US09378104B2
A method for mirroring in three-dimensional-stacked memory includes receiving a plurality of thermal profiles from a plurality of memory chips. The method also includes ranking the plurality of memory chips in a first ranked list of memory chips as a function of the plurality of thermal profiles and forming a first group of memory chips from the plurality of memory chips based on the first ranked list of memory chips. The method also includes forming a second group of memory chips from the plurality of memory chips distinct from the first group of memory chips based on the first ranked list of memory chips. The method also includes pairing a first memory chip from the first group of memory chips and a second memory chip from the second group of memory chips, and mirroring the pairing of memory chips.
US09378103B2
Methods and structure for coordinating between Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage controllers are provided. An exemplary system includes a RAID controller. The RAID controller includes a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) interface, a Serial Attached Small Computer System Interface (SAS) port operable to communicate with another RAID controller, and a command unit. The command unit is able to direct the interface to contact another PCIe interface at the other controller, to acquire an identifier of the other controller stored in a PCIe Inbound Map (PIM) for the other interface, and to activate a feature for the controller that enables cooperative management of storage devices between the controller and the other controller, if the identifier of the other controller matches discovery information maintained at the controller.
US09378102B1
A system on a chip (SoC) for providing safety hardware fault tolerance and/or safety software fault tolerance includes a first safety sub-system having a first safety channel; a second safety sub-system having a second safety channel; and a third sub-system. The first safety sub-system is independent of the second safety sub-system to allow the second safety sub-system to communicate through the second safety channel when the first safety sub-system or the third subsystem fails, and further to allow the first safety sub-system to communicate through the first safety channel when the second safety sub-system or the third subsystem fails.
US09378096B1
A method, computer program product, and computing system for receiving an indication of an intent to restore at least a portion of a data array based upon a historical record of the data array. One or more changes made to the content of that data array after the generation of the historical record may be identified, thus generating a differential record. One or more data entries within a cache memory system associated with the at least a portion of a data array may be invalidated based, at least in part, upon the differential record.
US09378087B2
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for improved backwards compatible DMX communications. In some embodiments, methods and apparatus related to extensions of the DMX protocol enable error detection by enhanced DMX slave devices while maintaining full compatibility with non-enhanced DMX slave devices. The methods and apparatus may utilize a packet checksum byte that is incorporated within a start code packet and that is a checksum of a plurality of bytes in the start code packet. A plurality of bytes within the start code packet may optionally be interleaved according to an interleaving scheme in some variations.
US09378078B2
A controlling method executed by a processor included in an information processing apparatus, the controlling method includes storing identifiers of information processing apparatuses and identifiers of groups, each of the information processing apparatuses belonging to at least one of the groups, a group among the groups storing replications of one or more identifiable data; and detecting, by the information processing apparatus, a failure of other information processing apparatus belonging to one or more groups among the groups to which the information processing apparatus executing the detecting of the failure belongs, based on the identifiers of information apparatuses and the identifiers of groups.
US09378062B2
An interface between a resource manager and schedulers in a process executing on a computer system allows the resource manager to manage the resources of the schedulers. The resource manager communicates with the schedulers using the interface to access statistical information from the schedulers. The statistical information describes the amount of use of the resources by the schedulers. The resource manager also communicates with the schedulers to dynamically allocate and reallocate resources among the schedulers in the same or different processes or computer systems in accordance with the statistical information.
US09378057B2
An application associated with a processor reads a first value of a counter and a second value of the counter. The counter is indicative of a migration status of the application with respect to the processor. Responsive to determining that the first value of the counter does not equal the second value of the counter, the application ascertains whether a value of a hardware parameter associated with the processor has changed during a time interval. The migration status indicates a count of the number of times the application has migrated from one processor to another processor. The application determines the validity of a value of a performance monitoring unit derived from the hardware parameter in view of the application ascertaining whether the value of the hardware parameter has changed during the time interval.
US09378054B2
A testing system with methodology for background application control is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method for controlling a background application is provided that includes steps of: prior to or after a test application enters a background execution state, the test application sending a first message to a reflector application via an interprocess communication facility provided by an operating system executing the test application and the reflector application; in response to the reflector application receiving the first message, the reflector application sending a second message to the first application via the interprocess communication facility; wherein sending the second message causes the operating system to transition the test application from the background execution state to a foreground execution state.
US09378042B2
The performance of multicast and/or broadcasting between virtual machines over a virtual network. A source hypervisor accesses a network message originated from a source virtual machine, and uses the network message to determine a virtual network address associated with destination virtual machines (after potentially resolving group virtual network addresses). Using each virtual network address, the hypervisor determines a physical network address of the corresponding hypervisor that supports the destination virtual machine, and also determines a unique identifier for the destination virtual machine. The source hypervisor may then dispatch the network message along with the unique identifier to the destination hypervisor over the physical network using the physical network address of the hypervisor. The destination hypervisor passes the network message to the destination virtual machine identified by the unique identifier.
US09378037B2
A system and method for providing access to a Logical Unit mapped to an iSCSI target are described herein. In accordance with this disclosure, an initiator IQN name may be split into a physical IQN name (PIN) and a virtual IQN name (VIN). The VIN may be assigned to a virtual adapter that is created in a guest partition. The PIN may be assigned to a physical adapter (e.g., an iSCSI initiator in a hypervisor). The physical adapter may log into the iSCSI target on behalf of the virtual adapter using the VIN. The physical adapter may receive a list of available logical units associated with the iSCSI target and map the list of available logical units to the virtual adapter. Thereafter, a quality of service between the virtual adapter and the iSCSI target may be monitored.
US09378034B2
Various systems and methods for dynamic bytecode modification of classes and class hierarchies are described herein. In various embodiments, a Java® agent is received at a launch of a Java® Virtual Machine (JVM®), the agent implementing a premain method, the premain method accepting a reference to an instrumentation instance. The instrumentation reference is then stored, a deployment container is initialized, and, within the deployment container, an instance of an application is created. The instrumentation reference is then provided to the application instance. A class transformer is then retrieved from a persistence provider, and the class transformer is wrapped by an O.R. Persistence Container Class Transformer, which is then registered with the instrumentation instance. A class to be transformed is passed to the class transformer, which dynamically modifies the bytecode of the class before the class is loaded by the JVM®.
US09378014B2
A method of porting source code for use in a runtime environment including a tool chain with a compiler for building the source code, in which the method comprises obtaining a source code fragment associated with a build error during the source code build in the runtime environment; creating a signature of the source code fragment; automatically comparing the signature with entries in an error database constructed from a history of previous build errors in the runtime environment and their fixes in the form of source code and/or tool chain modifications; using the comparison to find one or more similar previous build errors to the build error and thus to identify one or more of the source code and/or tool chain modifications as candidate solutions to the build error; compiling the source code with each of the candidate source code and/or tool chain modifications in turn until the source code compiles without reproducing the build error; and storing the build error in the error database and storing the modification with which the source code compiles without reproducing the build error as its fix.
US09378013B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for generating a full set of analysis artifacts after incremental analysis of a source code base. One of the methods includes receiving a first full set of analysis artifacts and an incremental set of analysis artifacts for a project. An initial keep graph that is initially equivalent to the full build graph is generated. Any source code file or analysis artifact nodes that also occur in the incremental build graph are removed from the keep graph. Analysis artifacts for source code files in the full build graph that do not occur in the keep graph are deleted from the first full set of analysis artifacts. The analysis artifacts represented by nodes in the incremental build graph are copied into the first full set of analysis artifacts to generate a second full set of analysis artifacts for the project.
US09378011B2
A system and method for managing application version changes on a network server. A backup is made of a deployed application version. When an update version of the application is to be deployed, a backup of the current application, including dynamic data, is performed. The update version is deployed and automatically monitored. If the update version is determined to be healthy, it is backed up. If it is determined to not be healthy, the previous version is automatically retrieved and deployed. An application skeleton may be automatically generated to facilitate comparison and backups of the application.
US09377996B2
A method of performing digital division includes right-shifting a divider to provide a temporary divider, subtracting the temporary divider from a temporary dividend to provide a difference, determining the temporary dividend based on at least one of a dividend and the difference, and left-shifting a quotient based on the difference. A corresponding computer-readable medium and device are provided. A system to perform digital division includes a counter and a division circuit. The counter provides a count, and the division circuit is operatively coupled to the counter. The division circuit divides a dividend by a divider to provide a quotient in response to the counter. At least one of the counter and division circuit is configured to accept at least one of the count, dividend, divider, and quotient with a configurable bit-width.
US09377992B2
The present invention relates to a system for retrieving information from a network such as the Internet. A user creates a user-defined record in a database that identifies an information source, such as a web site, containing information of interest to the user. This record identifies the location of the information source and also contains a recognition grammar based upon a speech command assigned by the user. Upon receiving the speech command from the user that is described within the recognition grammar, a network interface system accesses the information source and retrieves the information requested by the user.
US09377970B1
Systems and methods of processing print jobs comprising at least two documents and/or at least two printing devices via a cloud printing service are provided. A network printing server, in a cloud printing environment, can receive instructions to print the documents from any of a plurality of user devices to be printed at printing devices registered to the user device. The network printing server generates a print job for each file-destination pair. For each print job, the network printing server identifies one or more general options that apply to all of the print jobs and one or more detailed options that apply to a portion of the print jobs. The destination printing devices are connected via a public network (e.g., the Internet) to the network printing server that provides a cloud printing service.
US09377966B2
A method of processing a storage command includes receiving the storage command from a host device at a storage device, processing the storage command, repeatedly, at a pre-determined time interval based on rate information indicating a rate of repetition of the storage command, and sending a response message to the host device, by the storage device, each time the storage command is processed. The storage command includes the rate information.
US09377965B2
A storage control device that controls a physical storage device in a storage system, the storage control device includes: a receiving section configured to receive a command from the storage system including the physical storage device and a virtual storage device, the physical storage device configured to store data in a physical volume, the virtual storage device configured to intervene between a host device and the physical storage device and store data to be transmitted and received between the host device and the physical storage device as a virtual portable volume; a determining section configured to determine a type of the command; and a control section, if the command is an ejection command indicating an outside management of a first physical volume specified by the ejection command, configured to perform data protection setting on the first physical volume.
US09377963B2
A method for migrating a virtual machine disk (VM disk) from first physical storage to second physical storage while the virtual machine (VM) is running, the method comprising: (a) creating a first child VM disk to which writes are redirected from a first parent VM disk, the first parent VM disk being on the first physical storage; (b) copying the first parent VM disk to the second physical storage as a second parent VM disk; (c) re-parenting the first VM child disk to the second parent VM disk; and (d) consolidating the first child VM disk and the second parent VM disk.
US09377954B2
A system for memory allocation in a multiclass memory system includes a processor coupleable to a plurality of memories sharing a unified memory address space, and a library store to store a library of software functions. The processor identifies a type of a data structure in response to a memory allocation function call to the library for allocating memory to the data structure. Using the library, the processor allocates portions of the data structure among multiple memories of the multiclass memory system based on the type of the data structure.
US09377949B2
The present disclosure discloses a method and a terminal device for selecting a character. The method includes: detecting a touch point of a user gesture acting on the touch screen, wherein the touch point falls into a touch point node; searching a plurality of nodes of the contents to find a nearest text node to the touch point, when the touch point node is not a text node; and selecting a nearest character to the touch point within the nearest text node. Therefore, by taking the nearest character to the touch point in the nearest text node as the character selected by the touch point, even if the touch point of a user gesture does not fall on a character, it is still possible to obtain the character selected by the user gesture, thereby repeated selecting operations may be avoided, so as to provide convenience for the user.
US09377943B2
An apparatus includes a touch panel display including one or more sensors for detecting an input operation by an instruction object. The apparatus includes circuitry that acquires one or more coordinates corresponding to one or more positions of the instruction object on the touch panel display, and determines whether a current condition of the instruction object during the input operation is an up condition or a down condition. The circuitry determines, when the current condition is the down condition, based on one or more previous conditions of the instruction object stored in a memory, whether the previous condition immediately preceding the current condition is the up condition and if so, converts the immediately preceding previous condition to the up condition. The circuitry controls the touch panel display to output a continuous line corresponding to the acquired one or more coordinates at which the instruction object is in the down condition.
US09377941B2
A method consistent with certain implementations involves in an audio system having an array of a plurality of loudspeakers and a stored speaker map identifying the geometric relationship between the plurality of loudspeakers and a listening position, identifying a location on the speaker map of a Source Origin of a sound; selecting a method of localizing the Source Origin from a plurality of methods of localizing the Source Origin utilizing the array of loudspeakers; and reproducing the sound emanating from the Source Origin using the selected method. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US09377938B2
In some implementations, a method includes receiving a selection of one or more users of a social networking service, the selection received via a social networking interface. A live visual data feed derived from a camera is received, where the received live visual data feed has a multiple frames and has a time interval between successive frames of the live visual data feed. A modified live visual data feed is sent over a network to be distributed using the social networking service to the selected users of the social networking service. The modified live feed includes frames derived from the frames of the received live visual data feed, and the modified feed provides a different time interval between its successive frames than the time interval between the frames of the received live feed.
US09377932B2
Systems and methods for enabling users to rapidly flip through displayed pages of content in an intuitive manner are provided. Graphical animations for transitioning from one page to another can be executed so that portions of three or more pages can be simultaneously viewed. This enables a user to make snap judgments as to whether she wishes to explore anyone of those pages in more detail as she rapidly flips through the pages.
US09377928B2
A mobile electronic device is provided that comprises a display unit and a control unit configured to display at least a first and a second keylock icon associated with a unlock function on the mobile electronic device. The control unit may be configured to activate the display unit when unlocking the mobile electronic device and presenting a first start page in response to the first keylock icon being selected and a second start page in response to the second keylock icon being selected.
