image based on the property information and the ambient environment information.
US09927866B2

A method and system for optimizing a core voltage level of a portable computing device (“PCD”) and enhancing frequency performance of individual subcomponents are disclosed. A plurality of voltage values is determined for a plurality of subcomponents within the PCD. Next, a reduced set of voltage values may be calculated with a voltage aggregator based on the plurality of voltage values. An optimized voltage level for a shared power domain may then be determined by a voltage optimizer within the PCD from the reduced set of voltage values. A shared power domain may then be set to the optimized voltage level. Subsequently, an operating frequency of each subcomponent may be optimized with a frequency performance enhancer based on the optimized voltage level. An optimal power collapse duration may also be calculated by the frequency performance enhancer and set for each subcomponent from the optimal frequency.
US09927865B2

An apparatus and method for are configured to display image information in an electronic device. The method for displaying image information includes: deactivating a processor when the electronic device operates in a low-power mode; activating the processor to generate image data when an activation period is reached; displaying image information corresponding to the image data on a display unit; and deactivating the processor. Various other embodiments are also possible.
US09927861B2

In an information processing apparatus operable in a power saving mode, a sub CPU reads out initial screen data pre-stored in a nonvolatile memory, and displays it on a display screen when the information processing apparatus returns from the power saving mode. Further, the sub CPU detects coordinate data of an area touched by a user on the initial screen, and stores it into the nonvolatile memory. Simultaneously, a main CPU performs startup processing such as setting the whole apparatus. After completing the startup processing, the main CPU reads out the coordinate data stored in the nonvolatile memory, identifies a function selected by the user, and performs an identified operation. Further, the main CPU generates display screen data corresponding to a determination of the function selected by the user to transfer it to an operation unit controller, and transmits a screen switching instruction to the operation unit controller.
US09927859B2

Interconnect frequency control technologies of adjusting an operating frequency of a communication interconnect between an integrated circuit comprising multiple functional hardware units are described. A power management unit (PMU) is configured to collect workload data from the functional hardware units and determine a workload metric from the workload data. The PMU adjusts an operating frequency of the communication interconnect in view of the workload metric.
US09927853B2

An information handling system includes a central processing unit, a temperature sensor to provide temperature information, a humidity sensor to provide humidity information, and an embedded controller. The embedded controller determines a current dew point temperature based on the temperature information and the humidity information. The embedded controller activates a condensation mitigation procedure if a difference between a current temperature and the current dew point temperature is less than a threshold value stored at a register at the embedded controller. The mitigation procedure is a software program executed by the information handling system.
US09927849B1

An apparatus for covering a connection port assembly is disposed on a motherboard, and includes a door frame and a shielding plate. The door frame includes two support members, a connecting member, and a latch on the connecting member. A fixed end of each support members is fixed on the motherboard. Connecting ends of the two support members are connected to the connecting member to define an accommodating area for disposing the connection port assembly. The shielding plate includes an upper flange and a plate body. The plate body has one or more opening, an upper edge, and a lower edge. A signal connection surface of the connection port assembly is exposed via the opening. The upper flange is extending from the upper edge and has a latch hole. The latch is engaged into the latch hole to fix the shielding plate to the door frame.
US09927846B2

A flash drive structure includes an insulated base including an upper end, a first slot formed near the upper end, a lower end, two inclined guiding surfaces, a receiving space connected to the inclined guiding surfaces, a limiting tab disposed in the receiving space and two latches disposed on the two guiding inclined surfaces respectively; a circuit board including a surface, on which circuits and modules are mounted, and an extending portion, on which a plurality of interface elements are disposed, wherein the extending portion corresponds to the receiving space, the circuit board is mounted on a lateral surface of the insulated base through the extending portion positioned in the receiving space by the limiting tab; and a case having a hollow structure, housing the assembled insulated base and circuit board, wherein the case includes two notches configured to engage the latches.
US09927845B1

An apparatus can include a processor; an electronic component accessible by the processor; a first housing attached to a first axle that includes a first gear where the first housing includes the processor; a second housing attached to a second axle that includes a second gear where the second housing includes the electronic component accessible by the processor; and a hinge assembly that includes an intermediate axle that includes a first intermediate gear that meshes with the first gear, a second intermediate gear that meshes with the second gear, a first bridge component that securely positions the first axle parallel to the intermediate axle and a second bridge component that securely positions the second axle parallel to the intermediate axle.
US09927836B2

The present application concerns handheld electrical generators for charging mobile electronic devices. In one representative embodiment, a manually powered generator for charging a mobile device comprises a first magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a first surface, a second magnet array having a plurality of magnets arrayed in an annular formation on a second surface positioned opposite the first surface, and a torque input member. The generator further comprises a rotor having a serpentine trace of conductive material disposed between the first and second magnet arrays. The generator is configured to be incorporated into a handheld case or shell for containing the mobile device.
US09927835B2

A portable computer that is configurable between a plurality of display modes including a laptop mode (in which the portable computer has a conventional laptop appearance) and an easel mode in which the base of the computer and its display component stand vertically forming an inverted “V.” The portable computer includes a hinge assembly that couples the display component to the base of the computer, and allows the display component to be rotated about an axis along an interface between the display component and the base to configure the portable computer between a closed position, the laptop mode and the easel mode. The portable computer further comprises a scroll wheel and optional navigation buttons that permit a user to control or manipulate various aspects of operation of the portable computer (such as volume or display brightness) and/or content displayed the computer.
US09927830B2

A reaction force output device includes: a motor that is a drive source that creates a reaction force; a reaction force output shaft that interlocks with an output shaft of the motor to rotate; and an interlocking arm that transmits output torque of the motor which is input to the reaction force output shaft to an operation pedal. A torque limiting mechanism, which limits the transmission of torque that is equal to or greater than a specified value between the reaction force output shaft and the interlocking arm, is interposed between the reaction force output shaft and the interlocking arm.
US09927826B2

An electric appliance monitor method and an monitor system are provided. The method includes the following steps. In a sampling period, data of an electric appliance is transmitted to a cloud server, and a load boundary is determined. The electric appliance is detected to obtain a measured power factor, a measured root-mean-square voltage and a measured power. Further, a supply frequency of an electric supply is recognized. Based on the measured data, a real part and an imaginary part of the load current related to a reflection coefficient of the electric appliance during the current usage state is calculated. On a real-imaginary current coordinate system, the load boundary and a coordinated point representing to the real part and imaginary part of the load current are displayed. Whether to execute a protection process is determined according to the load boundary, the real part and the imaginary part of the load current.
US09927824B2

A controller includes a request acquisition unit that receives an operation permission request from a device, a calculation unit that calculates margin electric power derived from measurement by a measurement unit and an upper limit electric power, and a suppression unit that instructs the device to lower electric power consumption. When the margin electric power is less than the required electric power, the controller suppresses electric power consumption in devices in lower priority order stored in a priority storage unit within the suppression unit, such that electric power consumption increase in the management area may remain within the margin electric power. Then the controller issues the requesting device permission-or-denial for the operation, from the calculation unit.
US09927816B2

A method for operating a follower vehicle in a vehicle platoon includes determining, during operation, whether the follower vehicle is operating in a normal state or an abnormal state based on an operation condition of a component of the follower vehicle, or a communication between the follower vehicle and a preceding vehicle in the vehicle platoon. The method further includes selecting a first control mode if the follower vehicle is in the normal state and a second control mode if the follower vehicle is in the abnormal state so as to control movement of the follower vehicle using the selected control mode. In the first control mode, the follower vehicle uses communication data received from the preceding vehicle in the vehicle platoon to control its movement. In the second control mode, the follower vehicle uses data obtained by one or more of its sensors to control its movement.
US09927812B2

The present application discloses a remote control method and apparatus for controlling the state of a movable object and/or a load carried thereon. The remote control method comprising: receiving, via an apparatus, a state signal that corresponds to a user's position; remote-controlling the state of the a load being carried on a movable object based on the state signal; wherein the state of the load is the result of combining the movement of the load relative to the movable object and the movement of the object relative to its environment. For example, the control of the state can be achieved through the state of the apparatus itself, a user's state captured by an apparatus, a graphical interface on a screen of an apparatus, or a voice command.
US09927810B1

A safe-stop-zone mapping system suitable for use on an automated-vehicle includes a digital-map and a controller. The digital-map indicates a travel-path suitable for travel by a host-vehicle. The digital-map also indicates a safe-stop-zone proximate to the travel-path. The controller is in communication with the digital-map. The controller is configured to navigate the host-vehicle into the safe-stop-zone when an emergency-situation occurs.
US09927807B1

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for control of unmanned vehicles. One of the methods includes determining, using an internet protocol mesh module, whether a peer unmanned vehicle is within a predetermined physical distance from the unmanned vehicle to enable creation of a mesh network for network communications between an unmanned vehicle and the peer unmanned vehicle, determining, using a cellular gateway module, whether the unmanned vehicle can connect to a cellular network, determining, using the available networks, a communications path between the unmanned vehicle and a control system, creating, using the communications path between the unmanned vehicle and the control system, a network connection with the control system, receiving, from the control system via the network connection, navigation commands, and using the navigation commands to control movement of the unmanned vehicle.
US09927803B1

A process for creating custom fixtures for parts that are to be CNC lathe machined is fully automatic and requires no human interaction. The customer's CAD file is computer analyzed to determine whether the part's dimensions fit within an available CNC lathe turning center for forming out of a cylindrical stock bar. The longitudinal axis is identified, and a set of tool paths is developed for cutting the part from two respective directions. A corresponding tool path is developed for CNC lathe cutting a bushing, preferably from the same bar stock, which generally represents the negative space around circular cross-sections of the part, in monotonically increasing diameters from the first end of the part. The bushing is then used to hold the part in the chuck during machining the second end of the part from the opposite direction.
US09927802B2

A cutting data generator includes an editing unit configured to edit a plurality of figures into a desirable pattern and a control device. The control device is configured to detect superposition of outlines of the figures adjacent to each other and/or an intersection of the outlines of the adjacent figures and to generate cutting data including a first cut line which is an outline of the pattern and a second cut line which is the detected superposed outline and/or a line segment between the intersections, the first cut line being a line along which the pattern is cut out of a sheet, the second cut line being a groove-shaped or perforated line.
US09927799B2

A numerical control (NC) program generating apparatus includes a standby state analyzing unit 12 analyzing an NC program to determine whether a block in which an operation unit is brought into a standby state is present, and when such a block is present, determining whether a power source 39, 45, 46 corresponding to the operation unit can be stopped at the time of execution of the block to specify a stoppable block, and a power operation code inserting unit 13 inserting an operation code for stopping the corresponding power source 39, 45, 46 at the time of execution of the stoppable block into the NC program and inserting an operation code for restarting the power source 39, 45, 46 after the execution of the block into the NC program.
US09927798B2

Integration of semiconductor tool maintenance operations on mobile devices to allow technicians to more accurately perform semiconductor tool maintenance and to allow more accurate analysis of data to improve maintenance procedures to be more repeatable, consistent, and efficient. Remote control of maintenance operations for the semiconductor tool via a portable electronic device decreases the time required to service semiconductor tools and thus increase throughput.
US09927781B2

A management apparatus according to embodiments is configured to manage a processing apparatus having an operation display. The management apparatus includes a request acquisition unit configured to receive a request for screen information used to generate an operation display, from the processing apparatus, a function acquisition unit configured to acquire from the processing apparatus function information indicating one or more functions supported by the processing apparatus, a generating unit configured to generate, based on the function information, the screen information such that a function not supported by the processing apparatus cannot be selected on the operation display, and a provision unit configured to provide the screen information generated by the generating unit to the processing apparatus.
US09927775B1

A method and apparatus for determining a difference between signal edges in two signals includes a multiple stage converter where each stage determines which of the two signals has an earlier signal edge, outputs a value corresponding to that determination, and then applies a delay to the earlier signal that is equal to half of the delay applied by the next previous stage. The stages examine smaller and smaller intervals to the sought-after signal edge. Each stage includes a plurality of logic elements. If all logic elements in the stage output the same signal, the edge position is clear. If some of the logic elements in the stage vote differently than others in the state due to differences in setup time for the different elements, the edge location has been found within the sensing band of the stage.
US09927774B2

A pill dispensing watch with a wrist watch assembly that includes a housing that encloses a time keeping apparatus as well as a plurality of pill storage drawers and microprocessor controlled electro mechanical drawer extending assemblies that allow the user to set the time for a pill taking event and for the pill retaining drawers to each open at the time the pill needs to be taken. A micro USB port built into the watch housing lets the user plug the on board microprocessor into a standard computer so that the user can program the times that the drawers need to open and an audio alarm needs to sound. In one embodiment the watch housing includes two of the drawers extending from the left side of the watch housing and two drawers extending from the right side of the watch housing.
US09927771B2

Watch comprising a case containing an energy accumulator recharged by a winding mechanism, this watch is arranged to receive, attached to the case or in immediate proximity thereto, an additional self-winding mechanism arranged to be worn by a user at the same time as the watch and comprising a transmitter wheel set arranged for contactless cooperation with a receiver wheel set comprised in the winding mechanism, by remote interaction under the action of a field in the air-gap between the transmitter wheel set and the receiver wheel set, the intensity of the field and the maximum air-gap distance being defined to transmit to the receiver wheel set, to recharge the energy accumulator, a torque or a force imparted by a user to the transmitter wheel set, and the additional self-winding mechanism is removable and portable with respect to the case.
US09927769B2

An image forming apparatus has a cooler, an air passage switching member, a swing mechanism, a drive gear train, and a restricting mechanism. The air passage switching member is swingable and switches the path of cooling air produced by the cooler. The swing mechanism swings the air passage switching member. The drive gear train transmits a rotation driving force to the swing mechanism. The restricting mechanism restricts the swinging range of the swing mechanism. The swing mechanism has a first gear coupled to the drive gear train, and an actuator swingably coupled to the first gear with a predetermined load and coupled to the air passage switching member. By swinging the actuator together with the first gear while restricting the swinging range of the actuator with the restricting mechanism, the air passage switching member is switched between a first position and a second position.
US09927755B2

An image forming apparatus includes an image bearing member, a developing device configured to develop an electrostatic image formed on the image bearing member into a toner image, and an exchangeable developer container configured to supply the developer into the developing device. A content sensor detects information relating to a toner content in the developing device, and an exchange detecting portion detects an exchanging operation of the developer container. A controller controls a supplying operation for supplying the developer from the developer container to the developing device on the basis of a detection result of the content sensor and executes a developer supplying mode for supplying developer prohibiting an image forming operation. The controller controls the supplying operation so as to permit the image forming operation without executing the developer supplying mode until an amount of formed images reaches a predetermined level.
US09927751B2

The motor that drives a reverse unit, and a CPU configured to switch an image formation mode between a full color mode for forming an image using image forming stations and a black and white mode for forming an image using the image forming station are provided. If the image is formed on a first recording material supplied by a sheet feeding roller pair and subsequently an image is formed on a second recording material supplied by a sheet refeeding unit, the motor continuously drives the reverse unit. If the image formation mode for the first recording material is different from the image formation mode for the second recording material, the CPU switches the image formation mode to the full color mode, and forms the images on the first recording material and the second recording material.
US09927748B2

A fixing device includes: a rotatable endless fixing belt; a nip forming member arranged inside the fixing belt; a facing rotating body that abuts the nip forming member via the fixing belt to form a nip portion with the fixing belt; a heat source that directly heats up the fixing belt at a portion other than the nip portion; and a supporting member that supports the nip forming member. The fixing device conveys a recording medium carrying an unfixed image to the nip portion to fix the unfixed image to the recording medium, and the supporting member includes a rising portion extending in an abutting direction of the facing rotating body against the fixing belt and having a tip close to an inner circumferential surface of the fixing belt, and is set to have a section modulus of 200 mm3 or higher.
US09927745B2

An image heating device includes a heater having a substrate, a first heat generating block which is formed on the substrate and generates heat by supplied power, and a second heat generating block which is arranged at a position different from a position at which the first heat generating block is arranged in a longitudinal direction of the substrate. The device also includes a temperature detecting element and a controller to which a signal from the temperature detecting element is input. The controller controls a ratio of power supplied to the first heat generating block to power supplied to the second heat generating block to thereby switch heat generation distribution of the heater, and the temperature detecting element is arranged so as to extend across both of the first heat generating block and the second heat generating block.
US09927735B2

An image forming apparatus includes: a photosensitive member; an exposure unit configured to divide one pixel into a plurality of pixel pieces and perform exposure on a pixel piece-by-pixel piece basis, to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive member; a determination unit configured to determine, based on image data, an isolated pixel surrounded by blank pixels in the electrostatic latent image; a selection unit configured to select a correction target pixel from the blank pixels surrounding the isolated pixel; and a correction unit configured to correct the image data so as to expose a pixel piece of the correction target pixel.
US09927733B2

An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable photosensitive drum including a photosensitive layer; a drum charging member contacted or disposed closely to the drum, to be supplied with a DC voltage; a developing device; a transfer member for transferring a toner image onto a toner image receiving member; a device for applying to the transfer member a transfer bias voltage; a light projecting portion for projecting light to the drum before the charging and after the image transfer; a controller for controlling a quantity of the projected light, on the basis of the transfer bias and a film thickness of the photosensitive layer, wherein under a condition that the transfer bias is the same, the light amount controlled by the controller is smaller when the film thickness is a fourth value than when it is a third value, the fourth value being smaller than the third value.
US09927725B2

A lithography apparatus has a plurality of processing units configured to respectively perform patternings on a plurality of substrates that belong to a lot, and a controller configured to perform, based on specific information that specifies one of the plurality of substrates, determination of one of the plurality of processing units that processes the one of the plurality of substrates, and control the plurality of processing units such that the patternings are performed on the plurality of substrates respectively with the plurality of processing units in parallel based on recipe information corresponding to the lot.
US09927724B2

A liquid immersion exposure apparatus is disclosed. It includes a projection system having a final element and a liquid immersion member that in turn includes a first member, which surrounds the final element and has a liquid supply port and a liquid suction port, and a second member, which is movable with respect to the first member and has a lower part under which a portion of a liquid immersion space is formed. During exposure of a plurality of shot regions of a substrate, the immersion space covers a portion of a surface of the substrate, and the first shot region is exposed while moving the substrate in a first scanning direction. After the exposure of the first shot region, the second shot region is exposed while moving the substrate in a second scanning direction.
US09927721B2

An object positioning system including a movable object, an actuator system and a control system. The moveable object is moveable relative to a reference. The actuator system is configured to apply a force to the object at a force application location on the object in order to move the moveable object relative to the reference. The control system is configured to position a point of interest of the object relative to the reference. The control system is configured to drive the actuator system based on a parameter representing a spatial relationship between the force application location and the point of interest. The parameter is dependent on a further parameter representing a position of the object relative to the reference.
US09927716B2

An apparatus and method for cleaning a contaminated surface of a lithographic apparatus are provided. A liquid confinement structure comprises at least two openings used to supply and extract liquid to a gap below the structure. The direction of flow between the openings can be switched. Liquid may be supplied to the gap radially outward of an opening adapted for dual flow. Supply and extraction lines to respectively supply liquid to and extract liquid from the liquid confinement structure have an inner surface that is resistant to corrosion by an organic liquid. A corrosive cleaning fluid can be used to clean photo resist contamination.
US09927713B2

A surface position detection apparatus capable of highly precisely detecting the surface position of a surface to be detected without substantially being affected by relative positional displacement due to a polarization component occurring in a light flux having passed through a reflective surface. In the apparatus, a projection system has a projection side prism member having first reflective surfaces, and a light receiving system has a light receiving prism member having second reflective surfaces arranged in correspondence with the projection side prism member. The surface position detection apparatus further has a member for compensating relative positional displacement due to a polarization component of a light flux having passed through the first and second reflective surfaces.
US09927703B2

An optical assembly includes an optical device having an optical surface. The optical assembly further includes an encapsulant that substantially covers the optical surface. The encapsulant has a first layer (106) and a second layer (108). The first layer (106) has a first silicone-containing hot melt composition and a major surface (112). The second layer (108) has a second silicone-containing hot melt composition, the second layer (108) having a second major surface (110) in contact with the first major surface (112).
US09927697B2

Provided is a mask blank, including: a resist layer formed by a chemically amplified resist; a protective layer formed to coat the resist layer; and a buffer layer provided between the resist layer and the protective layer, wherein the protective layer contains an acidic substance, a basic substance, and a salt generated by a reaction between the acidic substance and the basic substance, and the buffer layer has a portion which is a surface layer portion of a pre-coated resist layer before being coated by the protective layer, and in which the pre-coated resist layer and the protective layer 4 are in contact with each other, and this portion is formed by receiving the acidic substance, the basic substance, and the salt moved from the protective layer 4.
US09927695B2

In a halftone phase shift mask blank comprising a transparent substrate and a halftone phase shift film thereon, the halftone phase shift film is composed of a silicon base material consisting of silicon, nitrogen and 0-6 at % of oxygen, has a refractive index n of at least 2.4, an extinction coefficient k of 0.4-0.7, and a thickness of 40-67 nm. The halftone phase shift film is thin enough to be advantageous for photomask pattern formation, has chemical resistance against chemical cleaning, and maintains a necessary phase shift for phase shift function and a necessary transmittance for halftone function.
US09927682B2

Embodiments discussed herein provide improved control of an unmanned aerial vehicle camera gimbal. In some embodiments, a linear control circuit is described that uses an operational amplifier that allows the system to retain its passive isolation of high frequency disturbances.
US09927680B2

Actuators are used to move a variety of objects to desired positions. It is generally desirable that they can do this quickly without exhibiting overshoot or ringing. Some actuators are required to respond very quickly and examples of these are voice coil drivers used to move lenses in autofocus cameras provided in everyday devices such as smart phones and tablets. A rapid two step controller scheme had already been disclosed by Analog Devices Inc. While the scheme works well, it can only be used reliably if the resonant frequency of the actuator is known to within 2 or 3%. The inventors have discovered that the resonant frequency of an actuator unexpectedly changes as a function of position. This disclosure provides ways of modifying the control scheme to cope with changes in resonant frequency.
US09927678B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a variable optical attenuator. The variable optical attenuator includes: a collimator, a switchable polarization grating, a reflector, and a voltage controller for adjusting a voltage between electrodes at both ends of a liquid crystal layer of the switchable polarization grating, where the collimator, the switchable polarization grating, and the reflector are disposed successively; the collimator is configured to receive incident light and output the incident light to the switchable polarization grating; the switchable polarization grating is configured to diffract the incident light for one time and then perform emission onto the reflector; the switchable polarization grating is further configured to diffract, for one time, a beam reflected back by the reflector, and then emit resulting diffracted light; and the collimator is further configured to receive the diffracted light and output the diffracted light.
US09927673B2

A display apparatus and a displaying method thereof are provided. The display apparatus includes a transmissive display panel, a liquid crystal glass, a backlight module and a transparent polarizer film. The liquid crystal glass is disposed at a side of the transmissive display panel. The liquid crystal glass has a transparent state and an atomization state and is adapted to switch between the transparent state and the atomization state. The backlight module is disposed at a side of the liquid crystal glass away from the transmissive display panel. The backlight module includes a transparent light-guiding plate and at least one light bar. The liquid crystal glass is located between the transmissive display panel and the transparent light-guiding plate. The transparent polarizer film is disposed at a side of the transparent light-guiding plate away from the liquid crystal glass.
US09927670B2

There is provided a liquid crystal display including: a first substrate including a display area displaying an image and a peripheral area surrounding the display area; a data line disposed on the first substrate in the display area and including a source electrode; a first gate insulating layer disposed at a portion except for the portion where the data line is disposed on the first substrate; a semiconductor layer disposed on the source electrode; a drain electrode disposed on the semiconductor layer; a gate line disposed on the first gate insulating layer in the display area and including a gate electrode; and a second gate insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode on the first gate insulating layer and the semiconductor layer, in which the gate line and the data line extend in the same direction to each other.
US09927669B2

A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate; a reference voltage line including a storage electrode; a pixel electrode including a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode, and disposed in a pixel area; a second substrate facing the first substrate; and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the first subpixel electrode includes a first horizontal stem and a first vertical stem, the second subpixel electrode includes a second horizontal stem and a second vertical stem, the second subpixel electrode is provided to an external side of the pixel area to surround the first subpixel electrode, and the storage electrode includes a first storage electrode overlapping the first horizontal stem of the first subpixel electrode, and a second storage electrode overlapping the second vertical stem of the second subpixel electrodes.
US09927666B2

A representative LCD system includes: liquid crystal material disposed between first and second substrates; protrusions supported by the first substrate and arranged in an array, each of the protrusions extending from a base; first pixel electrodes, with a corresponding one of the first pixel electrodes being positioned adjacent the base of a corresponding one of the protrusions; first common electrodes, with a corresponding one of the first common electrodes being positioned adjacent the base of a corresponding one of the protrusions such that each of the protrusions is positioned between one of the first pixel electrodes and one of the first common electrodes; second pixel electrodes, with a corresponding one of the second pixel electrodes being positioned on a corresponding one of the protrusions; and second common electrodes, with a corresponding one of the second common electrodes being positioned on a corresponding one of the protrusions.
US09927665B2

A liquid crystal display is divided into a first region and a second region by a virtual central line that passes through a central point of the LCD and extends along a first direction, where the first region comprises a plurality of dots, each comprising a first pixel, a second pixel and a third pixel displaying different colors, wherein the plurality of dots are repeatedly arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction and comprise a first dot and a second dot, wherein a first distance between the first pixel of the first dot and the central line is greater than a second distance between the first pixel of the second dot and the central line, and the area of the first pixel of the first dot is less than that of the first pixel of the second dot.
US09927657B2

A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device including a TFT substrate with display and peripheral regions. The display region has pixels each having a pixel electrode and a TFT. A counter substrate opposes the TFT substrate and has a color filter formed at a position corresponding to a position at which the pixel electrode is formed above the TFT substrate. The method includes coating, outside of the display region of the TFT substrate, a second alignment film in the shape of a frame, and coating, in the display region, a first alignment film that dries more slowly than the second alignment film. The first and second alignment films are in contact, and the second alignment film is thicker than the first alignment film.
US09927656B2

A liquid crystal panel which is capable of significantly reducing a thickness thereof as compared to conventional liquid crystal panels, and, when used in a liquid crystal display device using a liquid crystal cell such as an IPS-type liquid crystal cell, reducing oblique light leakage in a black state of the liquid crystal display device to enhance contrast.
US09927655B2

The present invention provides a display panel, a method for fabricating the same and a display device. The display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are assembled in an aligned manner. A first compensation film is provided on at least one side of the first substrate, a second compensation film is provided on at least one side of the second substrate, and the first compensation film and the second compensation film are used for compensating for phase delays of periphery areas of the first substrate and the second substrate, respectively, so that the phase delays of the periphery areas of the first substrate and the second substrate are the same as the phase delays of respective center areas thereof.
US09927653B2

To provide a method of manufacturing an optical film formed on a plastic substrate. There is provided a method of manufacturing an optical film including the steps of laminating a separation layer and an optical filter on a first substrate, separating the optical filter from the first substrate, attaching the optical filter to a second substrate. Since the optical film manufactured according to the invention has flexibility, it can be provided on a portion or a display device having a curved surface. Further, the optical film is not processed at high temperatures, and hence, an optical film having high yield with high reliability can be formed. Furthermore, an optical film having an excellent impact resistance property can be formed.
US09927652B2

Embodiments of the present disclosure provides a display panel and a display apparatus. The display panel includes: a substrate; a plurality of strip electrode groups, disposed on the substrate, each of the strip electrode groups including a first strip electrode and a second strip electrode; a liquid crystal layer, disposed on the first strip electrode and the second strip electrode; a color filter layer, disposed on the liquid crystal layer and including a plurality of color filter sublayers, wherein dielectric constants of at least two of color filter sublayers are different; and a plate electrode, disposed on the color filter layer.
US09927651B2

The present invention provides a display device, which includes a color filter, a quantum dot (QD)-injected photonic crystal film, and a backlight module. The QD-injected photonic crystal film is formed by injecting QDs into a photonic crystal film. Due to the light guiding effect of the photonic crystal, the light emission efficiency of the QDs can be effectively improved. The photonic crystal film includes red, green, and blue light transmission zones. The QDs injected into red, green, and blue light transmission zones of the photonic crystal film are respectively red, green, and blue QDs, so that when white mixed light emitting from the backlight source reaches the QD-injected photonic crystal film, light transmission zones of the photonic crystal film allow only light of corresponding colors to pass such that the QDs contained therein emit light of corresponding colors. Further, these colors of light respectively transmit through the color filters of corresponding colors. Light of other colors is reflected back by the photonic crystal film to be subjected to scattering and re-reflection by the optical film for being subsequently allowed to transmit through the other two light transmission zones of photonic crystal film.
US09927637B2

To reduce the optical loss, lower the driving voltage, produce a smaller product, and simplify the production process, an embodiment of the present invention includes a rib waveguide core (101) having a rib region (101r) and two slab regions (101s), where a depletion layer (113) is so formed as to extend from the rib region (101r) to the two slab regions (101s).
US09927631B2

An interchangeable frame for eyeglasses comprises an upper frame and a lower frame, which are respectively formed corresponding lens-assembling portions. The connection site between the upper frame and the lower frame has a connection block and a connection notch, corresponded to connect to each other, and the both sides of the connection block and the connection notch have a ditch and a flange, engaging upon each other, making the upper frame and the lower frame connect to form in one. Therefore, according to the required, the upper frame and the lower frame can be assembled and disassembled freely to form the semi-rim eyeglasses or the full-rim eyeglasses.
US09927625B2

The present invention provides a birefringent lens material for a stereoscopic image display, the birefringent lens material containing two or more liquid crystal compounds each having at least one polymerizable functional group, a birefringent lens for a stereoscopic image display, the birefringent lens being formed by using the lens material, and a method for producing a birefringent lens for a stereoscopic image display using the lens material. The birefringent lens material for a stereoscopic image display and the birefringent lens for a stereoscopic image display of the present invention are good in terms of optical characteristics, durability, and productivity, in particular, productivity. The method for producing a birefringent lens for a stereoscopic image display of the present invention has good productivity.
US09927622B2

Apparatus and methods for combining beams of amplified radiation are disclosed. A beam combiner has a collimating optic positioned to receive a plurality of coherent radiation beams at a constant angle of incidence with respect to an optical axis of the collimating optic. The respective angles of incidence may also be different in some embodiments. The collimating optic has an optical property that collimates the beams. The optical property may be refractive or reflective, or a combination thereof. A collecting optic may also be provided to direct the plurality of beams to the collimating optic. The beam combiner may be used in a thermal processing apparatus to combine more than two beams of coherent amplified radiation, such as lasers, into a single beam.
US09927620B2

Systems and techniques are disclosed for flat-top intensity laser sheet beam generation. The system includes a source of light directed at a first optical component arranged to receive the light and generate spherical aberration (e.g., third order positive aberration) in the light rays. The spherical aberration results in positive aberrations in the light in a first plane and also results in the light being substantially collimated in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. In some cases, the source of light is provided from a laser diode and the first optical component is one of an aspherical lens and a spherical lens. The system also includes a second optical component for focusing the light in the second plane. In some cases, the second optical component is a cylindrical lens.
US09927618B2

A strap system for a head-mounted display includes a first flexible non-stretchable section to wrap around the head-mounted display and extend laterally towards a user's ears, a second flexible non-stretchable section to extend from a first side of the first flexible non-stretchable section towards the back of the user's first ear and split into an upper portion and a lower portion, and a third flexible non-stretchable section to extend from a second side of the first flexible non-stretchable section to the back of the user's second ear and split into an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the second flexible non-stretchable section substantially mirrors the upper portion of the third flexible non-stretchable section. The lower portion of the second flexible non-stretchable section substantially mirrors the lower portion of the third flexible non-stretchable section.
US09927617B2

According to an illustrative embodiment, a head-mounted display is provided. The head-mounted display includes a detector for detecting an angle of tilt of the head-mounted display; and an output unit for outputting an indication of the angle of tilt.
US09927615B2

Some implementations of augmented reality glasses disclosed herein include an eyeglass substrate, two or more display elements, image optics configured for coupling light from the display elements into the eyeglass substrate and beam-splitting optics configured for directing light from the eyeglass substrate towards a viewer's eye and for allowing partial light from the real-world scene to arrive at a viewer's eye. The image optics may include one or more image optics lenses formed in the eyeglass substrate and may be positioned out of a line of sight of the viewer's eye when the viewer is wearing the augmented reality glasses. The image optics may be capable of coupling light from the display elements toward the beam-splitting optics along folded light paths caused by internal reflection within the eyeglass substrate.
US09927613B2

An image display apparatus which displays, as a virtual image, image in a visual field of a user, including an image generation section to generate image; an illumination section to illuminate light to the image generation section; and a projection section by which the image generated by the image generation section is projected, as a virtual image, into the visual field of the user, the projection section includes: a prism lens formed by integrating, by predetermined unit, a lens to generate the virtual image, with a prism provided thereon with a half mirror film which bends, in the direction of the pupil, a signal light from the image generation section; and aperture restriction unit which is provided on the incident surface of the prism lens, and which allows light in a predetermined area of the signal light from the image generation section to pass therethrough.
US09927611B2

The present invention is directed to wearable display technologies. More specifically, various embodiments of the present invention provide wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projection display systems where one or more laser diodes are used as light source for illustrating images with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. In one set of embodiments, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projector systems that utilize transparent waveguides and blue and/or green laser fabricated using gallium nitride containing material. In another set of embodiments, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating projection systems having digital lighting processing engines illuminated by blue and/or green laser devices with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. In one embodiment, the present invention provides wearable augmented reality glasses incorporating a 3D display system with optical delivery to the eye using transparent waveguides. There are other embodiments as well.
US09927610B2

This display device is provided with a display unit, a beam splitter, and a first mirror. The display unit emits a first image and a second image. The beam splitter has, incident thereon, the first image and the second image which are emitted from the display unit. The beam splitter transmits the incident first image and reflects the incident second image to project the first image and the second image on a display medium. The first mirror has, incident thereon, the first image which has been transmitted through the beam splitter. The first mirror reflects the incident first image to project the first image on the display medium.
US09927607B2

Provided are an imaging lens and an Imaging apparatus which includes this imaging lens. The imaging lens consists of, in order from an object side: a front group GF; a diaphragm St; and a rear group GR. The front group GF consists of, in order from the object side: a first lens L1 that is convex toward the object side and has a negative refractive power; a second lens L2 that has a negative refractive power; and a third lens L3 that has a positive refractive power. The rear group GR consists of, in order from the object side: a fourth lens L4 that has a positive refractive power; a fifth lens L5 that has a positive refractive power; a sixth lens L6 that has a negative refractive power; a seventh lens L7 that has a positive refractive power; and an eighth lens L8 that has a negative refractive power.
US09927605B2

A certain material irregularly expressed in an observation area is effectively observed. An observing apparatus includes a first observing unit performing a time lapse shooting of a predetermined observation area, a first discriminating unit discriminating whether or not a first material is expressed in the observation area based on an image obtained by the first observing unit, and a second observing unit starting a time lapse shooting relating to a part where the first material is expressed at a timing when the first material is expressed in the observation area, in which a shooting frequency of the time lapse shooting by the second observing unit is higher than a shooting frequency of the time lapse shooting by the first observing unit.
US09927604B2

A method for tracking three-dimensional movement of an object and focusing thereon is provided. Software repeatedly detects three-dimensional locations of one or more objects and image quality by sampling images at many parameter settings as the objects move in three-dimensional environment. The images are ranked occurring to a fitness score and parameter settings for subsequent images to established using a biologically-inspired algorithm.
US09927603B2

A switch which reduces the voltage between the photocathode and the first dynode in the activated switching state compared to the deactivated switching state and a control unit which is adapted to move a target spot, which can be illuminated by means of the light source, over a scanning field by means of a deflecting unit. The control unit activates the switch when the target spot enters a given region of the scanning field and deactivates the switch when the target spot exits the region.
US09927591B2

A packaging arrangement for telecommunications cabling is disclosed herein. The packaging arrangement includes a modular spool assembly defined by a first flange, an opposing second flange, and a spool hub separating the first flange from the second flange, wherein a telecommunications cable may be wound between the first and second flanges. Each flange defines a first cable contact side, a second cable-end storage side, and an opening allowing the telecommunications cable to pass from the first side to the second side, the second side defining a storage compartment for storing an end of the telecommunications cable passing through the opening in the flange.
US09927587B2

There is provided an optical transmitter including an optical connector port and a light emitter. The optical connector port is configured to connect to a connector of an optical cable in a first orientation or a second orientation. The light emitter is configured to transmit the optical signal toward a first region of the connector that reflects the optical signal into an optical transmission line of an optical cable when the connector is connected in the first orientation, and transmit the optical signal toward a second region of the connector that reflects the optical signal into the optical transmission line of the optical cable when the connector is connected in the second orientation different from the first orientation.
US09927585B1

A housing structure for an optical transceiver module includes a casing and a pull member. The casing includes a side wall, two fixation blocks protruding from the side wall at two sides, a connection slot formed on the side wall, and a positioning block disposed in the connection slot. The pull member is movably coupled to the casing. The pull member includes a connection plate arranged corresponding to the connection slot and includes a positioning portion arranged corresponding to the positioning block. An engagement portion for engagement with the connection plate is placed on an inner surface of each of the fixation blocks. Accordingly, the pull member of the housing structure can be rapidly assembled to the casing without use of additional components.
US09927581B1

A method for assembling a fiber optic connector utilizes a manufacturing fixture with multiple fingers that are removably affixed to an outer surface of a ferrule holder having at least one keying feature. A core position of an optical fiber relative to a ferrule retained by the ferrule holder is determined, followed by relative rotation between the ferrule holder and the manufacturing fixture to place the core position in a preferred angular orientation, and a housing is affixed over the ferrule holder the maintain the angular orientation of the core position, followed by removal of the manufacturing fixture. A ferrule holder includes at least one keying feature and at least one channel extending in a circumferential direction along an outer surface of a body structure, with a plurality of recesses extending in an axial direction along the outer surface.
US09927577B2

Methods, systems, and apparatus for optical wavelength selective switching. One 2×2 wavelength selective switch array includes a plurality of optical input ports configured to receive one or more optical input beams, and a plurality of optical output ports configured to receive one or more one or more optical output beams wherein the plurality of optical input ports and optical output ports form an array of 2×2 optical port pairs; one or more optical conditioning and wavelength dispersion elements; a polarization modulator array having a plurality of polarizing modulation cells, each cell configured to independently change a polarization orientation of an optical beam passing through the cell and associated with a particular wavelength channel; and a polarization-selective beam-routing optical element configured to route each particular input beam to either a first output port or a second output port according to polarization orientation.
US09927574B2

An optical component includes a component body, and at least one angled-facet waveguide formed in the component body, wherein the angled-facet waveguide is substantially mirror-symmetrical in shape relative to a line at or near the center of the angled-facet waveguide.
US09927572B1

Examples include hybrid silicon photonic device structures. Some examples include a method of integrating a photodetector with a photonic device on a silicon wafer to make a hybrid silicon photonic device structure. A dielectric layer is established on the silicon wafer. A pit is formed in a portion of the dielectric layer and the silicon wafer, wherein a bottom of the pit is silicon. A germanium layer is grown in the pit such that a top of the germanium layer is lower than a top of the silicon wafer. The germanium layer comprises the photodetector. A photonic device material that comprises the photonic device is bonded to the silicon wafer without planarization of the silicon wafer.
US09927571B2

An illumination device for illuminating at least one spatial light modulator device. At least one light source device with at least one light source illuminates the at least one spatial light modulator device; a light guiding element through which light emanating from the light source propagates; and at least one light decoupling element arranged on top or inside of the light guiding element. The at least one light decoupling element decouples of a wave field of the light which propagating in the light guiding element into the direction of the spatial light modulator device. The light guiding element has a refractive index which is lower than or at least equal to the refractive index of the at least one light decoupling element. The entrance angle of the wave field entering the light decoupling element is determined by the difference between the refractive indices according to a particular equation.
US09927570B2

A liquid crystal display having a display panel including first and second display regions that are different from each other, a light source supplying light to the display panel, and a light guide plate having an area which is divided into a first region corresponding to the first display region and a second region corresponding to the second display region, the light guide plate allowing light incident from the light source to progress toward, wherein each of the first and second regions includes a light incident surface through which the light is incident, a light emitting surface through which the light successively incident from the light incident surface emits, and a rear surface opposed to the light emitting surface. The light emitting surface of the first region includes a plurality of first optical patterns refracting the light emitted by the light source to prevent light leakage from the first region onto the second display region.
US09927568B2

An apparatus comprising a light source (110), one or more light guides (104), and a light diffuser (102) having an integration chamber (114) surrounded by one or more light diffusive areas (108). The one or more light diffusive areas are configured with one or more first openings as one or more ingress areas (112) to receive light from the light source and one or more second openings as one or more egress areas (106) to provide light to the one or more light guides. For illuminating visual indicators with uniform light.
US09927566B2

Embodiments of the invention provides an electromagnetic induction antenna plate, a backlight and a display device, and the electromagnetic induction antenna plate comprises a wiring layer and a fixing structure for attaching the wiring layer to a back plate of a backlight, wherein the wiring layer comprises a first surface facing the back plate and a second surface coated with a reflective material and facing a light guide plate of the backlight when mounted to the backlight.
US09927565B2

A light guide plate includes a light conversion portion which transmits a transmission incident light having a first wavelength, and converts a conversion incident light having the first wavelength to a converted light having a second wavelength; and a light guide portion which guides the transmission incident light and the converted light in a first direction. The light conversion portion includes a light incident surface which receives the transmission incident light and the conversion incident light, an inclined side surface inclined with respect to the light incident surface to form an inclined angle with the light incident surface, quantum dots which convert light having the first wavelength to light having the second wavelength and are distributed in a quantum area on the light incident surface and the inclined side surface, and a reflector adjacent to the inclined side surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
US09927563B2

Provided are a liquid crystal panel and a method of manufacturing method of manufacturing a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel includes a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate; and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. The first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate have transparency in a visible light region and an ultraviolet absorptive property. At least one of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate includes a structure arranged in a predetermined region thereof, where the structure transmits ultraviolet rays in a specific wavelength range.
US09927562B2

A night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatible liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a backlight and an LCD panel. The LCD panel includes a color filter including a plurality of colored pixels. Each of the colored pixels in the plurality of colored pixels incorporates a near infrared (NIR) filter, capable of substantially blocking emissions from the backlight, including NIR emission between 650 nm and 930 nm, while maintaining high transmission of bands of visible light for producing a full color visual image.
US09927560B2

Disclosed herein are devices and techniques related to optical diffusers and particularly, diffusers to reduce moiré patterns in a projected image. The device may comprise an array of micro-focal elements or reflectors and a light polarization grid. The light polarization grid configured to change a polarization between portions of a light beam and the micro-focal elements of reflectors to diffuse the light beam such that portions of the light beam having a difference in polarization may meet at a point.
US09927555B2

A composition for a polarizing film including a polymer and at least one of dichroic dye, wherein the dichroic dye includes a first dichroic dye represented by Chemical Formula 1 and having a molecular weight of greater than or equal to about 500 Daltons: wherein in Chemical Formula 1, Ar1 to Ar3, R1, R2, n, and m are the same as described in the detailed description.
US09927554B2

A method and system for analysis of a digital core image obtained from a sample are disclosed. The method includes performing segmentations on the digital core image using multiple approaches to obtain multiple segmented images which are statistically analyzed to select the most suitable approach of the multiple approaches. Thereafter, a digital core model is generated using the segmented image corresponding to the most suitable approach. A simulation test may be performed on the digital core model to obtain a model test result and an oilfield operation may be performed based on the model test result. The system includes measurement and testing equipment to obtain the digital core image and a computing system including a data repository for storing a digital core image and a digital core model, and a digital core modeling tool. The digital core modeling tool performs the segmentations, statistical analysis, and generates the digital core model.
US09927552B2

A system for generating eccentering corrected response includes a logging tool configured to examine a material filled in an annular space to generate a tool response. The material is filled in an annular space formed by an outer conduit and an inner conduit disposed in the outer conduit. The logging tool is disposed in an inner conduit. The tool response includes scattered gamma ray photon counts distorted by a radial shift of the logging tool. The system includes a data transmission device coupled to a plurality of detectors and configured to transmit data detected by the plurality of detectors. The system also includes a computer processor linked to the data transmission device and configured to receive the tool response. The computer processor is configured to process the tool response and generate an eccentered corrected response by correcting effects of the radial shift in the tool response using eccentering correction technique.
US09927548B2

The disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for well logging as well as a data processing device thereof. Said apparatus for well logging comprises a drill collar body and an array of antennas, wherein said array of antennas comprises at least a pair of transmitting antenna and receiving antenna, said transmitting antenna and receiving antenna are configured for generating a curve of axial forward depth of investigation. By employing the method for well logging according to the present invention, not only the variation of resistivity in the axial forward formation may be measured in real time during the drilling, but also the interfacial characteristics of the axial forward formations having different resistivity may be discriminated during drilling.
US09927547B2

A self-powered borehole communication assembly including a first electrode member having a first electrode potential and a second electrode member having a second electrode potential different than the first electrode potential. The first and second electrodes form an electrochemical cell when disposed in a borehole fluid that is at least partially electrolytic. The electrochemical cell is operatively arranged for producing a current and a voltage with at least one of the current or the voltage configured to directly convey information related to at least one borehole condition, property, or parameter. A method of communicating is also included.
US09927540B2

A method is provided for determining a sail path of vessels on a map representative of a marine geographic area, to perform a turn between a start point and an end point, each vessel having a turn radius, the start point, respectively the end point, being associated with a start, respectively an end, circle, the sail path being curvilinear and composed of arcs and straight segments. The method includes: detecting obstacles likely to interfere with at least one vessel; encompassing obstacles into a curvilinear geometric form; determining a sail path of the vessel by minimizing, under constraints, a cost function comprising: a first term representative of the length of arcs making up the sail path and a second term representative of the length of straight segments making up the sail path, taking into account the start and end circles and the curvilinear geometric forms, and a third term of penalization of distance separating the sail path to be determined, at any point of the sail path, and at least one disturbing object.
US09927533B2

An instrument for assaying radiation includes a radiation sensor and a collimator that covers at least a portion of the radiation sensor. The collimator defines a first field of view to the radiation sensor. An insert in the collimator defines a second field of view to the radiation sensor that is less than the first field of view.
US09927532B2

A collimator, which is adhesively bonded to a detector element array, is prevented from falling off from the radiation detection apparatus even in case that a failure of the adhesive joint occurs in the collimator. There is provided a radiation detection apparatus comprising: a detector element array in which a plurality of detector elements are arranged substantially in a fan-angle direction and in a cone-angle direction of a radiation; a collimator adhesively bonded to a side of the detector element array on which the radiation impinges, and having outer end surfaces on both sides in the slice direction tapered to align with a direction of emission from a radiation source; and a pair of blocks disposed to sandwich the collimator in the cone-angle direction, and having inner end surfaces on both sides in the cone-angle direction tapered to align with the direction of emission.
US09927509B2

A current measurement device is provided for use with a measurement target having a conductive path. The current measurement device includes a non-contact current sensor to be positioned adjacent the conductive path of the measurement target. A calibration current superimposing unit, including a first electrode and a second electrode to be positioned in contact with the conductive path of the measurement target, is configured to output a calibration current to flow through the conductive path between the first electrode and the second electrode. A controller, coupled to the non-contact current sensor and the calibration current superimposing unit, is configured to control the output of the calibration current from the calibration current superimposing unit, and is configured to sample a signal from the non-contact current sensor positioned adjacent the conductive path of the measurement target.
US09927507B2

A gradient magnetic field coil device is provided in which an eddy current magnetic field of an even-ordered component can be reduced. The gradient magnetic field coil device includes a forward coil and a reverse coil which faces the forward coil so as to sandwich a middle surface and through which flows an electric current directed opposite to the forward coil. The forward coil and the reverse coil have a middle region approaching the middle surface and an outside-the-middle region where the distance from the middle surface is greater than the middle region. A line width of coil lines in the middle region is narrower than a line width of coil lines in the outside-the-middle region.
US09927504B2

MRI apparatus includes an RF coil device, a first radio communication unit, a second radio communication unit, an image reconstruction unit and a judging unit. The RF coil device detects an MR signal, and includes a data saving unit for storing the MR signal. The first radio communication unit wirelessly transmits the MR signal detected by the RF coil device, and the second radio communication unit receives the MR signal from the first radio communication unit. The image reconstruction unit reconstructs image data using the MR signal. The judging unit judges existence of a transmission error in radio communication between the first and second radio communication units. If the transmission error is present, the first radio communication unit wirelessly transmit the MR signal stored in the data saving unit to the second radio communication unit.
US09927499B2

A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor element, a semiconductor substrate including a substrate main surface and a recess that recedes from the substrate main surface and houses the semiconductor element, a conductive layer electrically connected to the semiconductor element and formed on the semiconductor substrate, a sealing resin covering the semiconductor element and including a resin main surface that faces in the same direction as the substrate main surface, and spherical conductors electrically connected to the conductive layer and protruding outward from the resin main surface.
US09927486B2

Roughly described, a method of restricting access of a debug controller to debug architecture on an integrated circuit chip, the debug architecture comprising an access controller, a plurality of peripheral circuits, and a shared hub, the shared hub being accessible by the access controller and the plurality of peripheral circuits, the method comprising: at the access controller, authenticating the debug controller; at the access controller, following authentication, assigning to the debug controller a set of access rights, the set of access rights granting the debug controller partial access to the debug architecture; and after assigning the set of access rights, allowing the debug controller access to the debug architecture as allowed by the set of access rights.
US09927484B2

Provided herein is a radio frequency probe apparatus including a RF waveguide including a ground electrode and a signal electrode, a register connected to the signal electrode, a RF connector including an outer conductor connected to the ground electrode, an inner conductor connected to the signal electrode, and a dielectric body filling a portion between the outer conductor and the inner conductor, and a single tip probe connected to the signal electrode of the RF waveguide, or the register.
US09927479B2

A sump, ejector, or other pump monitor configured to monitor the amperage of electric current power supplied through the pump monitor to a pump and communicate one or more signals regarding the amperage or variations in amperage to a remote signal receiving device which indicate a predicted failure or actual failure of the pump. In various embodiments, the pump monitor operates with a remote pump failure warning system. The remote signal receiving device or remote pump failure warning system provides suitable warnings to one or more user access devices.
US09927476B2

A position sensor comprises first and second electrodes that generally extend in a first direction and are arranged in a pattern that defines a sensitive area, the second electrodes interleaved with the first electrodes in a second direction. The first electrodes comprise first, second, and third groups of elements, elements in the first, second, and third groups being connected to each other but not to elements in another group. The elements have shapes configured for adjacent elements in the first and second groups to co-extend in the first direction over a first portion of the sensitive area and to provide ratiometric capacitive signals with respect to each other in the first direction, and adjacent elements in the second and third groups to co-extend in the first direction over a second portion of the sensitive area and to provide ratiometric capacitive signals with respect to each other in the first direction.
US09927467B2

Software that uses actual, historic building management system (BMS) data and/or machine logic to estimate an amount of energy that would have been consumed (and saved) had the BMS been operated under the control of an energy management system (EMS). The software performs the following steps: (i) receiving first actual BMS information relating to operation of a first set of appliance(s) located in a first building during a first time interval; (ii) selecting a first proposed EMS rule set; and (iii) determining a first contrafactual energy resource use value based, at least in part, on the first actual BMS information, with the first contrafactual use value corresponding to an amount of energy resources that would have been consumed by the first set of appliance(s) if the BMS had operated the first set of appliance(s) under control of the first proposed EMS rule set.
US09927466B2

A control circuit is described herein. The control circuit includes an oscillator and a processor. The oscillator is configured to generate a reference signal. The processor is coupled to the oscillator. The processor is configured to receive a first output current sample, a second output current sample, and a third output current sample, all of an output current. The first output current sample is first-in-time, the second output current sample is second-in-time, and the third output current sample is third-in-time. The processor is further configured to compute a time-derivative of the output current. The processor is further configured to compute a command variable based on the reference signal, a time-derivative of the reference signal, the third output current sample, and the time-derivative of the output current.
US09927463B2