US09377927B2
A device for managing image and audio files displays thumbnails, which are representative of the files, on a screen in different arrangements, depending on the selected layout and order. When the user enters input to indicates that he or she wishes to browse through the thumbnails, the thumbnails move across the screen in sequence, following a path through a focus outline in the center of the screen. The path followed by the thumbnails depends on the selected layout.
US09377925B2
A computer is operated by displaying a window on a display device, where the window is an opaque window overlaid on the entirety of a system desktop that includes graphical representations of system controls and application controls. The window displays user interface elements of an application program executing on the computer, and also includes a portal region displaying an image of the system desktop including counterparts of the system controls and application controls. The computer provides user-controlled operation of the system controls and application controls based on simulated user interaction with the counterparts of the system controls and application controls in the portal region. The application program can effectively coordinate the use of the display by itself and by the system and other applications using the system desktop, relieving the user of this task.
US09377924B2
An approach for providing a user interface display, for example, with a first window that includes a first predefined area to present a status display control and a second predefined area that is separately defined in the first window to present a status display related to the status display control. Further providing, for example, the user interface display with a second window that includes the first predefined area to present the status display control and a third area that transparently presents the status display over content in the second window upon selection of the status display control.
US09377920B2
An electromagnetic induction panel structure includes a multilayer substrate, a first cover unit and a second cover unit. The multilayer substrate includes a first outermost lateral conductive layer and a second outermost lateral conductive layer respectively disposed on two opposite outermost surfaces thereof. The first cover unit is disposed on the first outermost lateral conductive layer. The second cover unit is disposed on the second outermost lateral conductive layer. For example, the first cover unit includes a first insulating layer directly formed on the first outermost lateral conductive layer for directly contacting the first outermost lateral conductive layer. The second cover unit includes a second insulating layer directly formed on the second outermost lateral conductive layer for directly contacting the second outermost lateral conductive layer. The second cover unit includes a wave-absorbing material layer directly formed on the second insulating layer for directly contacting the second insulating layer.
US09377903B2
There is provided a portable optical touch system including a first image sensing module, a second image sensing module, a connecting device, a communication interface and a processing circuit. The two image sensing modules have partially overlapped field of views and the partially overlapped field of views is for defining a touch region. The connecting device is configured to adjust or fix a distance between the first and second image sensing modules. When an object is in the touch region, the processing circuit calculates a position of the object according to images of the object acquired by the two image sensing modules and outputs information of the position of the object through the communication interface.
US09377899B2
An optical sensing type built in touch control screen panel and a display device are provided. The optical sensing type built in touch control screen panel includes an array substrate having a plurality of pixel units arranged in a matrix. The array substrate has touch control scanning lines between adjacent rows of the pixel units. The array substrate has touch control reading lines between adjacent columns of the pixel units. The array substrate has a photosensitive transistor and a touch control switch unit in a region defined by the touch control scanning lines and the touch control reading lines; the photosensitive transistor has a drain connected with the touch control switch unit, the touch control switch unit is connected with the touch control scanning line and the touch control reading line, respectively, so as to control ON/OFF between the drain of the photosensitive transistor and the touch control reading line.
US09377888B2
An input device is provided that facilitates improved user interface functionality by determining force information for each of multiple objects in a sensing region. The input device includes a processing system, a sensor configured to sense objects in a sensing region proximate a surface, and a plurality of force sensors. The plurality of force sensors are coupled to the surface to provide a plurality of measures of force applied to the surface. The processing system is configured to determine positional information for each the multiple objects sensed by the sensor in the sensing region. Furthermore, the processing system is configured to determine force information for each of the multiple objects from the positional information and the plurality of measures of force applied to the surface. Thus, device and method provides the ability to determine both positional information and force information for each of multiple objects in a sensing region.
US09377886B2
An optical touch display apparatus including a backlight module, a display panel, and at least an optical detector is provided. The backlight module is capable of providing a visible beam and an invisible beam. The display panel is disposed at one side of the backlight module. A sensing space is located in front of the display panel, and the display panel is located between the backlight module and the sensing space. The visible beam and the invisible beam are capable of passing through the display panel and then being transmitted to the sensing space. The optical detector is disposed outside the display panel for sensing the invisible beam from the sensing space.
US09377885B2
A three-dimensional (3D) coordinate measurement system includes a communication device, a retroreflector, and a laser tracker. The communication device includes a first light source and an operator-controlled unit that controls emission from the first light source. The laser tracker includes a wide field-of-view (FOV) camera, a second light source, a narrow FOV camera next to the second light source, and a processor. The processor determines that a lock-in command has been given in response to the wide FOV camera capturing light emitted by the first light source. To lock onto the retroreflector, the processor captures with the narrow FOV camera light from the second light source reflected by the retroreflector and uses the image to lock onto the retroreflector with a beam of light from the tracker. It measures a distance and two angles with the tracker to get 3D coordinates of the retroreflector.
US09377869B2
Embodiments described herein may help to provide a lock-screen for a computing device. An example method involves, while a computing device is in a locked mode, the computing device: (a) analyzing head-pose data to determine whether a head pose associated with the computing device matches a predetermined head pose, (b) analyzing touchpad data associated with the computing device to detect a predetermined sequence of touch gestures, (c) if both (i) the head pose matches the predetermined head pose and (ii) the predetermined sequence of touch gestures is detected, then the computing device switching to an unlocked mode, and (d) otherwise, refraining from causing computing device switch to the unlocked mode.
US09377868B2
The present disclosure discloses a sliding control method and the device thereof, falling into the field of human-computer interaction (HCI). The method comprises: displaying a slidable trajectory containing a current touch point; detecting a trigger signal being applied to the slidable trajectory; upon detection of the trigger signal, re-determining a current touch point; changing a corresponding first trajectory on the slidable trajectory to a second trajectory according to the re-determined current touch point; wherein, the first trajectory is entire or part of the slidable trajectory, the length of the second trajectory is longer than that of the first trajectory.
US09377866B1
Approaches to analyze image data to detect a blob corresponding to a user's hand (or other feature) and analyze the depth information associated with the blob to determine a location on a display screen. For example, the user may be pointing one or more fingers towards a particular location on the screen and the computing device may analyze the depth information associated with the user's finger and hand to compute the corresponding location on the screen that finger should be mapped to. Additionally, the computing device may track the movement of the user's finger with respect to other portions of the user's hand (e.g., center of the hand) and adjust the mapped location on the screen based on the tracked movement.
US09377849B2
An apparatus capable of multi-touch operation useful for preventing a false operation despite a user's intention recognizes a touch operation and includes a touch detection unit configured to detect a touch point in a target area of the touch operation, a detection unit configured to detect a movement of the information processing apparatus, a determination unit configured to determine that, among a plurality of touch points detected by the touch detection unit, a touch point which begins to be detected before the apparatus moves and is being detected when the movement is detected, as not valid, and a recognition unit configured to recognize the touch operation based on, among the plurality of touch points detected by the touch detection unit, based on a touch point excluding the touch point determined as not valid by the determination unit.
US09377846B2
At least one example embodiment discloses a method of managing a power between a host serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) interface and a device SATA interface. The method includes first requesting to enter one of power saving states, defined by a SATA protocol, and second requesting to enter a deep power saving state if one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface operates at the first requested power saving state. The first requesting to enter one of power saving states and the second requesting to enter a deep power saving state are performed by one of the host SATA interface and the device SATA interface.
US09377841B2
In an embodiment, a processor includes a plurality of cores each to independently execute instructions, and a power control unit coupled to the plurality of cores to control power consumption of the processor, where the power control unit includes a control logic to reduce a maximum operating frequency of the processor if a first number of forced performance state transitions occurs in a first time period or a second number of forced performance state transitions occurs in a second time period. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09377836B2
In an embodiment, a processor has a core to execute instructions which includes a first cache memory, a clock generation logic to receive and distribute a first clock signal to a plurality of units of the core, and a core activity monitor logic to monitor activity of the core and, responsive to a miss in the first cache memory, to send a first restriction command to cause the clock generation logic to reduce delivery of the first clock signal to at least one of the units to a first frequency less than a frequency of the first clock signal. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09377834B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a load monitoring apparatus and method. The apparatus includes: an operation unit, configured to determine indication information for indicating a working state of each processing module in the operation unit; a working state unit, configured to receive the indication information from the operation unit, and determine load amount information in a current monitoring period according to the indication information, where the load amount information is used for indicating a load amount state of the operation unit in the current monitoring period; and a load monitoring unit, configured to receive the load amount information from the working state unit and record the load amount information, and send the load amount information to a system controller, so that the system controller adjusts a working frequency of the operation unit according to the load amount information.
US09377833B2
A power management method for use in an electronic system is provided. The electronic system has a processor and a power management unit. The method has the steps of: when the processor has entered a low power state and an awakening event occurs, calculating a staying time from the time point the processor enters the low power state till the time point the awakening event occurs, wherein the operation voltage of the processor is at a first voltage level in the low power state; and when the processing starts to exit the low power state according to the awakening event, determining a wait time, during which the operation voltage of the processor is recovered to a second voltage level of a working state from the first voltage level, wherein the first voltage level is lower than the second voltage level.
US09377832B1
A server rack comprises a battery string connected to a controller and rectifier, server slots, a server load located in a first server slot of the server slots, a second server load stored in a second server slot of the server slots, a first AC power supply circuit supplying power to the first server load, a second AC power supply circuit supplying power to the second server load, a first DC power supply circuit supplying power to the first server load, a second DC power supply circuit supplying power to the second server load, a DC power distribution circuit connecting the rectifier to the first DC power supply circuit and the second DC power supply circuit, and an AC power distribution circuit connecting an incoming AC power supply to the first AC power supply circuit and the second AC power supply circuit.
US09377823B2
A touch panel module includes an integrated panel and a casing. The integrated panel defines a transparent region and a non-transparent region around the transparent region. The integrated panel has a covering substrate, a decorating layer disposed on the inner surface of the covering substrate and arranged in the non-transparent region, a sensing electrode layer disposed on the inner surface of the covering substrate and arranged in the transparent region, a circuit layer disposed on the decorating layer and electrically connected to the sensing electrode layer, and a protective layer at least covering par of the decorating layer and part of the circuit layer. The casing is formed by injection molding, wherein one portion of the casing is arranged in the non-transparent region and formed on the protective layer, and another portion of the casing covers a circumferential lateral edge of the integrated panel.
US09377822B2
A component-positioning module comprises an elastic member, a plurality of fastening members, a plurality of adjustment elements and a positioning element. The elastic member is secured to a first component of the electronic device by the plurality of fastening members, and an operative portion of the elastic member is movable in a linear extension direction substantially perpendicular to an outer surface of the first component. The plurality of adjustment elements are secured between the elastic member and the first component by the fastening members respectively; the positioning element is combined with the operative portion to position a second component of the electronic device, and the positioning element at least partially protrudes from the outer surface. Manipulation of the plurality of fastening members deforms the plurality of adjustment elements and changes a distance of the positioning element protruding from the outer surface.
US09377820B2
A foot cushion mechanism with lifting function is disclosed. The foot cushion mechanism includes a foot cushion member, a holding base and at least one shape memory material member. The foot cushion member is installed on a housing and abuts against a supporting surface. The holding base and the foot cushion member are respectively installed on opposite sides of the housing. The at least one shape memory material member selectively connects the housing and the holding base or connects the holding base and the foot cushion member. The at least one shape memory material member deforms when being heated due to a shape memory effect, and the housing is driven by the shape memory effect to move away from the foot cushion member such that a distance between the housing and the supporting surface is increased.
US09377816B2
A docking device including a casing and an extension supporting mechanism is disclosed. The extension supporting mechanism includes a sliding member, a transmission member, a supporting member and a clamping member. The sliding member is slidably disposed on the casing. The transmission member, the supporting member and the clamping member are pivoted to the casing, respectively. The transmission member is coupled to the sliding member. The supporting member is coupled to the transmission member. The clamping member further abuts against the sliding member and is for sliding the sliding member as rotating, such that the sliding member drives the transmission to rotate. Accordingly, the transmission member is driven to activate the supporting member to stretch an extension portion of the supporting member out of the casing.
US09377813B2
A supporting structure is for supporting a portable electronic device, the supporting structure includes a holder and a plurality of supporting portions. The holder is configured to be extendedly adjusted along a length of the holder. The supporting portions are defined in a back of the portable electronic device. The holder is configured to detachably engage with one of the supporting portions to support the portable electronic device at a predetermined supporting angle related to a placing spot of the portable electronic device. A portable electronic device employing the supporting structure is also disclosed.
US09377811B2
An electronic apparatus includes a keyboard configured to receive a user manipulation command, a display configured to display an image according to the received manipulation command, a link unit configured to connect the keyboard with the display, a first detector configured to detect a disposition of the keyboard and the display, a second detector configured to detect a rotation of the display, and a controller configured to control at least one of an operation state of the keyboard and a function of the electronic apparatus according to the detected disposition and rotation.
US09377810B2
An electronic device of the present invention includes a cover body which openably and closably covers the front surface of a flat-type device body, a support section which is capable of being stood up and laid down and mounted on the cover body, and a mount section which is bendably provided to the support section and mounted on the device body.
US09377808B1
A modular computer enclosure is disclosed that can include a housing, one or more doors, and a modular bracket system. The housing is configured to receive a wall mount, whereby the wall mount is affixed to a wall and the housing is removably coupled to the wall mount. The modular bracket system can include an outer bracket and an inner bracket. The modular bracket system can be configured to receive one or more plates of various sizes. The plates are configured to receive one or more computing components. The plates can be installed, removed, and replaced by other plates depending on the particular application.
US09377807B2
An apparatus has a first housing and a second housing. By one approach at least the second housing has at least one exterior edge configured as a pivot surface. The first housing includes at least a first magnet and the second housing includes at least a second magnet that is disposed proximal to the aforementioned pivot surface. So configured, the first and second magnet interact with one another and thereby serve as a magnetic connector such that the first housing pivots with respect to the second housing about the pivot surface. By one approach, the first and second housing do not pivotally connect to one another via a mechanical connector.