A water probe alignment system and method for aligning a probe to a chip wafer for testing a chip on the wafer are provided. At least two corners of the probe are adjustable in a same direction in relation to a primary corner of the probe. The alignment approach includes providing a grid of signal pins for corresponding contact pads of the chip under test, determining for each signal pin whether an electrical contact is established to a corresponding contact pad of the chip under contact force, and adjusting a position of each of the at least two corners by a corner individual delta position value with respect to the direction depending on a result of the determining in order to establish an electrical contact between each of the pins and the corresponding contact pads of the chip under test.
US09927457B2

System and method for remotely sensing the cross-flow orientation of a fluid (including a gaseous fluid) over an extended range. A Fourier transform of beam wander of a single beam can be used to determine the orientation of the flow field. Many applications depend upon accurate flow orientation data to provide correct information such as, for example, citing of turbines on wind farms and atmospheric/ocean weather prediction.
US09927454B2

A machine is disclosed for wind sensing on sailboats. Wind is important for sailing, but sailboats lean away from the wind when under sail. Vertical wind angles reduce the accuracy of existing anemometers. The cup blades disclosed here do not lose rotation speed when heeling over. Since it is now easy to have a sophisticated chartplotter display on a mobile device in waterproof case even on small boats, this waterproof wind sensor is a wireless “appcessory” that can talk to smartphones, tablets, computers, e-readers and marine electronics. The circuit board is encapsulated and is itself the wind direction arrow. A fluxgate compass on the circuit board provides wind direction. The apparatus is solar-powered, so there is no wiring to install or chafe. This allows a further inventive step for raising the anemometer using the mast track without needing to climb up or lower the mast.
US09927452B2

The present invention provides a pipette assembly and a liquid handling element employing such a pipette assembly for filling containers. The pipette assembly comprises a biasing member that prevents the containers from being displaced vertically upon withdrawal of the pipette assembly from the containers.
US09927448B1

We disclose a drug tracking system and method of use which may be used to screen a subject's bodily waste and to identify the drug the subject has consumed. The system includes a drug that is tagged with a food dye that may be detected in the subject's bodily waste using absorption spectroscopic analysis. The subject consumes the tagged drug and a user obtains a sample of the subject's bodily waste. The user may analyze the subject's urine using an absorption spectroscopic technique. The user may enter the emission spectrum obtained from the absorption spectroscopic analysis into a database that includes the signature emission spectra from multiple food dyes that are used as drug tags. The emission spectra may be compared and the identity of the food dye and its associated drug may be determined.
US09927444B2

Methods of determining cancer progression or cancer relapse in a subject at risk for cancer progression or cancer relapse, the methods comprising: obtaining a sample from said subject; measuring the level of VEGFR1+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and/or VEGFR2+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in said sample; and taking additional samples and conducting additional measurements of HPCs and/or EPCs at one or more later time points. From the measurements, it can be determined whether there is a surge in the level of HPCs and/or EPCs in at least one later measurement, relative to an earlier measurement. A surge in the level of HPCs and/or EPCs indicates increased risk of progression or relapse of said subject's cancer.
US09927443B2

Methods to estimate safety and/or efficacy of therapeutic drugs, which include portable devices for anti-drug antibody (ADA) testing and databases containing anonymized data from humans and/or animal models, and related analyses, are provided. These methods and compositions can be used in various applications, including but not restricted to the following: uniform testing of patients for ADA; selection of therapeutic drug for patient treatment; evaluation of the need to change therapeutic drug or to apply tolerance regimens; selection of patients for clinical trials; comparison of therapeutic drugs marketed for a given disease and also gene therapy; scientific guidance for discovering and/or developing therapeutic drugs; postmarketing surveillance of therapeutic drugs.
US09927441B1

A method for determining concentrations of target proteins in a protein sample can involve: (i) contacting the protein sample with an aptamer library to form a mixture; (ii) allowing the aptamers in the aptamer library to bind to the target proteins in the protein sample; (iii) removing the aptamers that have not been bound to a target protein in the mixture; and (iv) measuring the concentration each aptamer bound to proteins in the mixture. The concentration of a particular protein in the protein sample can be derived from the measurements of the concentrations of the aptamer or aptamers bound to that particular protein in the mixture.
US09927432B2

A biosensor using a decoupled microfluidic device, which has a capture chamber and a detection chamber separate from and in fluid communication with each other. The sensing method is based on particle aggregation via homogeneous reactions, by employing microparticles having antibodies on their surfaces which can form aggregates through antigen mediation. Either size-separation or magnetic based separation is used to separate aggregates from single microparticles; the aggregates are later dissociated and the resulting single microparticles are counted to measure the amount of the antigen. Another biosensor uses a decoupled microfluidic device with a capture chamber and a detection chamber, and a 3-D structure in the capture camber to increase immobilized antibody concentration. Immunoreaction efficiency is improved by increasing the number of antibody per reaction volume in the capture chamber.
US09927428B2

The present invention provides improved binding compounds capable of specifically binding Gram-positive bacteria. Binding compounds are provided that are fully human, enabling therapeutic applications in human individuals.
US09927397B1

Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.
US09927395B1

Various embodiments of a gas sensor device and method of fabricating a gas sensor device are provided. In one embodiment a gas sensor device includes a base substrate, an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate and a plurality of potentiometric sensor units electrically coupled to the base substrate. Each potentiometric sensor unit includes an electrolyte layer disposed on the base substrate, a sensing electrode comprising tungsten oxide (WO3) and platinum (Pt), a reference electrode comprising Pt, and a plurality of connectors coupled to the plurality of potentiometric sensors to connect the plurality of potentiometric sensors in series.
US09927390B2

A gas sensor element includes a cup-shaped solid electrolyte body having closed and open ends, a reference electrode provided on an inner surface of the solid electrolyte body, and a measurement electrode provided on an outer surface of the solid electrolyte body. The reference electrode has a detection portion located closer to the closed end than to the open end of the solid electrolyte body, a terminal portion located closer to the open end than to the closed end of the solid electrode body, and a lead portion connecting the detection and terminal portions. Moreover, the reference electrode has a first thickness in a large-thickness region and a second thickness smaller than the first thickness in a small-thickness region. The large-thickness region includes at least part of the detection portion of the reference electrode, and the small-thickness region includes at least the lead and terminal portions of the reference electrode.
US09927389B2

An electrochemical sensor for the detection and analysis of an analyte in a solution is disclosed. The electrochemical sensor has an electrically non-conductive support; a plurality of electrodes on the support, each electrode having a first surface and an opposite second surface, said first surface facing towards the support and the second surface facing away from the support. The plurality of electrodes includes a reference electrode, a counter electrode, and a working electrode. The working electrode has a reagent composition containing a reagent for detecting an analyte applied directly to the second surface of the working electrode.
US09927388B2

Methods for determining the hematocrit of a blood sample, and devices and systems used in conjunction with the same. The hematocrit value can be determined on its own, and further, it can be further used to determine a concentration of an analyte in a sample. In one exemplary embodiment of a method for determining the hematocrit value in a blood sample, a volume of blood is provided in a sample analyzing device having a working and a counter electrode. An electric potential is applied between the electrodes and an initial fill velocity of the sample into the device is calculated. The hematocrit of the blood, as well as a concentration of an analyte in view of the initial fill velocity can then be determined. Systems and devices that take advantage of the use of an initial fill velocity to determine hematocrit levels and make analyte concentration determinations are also provided.
US09927384B2

The invention relates to a method in rope condition monitoring of an elevator, in which method at least the following steps are performed: elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes are reeled and packed on a rope storage unit, and thereafter electrical resistance between a first point and a second point of elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured first time, and thereafter a threshold value is determined based on the measurement, and thereafter rope is delivered into an installation site, and thereafter electrical resistance between the first point and the second point of said suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured second time, and thereafter results of said second time measurement are compared with said threshold value, and if said second time measurement meets said threshold value, predetermined actions are carried out. The invention also relates to an arrangement in rope condition monitoring of an elevator.
US09927372B2

A measuring apparatus is provided for inspecting a seal of an item. The measuring apparatus includes a radiation source for providing radiation for illuminating the seal of the item, a detector for receiving radiation from the item for generating a corresponding detected signal, and a processing arrangement for processing the detected signal to generate an output signal indicative of a state of the seal. The radiation source is arranged to focus the radiation into a plurality of focal points at the seal of the item, wherein the focal points are mutually spatially spaced apart. Moreover, the detector is arranged to image one or more of the focal points and to be selectively sensitive to an intensity of radiation received from the one or more focal points to generate a detected signal.
US09927371B2

A line scan wafer inspection system includes a confocal slit aperture filter to remove sidelobes and enhance resolution in the scanning direction. A position detector associated with the slit aperture filter monitors and corrects illumination line image positions relative to the slit aperture to keep image position variations within tolerable limits. Each detector measures a line position and then uses the line position signal to adjust optical, mechanical, and electronic components in the collection path in a feedback loop. The feedback loop may be employed in a runtime calibration process or during inspection to enhance stability.
US09927367B2

An apparatus and method for measuring broken spot weld artifacts has a framework for supporting a light and a plurality of cameras for acquiring controlled images of a specimen with minimal distortion and parallax. The framework holds the specimen flat and in a reproducible position, controlling movement while imaging. The image data is received in a computer programmed with image processing software capable of isolating and measuring the artifacts. A calibration standard is used to correct for aberrations.
US09927357B2

A process gas analyzer and method for analyzing a process gas carried in a plant section, wherein light from a light source is passed through the process gas and detected via a detector, evaluated in an evaluation unit to produce an analysis result with respect to the absorption in the process gas, where chambers or purging pipes, present between the light source and the plant section and also between the detector and the plant section, are flushed with a purge gas to analyze the process gas, and where the volume flow rate of the purge gas is periodically modulated and the effect of the purge gas on the analysis result is determined based on changes in the detected absorption caused by the modulation and removed from the analysis result to enable a high degree of compensation for measurement errors caused by the purging.
US09927356B2

Systems and methods for detecting gases, airborne compounds, and other particulates, are provided. The system detects materials of interest, including but not limited to, volatile organic compounds, aerosols, particulates, and biological and other pathogens in a three dimensional volume over an area of interest. The system detects the concentration of analytes of interest in the presence of atmospheric contaminants. Data points form a three-dimensional “point cloud” to which particle swarm optimization and feature extraction algorithms are applied, providing leak detection, mapping of chemical plumes, and short-term and long-term flux measurements, among other functions.
US09927351B2

A sample test method, microfluidic device, and test device efficiently and accurately compensates for interference of an interfering substance present in a sample using optical measurement without addition of a separate reagent for detecting the interfering substance. The sample test method includes: measuring an optical characteristic value of a target substance present in a sample; measuring an optical characteristic value of an interfering substance present in the sample; and determining a concentration of the target substance for which interference of the interfering substance is compensated for based on the optical characteristic value of the interfering substance.
US09927348B2

Various embodiments include a system having: a computing device configured to monitor a gas turbine (GT) by: determining a moisture content and/or an oxygen content of inlet air entering the inlet of the GT compressor section; determining a corresponding one of the moisture content and/or the oxygen content of exhaust gas from the GT turbine section; calculating a flow rate of the exhaust gas from the turbine section and a flow rate of the inlet air entering the inlet of the compressor section based upon the moisture content and/or the oxygen content of the inlet air and the exhaust gas; and calculating a temperature of the exhaust gas and an energy of the exhaust gas from the turbine section based upon the flow rate of the exhaust gas from the turbine and the flow rate of the inlet air entering the inlet of the compressor section.
US09927342B2

Disclosed is a two station system for a flow cytometer that includes a sample station and a wash station. During washing, the user has access to the sample station to insert a new sample. This increases the efficiency of the workflow process. Rotary clamps are used to automatically clamp the sample station and wash station to the system. A low volume pressurized cavity is used to bring the pressure of the sample to a desired pressure, which further increases productivity of the system. A transparent body is provided in the sample station so a user can view the sample during the sampling process. A backwash process is used to clean the sample injection tube and the sample uptake tube. In addition, the wash station is designed to rinse the outer surface of the sample uptake tube.
US09927331B2

Described is a biological sample carrier based on a rigid hydrophilic object fabricated from a non-absorbing inert porous material. A biological fluid sample applied to the surface of the object is absorbed into the pores and constituents of the biological fluid sample remain in the pores after drying. Unlike a disc punched from a conventional dried blood spot (DBS) card, the object is easily handled. In contrast to DBS cards containing glass fiber structures that interact with basic analytes and other DBS card having adsorbing fibers that tend to separate blood constituents as the sample spreads through the fibers, the biological sample carrier is substantially inert to drug analytes.
US09927327B2

Methods, apparatus and systems for collecting thin tissue samples for imaging. Thin tissue sections may be cut from tissue samples using a microtome-quality knife. In one example, tissue samples are mounted to a substrate that is rotated such that thin tissue sections are acquired via lathing. Collection of thin tissue sections may be facilitated by a conveyor belt. Thin tissue sections may be mounted to a thin substrate (e.g., by adhering thin tissue sections to a thin substrate via a roller mechanism) that may be imaged, for example, by an electron beam (e.g., in an electron microscope). Thin tissue sections may be strengthened before cutting via a blockface thinfilm deposition technique and/or a blockface taping technique. An automated reel-to-reel imaging technique may be employed for collected/mounted tissue sections to facilitate random-access imaging of tissue sections and maintaining a comprehensive library including a large volume of samples.
US09927326B2

A device is provided for placing one or more sensors along the inside surface of a tire. The device can accommodate tires of different shapes and sizes as well as projecting features along the inside surface of the tire. In one embodiment, sensors can be inserted into the interior of the tire and simultaneously deployed along the inside surface of both sidewalls. This embodiment of the device allows for repeated insertion and withdrawal of the sensors over a range of tire sizes so as to automate steps in the inspection process.
US09927324B2

A method for testing a life of a radial rolling bearing and a radial rolling-bearing testing device. According to the method for testing the life of the radial rolling bearing and the radial rolling-bearing testing device, a portion of the radial rolling bearing is immersed in lubricant, and a bearing life is tested by rotating an outer ring and an inner ring relative to each other in a state where a radial load is applied to the radial rolling bearing. The radial load is applied in a horizontal direction.
US09927321B2

The invention relates to a method for determining the rate of leakage on a non-rigid specimen, wherein the specimen is introduced to a film chamber which can be evacuated, having at least one wall region made of a flexible material and the pressure in the film chamber is reduced outside of the specimen. The pressure gradient within the film chamber outside of the specimen is measured. In order to increase the accuracy of the leak detection, an outer over-pressure is exerted on the flexible wall region during pressure measurement which exceeds the pressure in the film chamber and outside of the specimen and the pressure inside the specimen.
US09927317B2

Devices and corresponding methods are provided to operate a hot cathode ionization pressure gauge (HCIG). A transistor circuit can be configured to pass the electron emission current with low input impedance and to control cathode bias voltage. Emission current and cathode bias voltage can be controlled independently of each other, without a servo settling time. HCIGs can be calibrated with respect to leakage current.
US09927305B2

The present invention relates to more accurate indication of fever. Temperature data from a large population of individuals are obtained and the temperature data are processed to determine a threshold, at a fever bump, above a normal range of distribution. The fever threshold, along with an individual's temperature, is used to indicate if the individual has a fever. Further, circadian information may be utilized to adjust the temperature data for an individual or the population of individuals.
US09927298B2

A spectroscopic measurement apparatus includes a light source, a diffraction grating being a spectroscopic unit, a spatial filter unit, a detection unit, and an analysis unit. The diffraction grating spatially disperses light from the light source, and outputs the light to different optical paths according to a wavelength. The spatial filter unit inputs the light from the diffraction grating to different positions according to the wavelength, applies loss depending on the wavelength to the light, and outputs the light. The detection unit detects the intensity of the light from the spatial filter unit. The analysis unit obtains the intensities of light in an absorption band and light in a non-absorption band of a component in a measurement sample on an optical path between the light source and the detection unit based on the detection result, and evaluates the component in the measurement sample.
US09927292B2

A system includes a plurality of sensors at distinct and separate locations, each of the distinct and separate locations being equidistant from a region that is configured to pass light that propagates along a beam path, the sensors being configured to sense radiation from an optical element positioned to interact with light that propagates on the beam path; and a controller including one or more electronic processors and a computer-readable medium, the computer-readable medium including instructions that, when executed, cause the one or more electronic processors to receive an output from each of the sensors, the output of each sensor including an indication of an intensity of the radiation detected by the sensor, and analyze the received output to determine a position of the light that propagates along the beam path.
US09927290B2

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for detecting and indicating laser radiation comprising a laser device (36) producing the laser radiation, such as rotation lasers or line lasers, and an indicating device (22) with at least one laser beam detector and at least one indicating element (26, 28, 30) which indicates the detected laser radiation. In order to precisely indicate the position of the laser radiation to be detected using uncomplicated circuitry, it is proposed that the at least one laser beam detector and the at least one indicating element are the same component in form of an LED (26, 28, 30).
US09927288B2

A real-time lighting control system of an ecosystem and real-time lighting control method includes a computer device, multiple lighting devices and multiple wireless base stations. The lighting devices and the wireless base stations are arranged in multiple lighting regions of an indoor space. Each wireless base station emits a wireless signal continuously, and controls one or more connected lighting devices when receiving a lighting control signal. The computer device senses the wireless signals continuously, and keeps determining its position at the different time points according to the received wireless signals and the arranged positions of the wireless base stations. Next, the computer selects one of the lighting regions according to space information and the determined positions, and sends the lighting control signal to one of the wireless base stations arranged in the selected lighting region.
US09927279B2

The invention relates to a method for assembling and testing the functionality of a structural unit having a fill level gauge in a non-stationary container for liquids, said container being embodied from thermoplastic synthetic material, wherein the method comprises testing a first and second angular position of a lever arm of the fill level gauge when the latter is in the installed position under the influence of a magnetic field on the empty container.
US09927273B2

A flow measuring device, comprising a container for receiving a flow of liquid, a plurality of optical sensors associated with the container, each of the plurality of optical sensors producing an output signal dependent upon the presence of liquid reaching a level in the container associated with each optical sensor, means for modifying the output signal in accordance with at least one predetermined temperature compensation factor, and means for calculating a flow rate from the time at which the liquid traverses between two levels in the container.
US09927260B2

A sensor assembly for ascertaining the path of a moved part includes a magnetic measuring assembly and a fixed sensitive measure element. The magnetic measuring assembly has a magnetic field with at least one spatial component that is changed by the movement of the part along the path to be ascertained. The position of the moved part is detected in relation to the fixed sensitive measuring element. The magnetic field is generated by at least one effective magnet connected to the moved part, and at least one support magnet arranged in a fixed manner in the measuring region of the sensitive measuring element.
US09927254B2

Examples of maintaining or querying a traffic database to generate a traffic flow model to provide traffic flow information and determine a per-lane route for a vehicle to travel are disclosed.
US09927252B1

Examples provided herein describe a navigation system to identify routes that take safety considerations into account. The system accesses safety data from various sources and computes safety data for individual road segments of a map database at multiple times for each road segment. The road segment safety data is used when determining routes for requested trips, including estimating the times that the various road segments on the route will be traversed and determining the safety of each road segment at that time.
US09927249B2

In various example embodiments, a system and method for interactive applications that use location-based information from a light sensor network are presented. In example embodiments, data indicating a destination location inside a geofence is received. The geofence represents a boundary around multiple private beacon nodes, which are associated with a light sensor network, and their associated beacon communications ranges. Navigation and tracking outside the geofence is based on at least one of global positioning system (GPS) signals and beacon signals received by the mobile device from at least one public beacon device within a beacon communications range of the mobile device located outside the geofence. Navigation and tracking inside the geofence is based on the beacon signals received by the mobile device from at least one private beacon node within the beacon communications range of the mobile device located inside the geofence and a virtual map including an area within the geofence.
US09927243B2

A system comprising an adjustment unit installed in an aircraft and configured to adjust a descent trajectory and associated prediction calculations as a function of an adjustment parameter. The system comprises information processing units for automatically calculating, on the ground and from recorded flight data, an effective value of a calculation parameter, and a corresponding theoretical value of the calculation parameter, with the help of an auxiliary performance database which is identical to a performance database installed in the aircraft, for identical flight conditions, and for deriving therefrom the adjustment parameter that will be used subsequently by the adjustment unit.
US09927242B2

A method and system for guidance of an off-road vehicle comprises a crop row sensor for sensing position data for one or more crop rows. A primary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on the sensed position data for the one or more crop rows if there not a material gap in the crop row for the current location of the vehicle. Alternately or cumulatively, a secondary guidance path of the vehicle is determined based on a historic path heading of the vehicle if there is the material gap in a crop row for a current location of the vehicle.
US09927241B2

A micromechanical device includes four open drive frames and four detection masses for double differentially detecting angular velocity about a single axis aligned with the plane of the micromechanical device. A coupling frame system couples the four open drive frames into a synchronized anti-phase driving motion. In each four pairs of adjacent open drive frames, two adjacent open drive frames move in phases opposite to each other. Axes of linear driving motion of each of the drive frames are aligned. Anti-phase synchronized driving motion of the open drive frames is relayed through a spring arrangement to an anti-phase synchronized driving motion of the four detection masses. An inner coupling lever system couples the four detection masses into a synchronized anti-phase detection motion. In each four pairs of adjacent detection masses, phases of two adjacent detection masses are opposite. Axes of linear detection motion of the detection masses are aligned.
US09927223B2

The distance image acquisition apparatus (10) includes a projection unit (12) which projects a first pattern of structured light distributed in a two-dimensional manner with respect to a subject within a distance measurement region, a light modulation unit (22) which spatially modulates the first pattern projected from the projection unit (12), an imaging unit (14) which is provided in parallel with and apart from the projection unit (12) by a baseline length, and captures an image including the first pattern reflected from the subject within the distance measurement region, a pattern extraction unit (20A) which extracts the first pattern spatially modulated by the light modulation unit (22) from the image captured by the imaging unit (14), and a distance image acquisition unit (20B) which acquires a distance image indicating a distance of the subject within the distance measurement region based on the first pattern.
US09927219B2

The present invention includes a metal primer insert for a polymeric ammunition cartridge having a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash aperture positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface, wherein the flange is adapted to receive a polymer overmolding that covers an circumferential surface and the primer flash aperture to form a primer flash hole.
US09927210B2

A laser designator system using modulated CW laser diodes and a conventional high pixel count image sensor array, such as CCD or CMOS array. These two technologies, diode lasers and imaging sensor arrays are reliable, widely used and inexpensive technologies, as compared with prior art pulsed laser systems. These systems are distinguished from the prior art systems in that they filter the laser signal spatially, by collecting light over a comparatively long period of time from a very few pixels out of the entire field of view of the image sensor array. This is in contrast to the prior art systems where the laser signal is filtered temporarily, over a very short time span, but over a large fraction of the field of view. By spatially filtering the signal outputs of the individual pixels, it becomes possible to subtract the background illumination from the illuminated laser spot.
US09927204B1

A finger sling assembly used with an archery bow includes a first finger loop for engaging within a user's finger and a second finger loop for engaging within the user's thumb. A connecting member joins the first finger loop and second finger loop together a predetermined distance from one another. A fastening strip is sized to be positioned though the first finger loop and second figure loop, for fixedly attaching the first finger loop and second finger loop to an archery bow. A multi-layered orthotic is used for fastening to the bow's riser. The finger sling assembly increases shooting accuracy of the archer as it prevents rotational torque of the user's wrist when tightly gripping the bow and drawing string.
US09927191B2

The light-weight handheld less-lethal ballistic projectile launcher is configured as an “over/under” double barrel handheld device with a “break open” loading action. The launcher includes a barrel section pivotally connected to receiver section. The barrel section pivots between an open load/unload position and a closed firing position. The barrel section includes two metal barrel sleeves that are press fit into axial bores formed in the body of the barrel section. The barrel section also includes an ejector, which locks the barrel section in the closed firing position and partially expels spent rounds from the barrel sleeves when the barrel section is opened. The receiver section houses the launcher's fire control mechanism. The fire control mechanism uses a traditional single action operation and ensures that rounds are alternatively discharged from each barrel and prevents rounds from both barrels from being discharged simultaneously.
US09927181B2

An integrated cooling apparatus for actively cooling one or more electronic components in an electronic device such as a computer is provided. The cooling apparatus includes a radiator and a pump integrally mounted on the radiator. The pump can include a pump housing having a first pump housing member attached to the radiator and a second pump housing member detachably securable to the first pump housing member. The apparatus includes a flow inlet and a flow outlet for attaching hoses or conduits to the radiator for actively moving a liquid coolant to and from an external or remote heat exchanger via tubing. An external heat exchanger can be fluidly connected to the integrated cooling apparatus via two or more tubes and thermally attached to the electronic component to be cooled, such as a computer graphics card, microprocessor or other circuit component.
US09927179B2

Provided is a heat exchanger, and more particularly, a heat exchanger including a pair of header tanks formed in parallel, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, a plurality of tubes having both ends fixed to the pair of header tanks to form a channel for a heat exchange medium; a plurality of fins fixed to abut between the tubes, and a plurality of louvers formed at the fins to contact air passing through the circumference of the fins, in which the louvers are formed to be asymmetrical to each other based on a center in a width direction of the fin or louver columns formed at one side or the other side of the fin in an asymmetrical form are alternately formed in a length direction of the fins to improve a flow of cooling air, thereby improving a heat radiation performance.
US09927178B1

A seasonal process that captures stores and uses water in an ambient temperature-dependent manner to improve the efficiency of a natural gas power plant, comprising: (a) providing a natural gas power plant, the natural gas power plant having a flue gas stream, a cooling tower, and a gas turbine; (b) providing a water collection system; (c) providing a water storage facility; wherein the flue gas stream comprises uncondensed water vapor; wherein the water collection system is operably connected to the flue gas stream and the flue gas stream is directed to flow, at least in part, into the water collection system; wherein the water collection system is operably connected to the water storage facility; wherein the water storage facility is operably connected to the cooling tower and the water storage facility is operably connected to the gas turbine; wherein the process comprises the following steps of condensing flue gas water or using water that has been condensed from the flue gas stream based on outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature: (I) Only condensing water from the flue gas stream to produce a condensed water stream if outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature is less than 85° F.; (II) Only using condensed water to spray cool the cooling tower if outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature is at least 85° F.; (III) Only using condensed water to fog cool the gas turbine if outdoor ambient dry bulb temperature is at least 55° F.; wherein condensed water that is not immediately used to cool the cooling tower or to fog cool the gas turbine is stored in the water storage facility; and wherein the process uses a total amount of water on an annual basis to cool the cooling tower and to fog cool the gas turbine that does not exceed the annual amount of water condensed from the flue gas stream. Optionally, the process has a cooling tower that is a dry cooling tower and condensed water is used to spray cool the dry cooling tower, or the cooling tower is a wet cooling tower, or the cooling tower is a hybrid wet-dry cooling tower. The process may further comprise a water collection system having a three stage desiccant cycle and a calcium chloride desiccant that recovers at least about 60 wt % of the water from the flue gas, operates at or above ambient pressure or comprises plastic piping or plastic vessels. Or the process may further comprise using a water collection system having at least one direct contact condensing column that recovers at least about 60 wt % of the water from the flue gas, operates at or above ambient pressure or comprises plastic piping or plastic vessels. Or the process may further comprise using a water collection system having at least one direct contact condenser and a rotating wheel heat exchanger that recovers at least about 60 wt % of the water from the flue gas, operates at or above ambient pressure, or further comprises plastic piping or plastic vessels. The coefficient of performance for the cooling process is optionally at least 2.0.
US09927175B2

The invention relates to a method for monitoring an operating status of an anode furnace, wherein the anode furnace is formed from a plurality of heating ducts (12) and furnace chambers, wherein the furnace chambers serve for receiving anodes and the heating ducts serve for controlling the temperature of the furnace chambers, wherein the anode furnace comprises at least one furnace unit (11) having a heating zone (18), a firing zone (19) and a cooling zone (20), wherein a suction device (15) is arranged in the heating zone and a burner device (16) is arranged in the firing zone, wherein, by means of the burner device, combustion air is heated up in the heating ducts of the firing zone, wherein, by means of the suction device, hot air is sucked out of the heating ducts of the heating zone, wherein a suction output of the suction device is determined, and wherein a pressure in the heating duct is measured, wherein a volumetric flow in the heating duct is determined from a ratio of suction output and pressure.
US09927169B2

An insulated chamber having an interior chamber for storing items therein includes a phase change material to facilitate controlling the temperature of the interior chamber and the items. A heating device or cooling device may be used to melt or freeze the phase change material, which may be in various locations such as the walls of the chamber or packets which may serve as shelves and may be removable from the interior chamber with the items thereon. The packets may have recesses for receiving the items. The phase change material may be within capsules which may be within a liquid or a solid matrix. Controls may be provided to control humidity and carbon dioxide within the interior chamber.
US09927166B2

A refrigeration appliance includes a water pipe inside the refrigeration appliance. A collecting tray collects leakage water and an empty conduit conducts the leakage water from the water pipe inside the empty conduit to the collecting tray.
US09927163B2

An ice dispenser for a domestic refrigerator includes a lever having a housing with a passageway defined therein and a flapper door configured to pivot between a closed position in which ice is prevented from advancing into the passageway and an open position in which ice is permitted to advance into the passageway. A linkage is coupled to the lever and the flapper door such that movement of the lever causes the flapper door to move from the closed position to the open position.
US09927162B2

Embodiments generally relate to methods and apparatuses for generating ice. In one embodiment, a material is introduced to water, and the temperature of the combination of the water and the material is lowered until ice forms, the formed ice having a higher albedo than it would have had if the step of lowering the temperature had been carried out on the water without first carrying out the step of introducing the material. In one embodiment, the material is selected such that an aqueous solution of the material is alkaline. In another embodiment, a material is introduced to water, and the temperature of the combination of the water and the material is lowered until ice forms, the ice forming at a faster rate than the rate at which it would have formed if the material had not been introduced to the water.
US09927160B2

An evaporator includes multiple refrigerant tubes, multiple air passages provided between the refrigerant tubes, a cold storage container disposed in the multiple air passages, and a temperature detector. The evaporator further includes a freezing allowable region and a freezing unallowable region that is provided above the freezing allowable region. The cold storage container has a small thickness region and a large thickness region that is positioned above the small thickness region. The large thickness region demarcates a smaller space with the refrigerant tubes than the space demarcated between the small thickness region and the refrigerant tubes. The small thickness region of the cold storage container is positioned within the freezing allowable region, the large thickness region is positioned in the freezing unallowable region, and the temperature detector is disposed in the freezing allowable region.
US09927154B2

Cryogenic cooling apparatus is disclosed for cooling a target region using the demagnetization cooling effect. The apparatus has a primary magnet for providing a magnetic field within the target region and a demagnetization magnet arranged to selectively provide conductive cooling to the target region. A primary shielding magnet substantially cancels the magnetic field from the primary magnet at least at a first position between the primary and demagnetization magnets. A demagnetization shielding magnet substantially cancels the magnetic field from the demagnetization magnet at least at the first position between the primary and demagnetization magnets. Each of the primary shielding magnet and demagnetization shielding magnet comprises a cylindrical superconducting coil having a geometric envelope which encloses the primary magnet and demagnetization magnet respectively. A conductive cooling assembly provides conductive cooling to each of the magnets. A cryogenic system including a cryostat, the apparatus and a refrigeration system is also provided.
US09927142B2

A modular interface template configured to receive a plug and play comfort device, the modular interface template including a wall having a first surface and a second surface, an air inlet channel configured to enable air flow from the first surface to the second surface, an air outlet channel configured to enable air flow from the second surface to the first surface, a gas conduit configured to supply fuel from the first surface to the second surface, a water inlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the first surface to the second surface, a water outlet conduit configured to enable water flow from the second surface to the first surface and a first electric power conductor configured to enable electric power transmission from the first surface to the second surface.
US09927141B2

Improvements in the manufacture, mounting and implementation of dry open window (DOW) structures. Such structures comprise a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have “V” or “W” shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while substantially preventing precipitation to pass, the precipitation instead being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage. Apparatus for mounting a DOW structure in overlying registration around the periphery of an existing window opening may include four corner frame members around and containing the DOW structure. The frame members slidingly engage, with fasteners being provided to lock the frame members to one another when they form an assembled rectangle with dimensions corresponding to the periphery around a window opening. A plurality of components are then provided for mounting the frame members and DOW structure contained therein to the periphery of the window opening.
US09927132B2

An air conditioning system includes a heat pump unit including a radiator usable with a refrigerant, a gas furnace unit including a heating section arranged to heat passing air, a blower arranged to generate an air flow that passes through the radiator and the heating section, and a controller configured to control each action of the heat pump unit, the gas furnace unit, and the blower. The controller operates either the heat pump unit or the gas furnace unit as a heat source unit, generates a capacity command used to variably adjust operating capacity of the heat source unit, and executes switch control in order to switch the heat source unit from either one of the heat pump unit or the gas furnace unit to the other when an operating capacity level designated in the capacity command is within a predetermined numerical range for a predetermined time.
US09927130B2

A glass ceramic cooktop is provided, which has a knob pattern that is ground off in a peripheral area of the cooktop to create a flat facet with a shallow angle, which can be used as a display area.
US09927129B2

The connected oven includes a cooking cavity defined by a back, a door opposing the bottom, a top adjacent the back and door, a bottom opposing the top, and opposing sidewalls adjacent the remainder of the walls, a user interface unit configured to receive instructions from the user, a sensor, and a thermal management system for minimizing or preventing thermal damage to heat-sensitive components arranged on the oven.
US09927128B2

A method for operating an oven appliance includes establishing a set temperature, operating a heating element of the oven appliance in order to heat a cooking chamber of the oven appliance to a target temperature with the heating element, and continually reducing the target temperature to the set temperature. A related control system for an oven appliance is also provided.
US09927126B2

A pilot fuel injector is provided for a fuel nozzle of a gas turbine engine. The pilot fuel injector can include an axially-elongated, inner pilot centerbody wall extending from an upstream end to a downstream end, with the axially-elongated, inner pilot centerbody wall having a diverging-converging orientation with respect to a centerline axis to define a hollow tube having an upstream diameter, a throat, and a downstream diameter such that the throat has an inner diameter that is less than both of the upstream diameter and the downstream diameter. The pilot fuel injector also includes a center air circuit positioned at the upstream end, and an annular fuel passage defining the downstream end and intersecting with the centerbody wall at a pilot fuel metering orifice. A pilot fuel film surface is downstream from the annular fuel passage.
US09927123B2

A fluid transport system for a gas turbine engine includes a plenum configured to provide a fluid, an airfoil having an internal cavity, and a transfer tube arranged to transfer the fluid between the plenum and the internal cavity of the airfoil. The transfer tube includes an inlet, an outlet, a cavity extending from the inlet to the outlet, and at least one partition wall dividing the cavity into multiple flow passages.
US09927122B2

A carabiner having a fire-starter for easily mounting the fire-starter on to a variety of items for quick and easy access and easy carry. The carabiner has a loop to fasten to the variety of items. The fire-starter utilizes a flint that can be scraped across the rasp attached to the body of the carabiner. A light emitting device may also be attached to the body and configured to emit light near the fire-starter so as to illuminate the area where the fire is to be started. The fire-starter may further comprise a lock to prevent unintentional sparks from being created.
US09927119B2

A dual-bed system for preventing a boiler heating surface from being contaminated comprises a fluidized bed, a cyclone separator, a coal ash distributor, an ash-coal mixer, a lower pyrolysis bed, a return feeder and a cleaner, wherein the cyclone separator is connected with the upper lateral side of the fluidized bed; the inlet end of the coal ash distributor; the two outlets of the coal ash distributor are respectively connected with the inlet of the return feeder and the inlet of the ash-coal mixer; the outlet of the ash-coal mixer is connected with the inlet of the lower pyrolysis bed; the return feeder close to the lower lateral side of the fluidized bed is connected with the inlet on the lower lateral side of the fluidized bed; and the outlet of the cleaner is connected with the inlet on the lower lateral side of the fluidized bed.
US09927112B2

A light fixture assembly for illuminating a display. The light fixture having a heat sink, a lens, and a body. The heat sink has edges and includes at least one corresponding light emitting diode (LED) board including one or more corresponding LEDs for emitting light. The lens has ending edges and is positioned over the heat sink and LED. The body has an inner wall and an outer wall. The body also has at least two pairs of heat sink mounting channels formed in the inner wall. A first pair of heat sink mounting channels is configured for slidably receiving the edges of the heat sink to provide a first orientation of the corresponding LEDs. A second pair of heat sink mounting channels is configured for slidably receiving the edges of the heat sink to provide a second orientation of the corresponding LEDs, with the first orientation being different than the second orientation.
US09927110B2

A refrigerating apparatus includes a cabinet body having an open top; a door body (2) disposed at the top of the cabinet body pivotably around a pivot shaft (421) so as to open and close the cabinet body; and a light assembly (3), disposed at a side of the door body (2) facing the cabinet body (2) and arranged adjacent to the pivot shaft (421), wherein the light assembly (3) includes a PCB (31), an LED light (32) and a gravity switch (33), both the LED light (32) and the gravity switch (33) are connected onto the PCB (31), and the gravity switch (33) is configured to be switched on to light the LED light (32) so as to light an interior of the cabinet body when the door body (2) opens the cabinet body, and switched off to extinguish the LED light (32) when the door body (2) closes the cabinet body.
US09927109B2

A touch lamp includes a touch unit configured to be touched by a user for generating a touch signal, a support frame, a base, a light-emitting element and a control unit. The support frame includes upper and lower support members respectively connected to upper and lower sides of the touch unit. The base is connected to a bottom end of the lower support member. The light-emitting element is connected to a top end of the upper support member. The control unit is electrically connected to the touch unit and the light-emitting element. The control unit controls illumination of the light-emitting element according to the touch signal received from the touch unit.
US09927102B2

In accordance with certain embodiments, lighting systems include flexible light sheets and one or more sealed regions containing light-emitting elements, the sealed regions defined by seals between a top housing and a bottom housing and/or the light sheet. The top housing defines a plurality of shaped regions each associated with a light-emitting element and spaced apart from and not in contact with the light-emitting element with which it is associated.
US09927096B2

A display assembly and display device using the same is disclosed. The display assembly includes a light source for outputting blue light; a quantum dot converter for converting the blue light output from the light source to output at least one of red light and green light; a light transmitter for transmitting the blue light output from the light source by scattering all or part of the blue light; and a substrate on which the quantum converter and the light transmitter are arranged.
US09927093B2

A light reflecting module includes a securing ring comprising a tube having an outer surface and an inner surface, at least one non-circular plane extending outwards from the outer surface at one end of the tube and an annular plane extending toward a center of the tube and comprising a top plane and a bottom plane, the annular plane has at least one through hole; and a plurality of reflective sheets, wherein each of the reflective sheets includes an inner surface which is a curved surface and serves as a reflecting surface, and the width of the reflective sheet is gradually decreased from a bottom surface to a top surface of the reflective sheet.
US09927092B2

A shelf light (300) is provided as an LED linear light assembly (300) having a flexible LED linear light component (302), with a series of LEDs mounted on printed circuit boards (PCB's) (308). The light component (302) has a double channel (304) with an extended aluminum track. An LED PCB jacket (306) encloses the light component (302) and is of uniform thickness. Reflectance members (310) comprise a pair of members (312, 314), each having an elongated configuration and mounted on opposing sides of the light assembly (300). Movement of the reflectance members (312, 314) permits variation of apertures of reflectance, thus varying the light intensity and direction.
US09927081B2

A lighting system comprising a track having a first and a second rail (5, 7), mutually extending equidistantly. Said first and second rail comprise a first respectively a second electrically conductive strip (13, 15), mutually electrically isolated. A lighting module comprising a first and second electrical contact, which lighting module in mounted position rests by gravitational force on the first and second rail. When mounted the first and second electrical contact are in electrical contact with a respective one of the first and second electrically conductive strip. The lighting module is dismountable from the track by a single displacement of the lighting module in a direction against the direction of the gravitational force.
US09927076B2

A high-power, high-brightness lighting system for large venue lighting, which includes a laser diode as the excitation source and one or more phosphor materials placed at a remote distance from the laser source. The invention offers a lighting system with the advantages of high brightness, high efficiency, high luminous efficacy, long lifetimes, quick turn-on times, suitable color properties, environmental sustainability, and easy maintenance, which may allow for smart and flexible control over large area lighting systems with resulting savings in operating and maintenance costs.
US09927072B2

A retrofitting kit for retrofitting an existing troffer light fixture having a troffer housing includes an adaptor bracket and a door assembly. The adaptor bracket is configured to rest on a T-bar of a ceiling system, and further configured to be located between the T-bar and the troffer housing. The adaptor bracket includes a base portion and a wall coupled to the base portion, and the troffer housing of the existing troffer light fixture rests on the base portion when the adaptor bracket is disposed between the T-bar and the troffer housing of the existing troffer light fixture. The base portion extends horizontally and along the entire length of the adaptor bracket.
US09927071B2

An LED tube lamp comprises a plurality of LED light sources, two end caps, a lamp tube, and an LED light strip. The lamp tube extends in a first direction along a length of the lamp tube, and has two ends respectively sleeved to the end caps. The LED light strip is disposed inside the lamp tube, and the LED light sources are on the LED light strip. Each end cap comprises an electrically insulating tube and a magnetic metal member. The magnetic metal member is fixedly on an inner circumferential surface of the electrically insulating tube and interposed between the electrically insulating tube and the end of the lamp tube. The LED tube lamp further comprises a hot melt adhesive on the inner surface of the magnetic metal member and adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the end of the lamp tube.
US09927049B1

A tube hanger for a very early smoke detection system is provided. The tube hanger includes a tube hook configured to receive a tube, a suspension arm having a first end extending from the tube hook and a second end, and a support coupling mechanism extending from the second end of the suspension arm. The support coupling mechanism includes a first attachment mechanism configured to be coupled to a first frame type, and a second attachment mechanism configured to be coupled to a second frame type. The tube hanger further includes a third attachment mechanism extending from the support coupling mechanism and configured to be coupled to a third frame type.
US09927046B2

A throttling device comprising: a body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a body cavity, the inner surface and the outer surface defining a plurality of body orifices in fluid communication through the body cavity; a throttle movably positioned within the body cavity proximate to a first orifice of the plurality of body orifices, the throttle movable to a closed position closing the first orifice and to an open position opening a fluid pathway between the first orifice and the body cavity; and a biasing element biasing the throttle to a partially-open position between the closed position and the open position.
US09927043B2

Fluid control valve including a valve body and an energizing member. The body is engaged with one end of a rotating shaft and moves along an axial direction of the shaft based on shaft rotation. The body opens and closes a first opening by the outer periphery, and one end comes into contact with and separates from a second opening. The member energizes the body on another end side of the shaft. A portion abutting on the second opening and a flow passage in which a fluid flows are at the one end of the body in the case where the first opening is fully closed. Since a valve-closed position of the body can be secured, and fluid flows in the flow passage, when a low flow rate is controlled, a stable flow rate is secured without closing the second opening which is a suction port in a valve-closed position.
US09927039B2

Disclosed is a check-valve assembly for use in a vacuum system. The check-valve assembly of the present invention comprises a body having a plurality of through-holes formed therein while having different space characteristics. As a valve member rotates with a shaft fixed to the body, intake holes of the valve member selectively communicate with the through-holes. Accordingly, the check-valve assembly of the present invention can more quickly respond to vacuum characteristics required on site, which is advantageous.
US09927035B2

A valve manifold includes a housing defining an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. Each of the plurality of outlet ports defines a sealing face. The manifold also includes a plurality of poppets, wherein each of the plurality of poppets is disposed within a respective one of the plurality of outlet ports and is configured for translating towards and away from the sealing face. The manifold also includes a plurality of actuators each configured for translating a respective one of the plurality of poppets towards and away from the sealing face, wherein each of the plurality of actuators is formed from a shape memory alloy transitionable between a first state and a second state in response to a thermal activation signal. A washer system, a device, and a method of simultaneously controlling fluid flow to a first component and a second component of the device are also disclosed.
US09927032B2

There is disclosed a motor mount apparatus for coupling a pump body of a fluid pump assembly to a rotational power source (e.g. motor). The apparatus provides a plurality of seals and retaining seal members within a motor mount assembly to cooperate to seal the interior of the apparatus and prevent contaminants such as grit to enter into the interior of the motor mount assembly and subsequently into either the pump body or the power source. The retaining seal member comprises a seal and is fittedly engaged within the motor mount assembly surrounding a shaft coupler. Disposed between the shaft coupler and the shaft is a second seal for cooperating with the seal of the retaining seal member to block external contaminants from entering past the retaining seal member into the housing while containing lubricants on the interior facing side of the retaining seal member.
US09927031B2

A sealing structure that allows for formation of a side lip, as well as a labyrinth structure between an oil seal and a torsional vibration damper, even when a reinforcing ring has a short inward flange part. The sealing body 120 includes a side lip 124 extending from near a distal end of an inward flange part 112 of the reinforcing ring 110 radially inward and further toward an air side (A) than a dust lip 122 to a position not as far as the outer circumferential surface of a tubular part 210. The tubular part 210 includes a small-diameter part 211 on which the dust lip 122 slides, and a large-diameter part 212 on the air side (A). The large-diameter part 212 has a tapered surface 212a formed on an outer circumferential surface thereof that reduces in diameter toward the air side (A). An annular gap S is formed between this tapered surface 212a and an inner circumferential surface of the side lip 124.
US09927020B2

An axle assembly that may have a housing and a carrier housing. The axle assembly may include one or more quiet lubricant reservoirs that may not receive rotating components of the axle assembly. A seal may be provided in a channel that may be disposed between the housing and the carrier housing.
US09927018B2

The invention relates to a gear assembly (12) comprising a fixed gear (13) having a first radial toothing (16) and an idler (14) having a second radial toothing (17), the first radial toothing (16) being disposed at least approximately at the same radial height as the second radial toothing (17), and the fixed gear (13) further comprises a first axial end face (18) and the idler (14) comprises a second axial end face (19), and the fixed gear (13) is connected to the idler (14) by means of at least one elastic connecting element (21), for which purpose the elastic connecting element (21) is connected on the one hand to the first axial end face (18) of the fixed gear (13) and on the other hand to the second axial end face (19) of the idler (14).
US09927008B1

A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include three clutches and three brakes.
US09927007B2

A multi-stages automatic transmission for a vehicle may include first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets each including first, second and third rotation elements, and friction members including first, second, third and fourth clutches and first and second brakes, in which an input shaft may be connected to the second rotation element of the first planetary gear set and the second rotation element of the fourth planetary gear set, and an output shaft may be connected to the second rotation element of the first planetary gear set.
US09927004B2

A gear-driver adapter configured to switch between at least two gear ratios includes a switch which exerts a force on a drive shaft to move the drive shaft between at least two positions, each corresponding to a gear ratio, in an epicyclic gear system created by a main gear body, ball driver and gear holder with gears. The drive shaft contains keyed structures and, depending on its position within the gear system, the keyed structures on the drive shaft engage or disengage a plurality of key stops. The key stops, in turn, interact with the gears to generate the desired gear ratio. The contours of the keyed structures on the gear holder allow the drive shaft to move between positions without first being specifically positioned. The gear-driver adapter also includes a handle adapter and a driver adapter, allowing users to use any handle or driver with the gear-driver adapter.
US09926995B2

A strut includes a first end, a second end, a cylinder and a piston, wherein the piston is mechanically coupled to the first end and the cylinder is mechanically coupled to the second end. A fluidic chamber is formed between the cylinder and the piston. A first fluidic passageway fluidly couples the fluidic chamber and a fluidic reservoir, and a second fluidic passageway fluidly couples between the fluidic chamber and the fluidic reservoir. A check valve includes an open-biased moveable valve element coupled to a balance spring, and the valve element interacts with a valve seat to control fluidic flow through the second fluidic passageway. The valve element is responsive to urging of the balance spring.
US09926990B2

A method for operating a drive train of a vehicle having a clutch assembly, in particular for distributing torque to a primary axle and a secondary axle of the vehicle and/or for distributing torque between two wheels of one axle of the vehicle, comprises at least the following steps:a) determining temperature data at least from an electronic control unit which is assigned to the clutch assembly, or from an actuation unit of the clutch assembly;b) evaluating the temperature data determined in step a); andc) reducing an effective value of a control current at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit by pulsing the control current if the evaluation in step b) reveals that a temperature at least of the electronic control unit or of the actuation unit exceeds a threshold value.
US09926989B2

An apparatus and a method are provided for learning a touch point of an engine clutch of a hybrid electric vehicle that learns the touch point of the engine clutch based on a change of an engine torque while the hybrid electric vehicle is running. The method includes determining whether an engine clutch coupling after shifting is required and whether a learning condition based on a running state of the hybrid electric vehicle is satisfied when the engine clutch coupling after shifting is required. A coupling pressure of the engine clutch is increased when the learning condition is satisfied and a changing amount of an engine torque based on the increased coupling pressure of the engine clutch is compared with a predetermined value. The touch point of the engine clutch is learned when the changing amount of the engine torque is greater than or equal to the predetermined value.
US09926982B2

A torque transmission device includes a shaft which has shaft teeth around its outer circumference, a hub which has hub teeth on an inner circumference, wherein the hub is arranged on the shaft in such a way that the shaft teeth and the hub teeth mesh with one another in order to transmit torque. The torque transmission device furthermore includes at least one spring element which passes entirely through the hub and is supported on the shaft and the hub and exerts a spring force on the hub and the shaft, wherein at least a component of the spring force is directed in such a way that around the entire circumference of the shaft and hub adjacent flanks of the shaft teeth and the hub teeth are pushed together.
US09926980B2

A sealing sleeve for a transmission or a clutch of a motor vehicle for use between two torque transmitting devices, which rotate relative to each other, wherein a shell surface of the sealing sleeve is designed for making contact in a sliding and sealing manner with one or more sealing means; and a flange section, which projects radially from the shell surface, is designed for interpositioning between the two torque transmitting devices, wherein the flange section is formed as a running surface for an axial bearing. An automatic transmission or a clutch with a first torque transmitting device and a second torque transmitting device, between which an inventive sealing sleeve is inserted.
US09926976B2

A thrust bearing comprises an electromagnetic stator with a stator surface and a rotor disk with a rotor surface facing the stator surface. The rotor disk comprises a radially inner portion made of a first material directly and exclusively connected to a radially outer portion made of a second material. The first material is a corrosion resistant metal or metal alloy and the second material is a ferromagnetic metal or metal alloy.
US09926967B2

A coupling structure, including: a pair of slots extending in a circumferential direction of a sleeve portion of a first member; a circumferential groove formed in an outer circumference of a shaft portion of a second member; and a coupling member configured such that a part thereof is fitted into the circumferential groove through the slots for coupling the sleeve portion and the shaft portion so as to be rotatable relative to each other, wherein the coupling member is rotated while being elastically deformed, so as to disengage the coupling member from the circumferential groove for uncoupling the first member and the second member from each other, and wherein an extending portion of the coupling member has a length so designed as to prohibit its distal end from getting into the circumferential groove even when the coupling member excessively rotates and the extending portion accordingly engages one of the slots.
US09926954B2

This invention is an apparatus that enables one to easily transport and set up on-the-go wine and snack tasting, allowing for stylish, tasting-room entertaining at any desired location. The invention is a miniature, bi-level table with collapsible, locking legs, side handles, notches for wine glasses, circular opening(s) for holding bottle(s) of wine, an appetizer tray/platter with defined sections for organizing and serving cheeses, snacks, and desserts, and a magnetic underside to hold a wine key in place for safekeeping.
US09926951B2

Energy regeneration system does not affect operation of a hydraulic actuator except when a relief valve is operating, by connecting an actuator hydraulic line to a regeneration hydraulic motor with a small pressure loss during regeneration, and ensures holding pressure when the energy cannot be regenerated. A first valve device disposed between actuator hydraulic lines and a regeneration hydraulic motor, has a throttle passage capable of increasing pressure in the higher pressure side actuator hydraulic line to a set pressure of the relief valves. A second valve device disposed in parallel with the first valve device between the actuator hydraulic lines and the regeneration hydraulic motor, is switched from a close to an open position by pressure between the first valve device and the regeneration hydraulic motor when pressure between the first valve device and the regeneration hydraulic motor increases to approach the set pressure of the swing relief valve.
US09926942B2