US09377805B2
Embodiments may include a method, system and apparatus for providing a reference voltage supply. A series resistor is provided between a power supply and a bandgap circuit coupled to an amplifier. A shunt transistor circuit is operatively coupled to the series resistor. A programmable output voltage is provided based upon the shunt transistor circuit and a first value of the series resistor.
US09377798B2
A dual mode low dropout voltage regulator has a low dropout regulation mode and a bypass mode and provides a smooth transition between mode transitions taking place under load. When an accessory requires a larger voltage level, a bypass signal commands the dual mode low dropout voltage regulator to go into bypass mode and transfer voltage level of the unregulated input voltage source to the output of the dual mode low dropout voltage regulator. The dual mode low dropout voltage regulator provides a smooth transition to the bypass to prevent the output of the dual mode low dropout voltage regulator from decreasing or having a “brown out” until a pass transistor is forced to turn on fully to provide the voltage level of the unregulated input voltage source to fully bypass the low dropout regulating mode of operation.
US09377789B2
A thermostat apparatus may include a thermostat case where a first passage may be formed, a first valve that may be disposed in the thermostat case to open or close the first passage, wherein a mounting protrusion may be formed along an inner circumference of the first valve, a drive portion that may be disposed to penetrate the first valve and moves the first valve depending on temperature to open or close the first passage, and a rubber cap that a first side interior circumference thereof contacts an exterior circumference of the mounting protrusion of the first valve and a second side interior circumference thereof slidably contacts an exterior circumference of the drive portion.
US09377788B2
A flamer may be used to sterilize poultry litter, soil, concrete, etc. The stationary or mobile flamer disclosed comprises a hood to contain the heat, an external frame, and burners. A fuel tank may be carried on the flamer or on a tractor. An additional embodiment provides for mounting the flamer on wheels, permitting the unit to be towed by a truck, four-wheeler, tractor, etc. The burners are adjustable as to angle, and fueling rate. A pressure in the fuel system is controlled by selectively switching between the liquid and vaporous components of the fuel. By limiting how low the pressure may fall, the flow of fuel from the tank to the torches is more consistent.
US09377777B2
According to one embodiment, a fine processing method includes determining a resist amount required for each first region of a pattern formation surface and a total amount of resist. The method include dividing the total amount of resist by a volume of one resist drop to determine the resist drops total number. The method include determining a provisional position for the resist drop of the total number. The method include assigning the each first region to nearest one resist drop, and partitioning again the pattern formation surface into second regions assigned to the each resist drop. The method include determining a divided value by dividing the volume of the one resist drop by the required total amount of resist determined. The method include finalizing a final position of the each resist drop, if a distribution of the divided value in the pattern formation surface falls within a target range.
US09377775B2
A method and device for programming a cordless handpiece used for root canal treatment and having a first memory and a tool holder for a treatment tool are described. The method includes providing a first data volume having a plurality of data sets in a second memory separate from the first memory, each of the data sets comprising at least one parameter assigned to the cordless handpiece and/or to the treatment tool, selecting at least some of the data sets from the first data volume in the second memory, transmitting the selected data sets from the second memory to the first memory of the handpiece, and selecting a data set from the updated first memory for operation of the handpiece.
US09377774B2
A controller for a machine tool includes a converter converting AC power on the power supply side to DC power, a feed-shaft motor inverter converting DC power on a DC link side and AC power on a feed shaft motor side, first and second main-shaft-motor inverters converting DC power on the DC link side and AC power on first and second main shaft motors side, a power failure detection unit detecting a power failure on the power supply side, a voltage detection unit detecting a DC link voltage value, a feed-shaft-motor command unit outputting a deceleration command to the feed-shaft-motor inverter upon a power failure, and a main-shaft-motor command unit outputting an acceleration/deceleration command to the first main-shaft-motor inverter in accordance with the DC link voltage value and a power shutoff command to the second-main-shaft-motor inverter upon a power failure.
US09377772B2
A numerical controller configured to control a machine tool for machining the workpiece on the basis of a machining program composed of a plurality of blocks includes a corner multiple curves inserting unit. This corner multiple curves inserting unit inserts, between consecutive two blocks, three cubic polynomial curves in which a position, a direction and a curvature are continuous and the distances from these two blocks are within a prescribed allowable tolerance, if a direction or a curvature between these two blocks is discontinuous in the machining program.
US09377766B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining electrical load and lifestyle characteristics. A record receiving module receives an electrical energy usage record for premises for a predefined time period (“record period”), and receives property characteristics for the premises. The property characteristics include physical characteristics for the premises, environmental characteristics for the premises for the record period, and/or lifestyle characteristics of users of the premises. A load identification module selects a load prediction algorithm to determine if a particular type of electrical load is present at the premises. A comparison module applies the load prediction algorithm to the electrical energy usage record for the premises for at least a portion of the record period (“comparison period”) to determine if the particular type of electrical load is present at the premises. The load prediction algorithm uses the property characteristics of the premises during the comparison period.
US09377753B2
An image forming apparatus includes a fixing unit, a first support portion, and a second support portion. First support portion fits with and positions first supported portion, which is end of fixing unit, in up-down direction and supports first supported portion movably in insertion direction of fixing unit toward attachment position. Second support portion fits with and positions second supported portion, which is another end of fixing unit, in up-down direction and supports second supported portion movably in insertion direction. Height adjustment portion adjusts height position of fixing unit by moving second support portion in up-down direction. The first support portion includes vertical surface facing first supported portion and extending in up-down direction, and vertical surface has projection at an end thereof on foreside of insertion direction, the projection projecting from the vertical surface in first direction of going away from the vertical surface.
US09377742B2
A print control apparatus includes a receiving unit which receives print data containing gloss-control-plane image data indicating gloss control values for identifying a type of surface effect and a region where the surface effect is to be applied, a storage unit which stores information containing multiple total-amount control modes and stores surface-effect choice information which defines, for each of the gloss control values, the surface effect type, a total-amount control mode, and a priority level of the total-amount control mode, a generating unit which generates transparent-developing-material image data indicating pixel-by-pixel density values each depending on a transparent-developing-material recording amount, and a selecting unit which selects a total-amount control mode whose priority level is highest in total-amount control modes of surface effect types associated with the gloss control values of the gloss-control-plane image data as a total-amount control mode for use in printing the transparent-developing-material image data.
US09377737B2
An image forming apparatus can create various output products using a transparent sheet as intended by a user.
US09377733B2
A fixing device configured to fix an image on a recording material, includes: a rotary member including an electroconductive layer; a coil which has a spiral shaped portion and is disposed in the inside of the rotary member; and a core disposed in the spiral shaped portion; with magnetic resistance of the core being, with an area from one end to the other end of the maximum passage region of the image on the recording material regarding the generatrix direction, equal to or smaller than 30% of combined magnetic resistance made up of magnetic resistance of the electroconductive layer and magnetic resistance of a region between the electroconductive layer and the core.
US09377726B2
A fixing device configured to heat-fix a developer image on a recording sheet, the fixing device includes: a flexible cylindrical member; a nip member configured to slidingly contact an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member; a heating member that is arranged at an inside of the cylindrical member and is configured to heat the nip member; a stay configured to support the nip member with surrounding the heating member; a backup member configured to interpose the cylindrical member between the nip member and the backup member; a cover member that is arranged at the inside of the cylindrical member and is configured to cover the stay from an opposite side to the heating member; and a first support member configured to support the cover member and form a gap between the stay and the cover member.
US09377725B2
A fixing device includes a hollow, open-sided stationary heat roller, a flexible fuser belt, a fuser pad, a rotatable pressure member, a reinforcing member, and a sealing mechanism. The heat roller defines an elongated longitudinal side opening that opens into a hollow interior thereof. The fuser belt is looped for rotation around the heat roller to transfer heat radially outward from the roller circumference. The fuser pad is held substantially stationary along the roller opening outward from the roller interior and inward from the loop of the fuser belt. The pressure member is pressed against the fuser pad through the fuser belt to form a fixing nip. The reinforcing member is disposed within the roller interior to thrust against the fuser pad through the roller opening. The sealing mechanism is disposed on the roller opening to prevent foreign matter from entering the roller interior through the roller opening.
US09377723B2
Provided is a stainless-steel seamless belt formed by subjecting a stainless-steel plate to a plastic forming process and having a thickness of 50 μm or less. The seamless belt has a bending durability of 100,000 or more times in a specific bending test and has a Vickers hardness of 450 (Hv) or more.
US09377718B2
An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a developing device. In a case body of the developing device, a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber are formed. A first agitating screw is provided in the first storage chamber and a second agitating screw is provided in the second storage chamber. A developing roller is provided in the second storage chamber. A control portion controls driving of a first motor and a second motor. When toner installation is performed, the control portion controls driving of the first motor at a rotational speed higher than a rotational speed for development operation in a state where the second motor is stopped. When a certain condition is satisfied, the control portion starts control of driving of the second motor, to drive rotation of the second motor.
US09377707B2
A toner including a crystalline polyester and an amorphous polyester is provided. When the binder resin is extracted from the toner with tetrahydrofuran to obtain an extracted solution, and the extracted solution is heated to remove the tetrahydrofuran and obtain a deposit, the deposit contains spherical domains of the crystalline polyester having an average particle diameter of 7.0 μm or less.
US09377705B2
A toner containing a toner particle containing a binder resin, wherein the binder resin contains a styrene-acrylic resin and a crystalline resin, and the crystalline resin is a block polymer or a graft polymer in which the mass ratio between the crystalline segment and an amorphous segment is 30:70 to 90:10, and wherein, in the total heat flow measured for the binder resin by a temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimeter, the peak temperature of an endothermic peak is from 55.0° C. to 90.0° C., and the percentage of the endothermic quantity of the endothermic peak in the reversing heat flow with respect to the endothermic quantity of the endothermic peak in the total heat flow is from 0.0% to 35.0%.
US09377703B2
According to one implementation, a toner includes a toner mother particle and a convex portion on a surface of the toner mother particle. The toner mother particle includes at least a resin (1). The convex portion is formed from a resin particle including at least a resin (2). An average value of a length of a long side of the convex portion is within a range of 0.1 to 0.5 μm. A ratio between a Young's modulus of a non-convex portion of the toner mother particle (ER (1)) and a Young's modulus of a convex portion of the toner mother particle (ER (2)) is a value (ER (1)/ER (2)) within the range of 1.2 to 2.0.
US09377701B2
In some embodiments, a mask patterning system includes an electronic memory configured to store an integrated circuit mask layout. A computation tool determines a number of radiation shots to be used to write the integrated circuit mask layout to a physical mask. The computation tool also determines a scaling factor which accounts for expected thermal expansion of the physical mask due to the number of radiation shots used in writing the integrated circuit mask layout to the physical mask. An ebeam or laser writing tool writes the integrated circuit mask layout to the physical mask based on the scaling factor and by using the number of radiation shots.
US09377697B2
An immersion lithographic apparatus includes a projection system, a first table with a first planar surface and a second table with a second planar surface, the first and second planar surfaces being substantially coplanar, a liquid confinement system configured to spatially confine an immersion liquid to a volume with a first surface area that is coplanar with the first and second planar surfaces, and is substantially smaller than a second surface area of the top surface of the substrate, and a swap bridge member attached to the first table, the swap bridge member having an upper surface that is substantially coplanar with the first and second planar surfaces, wherein the upper surface of the swap bridge member is configured to serve as part of the liquid confinement system and to deform when the swap bridge member collides with the second table and to remain attached to the first table.
US09377682B2
According to one embodiment, a template substrate includes a substrate and a mask. The substrate includes a mesa region formed in a central portion of an upper surface of the substrate. The mesa region is configured to protrude more than a region of the substrate around the mesa region. An impurity is introduced into an upper layer portion of a partial region of a peripheral portion of the mesa region. The mask film is provided on the upper surface of the substrate.
US09377667B2
Cascaded optical harmonic generators and methods for cascaded optical harmonic generation are disclosed. Relative disposition of individual harmonic generators of a cascaded harmonic generator in an optical path of the fundamental optical beam may be reversed. In a third harmonic generator, the fundamental optical beam may enter the third harmonic crystal first, and the second harmonic crystal second. When the fundamental optical beam enters the third harmonic crystal first, the fundamental light may remain non-depleted by second harmonic generation process.
US09377663B2
Multi-layer electrochromic structures comprising an anodic electrochromic layer comprising a lithium nickel oxide composition on a first substrate, the anodic electrochromic layer comprising lithium, nickel and a Group 4 metal selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium and a combination thereof, wherein (i) the atomic ratio of lithium to the combined amount of nickel and such Group 4 metal(s) in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least 0.4:1, respectively, (ii) the atomic ratio of the amount of such Group 4 metal(s) to the combined amount of nickel and such Group 4 metal(s) in the anodic electrochromic layer is at least about 0.025:1, respectively, and (iii) the anodic electrochromic layer exhibits an interplanar distance (d-spacing) of at least 2.5 Å as measured by X-ray diffraction (XRD), comprises at least 0.05 wt. % carbon, and/or has a coloration efficiency absolute value of at least 19 cm2/C.
US09377662B2
The following description relates to an electrochromic device including a carbon-based material and a viologen-based compound, a method for producing the electrochromic device, and use thereof. There is provided the electrochromic device including an active layer arranged between a first electrode and a second electrode, in which the active layer includes a carbon-based material and a viologen-based compound, and the carbon-based material and the viologen-based compound are bonded to each other through a non-covalent interaction.
US09377659B2
The inventive concept relates to a display device preventing from generating a reflection light at a portion region of a thin film transistor and a manufacturing method thereof, and a display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the inventive concept includes: a substrate; a thin film transistor; a pixel electrode; a light blocking member formed on the pixel electrode to overlap the thin film transistor, the light blocking member being formed on an opposite side of the thin film transistor with respect to the pixel electrode, a common electrode formed on the pixel electrode to be spaced apart from the pixel electrode with a plurality of microcavities interposed therebetween; a roof layer formed on the common electrode; an injection hole exposing a portion of each microcavity; a liquid crystal layer filling the microcavity; and an encapsulation layer formed on the roof layer.