A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine engine which includes at least one diffuser pipe having a tubular body with an inner surface defining an internal flow passage extending therethrough. The tubular body includes a first portion that extends in a first direction and defines a throat therein, a second portion that extends in a second direction different from the first direction, and a curved portion fluidly linking the first portion and the second portion. A plurality of vortex generators are disposed within the diffuser pipe and extend from the inner surface into the internal flow passage. The vortex generators are disposed downstream of the throat in the first portion of the diffuser pipe and upstream of the curved portion. In operation, the vortex generators engage fluid flow in the internal flow passage to generate downstream vortices.
US09926939B2

A system includes a solid feed pump. The solid feed pump includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing, a curved passage disposed between the rotor and the housing, a solid feed inlet coupled to the curved passage, a solid feed outlet coupled to the curved passage, and a rotatable sleeve configured to rotate to actively draw solid feed into the solid feed inlet or out of the solid feed outlet.
US09926935B2

A fan assembly (100) includes a chassis portion (101) and a fan receiver (102) coupled to the chassis portion at a first end (105) of the fan receiver. A fan receiver sidewall defines an inner surface (401), an outer surface (402), a receiving opening (403), and a central axis (405). The inner surface can include at least one insertion guiderail key (514,614) oriented substantially parallel with the central axis. The outer surface can include a threaded male member (407) at a second end (106) of the fan receiver. A fan module (103) can nest within the fan receiver sidewall, retained therein by a vented endcap (104) that couples to the threaded male member with a threaded connection.
US09926932B2

Disclosed is an exhaust valve (10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E), comprising a valve body (12), wherein the first end of the valve body is provided with a fluid inlet (15); the sidewall of the valve body is provided with at least one fluid outlet (17) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (15) and a valve flap (20) for opening or closing the fluid outlet; and the axis direction of the fluid outlet (17) is inclined relative to that of the fluid inlet (15). Further disclosed is a compressor comprising the above-mentioned exhaust valve. The exhaust valve has a relatively low fluid resistance, and is able to significantly reduce the pressure drop in the compressor due to the exhaust valve, so that the operating efficiency of the compressor is increased.
US09926931B2

A motor-driven compressor is provided with a motor including a rotor, a housing including an inlet through which low-pressure refrigerant serving as a low-pressure fluid is drawn in, a compression unit that compresses the low-pressure refrigerant and discharges compressed high-pressure fluid, an inverter that drives the motor, and a controller that controls the inverter. If the rotor is activating in a reverse direction that is opposite to a forward direction when activating the motor, the controller obtains a position of a d-axis of the rotor and controls the inverter so that current flows to the obtained d-axis and so that frequency of current flowing to the motor decreases as time elapses.
US09926927B2

A pump comprises a housing having an inner contour wall defining a fluid chamber. A rotor mechanism is positioned within the fluid chamber and comprises a belt and a rotatable rotor assembly. The belt is mounted to the rotor assembly. A movement imparting assembly imparts a rotational movement to the rotor assembly. The belt engages the inner contour wall during rotation. The housing includes intake and outtake ports in communication with the fluid chamber providing for intake of fluid therein and exhaust of fluid therefrom.
US09926925B2

A sludge flow monitoring system and method measures volume of sludge pumped by a positive displacement pump through a pipeline by determining a fill percentage during each pumping cycle. The start and end of each piston stroke are identified by hydraulic system sensors. The fill percentage is determined based upon a first summation of periodic piston speed command values from the start of a pumping stroke to the end of a pumping stroke, and a second summation of periodic piston speed command values from a poppet valve opening indicating output flow from the pump to the end of the pumping stroke.
US09926921B2

A compressor assembly having a housing with a number of sound control chambers. A method of controlling a sound level of a compressor assembly having a step of providing a plurality of sound control chambers. A method of controlling a sound level of a compressor assembly having a step of eliminating an operator's line-of-sight view to noise producing components of the compressor assembly. Sound level of a compressor can be controlled by separating the internal volume of a housing which encases at least a portion of a pump assembly to create sound control chambers and/or eliminating an operator's line-of-sight view to noise producing components of the compressor assembly.
US09926917B2

Society today is heavily dependent on electricity for everyday life. There are many different types of electrical generators. The present invention uses the concept of a conventional swing to produce electricity. On a conventional swing, humans are the prime movers, keeping the swing in motion by body movements and pumping the legs. The present invention produces rotation in a generator by operating a prime mover that mimics these human movements on a conventional swing. In the present invention, a mechanized prime Mover, in human form, takes the place of a person's body movements to keep the swing in motion.
US09926909B2

A locking arrangement comprises a locking member having a longitudinal axis that is contained in a working plane where shear forces are concentrated when the locking member is in a locking position. The working plane is arranged substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the parts to be locked when in said locking position in which at least one part of the wind turbine is prevented from being rotated relative to at least another part around said axis of rotation. A Wind turbine generator is provided having a rotor with a rotor flange portion and a stator with a stator flange portion, with both flange portions being complimentarily shaped and defining a locking housing for receiving said locking member.
US09926904B2

A method for energy ignition management of a spark-ignition engine includes receiving, by a controller, at least one ignition energy characteristic to affect control of at least one combustion cylinder. The method further includes controlling the at least one combustion cylinder via the controller. Controlling the at least one combustion cylinder via the controller includes adjusting the at least one ignition energy characteristic in response to at least one operating condition of the engine. The at least one ignition energy characteristic is a magnitude of one of a current or voltage of spark energy.
US09926899B2

A fuel-filter abnormality detection device is used for a subject filter provided in a fuel supply device of an engine to filtrate a fuel. The fuel-filter abnormality detection device includes a first filter attachable downstream of the subject filter in fuel flow. A filtration capacity of the first filter is smaller than a filtration capacity of the subject filter, and the first filter traps a foreign matter on a downstream side of the subject filter to cause a change in fuel pressure indicating an abnormality of the subject filter. The fuel-filter abnormality detection device may include a bypass passage through which the fuel bypasses the first filter, a bypass control valve configured to allow the fuel to flow through the bypass passage when the abnormality of the subject filter is detected, and a second filter filtrating the fuel flowing through the bypass passage.
US09926893B2

An exhaust gas recirculation device includes a housing including an inner wall defining an intake passage through which an intake air passes. The housing includes an outlet opening of an EGR gas provided in the inner wall, and a throttle valve positioned in the intake passage and generating a negative pressure at the outlet opening. The housing includes an intake air guide device provided in the housing and guiding the intake air, which has passed between the throttle valve and the inner wall of the housing, toward an axial center area of the intake passage. At least a part of the intake air guide device is positioned on an upstream side of the intake air with respect to the outlet opening.
US09926887B2

A fuel tank containing a fuel and oil mixture is managed to determine if the fuel and oil mixture contains the correct ratio for a motor. The fuel tank containing a fuel and oil mixture is monitored. A fuel to oil ratio is selected for the motor. A combined viscosity of the fuel and oil mixture is calculated with respect to the fuel to oil ratio, and the temperature of the fuel and oil mixture. The combined viscosity is used to determine a predetermined range of the combined viscosity. The viscosity of the fuel and oil mixture within the fuel tank is measured as a measured viscosity. If the measured viscosity of the fuel and oil mixture does not correspond with the predetermined range, then a user may be alerted that the measured viscosity does not correspond with the predetermined range.
US09926873B2

An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes a cylinder pressure sensor, a driving condition detector, a reference crank angle setter, a reference cylinder pressure calculator, an air-fuel ratio estimator, and a controller. The cylinder pressure sensor detects a cylinder pressure. The driving condition detector detects a driving condition in an engine. The reference crank angle setter calculates a reference crank angle immediately before which an air-fuel mixture starts combusting in accordance with the driving condition. The reference cylinder pressure calculator calculates a reference cylinder pressure in the cylinder at the reference crank angle based on temperature characteristics of a specific-heat ratio of the air-fuel mixture under a condition. The air-fuel ratio estimator calculates an air-fuel ratio based on a pressure difference between the reference cylinder pressure and the cylinder pressure at the reference crank angle. The controller controls the engine in accordance with the air-fuel ratio.
US09926867B1

In a turbocharged, uniflow-scavenged, two-stroke cycle, opposed-piston engine, transient changes in engine operating conditions initiate modes of air handling operation during which reversal of EGR flow in a high pressure EGR loop of the air handling system is prevented by operating one or more air handling devices to increase resistance to exhaust flow in the engine.
US09926856B2

Methods and apparatus relate to air handling for an internal combustion engine system, particularly utilizing premixed air and fuel. The engine system includes an intake air throttle (IAT) having a position set in response to the engine speed and a variable valve timing module having an intake valve timing set in response to the engine load. The variable valve timing module may be a cam phaser having a position at or between full retard and full advance positions. The engine system may operate in a transient mode or a fuel efficiency mode. The IAT position is adjusted in response to an engine speed error value or set at full throttle. The cam phaser position is adjusted in response to a pressure difference across the IAT, the engine speed, or is set to a limit position.
US09926854B2

A spiral mist elimination system includes a container with an inlet and a layered assembly in fluid communication with the inlet. The layered assembly contains a spiral shape and is concentric with a central axis of the container. The layered assembly imparts centrifugal motion in the engine bleed air as the engine bleed air travels spirally inward. The first portion of the layered assembly receives the first set of droplets. The layered assembly also includes a mesh matrix that collects a second set of droplets. The second set of droplets impacts the mesh matrix and coalesces to form a third set of droplets. A perforated tube is disposed along the central axis of the container. The perforated tube collects the engine bleed air from the layered assembly. Gravity draws the first and third sets of droplets into a reservoir.
US09926852B2

A method for optimizing a generation of an output level over a selected operating period by a power block, wherein the power block comprises multiple gas turbines for collectively generating the output level. The control method may include: receiving current state data regarding measured operating parameters for each of the gas turbines of the power block; based on the current state data, defining competing operating modes for the power block; based on each of the competing operating modes, deriving a predicted value for a performance parameter regarding the operation of the power block over the selected operating period; determining a cost function and, pursuant thereto, evaluating the operation of the power block based on the predicted value of the performance parameter so to determine a projected cost; and comparing the projected costs from each of the optimized operating modes so to select therefrom an optimized operating mode.
US09926850B2

A compound star gear system includes a sun gear rotatable about a first axis that drives a first plurality of star gears rotatable about a plurality of fixed axes. The first plurality of star gears drives a second plurality of star gears spaced axially apart from the first plurality of star gears. The second plurality of star gears drive the ring gear that in turn drives a fan drive shaft.
US09926846B2

A fuel oxidizer system is operated in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, a mixture that includes fuel from a fuel source is compressed in a compressor of the fuel oxidizer system; the fuel of the compressed mixture is oxidized in a reaction chamber of the fuel oxidizer system; and the oxidized fuel is expanded to generate rotational kinetic energy. The fuel oxidizer system is operated in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, fuel from the fuel source is directed to bypass the compressor, and the fuel that bypassed the compressor is oxidized in the reaction chamber.
US09926834B2

A dewatering device for an internal combustion engine having an engine body with a lower portion, an exterior wall, and a combustion chamber formed in the engine body, the dewatering device comprising a normally closed dewatering valve detachably secured to the exterior wall, a valve activating member, and a bracket for supporting the valve activating member on the lower portion of the engine body. The dewatering valve is spring loaded and moves between a normally closed position and an open position upon operation of the valve activating member, thereby allowing evacuation of water from the combustion chamber.
US09926831B1

An outboard motor unit includes an outboard motor including a cowling and an engine housed in the cowling and that is mounted on a vessel body, a supercharger that compresses air, and a compressed air cooler that is installed outside the cowling of the outboard motor and cools air compressed by the supercharger.
US09926821B2

In a cylinder lubrication system for a two-stroke engine, a plurality of lubricating oil supply openings (78) open out in the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder (42) at a point lower than a top ring (22b) of a piston (22) located at a bottom dead center. The lubricating oil supply openings are configured to provide a larger amount of lubricating oil in the thrust side and anti-thrust side of the cylinder than in a remaining part of the cylinder. Thereby, the consumption of lubricating oil and the emission of undesired substances can be minimized while providing an optimum lubrication of the sliding part between the piston and the cylinder.
US09926817B2

The valve opening/closing timing control device includes: a driving rotating body; a driven rotating body; a fixed shaft portion; a fluid pressure chamber; a partitioning portion; and a phase control unit for controlling a rotation phase by supplying/discharging pressurized fluid to/from an advancing chamber or a retarding chamber via an inside of the fixed shaft portion. The driven rotating body has: an inner circumferential member with a cylindrical portion, and a coupling plate portion of the camshaft, the cylindrical portion and the coupling plate portion being integrated with each other; and an outer circumferential member provided with the partitioning portion. The outer circumferential member includes the inner circumferential member in a unified manner so as to have the same rotational axis. The inner circumferential member is formed with an iron-based material. The outer circumferential member is formed with a material that is lighter in weight than the iron-based material.
US09926808B2

A gas turbine engine fan stand (40) comprising a base frame (42) and a fan case frame (44) coupled together at one edge by a hinge (46). The fan case frame (44) is arranged to: rotate about the hinge (46) between abutting the base frame (42) and substantially perpendicular thereto; and tilt about a yaw axis (52) perpendicular to the hinge (46) and in the plane of the fan case frame (44). The fan case frame (44) further comprising a coupling arrangement (56) arranged to rotate about a roll axis (60) and to couple a fan case (36) to the fan case frame (44). A gas turbine engine stand assembly (68) comprising a fan stand (40) and a core stand (38). A method of splitting a gas turbine engine (10) and a method of reassembling a gas turbine engine (10).
US09926806B2

A turbomachine includes an annular flow path section between a plurality of radially extending stator vanes and a plurality of radially extending rotor blades. At least a first portion of the flow path section has a circumferentially varying outer periphery which includes a recess circumferentially alternating with axisymmetric surfaces.
US09926801B2

An apparatus and method for controlling turbine blade tip clearance is disclosed herein. A blade track assembly can include a blade track carrier having a plurality of slots and rails defined by paths that vary in radial position as a function of circumferential location. An expansion ring can be operably coupled with the slots of the blade track carrier. A plurality of blade track segments can be operably coupled with the expansion ring and engageable with the rails of the blade track carrier such that expansion and contraction of the expansion ring causes radially outward movement and radially inward movement, respectively, of the blade track segments.
US09926790B2

A turbine shroud for a turbine of a gas turbine engine is disclosed. The turbine shroud is configured to direct products of a combustion reaction in a combustor of the gas turbine engine toward a plurality of rotatable turbine blades of the turbine to cause the plurality of turbine blades to rotate.
US09926778B2

Method and apparatus are disclosed for use of a fiber-optic sensor loop for use within a wellbore; with a plurality of light sources optically coupled to the fiber-optic sensor loop; at least one electromagnetically sensitized region within the fiber-optic sensor loop; and a plurality of detectors optically coupled to the fiber-optic sensor loop; and using the sensing system to detect changes in a magnetic field within the wellbore.
US09926773B2

The present invention relates to a downhole system for a well producing hydro-carbon-containing fluid. The downhole system comprises a casing comprising a first casing part and a second casing part, the second casing part having a casing thickness and comprising at least one sleeve having an inner face, and the second casing part being substantially a monobore in that the second casing part has an inner diameter which varies by less than twice the casing thickness; and a drop device for being immersed into the casing having at least one sleeve having an inner face. The drop device comprises a body having a width; a leading end; and a trailing end. The body further comprises an expandable sealing element arranged between the leading end and the trailing end, moving from a first position in which fluid is allowed to pass the device and a second position in which the sealing element abuts the inner face of the sleeve and seals off a first zone in the well from a second zone in the well. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system and a stimulation method.
US09926768B2

A valve collar for use with a fluid actuated downhole tool includes a mandrel having one or more valve cylinders formed in the wall thereof, the valve cylinders formed at an angle to the mandrel. The valve cylinders may be connected to each other, to the interior of the mandrel, and to the fluid actuated downhole tool through end holes, slant shell holes, and radial holes. Each valve cylinder may include a valve assembly inserted thereinto.
US09926766B2

A seat for a tubular treating system includes a single piece body having a central portion, and a frustoconical surface extending longitudinally from the central portion in a first direction configured to radially expand slips urged thereagainst. The seat also includes a collar extending longitudinally from the central portion in a second direction configured to be radially expanded into sealing engagement with a structure in response to a frustoconical member urged thereagainst. A seal surface is sealably engagable with a plug run thereagainst, and the seal surface is longitudinally displaced from the collar in the first direction.
US09926761B2

Slugging of fluids produced in petroleum wells creates major disturbances for production rigs, and leads to major variation in process pressures and levels. In many cases, these disturbances cause unscheduled production stops, and in others may damage equipment such as heat exchangers. Thus slugging may have a major impact on the reliability of the operation, as it may affect product availability and quality (BSW, TOG and Moisture). Therefore, there is a complex control problem to use measurements to dynamically act on the production choke valves to set a new type of flow, without major slugging. The purpose of this invention is to provide an Advanced Automated Control System for minimizing slugging that can quickly act to avoid this type of flow as well as protect the process equipment. This system is comprised of sensors, valves and numerous PID or ONFC type controllers using aggregate computer algorithms to monitor a set of operating variables that enable diagnosing and controlling production well slugging. This advanced control system is efficient and eliminates or minimizes slugging during production well operation.
US09926752B2

A rod handling assembly 10 has a surface engagement mechanism 12 capable of engaging an exposed surface of a drill rod R and a holding mechanism 14 coupled to the surface engagement mechanism 12. The system 10 and more particularly the mechanisms 12 and 14 engage and hold the rod R from a location radially adjacent a circumferential surface of the rod R inboard of its opposite ends, rather than from an end of the rod R. The surface engagement mechanism 12 is a distributed mechanism having two parts 12a and 12b that act at axially spaced locations on the rod R. The holding mechanism 14 is located and operates on the rod R between these axially spaced locations. The surface engagement mechanism 12 initially operates to engage the surface of the rod R which may for example be lying on a rod tray, to enable the rod to be lifted from a tray. Thereafter the holding mechanism 14 is operable to support and hold the rod.
US09926749B2

A threaded connection comprising a pin member formed on an end of a first tubular member. The pin member includes an inner seal pin portion, a threaded pin portion, and an outer seal pin portion. The inner seal pin portion has an inner diameter that is greater than an inner diameter of the outer seal pin portion. A box member is formed on an end of a second tubular member. The box member includes an inner seal box portion, a threaded box portion, and an outer seal box portion. The inner seal box portion has an outer diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the outer seal box portion. The inner seal pin portion sealingly engages the inner seal box portion and the outer seal pin portion sealingly engages the outer seal box portion when the threaded pin portion is engaged with the threaded box portion.
US09926736B2

A door frame assembly includes integral shim screws in the vertical jambs that facilitate installation of the assembly into a rough opening or doorway. The vertical frame jambs have one or more holes therethrough. Shim screws are positioned in those apertures and are adjustably extendable outwardly therefrom to engage a rough opening to assist in fixing the frame in that opening.
US09926730B2

A panel body (11) includes: a panel-like base material (12); a groove (25) which is continuous along at least a part of an outer circumferential end portion of the base material (12), and is recessed to the inside of the base material (12); a soft material (13) which is provided on one or more surface of the base material (12); a cover material (14) which covers the base material (12) and the soft material (13), and in which the outer circumferential end portion is caught in the groove (25) in the outer circumferential edge portion of the base material (12); and a fixing member (30) which fixes the cover material (14) in the groove (25).
US09926728B2

A system for opening a door, in particular for the door of a household appliance, including a prong, integral with the door, and a device for locking and unlocking the door, having a mechanical module to hold or release the prong, respectively when the door is opened or is closed, the system having an unlocking mechanism arranged on the prong, the unlocking mechanism interacting with the mechanical module after their activation, to release the prong and open the door.
US09926726B1

A tamper-proof padlock box which locks a door to a door frame that ensures that only users with a specialized key can access and open an internal lock. The tamper-proof padlock box includes a guard lock box, a padlock, and a key-receiving track mechanism. The padlock includes a U-shaped shank and a locking body. The guard lock box includes a tubular body, a bottom, a removable top, and a staple-receiving hole. The removable top is slidably mounted to the tubular body and supports the padlock. The U-shaped shank is rotatably mounted to the removable top about a leg of the U-shaped shank. The leg is oriented normal to the removable top. The staple-receiving hole allows a padlock staple access to the padlock and normally traverses through a rear sidewall. The key-receiving track mechanism is mechanically integrated into the bottom.
US09926719B2

The drilling rig includes a first substructure and a second substructure. The second substructure is positioned generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first substructure and generally the same height as the first substructure. The drilling rig further includes a drill floor coupled to the first and second substructures, where the drill floor positioned substantially at the top of the first and second substructures.
US09926714B2

A storage basket. The storage basket includes a pair of rods positioned parallel to one another, a hook disposed on the upper end of each of the pair of rods, a spacer disposed on the lower end of each of the pair of rods, a first cross-bar connecting each of the pair of rods, an extension member disposed on each of the pair of rods, and a second cross-bar connecting each of the extension rods to one another. The first cross bar, the extension rods, and the second cross-bar define an opening. A net is secured to the opening and extends downward toward the lower ends of the pair of rods, wherein the net and the opening define an open interior volume. The storage basket is securable to the outer side of a swimming pool and may be used to store various swimming pool rafts, toys, and other accessories.
US09926713B1

An automatic spa cover for covering a spa is described having a retractable frame, which rides along a top surface of the spa, attached to a front edge of an insulated cover. A motorized cover roller is attached to a back edge of the insulated cover and functions to roll up and retract the insulated cover and pull the frame to slide along the top lip of the spa side walls to retract the frame. In one embodiment, the frame is spring-loaded and extends from its retracted position to its extended position by the force of the springs. In an alternative embodiment, conventional actuation devices may be used to extend the frame. It also includes a retractable angled top cover covering the retractable frame which is supported by a curved guide proximate the motorized cover roller.
US09926712B2

[Problem to be solved]To provide a wave making apparatus for surfing that can make a so-called tubular curling wave suitable for surfing and in which a breaking portion and about to break portion are arrayed in a line.[Solution]The wave making apparatus comprises: a water carrying bucket 110 opened at the front, including a bottom plate and a side surface plate, and capable of holding water in a portion of an inner space thereof; a supporting structure 120 that supports the water carrying bucket 110; and a transmission apparatus 130 that moves the water carrying bucket 110 forward at a predetermined speed. The water carrying bucket 100 supported by submerging the water carrying bucket 110 under waterline of the pool such that the front of the water carrying bucket 110 faces the play area of the pool. The transmission apparatus 130 moves the water carrying bucket 110 forward along a track extending forward the play area with the water carrying bucket 100 kept below the waterline. The water held in the water carrying bucket 100 is carried forward and launched, and thereby an isolation traveling wave suitable for surfing is formed.
US09926703B1

A hollow prefabricated masonry wall panel is made at a fabrication site and is configured for transportation to a build site. The hollow prefabricated wall panel has a base row and an upper row formed of hollow blocks. A slit is formed in the top of each of the two side walls of the hollow blocks of the base row and upper row, the slit having a width no larger than 20% a width of a side wall. Provisional reinforcement is provided within each slit with a bonding material, a size of the slit and the provisional reinforcement configured to provide tensile strength during transportation of the hollow prefabricated wall panel from the fabrication site to the build site. At least one mid-row is laid between the base row and upper row so the hollow cavities are aligned to preserve hollow wall cavities that can accept code required reinforcement once transported to the build site.
US09926696B2

A deodorizing urinal includes a urinal body and a deodorizing device. The deodorizing device is connected to the urinal body, and includes a cooling unit, a releasing unit and a processing unit. The cooling unit is configured to generate a unit of low-temperature deodorizer. The releasing unit is configured to receive and store the unit of low-temperature deodorizer from the cooling unit. The processing unit is coupled to the releasing unit and is configured to generate a releasing signal in response to a trigger condition. The processing unit is configured to send the releasing signal to the releasing unit to enable the releasing unit to release the unit of low-temperature deodorizer stored therein into the urinal body.
US09926689B2

A plumbing fitting for dispensing of hot and cold water or a mixture thereof; said fitting including an elongate spout or spigot and a mounting portion for locating said plumbing fitting at a surface; said elongate spout provided with a dispensing orifice arranged at an underside of said elongate spout and proximate a tip portion of said spout; a passage through said spout communicating with said orifice and an inlet at said mounting portion; said plumbing fitting characterized in further including a pair of partially conjoined, generally globular structures at a base portion of said elongate spout.
US09926688B2

The invention relates to a connecting unit for a kitchen mixer tap which is configured to supply cold water, warm water, and water of at least one other type. The connecting unit is provided with a cold water supply connection for supplying cold mains water, a cold water discharge connection for discharging cold water, a warm water discharge connection for discharging warm water, an auxiliary water discharge connection for discharging water of another type to the kitchen mixer tap, an apparatus discharge connection for discharging cold water to be heated to a warm water preparation apparatus, an apparatus supply connection for supplying water coming out of the warm water preparation apparatus, an inlet combination coupled to the apparatus discharge connection, and a mixer element coupled to the warm water discharge connection for mixing cold water and warm water. The connecting unit is configured to be placed under a worktop.
US09926671B2

A method for repairing a paved road comprises forming a repair section by removing a damaged part of a concrete pavement or an asphalt pavement, and repairing by shooting in the repair section rapid-set blended concrete wherein concrete having improved fluidity as a result of mixing normal concrete having compressive strength of 21-30 MPa with bubbles of 20-40% of the volume of the normal concrete is mixed with a high-early-strength mixture material; and high-performance rapid-set blended concrete wherein a high-early-strength mixture material and a high-durability mixture material are mixed together.
US09926669B2

An assembly and method for removably installing a round linear track to a floor is provided. The assembly includes a track guide having a plurality of curved bearing surfaces to support a round track segment and a clamp to removably capture the round track in the track guide. The method includes placing a segment of round track on a lead portion of the track guide; moving the segment of track into a supporting portion of the track guide; and capturing the segment of round track in the track guide with a clamp.
US09926665B2

A pulp in accordance with a particular embodiment includes crosslinked cellulose fibers. The pulp can have high brightness, reactivity, and intrinsic viscosity. The pulp, therefore, can be well suited for use as a precursor in the production of low-color, high-viscosity cellulose derivatives. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology includes forming a pulp from a cellulosic feedstock, bleaching the pulp, crosslinking cellulose fibers within the pulp while the pulp has a high consistency, and drying the pulp. The bleaching process can reduce a lignin content of the pulp to less than or equal to 0.09% by oven-dried weight of the crosslinked cellulose fibers. Crosslinking the cellulose fibers can include exposing the cellulose fibers to a glycidyl ether crosslinker having two or more glycidyl groups and a molecular weight per epoxide within a range from 140 to 175.
US09926661B2

The present application relates to a steaming device. The steaming device comprises a steam generator (8) having a heated surface (6), a pump configured to direct fluid against the heated surface (6) to generate steam, an orientation detector to detect orientation of the heated surface (6), and a control unit. The control unit is configured to operate the pump to adjust the flow rate of the pump in dependence on the orientation of the heated surface determined by the orientation detector.
US09926657B2

A dimensionally stable floor covering comprises a tufted textile substrate and a reinforcement layer attached to the textile substrate. The reinforcement layer includes an adhesive backing compound and reinforcement fibers surrounded by the adhesive backing. The fibers may form a continuous layer on the back side of the floor covering or may be dispersed within the adhesive backing compound. The adhesive backing compound may be hot water-soluble to facilitate recycling of the floor covering. The floor covering may optionally include additional backing layers (including cushions) and may be used as a broadloom carpet, a carpet tile, or other modular floor covering products. Methods of manufacturing, installing, and recycling the present floor coverings are also provided.
US09926650B2

A clothing wire for a clothing roller of a carding machine extends in a wire longitudinal direction and having a base segment, which is thicker transversely to the wire longitudinal direction. A leaf segment, which is narrower compared to the base segment, protrudes from the base segment. A plurality of teeth is formed on the leaf segment along the clothing wire in the wire longitudinal direction. Each tooth has two leaf segment lateral surfaces adjoining the base segment. On at least one of the leaf segment lateral surfaces, at least one projection is formed on each tooth. The cross-sectional profile of the projection is asymmetric and preferably has the contour of a nose. The design of the clothing wire results in a homogenization or parallelization of the fibers, with little wear of the clothing wire and less damage to the fibers.
US09926647B2

Provided are: a method for producing a β-Ga2O3 substrate of which changes in donor concentration in a reducing atmosphere or an inert gas atmosphere are suppressed; and a method for producing a crystal laminate structure that can epitaxially grow a high-quality crystal film having low variability of quality in a reducing atmosphere or an inert gas atmosphere. The method for producing a β-Ga2O3 substrate includes a step for cutting out a β-Ga2O3 substrate from a β-Ga2O3 crystal containing a group IV element; annealing processing in an atmosphere containing a reducing atmosphere and/or an inert gas atmosphere is performed on the β-Ga2O3 crystal before cutting out the β-Ga2O3 substrate, or on the cut-out β-Ga2O3 substrate.
US09926646B2

A method for growing a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal, can provide a plate-shaped β-Ga2O3-based single crystal having high crystal quality. In one embodiment, a method for growing a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal employing an EFG method is provided, the method including: bringing a plate-shaped seed crystal into contact with a Ga2O3-based melt, wherein the plate-shaped seed crystal includes a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal having a defect density of not more than 5×105 /cm2 in the whole region; and pulling up the seed crystal to grow a β-Ga2O3-based single crystal.
US09926645B2

Various single crystals are disclosed including sapphire. The single crystals have desirable geometric properties, including a width not less than about 15 cm and the thickness is not less than about 0.5 cm. The single crystal may also have other features, such as a maximum thickness variation, and as-formed crystals may have a generally symmetrical neck portion, particularly related to the transition from the neck to the main body of the crystal. Methods and for forming such crystals and an apparatus for carrying out the methods are disclosed as well.
US09926642B2

An object of the present invention is to manufacture single crystals of high quality on an industrial production scale by preventing impurities from being mixed in single crystals when the single crystals are produced by the solvothermal method.A pressure vessel body 1, in which a supercritical state is maintained, is made of heat resistant alloy, a portion of the pressure vessel body is open, a corrosion-resistant mechanical lining 5 is provided on an inner face of the pressure vessel and on an entire outer circumferential edge of the opening, and the opening is sealed by an airtight mating face formed out of a corrosion-resistant mechanical lining, which is formed on the outer circumferential edge of the opening, and by an airtight mating face of the corrosion-resistant mechanical lining cover 6 on an inner face of the cover 3 through a corrosion-resistant gasket member. Since the pressure vessel body and the inner face of the cover are covered with the corrosion-resistant mechanical lining, corrosion can be prevented. The corrosion-resistant mechanical lining ensures the sealing property on the airtight mating face between the pressure vessel body and the cover and further effectively prevents corrosion in the airtight sealing portion and it becomes possible to repeatedly open and close the airtight sealing portion.
US09926640B2

An electroplating cell includes: an anode chamber in which an anode chamber solution is stored; and a separator that separates the anode chamber and a cathode. The electroplating cell undergoes a modification treatment of introducing a carboxylic acid group or a derivative thereof into a base material of the separator. The separator selectively allows permeation of metal ions contained in the anode chamber solution.
US09926639B2

Methods for forming barrier/seed layers for interconnect structures are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of processing a substrate having an opening formed in a first surface of the substrate, the opening having a sidewall and a bottom surface, the method may include forming a layer comprising manganese (Mn) and at least one of ruthenium (Ru) or cobalt (Co) on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening; and depositing a conductive material on the layer to fill the opening. In some embodiments, one of ruthenium (Ru) or cobalt (Co) is deposited on the sidewall and bottom surface of the opening. The materials may be deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) or by physical vapor deposition (PVD).
US09926631B2

An automatic ammonia hydroxide deployment system comprises an ammonia hydroxide deployment device and an automatic ammonia hydroxide deployment controlling device. The ammonia hydroxide deployment device includes a chamber for storing ammonia hydroxide, an ammonia pipe and a water pipe. The automatic ammonia hydroxide deployment controlling device includes an electrical conductivity meter, a liquid level sensor and an operating controller. The electrical conductivity meter is for detecting an electrical conductivity of the ammonia hydroxide in the chamber. The operating controller is configured to obtain an ammonia concentration of the ammonia hydroxide according to the electrical conductivity of the ammonia hydroxide. The operating controller adjusts ammonia gas flowing into the chamber according to whether the ammonia concentration is less than a predetermined threshold or not, and adjusts water flowing into the chamber according to whether the liquid level is lower than a predetermined lower threshold or not.
US09926623B2

In various embodiments, sputtering targets are formed by introducing molybdenum powder into a sheet bar mold, pressing the powder to form a sheet bar, sintering the sheet bar to form an ingot having a density of at least 90% of a theoretical density, preheating the ingot, rolling the ingot to form a plate, and heat treating the plate.
US09926621B2

A carburizing device is configured to perform a carburizing treatment on a treatment target, and includes a furnace body, an insulating container provided inside the furnace body, a furnace bed provided inside the insulating container and on which the treatment target is mounted, and a heat source provided inside the insulating container, in which at least surfaces of main components of the furnace bed, the heat source and the insulating container are made of a ceramic material.
US09926613B2

A method of producing a sugar liquid includes filtering a sugar liquid through a nanofiltration membrane and collecting a sugar liquid from the feed side, wherein a sugar liquid containing an organic liquid compound having a relative dielectric constant of not less than 17 at 25° C. is filtered through the nanofiltration membrane.
US09926605B2

The present invention relates to HPV-positive as well as HPV-negative screening platforms that are highly serum-dependent, for use as HNSCC models. These HNSCC models die reproducibly in serum-deprived conditions and the introduction of driver mutations (or increased levels of the WT gene) confers enhanced cell survival and proliferation under serum deprivation. These platforms have the major advantages of allowing functional screening of mutations in relevant HNSCC models (HPV-positive and HPV-negative). In addition to oncogene screening, this model can also be used in drug discovery. Specifically, cells expressing mutations that confer increased survival can then be screened against panels of therapeutic agents to determine if the mutation(s) can predict the optimal treatment for patients whose tumors harbor the mutation(s).
US09926602B2

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnosis, research and therapy, including but not limited to, cancer markers. In particular, the present invention relates to recurrent gene fusions as diagnostic markers and clinical targets for prostate cancer.
US09926601B2

The present invention provides a method for identifying a tumor as likely to metastasize, or likely to have metastasized, comprising obtaining a sample of the tumor and quantitating alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms of a cell motility gene, a cell adhesion gene and/or an actin cytoskeletal remodeling gene in the sample, or any specified genes or the level of RNA binding proteins compared to a predetermined non-metastasizing control.
US09926599B2

The present invention relates to a method, in particular an in vitro method, for identifying CD3CD4 positive T lymphocytes of a mammal, wherein the method comprises analyzing the bisulfite convertibility of at least one CpG position in the CD3+CD4+ T helper cell specific non-methylated bisulfite convertible region according to SEQ ID No. 1, wherein a bisulfite convertibility of at least one CpG position to at least 90%, preferably to at least 91% and more preferably to at least 92% and most preferred to at least 95% in the sample is indicative for a CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell, in particular a CD3+CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell. The present invention further relates to analyzing the bisulfite convertibility of at least one CpG position in the genes FLJ00060, FLJ38379, PPP6C, CD226, ZBTB7B and TNFAIP8 that are capable of positively identifying CD4 expressing cells in whole blood and segregate between CD4 and CD8 positive CD3 positive cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit for performing the above methods as well as respective uses thereof.
US09926598B2

The present disclosure relates to the field of molecular biology and more specifically to methods for capturing, amplifying and sequencing target polynucleotides on a solid surface.
US09926597B2

A method for nucleic acid sequencing includes (a) disposing a plurality of template polynucleotide strands in a plurality of defined spaces disposed on a sensor array, at least some of the template polynucleotide strands comprising a test or control sequence; (b) exposing a plurality of the template polynucleotide strands in the defined spaces to a series of flows of nucleotide species flowed according to a predetermined ordering; and (c) determining sequence information for a plurality of the template polynucleotide strands in the defined spaces based on the flows of nucleotide species to generate a plurality of sequencing reads corresponding to the template polynucleotide strands, wherein the test or control sequence comprises a sequence determined by identifying, using a variant caller, loci with systematic errors present in a plurality of sequencing runs included in a training set of sequencing runs.
US09926594B2

A method for the amplification of nucleic acids, in which nanoparticles in a reaction volume transfer heat to their environment through excitation. The method comprises a step of providing nanoparticles with the nucleic acids in a reaction volume and one or more heating steps. In at least one of the heating steps, the heating is achieved at least partially through the excitation of the nanoparticles. The interval of the excitation is chose to be shorter or equal to a critical excitation time.
US09926592B2

A category of γPNA miniprobes and chimeric γPNA probes is especially useful for detecting RNA and telomeric DNA in a cell sample. In particular, the probes can be used to deliver fluorescent dyes to the telomeres, allowing direct visualization of telomeres in cells.
US09926589B2

A complex mixture is analyzed for multiple nucleic acid sequences (e.g., DNA or RNA sequences) simultaneously by target specific multiplex amplification followed by single molecule detection of amplicons by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The presence or absence of target nucleic acids can be determined from the presence or absence of specific amplicons for those nucleic acids. In addition, quantification of target nucleic acids in the complex mixture is achieved by determination of the numbers of amplicons.
US09926582B2

Herein is reported a method for producing a polypeptide comprising the step of incubating (resuspended) prokaryotic cells in a solution comprising about 10 mM to about 95 mM Tris-HCl and about 2 mM to about 6 mM EDTA at a pH value of about 7 to about 10 for about 15 min to about 6 h at about 25° C.
US09926581B2

The present invention relates to an isolated DNA molecule encoding a fagopyritol synthase. A method for producing a fagopyritol, an insulin mediator, an insulin mediator analog, an insulin mediator homolog, or an insulin mediator inhibitor is also described. The method includes providing a fagopyritol synthase, providing a substrate comprising a galactosyl donor and a galactosyl acceptor, and combining the fagopyritol synthase with the substrate under conditions effective produce a fagopyritol, an insulin mediator, an insulin mediator analog, an insulin mediator homolog, or an insulin mediator inhibitor.
US09926580B2

A process for producing on an industrial scale the oxidized coenzyme Q10, includes culturing a reduced coenzyme Q10-producing microorganism selected from the group consisting of the genus Rhodobacter, the genus Saitoella, the genus Schizosaccharomyces and the genus Trichosporon, to obtain microbial cells containing reduced coenzyme Q10 at a ratio of not less than 70 mole % among the entire coenzymes Q10; and one of: (a) oxidizing thus-obtained reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10 and then extracting the oxidized coenzyme Q10 by an organic solvent; or (b) extracting reduced coenzyme Q10 by an organic solvent and oxidizing the extracted reduced coenzyme Q10 to oxidized coenzyme Q10.
US09926572B2

The present invention relates to plants of the Compositae family exhibiting a reversible genic male sterility trait, characterized in that the genic male sterility is caused by a reduction or complete absence of endogenous jasmonic acid production, resulting from interference with one or more target genes involved in endogenous jasmonic acid production, selected from the group consisting of lipoxygenase, allene oxide synthase, allene oxide cyclase and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid-10, 11-reductase, or their functional homologues.
US09926546B2

Engineered CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases with improved specificity and their use in genomic engineering, epigenomic engineering, genome targeting, and genome editing.
US09926538B2

Genetically modified proteins with uricolytic activity are described. Proteins comprising truncated urate oxidases and methods for producing them, including PEGylated proteins comprising truncated urate oxidase are described.
US09926523B2

A carrier for growing stem cells is provided, the carrier comprises a substrate comprising one or more outer surfaces; and a hydrophilic, water soluble coating material disposed and dried on one or more of the outer surfaces. The carrier comprises one or more structured indentations on one or more of the outer surfaces, wherein the carrier has a length at least about 0.2 mm, a width at least about 0.2 mm, and a height in a range from about 0.05 mm to 1.2 mm and each of the structured indentations has a major axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, a minor axis in a range from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a depth in a range from about 0.025 mm to about 0.5 mm. A method of culturing stem cells and stromal cells using the same carrier are also provided.
US09926515B2

The invention is related to a contact lens care solution comprising a buffer solution, a chelating agent, a surfactant and a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent comprises 100 parts by weight of glycerol, 0.5 to 40 parts by weight of vinylacetamide-containing polymer and 5 to 40 parts by weight of alginic acid.
US09926513B2

Methods for creating concentrated plant material solution, including combining ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material with ethanol to define mixtures and reducing the amount of ethanol in the mixtures until the mixtures have viscosities compatible for use with electronic cigarettes. Some examples include combining ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material, hydrocarbon bases, and liquid solutions containing ethanol to define mixtures, removing the hydrocarbon bases from the mixtures, and reducing the ethanol content of the mixtures until the mixtures define viscosities compatible for use with electronic cigarettes. Some examples include extracting solute from source materials and including the extracted solute in the ethanol-soluble, water-insoluble concentrated plant material.
US09926510B2

A lubricant composition comprising from 75 to 95 percent by weight polyalphaolefin base oil; and from 7.5 to 25 percent by weight oil soluble polyalkylene glycol (OSP) additive, wherein the polyalkylene glycol has a viscosity at 40° C. from 15 cSt to 50 cSt and comprises units derived from propylene oxide and units derived from butylene oxide; wherein the lubricant composition exhibits a four ball EP weld load result of at least 160 kg and an air release value at 75° C. of less than 3 minutes is provided.
US09926500B2

Gasifiers for the gasification of solid carbon-based fuels are disclosed herein. An example gasifier includes an inlet chamber for introducing fuel into the gasifier and a pyrolysis region for pyrolyzing the fuel introduced into the vessel. The pyrolysis region includes first means for admission of a pyrolysis agent. The example gasifier also includes a combustion region for incinerating pyrolysis gases originating from the pyrolysis region, where the combustion region includes second means for admission of a gasifying agent. Also, the example gasifier includes a reduction region for gasifying carbonized fuel originating from the pyrolysis region, an outlet for collecting gases originating from the reduction region, and a region for collecting and discharging ashes. In addition, the example gasifier includes active transfer means to actively transfer solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region. In some examples, the active transfer means is located between the pyrolysis region and the combustion region, and the active transfer means includes a transfer chamber to prevent a direct flow of the solid material from the pyrolysis region to the reduction region, where the transfer chamber is permeable to the pyrolysis gases.
US09926497B2

A method to remove a metals impurity from a petroleum feedstock for use in a power generating process is provided. The method comprising the steps of mixing a heated feedstock with a heated water stream in a mixing device to produce a mixed stream; introducing the mixed stream to a supercritical water reactor in the absence of externally provided hydrogen and externally provided oxidizing agent to produce a reactor effluent comprising a refined petroleum portion; cooling the reactor effluent to produce a cooled stream; feeding the cooled stream to a rejecter configured to separate a sludge fraction to produce a de-sludged stream; reducing the pressure of the de-sludged stream to produce a depressurized product; separating the depressurized product to produce a gas phase product and a liquid product; separating the liquid product to produce a petroleum product, having a reduced asphaltene content, reduced concentration of metals impurity, and reduced sulfur.
US09926490B2

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal (LC) medium comprising a polymerizable compound, one or more compounds of formula Q, and one or more compounds of formula AN1 to a process for its preparation, to its use for optical, electro-optical and electronic purposes, in particular in LC displays, especially in an LC display of the polymer sustained alignment (PSA) type, and to an LC display, especially a PSA display, comprising it.
US09926486B2

A composition comprising an alcohol ether sulfonate and a quaternary ammonium salt is provided for use in methods of increasing recovery of crude oil from a subterranean hydrocarbon-containing formation.
US09926479B2

The present invention is concerned with a material comprising: a matrix material comprising a plurality of urethane and/or urea and/or isocyanurate groups and having a hardblock content of more than 75% (hereinafter called matrix A); and a polymeric material which 1) has no groups which are able to form a urethane, urea or isocyanurate group with an isocyanate group, 2) exhibits a phase change as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range −10° C. to +60° C. with an enthalpy ΔHm of at least 87 kJ/kg, 3) is interpenetrating said matrix A, and 4) has an average molecular weight of more than 700 and comprises at least 50% by weight of oxyalkylene groups, based on the weight of this material, wherein at least 85% of the oxyalkylene groups are oxyethylene groups (hereinafter called polymeric material B); and wherein the relative amount of said matrix A and of said polymeric material B, on a weight basis, ranges from 15:85 to 75:25. Process for preparing such material.
US09926477B2

The present disclosure relates to abrasive aggregates comprised of abrasive particles in a vitreous binder composition, and methods of making and using such abrasive aggregates, including in abrasive articles. The abrasive aggregates can include modifier particles. The abrasive aggregates can include a layer of outer particles on at least a portion of the outer surface of the abrasive aggregate.
US09926476B2

A dual cure, all epoxy adhesive that is both photochemically and thermally curable is disclosed. The adhesive may comprise at least about 93% by weight of one or more polymerizable epoxides, a catalytic amount of a photo-acid generator (PAG) configured to induce acid-catalyzed polymerization of the polymerizable epoxide when exposed to UV or visible light, about 0.01% to about 1% by weight of a redox agent, and a catalytic amount of a thermal acid generator (TAG) configured to induce acid-catalyzed polymerization of the polymerizable epoxide in the presence of the redox agent when exposed to a temperature at or above about 70° C.
US09926464B2

A curable aqueous composition is disclosed comprising a carbohydrate, a crosslinking agent, and an amine base, wherein the curable aqueous composition has a pH adjusted by the amine base. Further disclosed is a method of forming a curable aqueous solution.
US09926461B2

The present invention provides a hard coating film having high hardness and excellent properties. The hard coating film has high hardness and is not easily curled.
US09926457B2

An inherently printable polymeric material is provided. The polymeric material includes a homogenous mixture of a thermoplastic polymer with a Tg of about 30-80° C., a cyclic olefin copolymer, an ionomer of ethylene and methacrylic acid, and a thermoplastic rubber. The polymeric material can be printed without requiring printing receptive layers or treatments. The polymeric material can be thermoformed, yet retains its printability even after thermoforming.
US09926454B1

Compositions, applications, coatings, processes of making and applying compositions and compositions for preventing dust buildup on plastic and wood surfaces such as on ceiling fan blades, portable fan blades, stand fan blades, window blinds, appliances, furniture, cabinet knobs, and drawer pulls. The compositions and coating prevent dust buildup by (1) dissipating static charges on the blades and (2) creating a very smooth blade surface that prevents dust particles getting “captured”. The coating can have a clear matte finish and contains an anti-static and high lubricity additive to deter the accumulation of dust. After applying the coating the dry time of the coatings by thin coat gravure rollers is approximately four minutes. When applied the coating can result in up to approximately 50% less dust buildup over a one week period of time.
US09926452B2

The present invention provides the use of aqueous polymer dispersions comprising (a) at least two monomers M1 having a glass transition temperature ≥25° C., (b) at least two monomers M2 having a glass transition temperature <25° C., and also further monomers M3, as binders in coating materials for improving the shade stability (color retention).
US09926451B2

The invention relates to silane-modified silicas having a BET surface area of 40 to 155 m2/g, a sulphur content between 0.05% and 25% by weight and a particle size d5 of ≥4 μm, and d50 of ≥16 μm.The silane-modified silicas are used in rubber mixtures.
US09926434B2

The flame-retardant thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer composition includes a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, (A) a (poly)phosphate compound represented by general formula (1), (B) a (poly)phosphate compound represented by general formula (3), and (C) silicon dioxide. The composition preferably contains (D) zinc oxide. Symbols n, X1, and p in formula (1) and r, Y1, and q in formula (3) are as defined in the description.
US09926432B2

An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
US09926423B2

Foamed thermoplastic elastomeric polyurethane and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer articles are made with a combination of a supercritical fluid and a non-supercritical fluid blowing agent.
US09926414B2

Polymeric article reinforced with a reinforcing component. The reinforcing component includes a composition made from at least one polymer and graphene sheets.
US09926411B1

Provided herein are methods of forming solid-state ionically conductive composite materials that include particles of an inorganic phase in a matrix of an organic phase. The methods involve forming the composite materials from a precursor that is polymerized in-situ after being mixed with the particles. The polymerization occurs under applied pressure that causes particle-to-particle contact. In some embodiments, once polymerized, the applied pressure may be removed with the particles immobilized by the polymer matrix. In some implementations, the organic phase includes a cross-linked polymer network. Also provided are solid-state ionically conductive composite materials and batteries and other devices that incorporate them. In some embodiments, solid-state electrolytes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided. In some embodiments, electrodes including the ionically conductive solid-state composites are provided.
US09926408B2

Reactive extrusion can be used in a continuous, solvent-less preparation of imide oligomers involving two competing reactions among three ingredients, the first reaction between a dianhydride and a diamine and the second reaction between an endcap and the same diamine. The imide oligomer can form a composite via conventional production methods or via formation of a film from imide oligomer re-melted in an extruder before being impregnated into tape or fabric.
US09926405B2

A resin composition containing (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a compound represented by formula (1) below; (C) a curing accelerator; and (D) a silane coupling agent is provided. The compound of the (B) component has a content of 1:0.5 to 1:2.5, in terms of an equivalent ratio between epoxy groups in the epoxy resin of the (A) component and thiol groups in the compound of the (B) component, the silane coupling agent of the (D) component has a content of 0.2 parts by mass to 50 parts by mass with respect to 100 parts by mass in total of the (A) component, the (B) component, the (C) component, and the (D) component, and an equivalent ratio between thiol groups in the compound of the (B) component and Si in the silane coupling agent of the (D) is 1:0.002 to 1:1.
US09926404B2

Epoxy compositions include a cucurbituril in complex with a curative, and methods for curing the epoxy composition. The curative is reactive with an epoxy compound, and the curative may be a cure accelerator or a cure hardener. Cured resins are obtained or obtainable from the epoxy compositions. Complexes of a cucurbituril have a curative.
US09926394B2

The present invention relates to a new transition metal compound based on cyclopenta[b]fluorenyl group, a transition metal catalyst composition containing the same and having high catalytic activity for preparing an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and one α-olefin, a method of preparing an ethylene homopolymer or a copolymer of ethylene and α-olefin using the same, and the prepared ethylene homopolymer or the copolymer of ethylene and α-olefin.
US09926393B2

Catalyst systems having both a metallocene catalyst component and a Ziegler-Natta component are disclosed. Such catalyst systems can contain a metallocene compound, an activator-support, an organoaluminum compound, and a Ziegler-Natta component comprising titanium supported on magnesium chloride.
US09926388B2

This invention relates to a process for forming a long-chain branched polymer and a long-chain branched polymer resulting from the process. The process comprises reacting (a) a polyolefin base polymer with (b) a coupling agent comprising a polymeric coupling agent, optionally blended with a molecular coupling agent, the polymeric coupling agent being a modified polyolefin having a reactive coupling group at one or more terminal ends of the modified polyolefin chain, to couple the polyolefin base polymer (a) with the coupling agent (b) to form a long-chain branched polymer having a long-chain branching and/or higher surface energy relative to the polyolefin base polymer.
US09926384B2

This invention relates a cellulose solution comprising cellulose and at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate and processes to produce the cellulose solution. Another aspect of this invention relates to shaped articles prepared from a cellulose solution comprising cellulose and at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate. Another embodiment of this invention relates to compositions comprising derivatives of cellulose prepared from a cellulose solution comprising at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate. Another embodiment of this invention relates to compositions comprising regioselectively substituted cellulose esters prepared from a cellulose solution comprising cellulose and at least one tetraalkylammonium alkylphosphate. In another embodiment of the invention, the cellulose esters of the present invention are used as protective and compensation films for liquid crystalline displays.
US09926381B2