US09377656B2
According to the present invention, a liquid crystal display device driven by a transverse electric field system, which can prevent the occurrence of color unevenness in display, is provided. Namely, the liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes: a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The first substrate includes a first shield electrode with translucency, a supporting substrate, a light shielding layer, and a colored layer. The second substrate includes a common electrode and a pixel electrode, and assuming that the liquid crystal layer is the center of the liquid crystal display device, the first shield electrode is provided outwardly from the supporting substrate when seen from the center. The liquid crystal display device further comprises a first controlling circuit configured to apply a positive electric potential to the first shield electrode.
US09377648B2
A liquid crystal display device of a motorcycle is configured and arranged to rapidly warm up a liquid crystal panel at cool temperatures, without requiring an additional heating member. The liquid crystal display device includes a control unit, for controlling a liquid crystal panel, and a backlight. When the temperature of liquid crystal is lower than a predetermined value, or when it is within a fixed time period after turning on an ignition switch, as a warm-up period, the control unit increases power supplied to the backlight to a larger amount than that in a normal display state, to increase the amount of back light, and temporarily changes the entire display surface to a darker color, in order to increase the amount of light absorbed by the liquid crystal panel, simultaneously reducing the amount of light penetrating the display surface, and thereby speeding up warming of the liquid crystal panel.
US09377637B2
The present invention is a laser irradiation apparatus which is capable of selecting a laser light of a wavelength among a plurality of laser lights having different wavelengths according to a purpose of irradiation and irradiating an object to be irradiated with the laser light having the wavelength. The laser irradiation apparatus includes, on an optical path of a mixed light beam of the plurality of laser lights having different wavelengths, a slit having a width corresponding to a diffraction limit of the laser light having the shortest wavelength among the plurality of laser lights having different wavelengths, and an objective lens for focusing a laser light that has passed through the slit on the object to be irradiated.
US09377635B2
A disclosed display device capable of detecting bonding defects includes: a display panel having an active area used to display images and a pad area in which pads are formed; driver IC (Integrated Circuit) chip mounted on a pad region of the display panel; a flexible printed circuit board bonded to the pad region of the display panel; and a bonding resistance detection circuit disposed in the driver IC chip. The display panel includes: first and second bonding portions formed in a mounting region of the driver IC chip within the pad area of the display panel; and third and fourth bonding portions formed in a bonding region of the flexible printed circuit board within the pad area of the display panel. The first through fourth bonding portions are electrically connected to one another, and the first and second bonding portions are connected to the bonding resistance detection circuit.
US09377630B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a 3D display device and a manufacturing method thereof. The 3D display device includes a display unit; and a birefringent grating stacked at a light emitting side of the display unit, wherein the birefringent grating including a concave lens film, and liquid crystal polymer covering the concave lens film, a long or short axis of the liquid crystal polymer being parallel to a ridge direction of the concave lens film, and a polarization direction of emitting light of the display unit is parallel to the ridge direction of the concave lens film of the birefringent grating.
US09377626B2
A head mounted display system for use with a mobile computing device, comprises a soft main body made entirely of a soft and compressible material, the main body has a retention pocket entirely formed by the material and configured to accept and secure the mobile computing device and a lens assembly comprising two lenses configured to focus vision on respective areas of a display screen of the mobile computing device, the lens assembly held within one or more apertures formed in the main body entirely by the material, the two lenses mounted for independent movement with respect to each other, such that a split screen image may be viewed through the two lenses on the display screen.
US09377623B2
A transparent waveguide, which is for use in tracking an eye that is illuminated by infrared light having an infrared wavelength, includes a volume Bragg grating type of input-coupler adapted to receive infrared light having the infrared wavelength and couple the received infrared light into the waveguide. The volume Bragg grating includes a lower boundary and an upper boundary that is closer to the output-coupler than the lower boundary. A k-vector angle of the volume Bragg grating at the lower boundary is greater than a k-vector angle at the upper boundary, with k-vector angles of the volume Bragg grating between the lower and upper boundaries gradually decreasing as distances decrease between grating planes of the volume Bragg grating and the upper boundary. Additionally, the volume Bragg grating preferably has an angular bandwidth that is no greater than 5 degrees.
US09377622B2
A light source unit having a luminescent material plate tight sealing construction with a dust-proof measure where a luminescent material plate is sealed tight from a circumference thereof by attaching tightly a luminescent material plate holding metallic plate to a collective lens and a projector having the light source unit are provided. The light source unit has an excitation light source device emitting excitation light and a luminous light emitting device, and the luminous light emitting device includes a luminescent material plate on to which excitation light from the excitation light source device is shone to emit luminous light of a different wavelength from the excitation light, a substrate on which the luminescent material plate is rested, a collective lens covering the luminescent material plate, and a lens holder holding the collective lens, whereby the luminescent material plate is sealed tight by at least the substrate and the collective lens.
US09377612B2
An IR microscope (1) is constituted such that, in an optical viewing mode in a beam path of visible light (VIS-R, VIS-T), a first intermediate focus (ZW1) is imaged onto a flat detector surface (15a) of a camera. The IR microscope (1) is constituted such that, in the beam path of the visible light (VIS-R, VIS-T), the first intermediate focus (ZW1) is imaged onto a second intermediate focus (ZW2), and, in the second intermediate focus (ZW2), a Mangin mirror (11) is disposed that corrects a field curvature of the Cassegrain objective (4). The invention provides an IR microscope in which the field curvature generated by the Cassegrain objective is corrected in a simple manner in the optical viewing mode when detection is performed using a flat detector and without restricting the spectral range of the IR microscope.
US09377606B2
A zoom lens includes, in order from an object side to an image side: first and second lens units having negative and positive refractive powers, respectively; a middle lens group; and a final lens unit having a positive refractive power, wherein the middle lens group comprises a focus lens unit that has a negative refractive power and moves toward the image side during focusing from infinity to a short distance, the intervals between adjacent lens units vary during at least one of zooming and focusing, and wherein the focal length fimg of the final lens unit, the focal length ff of the focus lens unit, and the focal length fw of the entire system at the wide angle end are appropriately configured.
US09377601B2
A focus detection device includes: a plurality of first pixels having first color filters, via which a pair of first signals, to be used for split-pupil phase detection, are output; a plurality of second pixels having second color filters, via which a pair of second signals, to be used for the split-pupil phase detection, are output; a phase difference detection unit that detects a phase difference manifested by the first signals or a phase difference manifested by the second signals; and a defocus amount calculation unit that calculates a defocus amount by using a first conversion coefficient corresponding to the first color when the phase difference detection unit has detected the phase difference manifested by the first signals and by using a second conversion coefficient corresponding to the second color when the phase difference detection unit has detected the phase difference manifested by the second signals.
US09377600B2
An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member with a damping ring therein or on is provided. The grooved/relieved protruding member may extend from the optical structure, and an upper element having a first opening extending therethrough may receive at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member in the first opening. The upper element may include second and third openings therein that operate along with the first opening and a tightening mechanism. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into at least one of the third opening and the second opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.
US09377592B2
An optical coupling element includes a main body, first and second converging lenses. The main body includes a first optical surface, a second optical surface perpendicular to the first optical surface, and a reflective surface tilted relative to the first and second optical surfaces. The main body defines positioning holes adjacent to the first optical surface, and avoiding grooves in sidewalls of the positioning holes and communicated with the positioning holes. The first converging lens is formed on the first optical surface. The second converging lens is formed on the second optical surface and corresponding to the first converging lens one by one. The first converging lens, the reflective surface, and the second converging lens cooperatively form an optical path.
US09377591B1
A fiber-optic communication module with a de-latching mechanism is provided. The fiber-optic communication module includes a main body, a handle and a sliding member. Two tracks are located at two opposite sides of the main body. The handle is pivotally coupled to the main body, and rotatable relative to the main body to be in a latched position or a de-latched position. Two first guiding parts are located at two opposite sides of the handle. The sliding member includes two extension arms and two second guiding parts. The two second guiding parts are located at the corresponding extension arms. While the handle is rotated to the de-latched position, the two second guiding parts are moved relative to the corresponding first guiding parts. Consequently, the extension arms are slid linearly in a direction away from the receptacle.
US09377589B2
Small-form-factor fiber optic interface devices with an internal lens are disclosed. The fiber optic interface devices have a ferrule with a bore that supports an optical waveguide. The lens is on or adjacent the ferrule front end and is aligned with the bore. A first planar surface is provided on or adjacent the lens. The first planar surface interfaces with a second planar surface of a second fiber optic interface device to form a fiber optic interface assembly having a liquid-displacing interface when the first and second fiber optic interface devices are engaged.
US09377586B2
A fiber optical coupler comprises a bundle of optical fibers configured to couple light from a multiplicity of input light sources to an output port, each of the fibers comprising a multimode fiber having a core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region. The bundle has first and second axial sections arranged in tandem and adiabatically coupled to one another via a transition zone that includes an optical interface. Within the first section, the ratio of the cross-sectional core area of each of at least some of the fibers to the total cross-sectional area of each of those fibers is given by R1, and within the second section, the ratio of the cross-sectional core area of each of at least some of the fibers to the total cross-sectional area of each of those fibers is given by R2>R1, where R2 is substantially constant along the axial length of the second section. In one embodiment, the second section is tapered from a larger diameter at the optical interface to a smaller diameter at the output port. Methods of making such optical couplers are also described.
US09377580B2
A plasmonic device and an apparatus and method for generating a surface plasmon polariton (SPP) mode using the plasmonic device are disclosed herein. The plasmonic device includes a first plasmonic waveguide and a second plasmonic waveguide. The first plasmonic waveguide is made of a strip-shaped metal material forming at least one pair of first metal-dielectric interfaces along with a dielectric layer, and extends from an input location to a gap start location. The second plasmonic waveguide is made of a strip-shaped metal material forming at least one pair of second metal-dielectric interfaces in planes identical to those of the at least one pair of first metal-dielectric interfaces of the first plasmonic waveguide, and extends from a gap end location, spaced apart from the gap start location by the length of a gap along the propagation direction of the SPP, to an SPP output location.
US09377576B2
A composite back cover with adjustable curvature used in a liquid crystal display with adjustable curvature is provided. The composite back cover includes a fixing plate; a back cover having a central portion secured to the fixing plate; and at least two extensible control devices disposed between the back cover and the fixing plate and respectively arranged at two sides of the central portion. The extensible control devices are stretched or shortened to adjust a distance between the back cover and the fixing plate so as to adjust curvature of the back cover. A backlight module is also provided. The distance between the back cover and the fixing plate is adjusted by stretching or shortening the extensible control devices so as to adjust the curvature of the liquid crystal display.
US09377570B2
A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached polarizing film of the present invention includes a polarizing film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on the polarizing film, wherein the polarizing film includes a polarizer with a thickness of 10 μm or less and a transparent protective film or films provided on one or both sides of the polarizer, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is formed from a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition containing a (meth)acryl-based polymer (A) and an ionic compound (B). The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer-attached polarizing film has an antistatic function and exhibits durability.
US09377569B2
Ophthalmic systems are provided that include both a photochromic component and a blue-blocking component.
US09377566B1
An optical processing system for processing an input beam for processing a target, the optical processing system comprising a beam shaping system configured to receive the input beam and to shape the irradiance profile thereof into a beam shaping system output beam, and an optical imaging system configured to receive the beam shaping system output beam and to image the beam shaping system output beam to a target, wherein the imaged beam shaping system output beam provides an irradiance profile configured to produce a predetermined temperature profile associated with the target.
US09377565B2
Embodiments for processing of gradient index (GRIN) rods into GRIN lenses attachable to optical devices, components, and methods are disclosed. A cylindrical GRIN rod comprises an optical axis and a longitudinal axis at a center axis, where the index of refraction may be greatest at the optical axis. The GRIN rod includes GRIN lenses along the longitudinal axis. The GRIN lenses include a first optical surface and a second optical surface opposite the first optical surface. Separation processes and devices may separate the GRIN lenses from the GRIN rods and these processes may be automated. Other processes may polish the first and the second optical surfaces. A gripper may insert the GRIN lens into an optical device.
US09377548B2
A method for analyzing characteristics of a geological formation includes obtaining at a processor data representative of at least one of stratigraphic, structural, or physical characteristics of the geological formation, applying at the processor a wavelet transform to at least a portion of the obtained data or data interpreted or derived from the obtained data to derive one or more wavelet transform coefficients representative of the obtained data, segmenting at the processor at least one or more of the obtained data or data interpreted or derived from the obtained data into segments, determining at the processor a measure of variability of the obtained data or the data interpreted or derived from the obtained data over each segment at one or more scales of the wavelet transform.
US09377533B2
A three-dimension position tracking system is presented. The system includes transmitters and receivers. A transmitter scans continuous or pulsed coherent light beams across a target. The receiver detects the reflected beams. The system recursively determines the location of the target, as a function of time, via triangulation and observation of the time-of-flight of the incoming and outgoing beams. The transmitter includes ultra-fast scanning optics to scan the receiver's field-of-view. The receiver includes arrays of ultra-fast photosensitive pixels. The system determines the angles of the incoming beams based on the line-of-sight of the triggered pixels. By observing the incoming angles and correlating timestamps associated with the outgoing and incoming beams, the system accurately, and in near real-time, determines the location of the target. By combining the geometry of the scattered beams, as well as the beams' time-of-flight, ambiguities inherent to triangulation and ambiguities inherent to time-of-flight location methods are resolved.
US09377532B2
A TOF distance sensor is proposed, for measuring a distance from an object, comprising an electronics apparatus for generating a modulation signal and for generating four correlation signals, which are phase shifted with respect to one another and which have the same period as the modulation signal; a radiation source for emitting radiation, which is modulated by the modulation signal; a reception apparatus, which has a predetermined spatial relationship with respect to the radiation source, for receiving radiation reflected by the object; a correlation apparatus for correlating the received radiation or a corresponding variable with respectively one of the four correlation signals in order to form four corresponding correlation values; a difference-forming apparatus for forming two difference correlation values from the difference between respectively two of the correlation values; a calculation apparatus embodied to calculate the distance with a predetermined linear dependence on the two difference correlation values.
US09377527B2
Methods and systems are provided for efficiently packing nodes within an electromagnetic state space.
US09377526B2
Provided is a broadband frequency detector, more particularly, to a frequency detector detecting all the signals for guiding the safe vehicle operation, and radar signals for determining vehicle speeds. The broadband frequency detector comprises: a horn antenna configured to receive signals having specific frequencies; a first amplifier configured to receive the signals having specific frequencies from the horn antenna; a mixer unit configured to receive signals from the first amplifier, wherein the signals are low noise amplified therein; and a second amplifier, arranged in parallel with the amplifier, for transferring signals to the mixer unit after low noise amplifying the signal received from the horn antenna, wherein the second amplifier includes a transistor and a first microwave circuit unit for matching the impedance of the horn antenna and the impedance of the transistor.
US09377522B2
Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for utilizing a reference signal for indoor positioning, such as for use in or with a mobile communication device, for example. In an implementation, a reference signal may be focused into a directed beam, for example using a phased antenna array, and rotated electronically through a sequence of directional angles in a horizontal plane. A mobile device may determine a most probable directional angle from one or more transmitters transmitting a directional beam, measure one or more parameters for each directional angle and determine a location estimate using, for example triangulation.
US09377519B2
Various methods, apparatuses and/or articles of manufacture are provided for use by an electronic device to generate a recommended candidate position fix mode to a mobile device for use in a particular region of an environment. Such a candidate position fix mode may, for example, be selected from a plurality of wireless signal-based positioning modes comprising at least: a first wireless signal-based positioning mode based on first wireless signals transmitted by a terrestrial-based transmitting device, a second wireless signal-based positioning mode based on second wireless signals transmitted a satellite-based transmitting device, and a third wireless signal-based positioning mode based on a combination of the first wireless signals and the second wireless signals. In certain example implementations, assistance data indicative of at least the candidate position fix mode may be transmitted to the mobile device.
US09377502B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of testing a plurality of semiconductor devices includes applying a stress voltage having a peak voltage on a shield line disposed over a substrate. The substrate has functional circuitry of a semiconductor device. A fixed voltage is applied to a first metal line disposed above the substrate adjacent the shield line. The first metal line is coupled to the functional circuitry and is configured to be coupled to a high voltage node during operation. The peak voltage is greater than a maximum fixed voltage. The shield line separates the first metal line from an adjacent second metal line configured to be coupled to a low voltage node during operation. The method further includes measuring a current through the shield line in response to the stress voltage, determining the current through the shield line of the semiconductor device, and based on the determination, identifying the semiconductor device as passing the test.
US09377489B2
A system includes a light source configured to generate a source of light, a fiber optic current sensor (FOCS) configured to detect the source of light, and a decoding circuitry communicatively coupled to the FOCS. The system also includes a health monitoring circuitry communicatively coupled to the decoding circuitry. The health monitoring circuitry is configured to receive a first electrical characteristic component of the first signal and a corresponding second electrical characteristic component of the second signal, to generate a summation of the first electrical characteristic component of first signal and the second electrical characteristic component of the second signal, and to generate an output signal based at least in part on the summation of the first electrical characteristic component and the second electrical characteristic component. The output signal includes an indication of an operational condition of the light source.
US09377486B2
Thermal interface material handing is described for thermal control of an electronic component under test. In one example, a thermal control unit is adapted to control the temperature of at least a portion of an electronic component during testing. A pedestal between the thermal control unit and the electronic component conducts heat from the electronic component to the thermal head. A conduit extends through a portion of the pedestal, to permit the flow of a liquid thermal interface material from an external source to a space between the pedestal and the electronic component. The liquid thermal interface material improves heat conduction between the electronic component and the pedestal. An elastomeric seal between the electronic device and the pedestal constrains the thermal interface fluid within the space between the electronic component and the pedestal.
US09377483B2
A method for the precise measuring operation of a micro-mechanical rotation rate sensor, including at least one seismic mass, at least one drive device for driving the seismic mass in the primary mode (qi) and at least three trimming electrode elements which are jointly associated directly or indirectly with the seismic mass. An electric trimming voltage (u1, u2, u3, u4) is set respectively between said trimming electrode elements and the seismic mass. Each of the electric trimming voltages (u1, u2, u3, u4) are adjusted in accordance with a resonance frequency variable (ũT, ŨT,0), a quadrature variable (ũT, ŨT,0) and a restoring variable (ũS).
US09377479B2
A system and method for the automated processing of fluids according to a process operation plan involving the use of preloaded objects, which are to be present in target object positions, are disclosed. The system includes: a processing area in which objects to be used for the processing of fluids are located; at least one ultrasonic sensor for determining the presence of objects by acoustical waves; a positioning device to which the ultrasonic sensor is fixed and which moves the ultrasonic sensor in at least one direction relative to the processing area; a control computer determining the presence of objects and determining if objects are present in target object positions in the processing area as defined by the process operation plan; a pipetting device for pipetting of fluids between cavities located in the processing area; and an analytical or pre-analytical processing device for processing of fluids located in the processing area.
US09377475B2
This invention relates generally to devices and methods for performing optical and electrochemical assays and, more particularly, to test devices, e.g., cartridges, methods and systems, wherein the test devices have an entry port configured to receive a test sample into a holding chamber; a first conduit having at least one lateral flow test strip; and a displacement device, such as a pneumatic pump, configured to move a portion of said test sample from said holding chamber into said first conduit. The present invention is particularly useful for performing immunoassays and/or electrochemical assays at the point-of-care.
US09377468B2
Compound tags and shifting agents are provided that find use in ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), mass spectrometry (MS), or a combination of IMS and MS, and which can substantially increase separation of multiple components in complex samples and facilitate quantitative and multiplexed analyses. In some cases, the compounds include a linker and a normalizing group, each including a structural unit and separated by a cleaveable group, and a crown ether. Also provided are methods for analyzing peptides in a sample. In some cases, the method includes coupling the compound to peptides which include a terminal guanidinium moiety capable of forming an intra-molecular complex with the crown ether.
US09377463B2
The invention relates to a method for the determination of a cancer diagnostic/therapeutic biomarker assay and drug-targets including the following steps: (a) identification of potential candidate protein/peptide biomarkers and drug-targets based on the measurement of protein/peptide constituent concentrations in tissue sample proteomes as well as serum, plasma or any other derivatives of blood, or blood itself sample proteomes derived from healthy non-human mammalian individuals as well as from cancerous non-human mammalian individuals and qualitatively selecting as potential candidate protein/peptide biomarkers those which show a pronounced differential behavior between healthy and cancerous sample proteomes; (b) optional verification of the potential candidate protein/peptide biomarkers as identified in step (a) by quantitative mass spectrometric measurement of the potential candidate protein biomarkers in serum, plasma or any other derivatives of blood, or blood itself sample proteomes derived from healthy non-human mammalian individuals as well as from cancerous non-human mammalian individuals and selecting as candidate protein/peptide biomarkers those which show a mass-spectrometrically measurable quantitative differential behavior between healthy and cancerous sample proteomes; (c) validation of the candidate protein/peptide biomarkers as identified in step (a), or as optionally verified in step (b), by mass spectrometric measurement and/or antibody-based assays such as an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) determination of the candidate protein biomarkers in serum, plasma or any other derivatives of blood, or blood itself sample proteomes derived from healthy human individuals as well as from cancerous human individuals and selecting as protein/peptide biomarkers those which show a mass-spectrometrically measurable and/or antibody-based assay detectable differential behavior between healthy and cancerous sample proteomes; (d) application of statistical methods to uncover single or groups of protein/peptide biomarkers as validated in step (c) as signatures for the detection of patients with cancer. The invention furthermore relates to specific biomarker assays for the highly reliable diagnosis of cancer, specifically of localized or non-localized prostate cancer, using human serum, plasma or any other derivatives of blood, or blood itself.
US09377455B2
The invention provides a method of circulating magnetically responsive beads within a droplet in a droplet actuator. The invention also provides methods for splitting droplets. The invention, in one embodiment, makes use of a droplet actuator with top and bottom substrates, a plurality of magnetic fields respectively present proximate the top and bottom substrates, wherein at least one of the magnet fields is selectively alterable, and a plurality of droplet operations electrodes positioned along at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. A droplet is positioned between the top and bottom surfaces and at least one of the magnetic fields is selectively altered.
US09377450B2
A process for refining crude oil can be controlled to mitigate fouling by deploying a refractive index probe at a location suitable for making a crude oil stability determination, wherein the crude oil stability determination is relevant to controlling the refining process; making a measurement of crude oil stability; and then controlling the process for refining crude oil by maintaining the process or implementing a change to the process, based upon the determination of crude oil stability. This concept can also be applied to transporting, blending, and storing crude oil.
US09377441B2
A fluid sensor for sensing at least one characteristic of a fluid. The fluid sensor includes a sensing area, a sensing element and a mesh. The sensing element is configured to sense a characteristic of fluid located within the sensing area. The mesh is positioned around the sensing area. The mesh is configured to allow a liquid portion of the fluid to enter and exit the sensing area, and substantially prohibit a gas portion of the fluid to enter the channel.
US09377436B2
Electrophoresis gel cassette comprising a cassette housing defining a gel compartment for molding a gel member wherein the gel compartment comprises a fill port at an inlet end of the gel compartment and one or more over-fill ports at a distal end of the gel compartment with respect to a filling direction, and wherein the over-fill port(s) is arranged in fluidic communication with an overfill chamber.
US09377435B2
An electrochemical gas sensor includes additional gas diffusion electrodes incorporated to carry out one or more diagnostic functions while the sensor is responding to a target gas. Members of a plurality of sensing and diagnostic electrodes can be switched by associated control circuits to intermittently sense a target gas while others intermittently sense a different gas. The diagnostic electrodes are in direct communication with the target gas that is entering the cell.
US09377429B2
This invention relates to a correction liquid for a liquid membrane type ion-selective electrode that makes it possible to measure a ratio between a sodium ion concentration and a potassium ion concentration in urine by correcting for an influence from an ionic strength of the urine. The correction liquid comprises a sodium ion-sensitive part that selectively reacts with the sodium ion and a potassium ion-sensitive part that selectively reacts with the potassium ion, and measures a ratio between a sodium ion concentration and a potassium ion concentration in urine, and comprises the sodium ion, the potassium ion, and an electrolytic ionic strength modifier.
US09377425B2
A method for regenerating a particle sensor, which comprises a ceramic base body, in the exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine for driving a motor vehicle, wherein a particle loading of the particle sensor is determined by applying an electrical voltage between at least two electrodes with interdigital arrangement, a temperature of the particle sensor is determined with a temperature sensor mounted to the ceramic base body or from the electrical resistance of a heating element and said particle sensor is regenerated by means of heating with the electrical heating element.
US09377422B2
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for a microfluidic calorimeter apparatus. A microfluidic calorimeter system includes a calorimetry apparatus and a processor in connection with the apparatus. The apparatus includes a microfluidic laminar flow channel connected to two inlets for flowing fluid into the laminar flow channel. Below the laminar flow channel is a plurality of microscale temperature sensors at known positions in the channel. The processor is in connection with the discrete temperature sensors and determines a calorimetry measurement based on local temperatures derived from data output by the microscale temperature sensors and the respective positions of the sensors in the channel.
US09377412B2
An electronic device may have housing structures, electrical components, and other electronic device structures. Stress sensing structures may be formed using coatings on these electronic device structures. Stress sensing structures may have strip-shaped links that extend between pads or may be formed from blanket films. A stress sensing coating may be formed from a transparent thin film. The transparent thin film may be illuminated with monochromatic light while a video camera captures video images of resulting optical interference patterns. The video images may be captured during a test in which a device structure is exposed to stress from an impact between the device and an external object. Stress sensing coatings may also be formed from layers of material that develop cracks upon exposure to stress. Stress sensing structures may be used to evaluate stress during tests and to monitor stress during normal device use.
US09377404B2
This invention provides a plant health diagnostic method and a plant health diagnostic device for detecting initial disorder of a plant individual body carrying pests or the like in a large-scale plant cultivation field. The plant health diagnostic method is for diagnosing a health state of a plant in accordance with chlorophyll fluorescence emitted from chlorophyll of a plant body. The method includes: obtaining a first minimum point s after a maximum point p having largest chlorophyll fluorescence intensity and a first maximum point m after the minimum point s on a time course curve for the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity; defining chlorophyll fluorescence intensity values at the minimum point s and the first maximum point m after the minimum point s as S and M, respectively; and comparing the value S and the value M to evaluate the state of the plant. The state of the plant, which cannot be visually recognized from outer appearance, can be detected by comparison between the chlorophyll fluorescence intensity values (S and M), thereby realizing diagnosis of the state of the plant individual body in an early stage.
US09377400B2
A fluid analyzer includes an optical source and an optical detector defining an optical beam path through an interrogation region of a fluid flow cell. Motion control devices determine position of the interrogation region. Flow-control devices conduct analyte and reference fluids and manipulate fluid flow in response to control signals to position a fluid boundary across the interrogation region. A controller (1) generates a time-varying motion modulation signal to move the interrogation region across the fluid boundary, (2) samples an output signal from the optical detector at one time in which the interrogation region contains more analyte fluid than reference fluid and at a time at which the interrogation region contains more reference fluid than analyte fluid, thereby generating corresponding output signal samples, and (3) determines from the output signal samples a measurement value indicative of an optically measured characteristic of the analyte fluid.