The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies targeting the membrane bound IgM (mIgM) of the B-cell receptor complex found in B-cell lymphomas and leukemias. Monoclonal antibodies designated mAb4-2b, mAb1-1, mAb2-2b and mAb3-2b were produced by hybridoma cell lines (ATCC deposit no. PTA-121716), (ATCC deposit no. PTA-121719), (ATCC deposit no. PTA-121717), and (ATCC deposit no. PTA-121718), respectively. Another aspect of the present invention is the use of anti-B-Cell mIgM antibodies in the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including B-cell lymphomas and leukemias.
US09926379B2

The present invention relates to bispecific antibodies comprising at least one antigen binding site specific for DR5 and at least one antigen binding site specific for FAP, antibodies specific for DR5, methods for their production, pharmaceutical compositions containing said antibodies, and uses thereof.
US09926364B2

Provided are chimeric, camelid-human (e.g., llama-human) polypeptides comprising a first antigenic polypeptide portion and a second antigenic polypeptide portion wherein the first antigenic portion is a derived from a first portion of a camelid (e.g., llama) and the second antigenic portion is a human polypeptide homolog of a second portion of the camedid antigen. The chimeric polypeptides are useful inter alia for epitope mapping and generation of antibodies that bind to a desired region of human antigen.
US09926363B2

Campylobacter jejuni is a leading cause of bacterial food-borne diseases in humans, ranging from acute diarrheal disease to neurological disorders. An isolated or purified antibody or fragment thereof specific to C. jejuni is described. The antibody or fragment thereof binds to a flagellar protein and reduces motility of C. jejuni. The antibody or fragment thereof is derived from a heavy chain IgG variable domain fragment (VHH) of a camelid animal immunized with C. jejuni flagellar protein. A multivalent form, as well as a phage format, of the antibody or fragment thereof is described. Methods of reducing presence of C. jejuni in an animal or an animal environment, methods and formulations for treating C. jejuni infection, and method of detecting C. jejuni are also described.
US09926362B2

IVIG replacement compounds are derived from recombinant and/or biochemical creation of immunologically active biomimetic(s). These replacement compounds are then screened in vitro to assess each replacement compound's efficiency at modulating immune function. Particular replacement compounds are selected for further in vivo validation and dosage/administration optimization. Finally, the replacement compounds are used to treat a wide range of diseases, including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
US09926359B2

This disclosure relates to recombinant proteins, vectors, and methods of treating neurological conditions by exposing neurons to an opsin and luciferase in the presence of a luciferin. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to treating or preventing epilepsy or seizures comprising administering an effective amount of a vector that encodes an opsin and luciferase in combination with a luciferin to a subject in need thereof.
US09926354B2

The present invention provides fusion peptides, compositions, methods and kits for treating, reducing the risk of, lessening the severity of, preventing, or delaying the onset of amyloid-related disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and HIV associated neurocognitive impairment.
US09926351B2

The present invention relates to compositions comprising biologically active proteins linked to extended recombinant polypeptide (XTEN), isolated nucleic acids encoding the compositions and vectors and host cells containing the same, and methods of using such compositions in treatment of glucose-related diseases, metabolic diseases, coagulation disorders, and growth hormone-related disorders and conditions.
US09926344B2

Elimination of disulphide bond formation of cysteine-containing S. aureus antigens enhances antigen stability. The invention provides variant forms of cysteine-containing S. aureus antigen with a point mutation that replaces, deletes or modifies the cysteine residue.
US09926341B2

The present invention relates to the isolation of recombinant and/or biotherapeutic proteins for capture or clarification from cell culture fluid using copolymers. The copolymers used according to the process of the present invention comprise hydrophobic and anionic residues.
US09926338B2

Organopolysiloxanes bearing regularly spaced pendent carboxylic acid groups or salts thereof have a block polymer structure and are derived by the double half-esterification of a dianhydride and a silanol- or carbinol-functional organopolysiloxane or sulfur analog thereof. The products can form stable aqueous dispersions without the need for a surfactant.
US09926325B2

The present invention is directed to novel compounds of formula I and their use as therapeutic compounds.
US09926324B2

The present invention provides heteroaromatic derivatives and pharmaceutical acceptable salts and formulations thereof useful in modulating the protein kinase activity, especially phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3 kinases) and mTOR, and in modulating inter- and/or intra-cellular signaling activities such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders in mammals, especially humans.
US09926323B2

Use of a folate derivative to assay in vitro the folate in a sample such as a biological sample.
US09926316B2

Imidazopyridine derivatives according to formula I are described wherein X is selected from CH, N, S, and O, Y is selected from S, CO, and O, R1 and optional R2 are independently selected from H, OH, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted C4-C6 cycloalkyl or cycloheteroalkyl, R3 is selected from H, OH, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, and optional Z is selected from OH, NH2, NH(CO)R4, NH(SO2)R4, guanidine, alkylguanidine, and fluoroguanidine, R4 is polyethylene glycol or substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. The imidazopyridine derivatives can be used for treatment of cancer in a subject.
US09926309B2

Compounds and methods are provided for the treatment of pathogen infections. In some embodiments, the anti-infective compounds have broad spectrum activity against a variety of infective diseases, where the diseases are caused by pathogens containing a basic amino acid PIP-2 pincer (BAAPP) domain that interacts with phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP-2) to mediate pathogen replication. Also provided are methods of inhibiting a PI4-kinase and methods of inhibiting viral infection. In some embodiments, the compound is a PI4-kinase inhibiting compound that is a 5-aryl-thiazole or a 5-hetereoaryl-thiazole. The subject compounds may be formulated or provided to a subject in combination with a second anti-infective agent, e.g. interferon, ribivarin, and the like.
US09926300B2

The invention relates to a compound of the 5-acylsulfanyl-histidine type and the derivatives thereof, of general formula (I), wherein R1 to R3=H, alkyl, especially CH3; R4=H, alkyl, especially CH3, alkyle(C=0), substituted alkyl (C═O), aryl (C═O); β-alanyl (H2NCH2CH2 (C═O); α-amino-acyl; R5=alkyl, especially methyl, phenyl. The invention also relates to the use of said compound for producing compounds of the 5-sulfanyl-histidine type and the derivatives thereof, in addition to corresponding disulfides; and to the various methods for the production thereof.
US09926297B2

This invention relates to compounds that are agonists of the muscarinic M1 receptor and/or M4 receptor and which are useful in the treatment of muscarinic M1/M4 receptor mediated diseases. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and the therapeutic uses of the compounds. Compounds include those according to formula 1, or a salt thereof, wherein Q, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined herein.
US09926294B2

Compounds of formula (I), wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, and the agrochemically acceptable salts salts, stereoisomers, enantiomers, tautomers and N-oxides of those compounds, can be used as insecticides and can be prepared in a manner known per se.
US09926288B2

A compound is of formula (I): in which A1 and A1′ are independently from each other a linear or branched alkylene radical including from 1 to 20 carbon atom(s); A2 is in particular a linear or branched alkylene radical including from 1 to 200 carbon atom(s); A3 is H or a linear or branched alkyl radical including from 1 to 15 carbon atom(s) and R1 and R1′ are independently from each other H or a linear or branched alkyl radical comprising from 1 to 20 carbon atom(s). The compounds of formula (I) can be used in particular for the preparation of poly(hydroxyurethane)s and epoxy resins.
US09926285B2

The present disclosure relates to compounds of formula I that are useful as modulators of α7 nAChR, compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds for preventing, treating, or ameliorating disease, particularly disorders of the central nervous system such as cognitive impairments in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia, as well as for L-DOPA induced-dyskinesia and inflammation
US09926279B2

The present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula I: wherein R1 is C1-C4 haloalkyl; R2 is optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and R3 is methyl or ethyl; comprising reacting a compound of formula IV: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined for the compound of formula I; with an alkylating agent in the presence of an amide.
US09926266B2

Disclosed are a method for preparing a pure isophthalaldehyde bisulfite adduct free from impurities through a specific purification process, and use thereof as a starting material for polymerizing polybenzimidazole under a mild condition. According to the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain a pure isophthalaldehyde bisulfite adduct free from impurities, such as unreacted materials or byproducts. In addition, it is possible to accomplish industrial mass production of a high-molecular weight polybenzimidazole by using the adduct as a starting material for polymerizing polybenzimidazole under a mild condition in an organic solvent.
US09926255B2

High-purity dibasic acid compositions are generally disclosed. In some embodiments, the dibasic acid compositions are solutions or suspensions. In some other embodiments, the compositions are solid-state compositions. In some such embodiments, the solid-state compositions include a dibasic acid as a crystalline solid and further include a low quantity of certain impurities, such as monobasic acids, various esters, and the like. Methods and systems for making such high-purity dibasic acid compositions are also disclosed.
US09926251B2

This invention discloses an approach for the separation of the close-boiling mixture of polyols. The raw material is ethylene glycol containing miscellaneous polyols (such as 1,2-propylene glycol and 1,2-butanediol). Over an acid catalyst, these miscellaneous polyols, through (1) a dehydration reaction, (2) pinacol rearrangement, and (3) acetalization or ketalization reaction, are converted into aldehydes (small amounts), acetals, and ketals (trace amount), which are simultaneously and readily separated via distillation. Meanwhile, after the reaction, the mixture is further separated to obtain an ethylene glycol product at a high purity. The invention provides a technique to remove the miscellaneous polyols from ethylene glycol via liquid-phase dehydration reactions under mild conditions, with low energy consumption. In particular, this approach is markedly effective for the removal of 1,2-butanediol that is difficult to be removed via conventional techniques. The purity of the resulting ethylene glycol product is high, and value-added acetals or ketals are co-produced.
US09926248B2

The invention relates to a method for producing 2,3,5-trimethyl benzoquinone or a compound containing 2,3,5-trimethyl benzoquinone, the method comprising the following steps: Oxidation of 2,3,6-trimethylphenol with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in a two- or multi-phase reaction medium in the presence of a catalyst or catalyst system containing at least one copper (II)-halide to a mixture containing 2,3,5-trimethyl benzoquinone, characterized in that the reaction medium contains water and at least one secondary aliphatic acyclic alcohol having 6 or more, preferably 7 or more, carbon atoms.
US09926246B2

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for the simultaneous production of oxo-alcohols comprising n-butanol, isobutanol, and 2-ethylhexanol. Also disclosed are methods and systems for simultaneous production of plasticizers using the disclosed oxo-alcohols.
US09926241B2

A catalyst bed system, and a dehydrogenation process using the same, including a horizontal catalyst bed having a mixture of at least one catalytic material and at least one first inert material, a predetermined volume of at least one second inert material arranged upstream of the catalyst bed, wherein the volume of the reactor above the catalyst bed system is not filled by any solid material (empty space). The volume of the second inert material and the volume of the reactor above the second inert material (empty space) is between 0.04 and 0.73, preferably between 0.06 and 0.3, most preferably between 0.09 and 0.2.
US09926234B2

A hydraulic binder includes, as percentage by mass: from 17 to 55% of a Portland cement, the particles of which have a D50 of from 2 μm to 11 μm; at least 5% of silica fume; from 36 to 70% of a mineral addition A1, the particles of which have a D50 of from 15 to 150 μm; the sum of these percentages being from 80 to 100%; the sum of the percentages of cement and of silica fume being greater than 28%; the mineral addition A1 being selected from slags, pozzolanic additions or siliceous additions such as quartz, silico-calcareous mineral additions, calcareous additions such as calcium carbonate or mixtures thereof.
US09926231B2

The invention relates to dispersants for inorganic particles, preferably for hydraulic binders, which comprises the following structural units: i) at least one triazine structural unit, ii) at least one polyalkylene glycol structural unit, and iii) at least two phosphoric ester structural units on at least one carbon atom of one or more aromatic triazine rings of the formulae (IIa) and/or (IIb): —N—(CH2CH2—O—PO3H2)2,  (IIa) and —NH—CH2CH2—O—PO3H2.  (IIb) The invention also relates to a process for preparing the dispersants, to building material mixtures comprising one or more dispersants and one or more inorganic binders. The invention relates to the use of the dispersants as a water reducing agent, as a means for reducing the viscosity and for enhancing the early strengths of aqueous inorganic binders, and also to the use as a grinding aid in the production of cement.
US09926220B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a glass for chemical strengthening which is capable of improving strength as compared with an ordinary soda lime silicate glass even when the same chemical strengthening treatment as that in a conventional process is applied and has good devitrification characteristics, a chemically strengthened glass using the glass for chemical strengthening, and a method for producing the chemically strengthened glass. The present invention provides a glass for chemical strengthening having a specific glass composition described in the present specification.
US09926194B2

A device and method detect cellular targets in a bodily source by utilizing a biofunctional pad comprised of a thin film of carbon nanotubes (CNT's). When antibodies are absorbed by the CNT's, cellular targets having markers matching the antibodies may be detected in a bodily source placed upon the biofunctional pad by measuring the conductivity of the thin film using conductive contacts electrically coupled to the thin film, as the binding of the receptors in the cellular targets to the antibodies changes the free energy in the thin film. In many respects, the device functions as a Field Effect Transistor (FET) with the bodily source, e.g., blood, acting as a polyelectrolyte liquid gate electrode to create a varying electrostatic charge or capacitance in the thin film based upon the binding of cellular targets in the source to the antibodies present on the biofunctional pad.
US09926188B2

A sensor unit including a first semiconductor component and a second semiconductor component, the first semiconductor component including a first substrate and a sensor structure. The second semiconductor component includes a second substrate, the first and second semiconductor components being connected to each other with the aid of a wafer connection, the sensor unit having a decoupling structure, which is configured in such a way that the sensor structure is decoupled thermally and/or mechanically from the second semiconductor component.
US09926177B2

A hydraulic jack includes an oil cylinder, an oil tank, and an oil storage barrel. The oil storage barrel includes a front portion and a back portion which are opposite to each other; an oil outlet of the oil cylinder is connected with an oil inlet at the front portion of the oil storage barrel by means of an oil inlet pipe; and an oil inlet of the oil tank is connected with an oil outlet at the front portion of the oil storage barrel by means of an oil outlet pipe, the oil inlet pipe and the oil outlet pipe are provided with switching valves for alternatively turning on the oil inlet pipe and the oil outlet pipe. A partition plate that is capable of moving along a barrel wall and an elastic telescoping member are provided inside the oil storage barrel.
US09926175B2

Auxiliary extension device for a crane provided with a telescopic extendable arm having at least one end segment provided with a free end, wherein the auxiliary extension device is made of one or more composite materials.
US09926171B2

An embedded safety elevator includes a van body, a motor, a battery, a driving wheel, a transmission rod, an embedded elevating device, and an inwardly concave spiral guide rail. The embedded elevating device is embedded in the guide rail and can move up and down along the guide rail; the embedded elevating device is fixed on the van body to drive the van body to move up and down, the motor and the battery are mounted on the van body and are connected with the driving wheel, the driving wheel is connected with the transmission rod, and the transmission rod is further connected with the embedded elevating device. The motor is started to drive the driving wheel to rotate, the driving wheel drives the transmission rod to rotate, the transmission rod transmits the power to the embedded elevating device for driving the embedded elevating device to spirally elevate.
US09926168B2

The invention concerns a bobbin (1) for winding and unwinding a link such as a cable or similar, comprising: • a central mandrel (10) comprising two opposing faces (11, 12) perpendicular to a rotational axis (13) of the bobbin (1), • two sets of arms (21) each mounted on a respective opposing face of the central mandrel (10), each arm being in contact with an intermediate support positioned between the two ends of same, • characterized in that the bobbin comprises a plurality of adjustment elements (30) each associated with a respective arm, the actuation of an adjustment element resulting in a force being applied to the associated arm of same through the intermediate support, the application of said force tending to vary the inclination of said arm around the intermediate support in such a way as to adjust the position of said arm in a plane essentially parallel to the rotational axis of the bobbin.
US09926164B2

A device (10, 100) for supplying notes of pecuniary value (24) to a thin-walled transport container (12) includes a stacking unit (20) for stacking the notes of pecuniary value (24) to be supplied to form a stack of notes of pecuniary value in a stacking region (26). In addition, the device (10, 100) has a closure unit (40) which, in a closed position, is arranged in such a manner that it closes the opening of the thin-walled transport container (12) and which, in an open position, is arranged in such a manner that notes of pecuniary value (24) are suppliable to the thin-walled transport container (12)
US09926162B2

The present invention is to provide a sheet conveying apparatus capable of preventing detection error without causing damage on a sheet. The present post-processing apparatus includes a sheet conveying path to convey a sheet as being formed between an upper guide member and a lower guide member for guiding a sheet, and a detection portion including a second sensor as an electrostatic capacitance sensor to detect a sheet being conveyed on the sheet conveying path with output of the second sensor. The second sensor is fixed on a face of an upper guide member on an opposite side to the conveying path and the second sensor and the sheet conveying path are separated by the upper guide member.
US09926156B2

A sheet size specification system for specifying size of a sheet on a sheet stacking tray of an image forming device, by using an image capture unit of a portable terminal. The system includes an analyzer and a size specifier. The analyzer analyzes image data captured by the image capture unit, the image data indicating the sheet stacking tray and the sheet thereon. The size specifier acquires, from the analyzed image data, first position data indicating positions of predefined feature points of the sheet stacking tray and second position data indicating positions of an outline of the sheet, and specifies size of the sheet on the sheet stacking tray based on the first position data and the second position data.
US09926153B2

The present invention is to provide a sheet aligning apparatus that is capable of detecting misalignment. A control portion of a post-processing apparatus causes a front aligning member and a rear aligning member to be moved to an aligning position to align sheets conveyed to a processing tray, causes the front aligning member to be moved from the aligning position to a detecting position, and determines whether an electrostatic capacitance sensor detects misalignment (sheet shifting from a sheet bundle). When it is determined that the sensor detects misalignment, the front aligning member is moved from the detecting position to the aligning position so that sheets are realigned.
US09926152B1

An image forming apparatus includes first and second sheet storages, a sheet conveyer, an image reading unit configured to read a surface of a sheet conveyed from the first sheet storage by the sheet conveyer, an image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet conveyed from the image reading unit, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine an amount of a color material appearing on the surface of the sheet based on image data generated by the image reading unit, determine one of the image forming unit and the second sheet storage as a sheet feeding destination, based on the determined amount of the color material and a threshold value that is associated with at least one of a type and content of an image to be formed on the sheet, and control the sheet conveyer to convey the sheet to the sheet feeding destination.
US09926151B2

A sheet feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet loader, an air blowing device, a regulator, a sheet attracting device, and a sheet conveying body. The sheet loader loads a sheet bundle including a sheet and a subsequent sheet placed below the sheet. The air blowing device blows air and lifts the sheet over the sheet bundle. The regulator regulates movement of the subsequent sheet, and includes an opposing portion located upper end and separated from the sheet loader toward the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction and an inclined portion upwardly inclined relative to a vertical axis from a same position as the sheet loader to the downstream side of the sheet conveying direction. The sheet attracting device attracts the sheet lifted over the sheet bundle. The sheet conveying body conveys the sheet in a sheet conveying direction.
US09926149B2

In a method for handling sheet goods, in particular value documents, such as bank notes, in an apparatus for processing sheet goods, such as a bank-note machine, sheet goods are removed from a container for sheet goods that is inserted in the apparatus, through an output opening of the container, checked for further processability, and in the case of a negative check result returned into the container through an input opening of the container that is separate from the output opening. The container has a pressing device for exerting a pressure on the sheet goods in the direction of the output opening, wherein the pressing device is displaceable along the height of the container such that sheet goods are both outputtable from a sheet-goods region of the container through the output opening and inputtable back into the sheet-goods region through the input opening.
US09926148B2

Pedestrian-Vehicle safety systems for loading docks are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes sensing whether a person is within a certain area adjacent a dock face of a loading dock, emitting a first signal in response to sensing the person being present within the certain area, sensing rearward movement of a vehicle toward the dock face, emitting a second signal in response to sensing rearward movement of the vehicle while the person is not present in the certain area, and emitting a third signal in response to sensing both the rearward movement of the vehicle and the person being present within the certain area.
US09926145B2

A conveyance apparatus for electronic components capable of suppressing the adhesion of electronic components to a storing member by static electricity. The conveyance apparatus for electronic components includes: a storing member which includes cavities for storing electronic components respectively; an electronic component supply mechanism which supplies the electronic components in a state where the electronic components are brought into contact with the storing member; and a moving unit which moves the storing member in a predetermined moving direction in a relative relationship with the electronic component, wherein a recessed portion for reducing a contact area of the storing member with the electronic components is formed in a region where the cavities are not formed on a main surface of the storing member on a side where the electronic components are supplied.
US09926140B2

There is provided a roller conveyor that has a function capable of specifying a failure part or a defective part. When a signal for executing a failure detection operation is transmitted from a host controller (50) to each zone controller (10), each zone controller (10) immediately activates the corresponding motor-incorporating roller (5a). Then, after a certain time, the motor-incorporating roller (5a) is stopped. A pulse interval thereafter is detected by a pulse interval monitoring program (36) to determine whether a delay phenomenon has occurred. The delay phenomenon is a phenomenon in which the pulse signal generation interval is temporarily extended.
US09926139B2

A system, and associated method, for launching and delivering separated food product in organized groups to a robotized packaging station for the product. The system initiates the delivery via a metered hopper of food product delivering the product to a launch V-belt that aligns the product end to end. A successive singulator belt, positioned adjacent to and receiving product from the launch belt, further organizes the product into a single file alignment. An optional separator belt may follow the singulator belt to create gaps between successive product units. The product is then delivered to a pick belt for product to be provided to the packaging robot. The system product information is from a single (per product delivery line) sensor, enabling intergrated end-to-end control from hopper to robot, and a nearly continuous motion of said pick belt.
US09926136B2

An article management system includes a transport robot that transports an article and a rack robot that stores the article. The transport robot includes an input that receives a transport request that includes a request to transport the article to the rack robot, a first circuit that transmits the transport request to the rack robot and a movement mechanism that causes the transport robot to move toward the rack robot. The rack robot includes a second circuit that receives the transport request from the first circuit, a conveyor that receives the article based on the transport request from the transport robot and moves the article to a storage location, and a port where the article is transferred to the transport robot. The conveyor moves the article between one of a plurality of racks and the port.
US09926128B1

A wall-mounted, vertical holder, organizer and dispenser for pet waste bag rolls. Pet waste bag rolls come in standardized sizes wound about a spool, each bag separated from the next by a serrated transversal line. These rolls can be fed horizontally from the top of the dispenser to remain held and organized in the dispenser in a stacked configuration. The dispenser facilitates a bag being separated from the bottom-most roll, pulled through a wedge and chute located near the base on the front of the dispenser, and torn off for use without dislodging the bags from the dispenser or the dispenser from the wall. The wedge holds the next bag in the chute, ready for next use.
US09926125B2

A latchable package comprises: a support for supporting one or more items; a structure for selectively blocking access to the one or more items; and a latchable insert. The latchable insert comprises a substantially planar tab member that is coupled to the support such that the insert and support are movable together in an opening direction from a first position in which the structure blocks access to the one or more items to a second position in which the one or more items are accessibly clear of the structure. The structure and the latchable insert comprise co-operating latch features configured to engage when the insert and support are arranged in the first position.
US09926116B2

Packaging which can accommodate medical articles such as a series of orthopedic implants e.g. femoral stem components for prosthetic hip joints which have a dimension which varies minimally across the series but which vary considerably in overall size. The packaging is designed to minimize the travel of any member of the series packaged therein such that all the packaged components in the series can pass the standard handling and shipping tests typically used by the manufacturers of medical articles such as implants and preferably comprises two thermoformed tray components which each carry three types of cavities which are interconnected and designed to be assembled with their cavities facing each other to contain the lower stem, body and angled shaft of the stem component, respectively, with the cavities for the lower stem and the body cooperating to capture a minimally varying dimension of the series.
US09926109B2

A vented cap adapted to accumulate an overflow of liquid from a reservoir and vent gas from the reservoir to atmosphere. The vented cap includes an insert and a shell. The insert includes a projection extending longitudinally from a floor pan. The shell includes an outer skirt joined to and extending longitudinally outwardly from the floor pan and is attached to a top. The top and the outer skirt define a headspace between the floor pan and the top. The projection extends into a portion of the headspace and defines a projection aperture, allowing liquid and gas to flow into the headspace. The vented cap further includes a vent in fluid communication between the headspace and atmosphere.
US09926107B2

A side-gusset bag made of a plastic film/fabric laminate has front and rear panels formed of the laminate. Side gussets between the front panel and the rear panel, each formed with a pair of flanks meeting at a center fold, and each connected to the front panel and rear panel at respective edge folds. A lower end flap of the front panel and the flanges between the front panel and the rear panel having respective lower edges that are stepped to form exposed lower edge regions covered with glue such that, when folded rearward along a lower edge of the rear panel, the glue on these lower edge regions directly engages a rear face of the rear panel and secures the lower edge regions to the rear panel to form a bottom gusset.
US09926105B2

Collapsible household containers having a foldable wall section with shape-retaining characteristics are disclosed. In particular, collapsible laundry baskets, buckets, colanders, dish drainers, and cups are provided. The folding region may include foldable tiers of a flexible material, each tier having at least one stable, relatively expanded position and at least one stable, relatively collapsed position; and an intervening, non-folding tier composed of a different, relatively rigid material.
US09926098B2

Blanks and paper products made therefrom are provided. In one aspect, the blank for forming a paper product can include a paperboard substrate and a film. At least a portion of the film can be secured to the paperboard substrate with an adhesive disposed between the paperboard substrate and the film. A peel strength of less than 330 g/2.54 cm at a temperature of 23° C. can be required to separate the film secured to the paperboard substrate with the adhesive.
US09926097B2

A plastic container that is fabricated from an extrudable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using an extrusion blow molding process includes a neck portion, a bottom portion and a main body portion. The main body portion has a central opening that extends completely through the main body portion and may have generally toroidal area surrounding the central opening. The bottom portion includes a plurality of support feet and a substantially smooth central raised portion that has substantially no discontinuities such as the gate well that is commonly found on PET containers fabricated using the conventional stretch blow molding process. The neck portion may be offset from a longitudinal axis of the container so as to facilitate pouring by a consumer.
US09926096B2