US09377398B2
A liquid inspecting method, for inspecting the situation of containing explosives, explosive materials and/or illegal drugs in liquid filled in a light transmitting container, comprises a step for irradiating the liquid with near-infrared light from the outside of the container, a step for receiving near-infrared light transmitted through the liquid or scattered by the liquid, and a step for analyzing the absorption spectrum of received near-infrared light. The situation of containing explosives, explosive materials or illegal drugs in liquid filled in a light transmitting container such as a PET bottle or a glass bottle can be detected quickly and certainly from the outside of the container by providing a liquid inspecting method for analyzing the absorption spectrum, and a liquid inspecting device for use therein.
US09377397B2
A method is provided of calibrating a system that detects presence of a pollution component within exhaust gases proceeding along an exhaust passageway. A measurement cell of a probe is isolated by movement of either the entire probe or a shield within the probe from the exhaust gas to allow reference gas to be detected by a laser beam in the mid-infrared range in the measurement cell to calibrate the system. In another example, a laser source is placed on one side of an exhaust passageway and a detector is placed on the other side. A reference cell is provided that is used to receive reference gas and calibrate the system. In yet another example, the exhaust gas is extracted from the passageway and is measured in a reference cell. The reference cell is also filled with reference gas when it is desired to calibrate the system.
US09377391B2
The device comprises a chamber in which a UV radiation source and an enclosure are arranged, the enclosure comprising a bottom wall for mounting a specimen, a UV radiation filter facing the bottom wall and a plurality of sidewalls interconnecting the bottom wall and the UV radiation filter.
US09377388B2
A microsphere-based analytic chemistry system and method for making the same is disclosed in which microspheres or particles carrying bioactive agents may be combined randomly or in ordered fashion and dispersed on a substrate to form an array while maintaining the ability to identify the location of bioactive agents and particles within the array using an optically interrogatable, optical signature encoding scheme. A wide variety of modified substrates may be employed which provide either discrete or non-discrete sites for accommodating the microspheres in either random or patterned distributions. The substrates may be constructed from a variety of materials to form either two-dimensional or three-dimensional configurations. In a preferred embodiment, a modified fiber optic bundle or array is employed as a substrate to produce a high density array. The disclosed system and method have utility for detecting target analytes and screening large libraries of bioactive agents.
US09377381B2
Secure areas, such as at airports or other security-critical facilities, are entered from freely accessible areas, often by means of access locks. This bottleneck, which is present in any case, is used to check for substances of concern, such as drugs or explosive materials. In the case of solids, as is known, particles extracted from the access lock and retained in a screen are vaporized and the vapor is examined. Several of the screens are arranged on rotatable carrying disks and undergo consecutively the steps of vaporization and analysis. The aim of the invention is to make known methods more efficient in order to increase the throughput through such access locks. The aim is achieved by a device for which available heating and extraction elements are assigned to multiple rotational positions of the carrying disks, whereby adjacent rotational positions lie apart from each other by only half the distance of two screens.
US09377379B2
A method of assessing a condition of a wheel on a vehicle involves contactlessly determining distance of a first location on the wheel from a fixed point not on the wheel at a first time while the vehicle is moving and contactlessly determining distance of a second location on the wheel from the fixed point at a second time after the vehicle has moved. The two distances are compared to determine an offset between the first and second locations on the wheel. The offset provides an indication of tire wearing angle of the wheel while the vehicle is moving. The method can be used to assess wheel alignment and wheel suspension. An apparatus and system for effecting the method involves the use of a displacement sensor, especially an optical displacement sensor (e.g. a laser) for making the distance determinations. The system and apparatus is completely contactless and only one stationary displacement sensor is required to make the appropriate distance measurements to the wheel on a moving vehicle.
US09377363B2
An infrared camera architecture includes, for an embodiment, an infrared detector, a substrate, a plurality of electrical components coupled to the substrate, and a pedestal made of a thermally conductive material and having a leg coupled to the substrate. The infrared detector is supported by and thermally coupled to the pedestal, with the pedestal thermally isolating the infrared detector from the plurality of electrical components.
US09377359B1
An optical measuring system and a method for gas detection, the optical measuring system including a light emitter and at least one light detector arranged in at least one housing, wherein the light emitter emits a modulated main light beam with a mean wave length λ0 with a modulation span Δλ. At least one opto-mechanical component, e.g. a housing window including optically effective boundary surfaces, is arranged between the light emitter and the light detector and causes scatter light beams which interfere with the main light beam so that self-mixing occurs and/or etalons are caused. According to the invention the at least one opto-mechanical component is arranged relative to the light emitter and/or the light detector at an optimized distance L which is a function of the wave length λ0 and the modulation span Δλ of the main light beam.
US09377345B2
A scale includes a weigh station for receiving items to be weighed, an operator interface configured to display information associated with scale operations and a controller operably coupled to the operator interface to effect display of information. The operator interface may be in the form of a touch-screen display that is used to facilitate ease of use and scale adjustment.
US09377337B2
A syringe meter is provided, including a supply tank, a container with variable capacity, a transmission set, an air supply tube, a liquid outlet tube, and a plurality of valve elements; wherein the container being a bellows tube having two ends sealed; the supply tank having a cyclic tube and a pump connected to bellows tube so that a liquid able to circulate in supply tank and bellows tube; the transmission set being for compressing or pull bellows tube; the air supply tube and the liquid outlet tube being connected to the container; and the plurality of valve elements being disposed at the positions where tubes connected to bellows tube. As such, the capacity of the bellows tube is adjusted for outputting a preset volume, or the transmission set is activated to compress or pull the bellows tube after filling with a liquid to control the output volume.
US09377334B2
A flow meter for measuring the flow of fluid through a pipe. The flow meter has an elongate member attached to an interior surface of the pipe. The elongate member has a leading end, a trailing end, a longitudinal axis, a first side, and a second side. The first side extends from the leading end to the trailing end and defines a cylindrical cross-sectional shape with a radius of curvature corresponding to the radius of curvature of the pipe and extending along an arc of less than 180 degrees. The second side extends from the leading end to the trailing end and is exposed to the interior of the pipe. The second side forms a constriction in a cross-sectional area of the pipe. Pressure sensors determine a pressure differential caused by the elongate member which is used to determine the volume of fluid flowing through the pipe.
US09377331B2
Device for measuring out a non-compressible fluid, characterized in that it comprises a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet, the two first and second liquid inlets being in liquid contact with one another, downstream of the respective inlets; a first outlet of the device and a second outlet of the device, the two first and second outlets being in fluid contact with one another upstream and downstream of the respective outlets, the first outlet having a first outlet valve giving access to the first outlet, the second outlet having a second outlet valve giving access to the second outlet, the second outlet having a flowmeter between said second outlet valve and the connection between outlets downstream thereof.
US09377329B2
The invention relates to a sensor apparatus for detecting an object comprising a sensor head having a plurality of receiving spaces for individual sensor devices and a driving mechanism for providing a relative movement of the object relative to the sensor head in an advance direction during a detecting operation. The receiving spaces are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns, such that an array of receiving spaces with a rectangular pattern of the receiving spaces is formed, and the array of receiving spaces is tilted with regard to the advance direction such that the rows extend in a transverse direction relative to the advance direction and the receiving spaces of a successive row of the rectangular pattern are offset with regard to the receiving spaces of a preceding row of the rectangular pattern in a direction perpendicular to the advance direction.
US09377326B2
A power-assisted bicycle having a sensor with multiple magnet positions and magnetic fluxes unevenly distributed in a shell includes a sensor which includes a sensing element, a power assistance model processor, a digital-to-analog converter and an operational amplifier which are connected successively. The sensing element includes a rotary wheel, a static wheel, permanent magnets and a Hall component which are embedded within a hollow internal of the rotary wheel and said static wheel. On the rotary wheel, magnetic poles of the neighboring permanent magnets are opposite; the permanent magnets are spaced differently and have different magnetic fluxes. The Hall component on the static wheel is provided in proximity to the permanent magnets. The sensor is sleeved onto a middle shaft; the OPA is connected to a motor controller. Relative positions between the permanent magnets and the Hall component are fixed; the Hall component obtains a rectangular wave signal.
US09377316B2
A method and apparatus for providing a location service are disclosed. The method is performed at a mobile device having one or more processors and memory for storing programs to be executed by the one or more processors. The method includes storing respective geographic positions for a set of points of interest (POIs). The method includes determining a current location and a current viewing direction of a user while storing the respective geographic positions of the set of POIs. The method also includes identifying, based on the stored geographic positions and the current location and viewing direction of the user, a subset of POIs within a current field of view associated with the user from the set of POIs. The method further includes mapping the current location of the user and the respective geographic positions of the subset of POIs onto a user interface displayed on the mobile device.
US09377314B2
A vehicle includes a navigation system and a processing device. The navigation system is configured to identify a current location of the vehicle, a destination location, and a distance between the current location and the destination location. The processing device is configured to identify a task, associate the task to the destination location, and schedule the task according to the distance from the destination location.
US09377311B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for assigning identifiers to geographic locations within digital map data, comprising selecting a region within the map data, dividing the region into a first plurality of cells each uniquely addressable by an identifier of a first length, selecting a portion of the region and dividing the portion into a second plurality of cells each uniquely addressable by an identifier of a second length, wherein the second length is shorter length than the first length and a geographic location within the portion of the region may be uniquely identified by an identifier of the first length and an identifier of the second length.
US09377302B2
The present invention is a distance finder apparatus and system operable to project a laser beam spread in a line across a plane, and to determine the distance between a lens and objects that points of the spread laser beam contacts. The present invention comprises: a rangefinder incorporating an optical plate operable to cause an invisible laser beam to be spread, and a visible laser beam to be scattered, in a line along a plane, and the rangefinder is operable to measure distances at points where beams contact one or more objects; a visible pointer laser; and one or more display units. Locations where the spread beam contacts the one or more objects may be at variant distances, and measurements may be determined at any point along the scattered beam.
US09377298B2
A method for surveying an object for and/or using a geodetic surveying device that include a derivation of an item of surface information at least for one object region, at least one geodetically precise single point determination for the object region, wherein a position of at least one object point is determined geodetically precisely, and an update of the item of surface information based on the determined position of the at least one object point. In some embodiments a scan to derive the item of surface information may be performed using object-point-independent scanning of the object region by progressive alignment changes of the measuring radiation, with a determination of a respective distance and of a respective alignment of the measuring radiation emitted for the distance measurement for scanning points lying within the object region, and having a generation of a point cloud which represents the item of surface information.
US09377289B2
A distance measuring apparatus for detecting the position of a reflection body in a line structure is provided that includes a sensor device, which has at least one antenna for feeding a transmission signal as an electromagnetic wave into the line structure and for receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected on the reflection body. The sensor device also includes evaluation electronics which are configured to determine the position of the reflection body from the phase difference between the transmitted and the received wave.
US09377288B2
A dendrometer comprises a dendrometer band whose length is extendable for encircling a tree trunk. The dendrometer further comprises an elongated electronic component that is closely or contiguously attached to the dendrometer band for moving along with the dendrometer band in order to follow length extension of the dendrometer band. Length variation of the dendrometer band is configured to be converted to electronic signals by the electronic component.
US09377285B2
A magnetic field sensor can use a variety of different current spinning phase sequences, and/or can provide an angle error value to correct and/or minimize errors of the magnetic field sensor, A circuit using this magnetic field sensor can process output signals from an angle sensing element to provide an output signal that has a high degree of angle accuracy and a relatively high speed.
US09377277B1
A muzzle loaded ammunition round having a bullet and a consumable cartridge case. The cartridge case is hollow and is filled with at least one propellant composition, the cartridge case being constructed from a consumable material, such as foamed celluloid. The bullet is commonly engaged to the propellant composition at least via the cartridge case, the propellant composition having a charge weight.
US09377274B2
A system for coupling various types of firearm accessories to a firearm having an accessory rail may include a coupling member. The coupling member may include a head and a threaded body. The head may have a diameter that fits through a first region of an accessory rail of a firearm but not through a second region. A method of coupling a firearm accessory to a firearm may include inserting the head of the coupling member through the first region of the accessory rail and moving the threaded body into the second region of the accessory rail. The method may further include driving the threaded body into the threaded hole such that the coupling member and firearm accessory are compressed against the accessory rail.
US09377273B1
An alignment tool for alignment of a scope mounted to a rail of a firearm is disclosed herein. In various aspects, the alignment tool includes a support removably securable to a rail of a firearm, and a laser line generator adjustably positionably attached to the support. The laser line generator may project a line having a known geometric relationship to the rail, and a reticle of the scope mounted to the rail may be aligned with the line. Related methods of use are disclosed herein.
US09377268B2
A system for bow gripping is disclosed. A system incorporating teachings of the present disclosure may include a grip component configured to couple to a bow. In some embodiments, the grip component may interact and/or attached to an archer's lead hand. Some components may have a third metacarpal offset that encourages a grip angle of over twenty degrees. Depending on design goals, the encouraged grip angle may also be larger or smaller than twenty degrees. The grip component may also include a mechanism for attaching the component to an archer's bow or hand.
US09377263B1
This invention is directed to muzzle devices for firearms and, in particular, to muzzle brakes and compensators (“Muzzle Devices”). More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiments hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to a concussion reducing device (“CRD”) associated with said Muzzle Devices.
US09377262B2
A barrel for a semiautomatic firearm operating under the short recoil system has one or more cam followers projecting outwardly to engage one or more cams positioned on an inner surface of a slide surrounding the barrel. Interaction between the cams and the cam followers controls the angle between the longitudinal axis of the barrel and the axis of motion of the slide to prevent the breech end of the barrel from moving too far as the barrel tilts as it unlocks from the slide, ensuring that the extractor will engage the rim of a spent casing and extract it from the chamber during recoil.
US09377255B2
Firearms with bolt mechanisms, ambidextrous functionality, and/or isolated receivers are disclosed herein. A multi-caliber ambidextrous firearm can have a receiver and a bolt mechanism with a bolt that seats against one or more load bearing surfaces of the receiver. The load bearing surfaces can be configured to maintain proper contact before, during, and/or after a firing event. A bolt head of the bolt mechanism can be replaced to use the bolt mechanism with different cartridges.
US09377248B2
An accumulator and an air conditioner having the same are provided. The air conditioner may include at least one indoor unit connected to an outdoor unit, the outdoor unit including a compressor compressing refrigerant and an accumulator transferring gas refrigerant into the compressor. The accumulator may include a housing, an inflow tube guiding refrigerant into the housing through a guide tube, and a discharge tube discharging the refrigerant from the housing. A portion of the guide tube protrudes out of the housing, and a distance between the discharge tube and a bottom of the housing is greater than that between the protruded portion of the guide tube and the bottom of the housing.
US09377247B2
The present invention relates to methods of integrating one or more thermal processes with one another, wherein the thermal processes to be integrated have different supply and demand criteria for thermal energy. The method involves the use of one or more thermal stores.
US09377245B2
A method of in-situ reconditioning a heat exchanger includes the steps of: providing an in-service heat exchanger comprising a precipitate-strengthened alloy wherein at least one mechanical property of the heat exchanger is degraded by coarsening of the precipitate, the in-service heat exchanger containing a molten salt working heat exchange fluid; deactivating the heat exchanger from service in-situ; in a solution-annealing step, in-situ heating the heat exchanger and molten salt working heat exchange fluid contained therein to a temperature and for a time period sufficient to dissolve the coarsened precipitate; in a quenching step, flowing the molten salt working heat-exchange fluid through the heat exchanger in-situ to cool the alloy and retain a supersaturated solid solution while preventing formation of large precipitates; and in an aging step, further varying the temperature of the flowing molten salt working heat-exchange fluid to re-precipitate the dissolved precipitate.
US09377230B2
A controller, a water source heat pump and a computer useable medium are disclosed herein. In one embodiment the controller includes: (1) an interface configured to receive operating data and monitoring data from the water source heat pump and transmit control signals to components of thereof and (2) a processor configured to respond to the operating data or the monitoring data by operating at least one motor-operated valve of the water source heat pump via a control signal.
US09377227B2
A refrigerator includes an inner case, an outer case, a vacuum space, and a liquid-gas interchanger. The inner case defines an exterior appearance of a storage space. The outer case is spaced apart a predetermined distance from the inner case. The vacuum space is provided between the inner case and the outer case, and maintains a vacuum to insulate the inner case from the outer case. The liquid-gas interchanger is arranged in the vacuum space to generate heat exchange between a refrigerant after it is exhausted from an evaporator and a refrigerant before it is drawn into an evaporator.
US09377224B2
A heat pump apparatus includes a heat source unit that cools or heats a refrigerant, an indoor unit that performs a cooling operation, and a hot water supply unit that performs a hot water supply operation. When there is an operation request for one of the indoor unit and the hot water supply unit, even when there is no operation request for the other, the heat pump apparatus causes both the one and the other to operate if the other satisfies a certain condition so that the hot water supply unit performs a hot water supply operation by utilizing a refrigerant heated by performing a cooling operation in the indoor unit and the indoor unit performs a cooling operation by utilizing a refrigerant cooled by performing a hot water supply operation in the hot water supply unit.
US09377221B2
A heat pump system is provided that uses multiple stages of MCMs with different Curie temperature ranges. An adjustable fluid flow path is used whereby the number of stages through which a heat transfer fluid passes can be varied depending upon e.g., the amount of heating or cooling desired. In certain embodiments, a magnetic field used to activate the MCMs can be manipulated so that the number of stages of MCMs that are activated also be adjusted. These and other features can improve the operating efficiency of the heat pump.
US09377216B2
An overheat protection device (OPD) is implemented independently of the circulating system of a solar thermal collector and isolated from the environment. The system facilitates operation of a solar thermal collector at elevated internal temperatures (versus reducing or ceasing operation above a critical temperature). OPD includes a heat pipe filled with at least two fluids. In a non-heat conducting state, a temperature at an evaporator portion of the heat pipe is below a transition temperature and the dual-fluid includes at least one fluid in a liquid state and at least one fluid in a gaseous state. When the temperature at the evaporator is above the pre-defined transition temperature the OPD undergoes an abrupt transition to a heat conducting state, whereby the dual-fluid transfers heat from the evaporator area to the condenser area, thus transitioning from a state of thermal isolation from an environment to one of strong thermal coupling.
US09377208B2
Provided is a floating type humidifier, and more particularly, a floating type humidifier capable of humidifying an indoor area by using an external water source while floating on water due to use of a floating unit of a hollow type so that the floating type humidifier discharges water droplets or vapour in a floating state. The floating type humidifier includes a floating body having a hollow and a water inlet hole in a lower portion through which water is introduced from the outside so that the floating body floats in a water container; an ultrasound vibrator inserted in the water inlet hole of the floating body to change the water introduced from the water container into water particles or vapor; a guide coupled to an upper end portion of the water inlet hole of the floating body to guide the water particles or the vapor generated by the ultrasound vibrator to the outside, and formed like a pipe having a guide hole in a side surface; and a discharge unit provided on the floating body under the guide hole so as to guide the water particles or the vapor from the guide to the guide hole and to discharge the water particles or the vapor to the outside.
US09377203B2
An oven gasket is provided for improved sealing between the door and oven body of an oven appliance as the oven is heated. The oven gasket expands when heated so as to help improve sealing. The expansion of the gasket provides additional compression of the gasket and closes gaps that might otherwise form due to expansion of the oven door as the oven heats. The gasket can be effective even at high temperature oven operation such as e.g., during a cleaning cycle.
US09377202B2
A system includes a gas turbine engine having a combustor, and a fuel blending system. The fuel blending system further includes a first fuel supply configured to supply a first fuel, a second fuel supply configured to supply a second fuel, a first fuel circuit, a second fuel circuit, and a controller. The first fuel circuit may be configured to blend the first fuel and the second fuel to form a first fuel mixture. The second fuel circuit may be configured to blend the first fuel and the second fuel to form a second fuel mixture. The controller may be configured to regulate blending of the first fuel mixture and the second fuel mixture based on a measured composition of the first fuel.
US09377189B2
An oscillating combustor can support a time-sequenced combustion reaction having rich and lean phases by applying a variable voltage charge to a fuel stream or flame that flows adjacent to a conductive or semiconductive flame holder held in electrical continuity with an activation voltage.
US09377185B2
A light emitting diode lamp may include a socket; a first circuit board; and at least one plug connector electrically connected to the socket; wherein the connector is connected to the circuit board by means of a plug section.
US09377184B2
A light bulb holder module with a function of sharing wireless network is disclosed. The light bulb holder module is embedded into a light bulb slot and is externally connected to a light bulb. The light bulb holder module includes a light bulb holder, an electronic switch, a control unit, a network input port, a wireless transmission chip, and an antenna unit. The network input port is connected to a modem via a network wire to receive network services. The wireless transmission chip receives and converts network signals and then transmits the network signals out via the antenna unit. The wireless transmission chip is electrically connected to the control unit so that external control signals are received by the wireless transmission chip and controlled by the control unit to control the electronic switch to be turned on or turned off, thus lightening or extinguishing the light bulb.
US09377175B2
An LED street light includes a bottom cover, a top cover connected with the bottom cover, a lamp board, and a plurality of lenses mounted on the top cover. The lamp board comprises a plurality of LEDs. A substantial portion of the top cover and bottom cover is composed of thermally conductive material. The bottom cover comprises a plurality of outwardly extending extensions aiding in heat dissipation. The top cover includes a plurality of recesses receiving the LEDs, and each recess includes a plurality of side walls and a bottom surface providing a large heat-dissipating area. One or more of the recesses includes at least one opening between two adjacent side walls.
US09377172B2
A lighting balloon including a deformable envelope, at least one lighting mechanism mounted inside the envelope, and a supporting and stretching mechanism for the envelope, including a plate carrying the lighting mechanism and with a longitudinally extending distancing element mounted on the plate. The supporting and stretching mechanism cooperates with an apex and a base of the envelope to stretch the envelope in the longitudinal direction. The balloon further includes at least one shape-maintaining mechanism mounted on the envelope and arranged transversely in relation to the distancing element.
US09377169B2
A light source system comprising a projection lens, which is capable of producing a far-field image of a light source. The light source comprises a photoluminescent material that when illuminated by light from laser emitters of a first waveband emits light of a second or more wavebands of longer wavelength. The resulting light emission produces a color perceived as white. The light source is illuminated by a plurality of laser emitters arranged to illuminate the light source in an array-like manner from the front side. Control of the output of one or more of the laser emitters results in a variation of the spatial emission distribution from the light source and hence a variation of the far-field beam spot distribution via non-mechanical means. An optical system is arranged to image light emitted from the photoluminescent material into the far-field, which optical system comprises a converging lens.
US09377166B2
A lens, LED module and an illumination system includes an illuminated area; and at least an LED module for illuminating the illuminated area. The LED module includes an LED, and a lens mounted in the light path of the LED. The lens includes an optical axis, a light source recess arranged through the optical axis, a light emitting surface crossing through the optical axis, and a critical reflection surface arranged between the light source recess and the light emitting surface, wherein the light source recess is a rectangular hole in a section view which is vertical to the optical axis and has a center axis which overlaps with the optical axis, the light source recess has a wedge-shaped hole in a section view along the optical axis, the wedge-shaped hole has a top wall which crosses through the optical axis, the top wall has a convex surface.
US09377156B2
A magnetic ball joint, usable in connection with a convertible stand/table, as well as in other applications, utilizes an array of interleaved magnets and ferromagnetic bodies to both magnetically engage and retain a magnetically-attractive ball using concentrated magnetic force as well as to provide frictional resistance to movement of the ball in the joint.
US09377154B2
A bracket for supporting a portable electronic device is disclosed. The bracket includes a base, a housing receiving the portable electronic device and an arm connecting the base with the housing. The arm defines a slot which has a plurality of teeth arranged along a lengthwise direction thereof. A connector extends through the slot of the arm into the housing. The connector has two elastic tabs movably engaging with the teeth to thereby position the housing at different heights of the arm.
US09377148B2
Improvements to electrofusion fittings that enable the integrity of a weld between an electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining (or stand-alone pipe) to be tested in the field, and corresponding methods of installation and testing. An electrofusion fitting for joining sections of lined pipe has heating elements configured to create at least one weld between the electrofusion fitting and a pipe lining, and a channel provides fluid access to a test region between the electrofusion fitting and the pipe lining to allow leak testing to be performed. The channel may be provided through the fitting itself, or alternatively through the pipe lining. Methods of fabricating or laying pipeline may incorporate use of the improved fitting whether using length-by-length construction methods or joining subsequent reel-laid or towed-in pipe lengths. A closed bevel welding approach, permitting high speed automatic pipeline welding processes to be employed, is described in which the closed bevel is drilled through to allow access there through for providing leak testing and/or electrical power to the heating elements.
US09377147B2
Devices, systems and methods for improved multi-jet manifolds for spas, spa accessories and plumbing components are provided. A spa manifold with a first elongated pipe structure with a plurality of arms, a plurality of pipe segments sized to fit one or more of the first pipe arms, and a second elongated pipe structure with a plurality of arms is provided. A plurality of housing pipe segments attached to the remainder of the manifold is also provided, with the housing segments sized to house a jet and/or other spa accessories. A system for providing water and/or air to a grouping of jets and/or spa accessories through at least one manifold is also provided.
US09377144B2
A quick connector includes a female member and a male member. The male member includes a retaining member to connect the male member and the female member. The retaining member includes an operated portion provided at an extending end of the extending portion and a claw portion. The female member includes a window portion with which the claw portion of the retaining member comes into engagement. The engagement is releasable by elastically deforming the operated portion of the retaining member toward the axis line of the male member. A release tool includes at least one operating portion which is configured to come into contact with the at least one operated portion of the retaining member to press the at least one operated portion toward the axis line of the male member so as to release connection between the male member and the female member.
US09377134B2
A hanger (10) for an elongate article comprises an article holding arrangement, which includes a first part (16) mountable on a support, and a second part (18) movably connected to the first part. The second part (18) is moveable relative to the first part (16) between open and closed positions. A securing arrangement is provided for securing the second part (18) in the closed position. A closing member (36) is operable by the article to move the second part (18) to the closed position.
US09377131B2
A pipe puller apparatus includes a body and a main actuator mounted on the body. A strut assembly is also mounted on the body and includes a first shoe and a second shoe. The first shoe is adapted to engage a first interior wall of a pipe and the second shoe is adapted to engage a second interior wall of the pipe. The strut assembly includes a strut actuator that is adapted to increase the distance between the first shoe and the second shoe.
US09377119B2
A butterfly valve and a valve system using the butterfly valve are disclosed. The butterfly valve includes a valve body and a valve disk disposed in the body such that the valve disk may be rotated between at least a first position and a second position using a linear actuator. The actuator may be a linear solenoid coupled to the valve disk spaced a distance from the axis of rotation of the valve disk.
US09377117B2
In a pressure reducing valve, a valve rod forms one portion of a side wall of a piston, and is connected to the piston inwardly of a sliding contact area, which is held in sliding contact with an inner wall of a body. More specifically, a connection location between the valve rod and the piston is located at the interior of the piston.
US09377116B2
A valve is provided. The valve includes a housing including an interior and a side wall at least partially delimiting the interior, a valve element within the interior of the housing and configured to be selectively operable between an open position and a closed position. The valve element includes an interior and a side wall at least partially delimiting the interior of the valve element. The valve also includes a series of pressure relief devices within the side walls of the housing and the valve element. The series of pressure relief devices include at least one check valve and are configured to provide flow communication from the interior of the housing to exterior of the housing upon actuation of the at least one check valve.