The present application relates to a method and system for labeling one or more products such as packages transported along a conveyer, and more specifically to applying a label on a respective package by way of a vertically adjustable assembly positioned above the conveyor. The adjustable assembly includes at least a label printer and an applicator for printing and applying the label on a surface of the package on the conveyor.
US09926088B2

A filling valve for liquids, includes a liquid feed into a valve chamber, a valve seat, a closure element, which interacts with the valve seat and moves between an open position and a closed position, an outlet for the liquid, and a cylindrical discharge element arranged at the outlet with a plurality of passages. The surface of the discharge element facing the closure element forms a part of the valve seat. To avoid clogging of the passages in the discharge element by fibers in the liquid, the passages ending at the surface of the discharge element are extended from the surface toward the closure element by tubes. Each tube can be closed by a cap which surrounds the tube at least in the closed position forming an annular space.
US09926087B2

A satellite, intended to be placed in a station in orbit about a celestial body, including a first electrical thruster of orientatable thrust direction, a second electrical thruster of orientatable thrust direction, and an electrical thruster of fixed orientation that is fixed with respect to the satellite and of line of thrust passing through the center of gravity of the satellite. The satellite includes two electrical-thruster power units and an electrically interconnecting network connecting a first power unit to the first thruster of orientatable thrust direction and to the thruster of fixed orientation, and connecting a second power unit to the second thruster of orientatable thrust direction and to the thruster of fixed orientation. Each of the power units is configured to power either the associated thruster of orientatable thrust direction or the thruster of fixed orientation.
US09926075B2

A control method and system for controlling a main rotor of a rotorcraft to perform a stage of flight in auto-rotation. The control system has a control member for controlling the collective pitch of the blades of the main rotor. The control member is movable over an amplitude of positions between two extreme physical stops. A calculation unit calculates a collective pitch angle for the blades of the main rotor, referred to as an “auto-rotation collective pitch”. This enables the main rotor to rotate at a speed of rotation that is optimum for the stage of flight in auto-rotation of the rotorcraft. A motor means controls the position of the control member at a predetermined position, referred to as the “auto-rotation position”, in which the control member generates a control setpoint for servo-controlling the current collective pitch of the blades of the main rotor on the “auto-rotation collective pitch”.
US09926073B2

An electro-mechanical actuator in an aircraft brake may include a ball nut piston, and endcap coupled to the ball nut piston, a retaining ring coupled to the endcap, and a puck secured within the endcap. The puck may be permanently retained within the retaining ring. The retaining ring may be a split ring which is installed around a base of the puck. The puck may be inserted within a single-piece retaining ring, and the retaining ring may be bent over a base of the puck.
US09926070B2

An engine includes systems for changing the pitch of propeller blades, a system for an upstream propeller including a linear actuator and a transmission mechanism connecting the actuator to the blades to transform the sliding of the actuator into a rotation of the blades, the upstream propeller including a rotatable housing rigidly connected to a rotatable shaft supported in a static housing of the turbine engine by an upstream bearing and by a downstream bearing. The rotatable housing of the upstream propeller includes a support rigidly connected to the rotatable housing and surrounding the static housing. The actuator is annular and fixed outside to the support, the transfer mechanism includes connecting rods and rotatable radial arms traversing the gaseous flow path, and the downstream bearing is radially located between the static housing and the support.
US09926062B2

A jet propelled watercraft includes a reverse gate that moves to a first position and to a second position. When the reverse gate is in the first position, the reverse gate causes a vessel body to move forward. When the reverse gate is in the second position, the reverse gate causes the vessel body to decelerate or move backward. A velocity mode selector is used to select a normal mode or a velocity mode. The velocity mode has a maximum velocity different from that of the normal mode. When the reverse gate is in the second position and the velocity mode is selected, a controller is configured or programmed to set an upper limit of an engine rotation speed in the velocity mode to be different from that of the engine rotation speed in the normal mode.
US09926057B1

A system where a shaft runs through a center of a hydro screw helical gear main bearing. The helical gear positioned at approximately the end of the horizontal shaft and connects to the vertical power shaft and mating helical gear. Two main and two truss (shoe type) bearings position the screw/auger. There is on the hydro shaft a pressure seal in the Power Keel. The pitch angle is one turn (RPM) to 7.5 feet of travel with a four feet wide screw built into the blades-flukes off the screw/auger. The bearings are 12,000 RPM capable.
US09926048B2

A hoisting system, including: a hoisting crane including a hoisting cable, a craft, and a connector catch assembly for interconnecting the hoisting crane and the craft or a load/cargo on the craft. The connector catch assembly includes: a connector body, and a connector catch having a funnel-shaped trap-cage, whereby one of the connector body and the connector catch is attached to the hoisting cable and the other of the connector body and the connector catch is attached to the craft or the load on the craft. A wide side of the funnel shaped trap-cage is directed toward the connector body on approaching one another, whereas an opposite narrow side of the funnel shaped trap-cage has the connector catch mounted therein for releasably holding the connector body.
US09926043B1

Flow modifiers are positioned at one or more discrete points along the underside of a boat hull to generate secondary wakes that interfere with the primary wake generated by the boat hull and result in a desired modified wake useful for various watersports. The flow modifiers are formed integrally with the boat hull or affixed thereto, and can be selectively extendable and retractable relative thereto.
US09926013B2

In an automobile vehicle body structure, a steering hanger is formed from a metal pipe on one side in a vehicle width direction and a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) pipe on the other side in the vehicle width direction, and a steering column is supported on the metal pipe, for ensuring the strength with which the steering column is supported while minimizing any increase in the weight of the steering hanger. The metal pipe is connected to a CFRP linking member connecting an upper part of a dash panel lower and a center tunnel. The collision load of a frontal collision input is transmitted into the dash panel lower to the high strength center tunnel for preventing the dash panel lower from collapsing to the rear while minimizing any increase in the weight, and for enhancing the stiffness of the steering hanger to prevent vibration of the steering column.
US09926012B2

A vehicle frame includes a first frame rail and a second frame rail spaced from each other. A casing is supported by the first frame rail, and elongated in a direction extending away from the second frame rail. The casing is deformable relative to the first frame rail, and houses an electronic component. During a vehicle small offset frontal impact, the casing moves from an initial position to a deflected position, deflecting some of the load of the impact away from backup structures of the vehicle. In the deflected position, the casing may also contact a front portion of a wheel, positioning the front portion of the wheel inboard the frame of the vehicle relative to a rear portion of the wheel, which may minimize the load transferred to the backup structures and/or detach the wheel from the vehicle to minimize the possibility of intrusion into the backup structures.
US09926007B2

In one embodiment, a steering system for an agricultural implement system includes a first actuating cylinder configured to rotate a first track relative to an implement frame where the first actuating cylinder is connected to a first frame of the first track, and a second actuating cylinder configured to rotate a second track relative to the implement frame where the second actuating cylinder is connected to a second frame of the second track. The steering system also includes a first fluid control conduit extending to a cap end of the first actuating cylinder, a second fluid control conduit extending between a rod end of the first actuating cylinder and a rod end of the second actuating cylinder, a third fluid control conduit extending to a cap end of the second actuating cylinder, and a steering control valve in fluid communication with the first and third fluid control conduits.
US09926006B2

The present invention relates to an electronic control unit and a method for compensating for a torque steer. The electronic control unit includes: a driving torque calculation unit that calculates a drive shaft driving torque value, which is a torque value transmitted from an engine to a drive shaft; a torque steer degree calculation unit that calculates the actual driving torque value of a vehicle based on the drive shaft driving torque value, and calculates a torque steer degree by using the actual driving torque value; a compensation current calculation unit that calculates a torque steer compensation current value that compensates for the torque steer using the torque steer degree; a direction compensation unit that calculates a direction compensation current value according to a travelling direction of the vehicle; and a motor driving control unit that calculates a basic control current value using a steering angle and a steering torque value, calculates the final control current value by adding the torque steer compensation current value and the direction compensation current value to the basic control current value, and generates a control current according to the final control current value in order to supply the control current value to an electric motor.
US09925999B2

A power assist system for a wagon is provided. The power assist system provides a rotational force to one or more drive wheels under certain conditions to provide propulsion for the wagon. The power assist wagon preferably includes a drive system for providing the rotational force to the drive wheel, a control system for determining when the drive system should be activated and how much propulsion assist to provide to the drive wheel, and a power system for providing power to the drive system. The power assist wagon may also have a safety cut-off system to preclude the drive system from providing a rotational force to the drive wheel 16 even when the system is in the “on” mode.
US09925997B2

A method for reducing the operational weight of a means of transportation is provided. The method includes: providing a list of possible food selections to passengers of the means of transportation before the journey; collecting food selections of passengers before the journey; and supplying the means of transportation with food based on the food selection of the passengers.
US09925991B2

An apparatus for lifting and moving an axle of a rail vehicle includes a frame, a pair of rollers rotatably mounted to the frame to movably support the frame on a railroad track rail, and a pair of wedges mounted to the frame having mutually opposed ramped faces. The pair of wedges adjustable along the frame between a first position in which the ramped faces bracket, but do not contact, a rail vehicle wheel that rests on the track rail, and a second position in which the ramped faces engage the circumference of the wheel to support the wheel at a height above the railroad track rail. The apparatus further includes at least one jacking device for urging the wedges toward one another from the first position to the second position.
US09925986B2

The driving assistance unit acquires distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) for the traveling state distributions (a first traveling state distribution, a second traveling state distribution). Next the driving assistance unit converts value of the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) into their absolute values. Next, the driving assistance unit classify the absolute value of the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) in different time ranges into bins as plural segmented data ranges, based on the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) whose values are converted into their absolute values and calculates a frequency distributions of the distribution data (a steering angle prediction error) as plural traveling state distributions (the first traveling state distribution, the second traveling state distribution). Next, the driving assistance unit estimates (determines driving instability degree) a driving state of a driver based on the plural calculated traveling state distributions.
US09925985B2

A method for assisting a driver of a vehicle when driving on uneven terrain includes classifying a terrain unevenness situated ahead of the vehicle in the driving direction, and ascertaining a piece of information for driving the vehicle in relation to the terrain unevenness based on a result of the classification.
US09925968B2

A brake booster assembly is provided. The assembly includes a rack including a plurality of rack teeth extending therefrom and moveable and extending along a first axis. A sensor is coupled with the rack for sensing force and axial displacement of the rack and outputting a signal proportional to the sensed force and the sensed displacement. A planetary gear subassembly is disposed about a second axis transverse to the first axis and is coupled with the rack for moving the rack along the first axis in response to rotation of the planetary gear subassembly about the second axis. A pair of motors are coupled to the planetary gear subassembly for rotating the planetary gear subassembly and moving the rack along the first axis. A controller is electrically connected to the sensor and to the motors for controlling rotation of the planetary gear subassembly in response to the signal from the sensor.
US09925965B2

A method for operating a braking system, having a front and rear axle, the braking system including: a brake booster having a brake input element, coupled to an actuating travel sensor for providing a signal of a braking input; a brake master cylinder coupled to the brake booster coupled to a brake medium reservoir; fluid lines, in fluidic communication with the brake master cylinder and the brake medium reservoir, and with braking devices of the wheels via a system of valves, each of the wheels being coupled to a generator generating a braking torque, the method including: generating a hydraulic free travel with the valves and controlling valves with a control unit, a hydraulic pressure build-up for decelerating a wheel speed being prevented by generating free travel during actuation of the brake input element; and generating a regenerative braking torque for decelerating the wheel speed, based on the braking input.
US09925961B2

A device or tool for removing snow and other debris from vehicles, and other surfaces including a handle having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a scraper portion coupled to the first end, and a head coupled to the second end. One or more light emitting elements are incorporated into the head to provide for ease of use in low light situations. The head may be a laterally extended foam head that is non-abrasive, freeze resistant, and durable. The handle may include a telescopic extension to allow a reach of a user to be increased or decreased allowing the user to clear away snow and other debris from various sizes of vehicles.
US09925957B2

The present invention relates to a windscreen wiper strip support and a windscreen wiper blade having the windscreen wiper strip support. The windscreen wiper strip support includes a longitudinal slot for housing a windscreen wiper strip. The windscreen wiper strip support has a back plate, a plurality of first lugs and a plurality of second lugs. The longitudinal slot is formed by the space encircled by the back plate, the plurality of first lugs and the plurality of second lugs. The back plate, the plurality of first lugs and the plurality of second lugs are all made of a metallic material to ensure that the entire windscreen wiper strip support has better strength and the production cost is reduced.
US09925954B2

A method of providing access to a vehicle, including wirelessly and electronically discovering a personal electronic device disposed outside of the vehicle. A remote central controller is wirelessly instructed to wirelessly transmit a certificate to the personal electronic device. The certificate from the personal electronic device is wirelessly received within the vehicle. Validation from the a remote central controller that the certificate from the personal electronic device was transmitted from the remote central controller to the personal electronic device is wirelessly received within the vehicle. An electronic key to the vehicle is wirelessly transmitted from the vehicle to the personal electronic device.
US09925940B1

A method and system may identify vehicle collisions in real-time or at least near real-time based on statistical data collected from previous vehicle collisions. A user's portable computing device may obtain sensor data from sensors in the portable computing device and compare the sensor data to a statistical model indicative of a vehicle collision, where the statistical model includes sensor data characteristics which correspond to the vehicle collision. The sensor data characteristics may include several threshold sample rate ranges at which another sensor data characteristic is measured and for each of the threshold sample rate ranges, a different threshold value for the other sensor data characteristic. If the portable computing device identifies a vehicle collision based on the comparison, notifications may be sent to emergency contacts and/or emergency personnel to provide assistance to the user.
US09925934B2

A corrugated tube having a tube shape is provided with a tubular member configured to contain a conductor path, a first bellows portion, a second bellows portion, and a straight portion. The first bellows portion and the second bellows portion include recessed grooves extending in a circumferential direction of the tubular member and projection strips extending in the circumferential direction of the tubular member. The recessed grooves and projection strips are alternately arranged in a longitudinal direction of the tubular member. In the first bellows portion and the second bellows portion, a pitch which is a distance from one of the recessed grooves to a next recessed groove through one of the projection strips is set as a first distance and a second distance which is longer than the first distance.
US09925930B1

Removable apparatus for ornamenting automobiles are disclosed. One removable automobile-ornamenting apparatus includes an attachment portion having: (a) a first attachment device having a first arm with proximal and distal ends; (b) an anchor at the first arm distal end; and (c) a second attachment device. An ornamental portion is operatively coupled to the first and second attachment devices. The first attachment device and the second attachment device are configured such that: (a) in a first method of use, the first arm is between a hood or a rear door of an automobile and a remainder of the automobile and the second attachment device is located below the first arm; and (b) in a second method of use, the first arm is between the hood or the rear door of the automobile and the remainder of the automobile and the second attachment device is located above the first arm.
US09925918B2

An on-vehicle apparatus according to an embodiment includes a communication unit that communicates with another on-vehicle apparatus, and a controller that is communicatively coupled to the other on-vehicle apparatus through the communication unit and performs an operation mode in which the controller controls a control target when a supply voltage value is equal to or larger than a first threshold. The controller is able to communicate with the other on-vehicle apparatus through the communication unit when the supply voltage value is equal to or larger than a second threshold which is smaller than the first threshold.
US09925909B2

A universal propane tank transport bracket including a universal adapter having parallel first and second plates, a first receiver parallel to the first plate, and a second receiver at angle to the first plate, the first and second plates adapted to clamp around tie down structure, an elongate post having a perpendicular leg adapted to be received in the first receiver or the second receiver, a collar lockable along a length of the elongate post, and an adjustable strap attached to the collar, the adjustable strap adapted to capture a propane tank.
US09925903B2

The disclosure relates to a multi-functional catering module for arrangement in a passenger compartment of a vehicle. The catering module is arranged to be mounted to seat rails of the passenger compartment and arranged to be movable along the seat rails between at least a first user position and a stowage position. The catering module comprises at least one service or entertainment option.
US09925896B2

An interior system has a support and movable member mounted to be movable relative to the support for adjusting the height of the movable member, with a locking mechanism configured to allow unidirectional movement of the movable member relative to the support from a lowest adjustment position to a highest adjustment position. The interior system includes a deactivation mechanism for deactivating the locking mechanism and allowing the return of the movable member to the lowest adjustment position. The deactivation mechanism includes a track and a sliding member sliding along the track, with the sliding member and the track interacting to allow the locking mechanism to engage upon movement of the movable member from the lowest adjustment position to the highest adjustment position, and to disengage when the movable member exceeds the highest adjustment position and until it returns to the lowest adjustment position.
US09925878B2

A vehicle is disclosed having a traction battery and an electrical impedance connected by a contactor. A pre-charge circuit is disclosed that controls current flow from the traction battery through the pre-charge circuit to the electrical impedance to increase voltage at the electrical impedance such that as the voltage approaches a voltage of the traction battery, a duty cycle of the pre-charge circuit approaches a maximum value and a current through the pre-charge circuit approaches a minimum value. In response to current falling below a predetermined value, the contactor is closed. A current sensor is disclosed that is located in the pre-charge circuit. A method of operating the pre-charge circuit is disclosed.
US09925872B1

A driver alertness detection system. The system is configured to activate an autonomous drive module of the vehicle to autonomously drive the vehicle when the measured alertness level of the driver is less than a predetermined threshold, and deactivate the autonomous drive module of the vehicle to permit manual driving when the measured alertness level of the driver is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold.
US09925866B2

A tractor is provided. The tractor includes step brackets that are attached to a transmission case forming a vehicle body and that supports a step, a heat shield plate that is projected upward from a front section of the transmission case, fuel tank stays that extend downward from a lower section of the heat shield plate and that are attached to the fuel tank. The tractor also includes fenders serving as mud guards; and mud guard covers attached to the step brackets. The fuel tank stays are attached to the step brackets. The mud guard covers are attached to the fenders and the fuel tank.
US09925861B2

Provided is a radiator system (1) for a vehicle comprising a radiator device (2) for cooling at least one vehicle component of the vehicle, and at least one regulation device (10) for regulating an airflow (4) to the radiator device (2) wherein the regulation device (10) comprises at least one support element (20) for the acceptance of at least one cover element (15), and wherein the airflow (4) is guidable to the radiator device (2) through at least one opening (5) of the regulation device (10). It is provided that the regulation device (10) is directly assembled at the radiator device (2) in a way that the airflow (4) is guidable to the radiator device (2) directly through the regulation device (10).
US09925853B2

A system and method for providing a folding load bearing hard tonneau cover which includes a hinge/connection element using a novel friction stir welding method to weatherproof the bed contents, wherein each folding section is constructed using friction stir welds for strength, stiffness and visual appeal, wherein the system does not rely on attached bed rails to support and lock the cover because loads are reacted on the bed caps, wherein a spring loaded latching system has the strength to react the moments generated by heavy loads on top of the cover, wherein installation does not require modification to the bed, and wherein the tonneau cover may carry heavy loads on top that are easy to secure, while still allowing a cover that folds open.
US09925840B2

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a ride height sensing system that includes an encoded electromagnetic source as an input unit for a Hall Effect sensors and the signal from the electromagnet is encoded to enable the rejection of ambient magnetic field. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a band pass filter is used for signal processing of the encoded electromagnetic data. Additionally, several Hall Effect sensors may be used with a single electromagnetic source to provide multi-axis sensing and as such, provides robustness in determining ride height changes, or in the case of dependent suspensions (solid axle), a single electromagnetic source can used to determine ride height at multiple locations on the axle.
US09925837B2

A first tire pressure sensor module is configured to provide information related to a pressure of a tire of a vehicle and comprises a pressure sensor configured to determine the information related to the pressure of the tire. The pressure module further includes a controller configured to selectively operate the tire pressure sensor module in an active state and in an inactive state, wherein an energy consumption of the tire pressure sensor module is lower in the inactive state than in the active state. The controller is further configured to control an output of the information related to the pressure of the tire in the active state, and operate the tire pressure sensor module in the inactive state based on determining that information related to a velocity of the tire indicates a velocity above a threshold.
US09925836B2

An ECU is used to a tire pressure monitoring system of a vehicle. The ECU includes a contact storage portion and a post-replacement ID reporting section. The contact storage portion stores previously a contact of a management computer of a facility that the vehicle uses. The post-replacement ID reporting section transmits a post-replacement tire ID of a tire, which is substituted in the tire replacement, to the contact in the contact storage portion via a communication network when the tire replacement is detected by a tire replacement detection section. The management computer includes a registration change section that registers the post-replacement tire ID in a registration portion upon receiving the post-replacement tire ID.
US09925835B1

An assembly for an ATI comprising a tube member forming a portion of a rotary union to be removed through an opening in a wheel hub without removing the wheel hub from the vehicle axle. The tube member may include a hardened shaft that is coupled to a fixed conduit providing a pressurized air source to a tire installed on the wheel hub. A bushing and seal rotates with respect to the tube member to form the rotary union. The assembly is designed to be quickly serviced in the field, where the serviceable parts are very inexpensive.
US09925829B2

The invention relates to a castor with at least one wheel (16, 18), a housing (10) carrying the at least one wheel (16, 18), and a runner pin (14) which is arranged so as to be movable to a limited extent in a substantially vertically oriented housing opening (12) and which serves to connect the castor to an object, wherein the housing (10) accommodates a brake device which frees the at least one wheel (16, 18) in a state in which the castor is loaded by a weight via the runner pin (14) and which acts with a braking effect on the at least one wheel (16, 18) in a state when not loaded by a weight.
US09925824B1

A method for producing a letterpressed printed card includes letterpressing a design into card stock, to create a card shell. The card shell has a positive image of the letterpressed design debossed into a front face of the card. After letterpressing the design, an image is printed onto the card shell, to produce the letterpressed printed card.
US09925823B1

A glue sponge system including a glue sponge assembly with a glue-container, a sponge having a body including a plurality of holes, and a plurality of channels, and at least one glue. The glue sponge assembly is useful for controllably applying glue to surfaces and storing the glue for later use.
US09925810B2

A system and method for adding a print medium digitally to a print system are disclosed. The print system has a control unit for controlling a print job queue and print system parameters, a print engine, an input section, and a receiving section. The method includes receiving the print medium in the input section, loading a test job having prescribed print system parameters in the receiving section, printing a large number of prints of the test job to establish an unwanted deposit of marking material on the side of the stack, and establishing whether or not an unwanted marking material is deposited on a stack height side of the stack. If unwanted deposit is established, then printing a number of blank sheets of the same print medium, adjusting the print system parameters, and returning to printing. If no unwanted deposit is established, approving the use of the print medium.
US09925808B2

A paper cassette includes a casing and an end cap. The casing includes a receiving space for storing a stack of paper, one side of the casing defines a paper exit, the end cap is removably attached to the paper exit. When the paper exit is sealed by the end cap, the paper cassette is used to accommodate paper; when the end cap is removed from the paper exit and the paper cassette is inserted into a printing device, the paper cassette is used to feed paper to the printing device. A printing device is further disclosed.
US09925799B1

A universal gripper of objects includes two elastomer membranes separating a bed of rounded tipped nails that allow for object conformation. The object is pushed into a membrane that contacts the object with a known air pressure behind an inner membrane inside the gripper. The air pressure provides conformance and maximum resolution of object curvature to the bed of nails. At least one pin guide and locking plate having flexure fingers is actuated causing a small displacement which clamps each nail in its deformed position. The air pressure on the inner membrane is now removed and afterwards, a vacuum blower is turned ON causing the object to be gripped for removal from a staging platen and moved to a position to receive an image from a printer.
US09925787B2

In an embodiment, a fluid level sensor includes a sensor plate and a current source. The fluid level sensor also includes an algorithm to bias the current source such that current applied to the sensor plate induces a maximum difference in response voltage between a dry sensor plate condition and a wet sensor plate condition.
US09925783B2

A new engagement mechanism enables a liquid supply unit to be removed from an on-carriage holder of a liquid ejection apparatus. The liquid supply unit comprises a body having first, second, third and fourth faces; a liquid supply portion projecting from the first face; and an engagement structure attached to the body. The engagement structure includes an engaging portion on a side of the first face. The engaging portion projects from the first face and engages with a through hole on a bottom of the on-carriage holder in a state of attachment. An operation portion of the engagement structure is on a side of the second face and is adapted to cancel engagement between the engaging portion and the on-carriage holder. A linking portion of the engagement structure is between the engaging portion and the operation portion to link the two.
US09925782B2

Examples of a container assembly are disclosed herein. An example of the container assembly includes a first body to supply printing composition and a second body to store reserve printing composition. The example of the container assembly additionally includes an interconnect having a storage position to fluidically isolate the first body from the second body and a use position to fluidically connect the first body to the second body to allow the reserve printing composition to flow from the second body to the first body as needed to replenish the printing composition in the first body and to allow air in the first body displaced by the reserve printing composition to flow from the first body to the second body.
US09925774B2

A printhead module includes a plurality of rows of printhead nozzles, at least some of the rows including at least one displaced row portion, the displacement of the row portion including a component in a direction normal to that of a pagewidth to be printed, wherein the displaced row portions of at least some of the rows are different in length than the displaced row portions of at least some of the other rows.
US09925772B2

A method for controlling an inkjet printing apparatus performing printing to an elongated printing medium 11, the method having a discharging step of performing continuous application to a piezoelectric element 23 of a nozzle to be used with a pulse number of two or more waves per one printing element to deform the piezoelectric element and thereby discharge ink in an ink chamber 22 from an opening portion 21, and a vibrating step of performing application of the piezoelectric elements 23 to all the nozzles with a pulse number of one wave per one printing element to deform the piezoelectric elements, thereby imparting only vibrations to the inks in the ink chambers 22 without discharging the inks, where the discharging step and the vibrating step are performed alternately.
US09925771B2

An inkjet printing head includes a pressure chamber, a vibrating film formation layer including a vibrating film defining the pressure chamber, and a piezoelectric element disposed on the vibrating film. The piezoelectric element includes a lower electrode formed on the vibrating film formation layer, a piezoelectric film formed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film. The lower electrode includes a crossover region crossing over a peripheral edge of the top surface portion of the pressure chamber in a plan view. In the lower electrode, a thickness of the crossover region and a portion, excluding the crossover region, of an inner electrode region, disposed at an inner side of peripheral edges of the top surface portion of the pressure chamber in a plan view, is defined to be thinner than a thickness of other portions of the lower electrode.
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