US09377109B2
A seal structure of a rotary machine is such that: an outer circumference side member has a ring-shaped flange which projects radially inward and extends about the axis; an inner circumference side member has a flange which is of a ring shape projecting radially outward and extending about the axis, and which is opposite to the flange of the outer circumference side member from the axial direction; in either flange, there is formed a ring-shaped groove part which is recessed from the end surface facing the other flange; in the groove part, a ring-shaped seal body advances and retracts to come in contact with the other flange; and there is a first biasing device biasing body toward the other flange side, and a second biasing device biasing it toward the wall surface of the groove part.
US09377108B2
A compliant plate seal assembly for a turbo machine includes a rotor and a stationary component. A plurality of compliant plates are coupled circumferentially to the stationary component. A natural frequency of each compliant plate varies from a natural frequency of adjacent compliant plates and/or gaps between adjacent plates to produce a zero-oscillation state between adjacent compliant plates in flow.
US09377107B2
A sealing construct for a space environment includes a seal-bearing object, a seal on the seal-bearing object, and a seal-engaging object. The seal includes a seal body having a sealing surface, and a textured pattern at the sealing surface, the textured pattern defining at least one shaded channel surface. The seal-engaging object is selectively engaged with the seal-bearing object through the seal. The seal-engaging object has a sealing surface, wherein, when the seal-engaging object is selectively engaged with the seal-bearing object, the sealing surface of the seal-engaging object engages the sealing surface of the seal, and the seal is compressed between the seal-bearing object and the seal-engaging object such that at least one shaded channel surface engages the sealing surface of the seal-engaging object.
US09377105B2
Inserts and insert kits for converting internal combustion engines to multi-stage compressors are disclosed herein. An insert kit in accordance with present technology can include a first insert configured to be positioned at least partially within a first compression cylinder of an engine to reduce the volume by a first amount. A second insert can be configured to be positioned at least partially within a second compression cylinder of the engine to reduce the volume of the second compression cylinder by a second amount, greater than the first amount. Additionally, a first compression piston can be configured to be positioned within the first insert to compress a gas to a first volume. A second compression piston can be configured to be positioned within the second insert to compress the gas to a second volume, smaller than the first volume.
US09377102B2
An apparatus for determining failure of an automatic transmission having gear engaging mechanisms engaging one of gears to input shafts and an output shaft, a first to third pressure-regulating valves, a first and second shift valves, and a failure determiner. The failure determiner energizes a solenoid valve to output a clutch pressure to one of the gear engaging mechanisms when the clutch pressure is less than a prescribed pressure, determines whether the one of the gear engaging mechanisms operates based on output of an operating state detector, and determines that the second pressure-regulating valve has failed when the one of the gear engaging mechanisms is determined to be inoperative.
US09377099B2
A transmission system includes a housing having a sump, the housing containing a crown wheel and a pinion. The transmission system further includes an oil reservoir and a pump selectively operable to pump fluid from the oil reservoir to the sump for lubricating the crown wheel. The pump is selectively operable to pump fluid from the sump to the reservoir.
US09377095B2
In a differential device, an outer tube portion is formed in one of a side gear and a sleeve, and an inner tube portion fitted to an inner periphery of the outer tube portion is formed in the other. An engagement portion is provided in the outer tube portion. A key member movable between a first position where the member is detached from the engagement portion to allow withdrawal of the sleeve and a second position where the member is engaged with the engagement portion, is attached to the inner tube portion. The member is forcibly held at the second position by a drive shaft when the shaft is fitted and inserted into the sleeve to be spline-fitted to the gear. Accordingly, a differential gear mechanism is disassembled by removing the sleeves from the gears and when the shafts are attached, connection between the sleeves and the gears is ensured.
US09377091B2
Shaft assemblies include an elongate shaft having a plurality of closely spaced apart external notches with wall segments having a greater outer diameter than an outer diameter of the notches residing therebetween and at least one self-retaining locking ring that engages one of the notches to axially lock into position on the shaft and provide a pull out force that is between about 100 lbf to about 1000 lbf. The notches can have a width that is between about 0.010 inches to about 0.020 inches, on average, and a depth that is between about 0.001 inches to about 0.010 inches, on average.
US09377088B2
A tensioner which adjusts the mean tensioner force to keep the chain tension as low as possible without sacrificing chain control, significantly improving drive efficiency as the chain wears and is subject to low dynamic loads.
US09377085B2
A four-stage multi-stage transmission in which the carrier (12) of the first planetary gear set (1) is connected with a sun gear (41) of the fourth planetary set, a ring gear (43) of the fourth planetary gear set (4) is connected with the output shaft (71), a ring gear (13) of the first planetary gear set (1) and a carrier (22) of the second planetary gear set (2) can be coupled with the housing (72), via a first brake (51). A sun gear (11) of the first planetary gear set (1) can be coupled with the housing (72), via a second brake (52), and the ring gear (43) can be coupled with the sun gear (41), respectively, of the fourth planetary gear set (4) via a first clutch (61).
US09377082B2
An inverted tooth chain and sprocket drive system in which the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (σ), the link plate entrance angle Beta (β), and other aspects of the meshing geometry are controlled and optimized to reduce noise and vibration by using a particular chain link plate form and, in preferred cases, by modifying the sprocket tooth pressure angle. The system can include first and second sprockets for which the pressure angle can be controlled to ensure that the desired values for the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (σ), and the link plate entrance angle Beta (β) are equal for both sprockets even though the sprockets have different tooth counts. For a chain pitch P in the range of 6.35 mm to 8.0 mm, the initial contact distance ICD is controlled such that 0.49P≦ICD≦0.53P, the meshing impact angle Sigma (σ) is controlled such that σ≦34°, and the link plate entrance angle Beta (β) is controlled such that β≦9°. For certain alternative chain and/or sprocket configurations, σ≦33° and β≦9°, or σ≦31° and β≦7°.
US09377080B2
A method for terminating a rope sliding a socket over the rope which includes unlaying the outer strands of the rope, sliding a wedge onto the core such that the outer strands surround the wedge, the wedge includes a central bore axially aligned with the socket, further sliding the wedge such that the core enters the central bore and is terminated by the wedge, pressing the outer strands of the rope against the wedge, sliding the socket over the wedge such that the outer strands are captured between the wedge and the socket, and swaging the socket such that the outer strands are secured.
US09377079B2
A dynamic platform with extending struts has fastened thereto a bi-directional torsional power unit to selectively deliver force opposing either extension or flexion, and to provide assistance in a respective opposite direction. The power unit is threadably mounted on a hinge pin (spline) centrally located on the platform, and is latched to a catch assembly radially located thereto, the hinge pin of the platform communicating with one end of a torsion spring of the power unit and the catch assembly communicating with another end of the torsion spring, to selectively deliver the extension/flexion force. The power unit can be detached, with simple manual operation of the catch assembly, without tools, flipped over and reattached to the same platform attachment points to switch (reverse) extension torque to flexion torque and vice versa.
US09377076B2
A magneto-rheological (MR) damping system for preventing stratification of MR fluid is disclosed. The MR damping system has a housing, a piston, and a stir band. The piston operably reciprocates within the housing and includes a circumferential portion. The circumferential portion has a groove. The stir band is disposed in the groove of the piston and includes an outer periphery and a plurality of flexible protrusions. The flexible protrusions have a head portion and a tail portion. The head portion is fixed to the outer periphery. The tail portion extends from the head portion and is disjointed from the outer periphery and is substantially flexible relative to the head portion. Therefore, the stir band diverts a flow of MR fluid in one of a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction about the circumferential portion of the piston, during a reciprocatory movement of the piston.
US09377072B2
A wet-running multi-disc brake includes stator discs, which are arranged in parallel to and at a distance from each other in a rotationally fixed manner, and a rotatable rotor disc positioned in each case between the stator discs. The radially extending stator discs and rotor discs can be pressed against one another during braking by way of a brake application device while overcoming a clearance. The wet-running multi-disc brake is designed such that the brake application device can be mechanically actuated and, via an actuating unit, engages a self-energizing device, which includes a pressure ring that can be pressed towards the rotor discs during braking independently from the rotational direction of the rotor discs.
US09377065B2
A method of operating a hydraulic retarder includes directing fluid from a retarder pump to the retarder when the retarder is turned on, directing fluid from a main pump by way of a torque converter to the retarder when the retarder is on, but not filled. When the retarder is off or is on and filled, the method includes directing fluid from the main pump by way of the torque converter to at least one of a lube operation, the tank or a cooler.
US09377064B2
A multiple-piston disc brake includes a brake caliper overlapping brake disc, at least two pressure pistons that are movably arranged in the brake caliper to apply a clamping force to at least one brake pad in the direction of the brake disc, a pressure plate that is coupled to the at least two pressure pistons, and a clamping unit that has a pressure tube and an adjustment device, abridge and a lever. Each of the at least two pressure pistons is mounted in an axially movable manner in a pressure piston guide securely connected to the brake caliper.
US09377063B2
The hydraulic control device includes a hydraulic fluid temperature estimation means for estimating the temperature of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic clutch (actuator). The hydraulic fluid temperature estimation means calculates an output of logistic regression from an integrated value of driving currents and an average value of driving voltage of the electric motor. If the calculated output of the logistic regression is equal to or more than a first threshold value, the hydraulic fluid estimation means calculates a posteriori probability from such output. If the calculated posteriori probability is equal to or more than the second threshold larger than the first threshold value, the hydraulic fluid temperature estimation means determines the posteriori probability to be a final determination result, thereby determining the temperature of the hydraulic fluid to be a predetermined temperature.
US09377061B2
An electromagnetic system for controlling the operating mode of an overrunning coupling assembly is provided. A control member is mounted for controlled shifting movement between coupling faces of coupling members and a stator structure including at least one electromagnetic source to create a magnetic force when energized. A magnetic or ferromagnetic translator structure is coupled to the control member for selective, small displacement, control member movement. The translator structure is magnetically coupled to the stator structure across an air gap and is supported for translational movement relative to the stator structure along a path between first and second stable end positions. The translator structure completes a path of magnetic flux to magnetically latch in at least one of the end positions and to translate along the path between the end positions upon experiencing a net translational force.
US09377057B2
To provide a rolling bearing in which a favorable antirust performance can be obtained while reducing an amount of antirust oil than before, after removing chloride ions and sulfate ions from the entire surface of the bearing, antirust oil is provided to adhere thereto at an average film thickness of 4.5 μm to 10 μm, and the entire bearing is covered with a volatile corrosion inhibitor film such that a space between the volatile corrosion inhibitor film and the bearing is kept in a pressure-reduced condition.
US09377050B2
A retainer of a linear guideway comprises a retaining member a supporting member. The retaining member has a base portion and two side wing portions integrally extended from the base portion. The base portion has a receiving groove, and each side wing portion has a positioning opening. One positioning opening is offset with respect to the receiving groove along a first direction, and another positioning opening is offset with respect to the receiving groove along a second direction opposite to the first direction. One side portion of the supporting member is wedged to the receiving groove of the base portion. Thus, the instant disclosure provides the retainer for positioning two staggered circulation tubes.
US09377040B2
A clip for assembling corners of hollow members such as the rails and stiles of an extruded aluminum door. The clip has an L shape and may feature a double L shape. A portion inserts into the hollow of a first member and is attached thereto. Another portion extends into the other hollow member for attachment thereto to form a sturdy joint without welding. Pairs of clips may be used at each corner.
US09377038B2
Self-aligning couplers and methods for aligning superposed surfaces include a circular and semi-spherical base formed on a first surface, a fastening element perpendicularly passing through the circular and semi-spherical base and associated to a second surface, and at least a semi-spherical insert disposed on the circular and semi-spherical base and concentric to the fastening element. The semi-spherical insert is cooperative with the circular and semi-spherical base and the fastening element for the self-alignment and superposed fastening of the first and second surfaces.
US09377031B2
In an accumulator having an accumulator housing which is provided with an oil port connected to a pressure piping of equipment, and an inner portion of the accumulator housing being sectioned into a gas chamber filling with gas and a fluid chamber communicating with the oil port by a bellows and a bellows cap, the bellows cap seals the fluid chamber by coming into contact with a seal on the basis of movement in a stroke in the case that a pressure of the pressure piping is decreased, and the seal is retained by a seal retaining portion which is provided in an inner peripheral side of the seal. In the accumulator, a seal diameter of the seal is set to be larger than an effective diameter of the bellows at a position where the seal comes into contact with the bellows cap.
US09377023B2
An air compressor includes a compression mechanism for compressing intake air and discharging the compressed air, and an intake chamber portion through which intake air is introduced into the compression mechanism. The intake chamber portion has an inlet of intake air and an outlet connected to the compression mechanism. The intake chamber portion is integrated with the compression mechanism. The intake chamber portion has therein a partition wall extending in the direction from the inlet toward the outlet to form plural flow passages in the intake chamber portion. The plural flow passages have different flow path lengths and connect between the inlet and the outlet.
US09377020B2
Methods for controlling the net-displacement of a rotary fluid pressure device are disclosed. One of the net-displacement control methods (47) includes obtaining a desired input parameter (23) and a relative position (21) of a first member (43) and a second member (35) of a fluid displacement mechanism. A determination of a first and second output value is then made for each of a plurality of volume chambers (45) when the volume chambers (45) are supplied with fluid at fluid inlet and fluid outlet conditions, respectively. A total output value is then computed for each of a plurality of control valve configurations (63) and compared to the desired input parameter (23). The control valve configuration (63) with the total output value most similar to the desired input parameter (23) is then selected. A plurality of control valves (15) are then actuated in accordance with the selected control valve configuration (63).
US09377008B2
There is provided a wind power installation comprising a synchronous generator which has a generator stator and a generator rotor for producing electric energy. The wind power installation further has a fluid cooling system for cooling the generator rotor.
US09376997B1
An electronic fuel injection throttle body unit has a core body with two side components. The two side components each including a fuel delivery passage. Four air intake passages extending vertically through the throttle body. Valves are rotatable within the air intake passages. The valves being connected to valve shafts that rotate about respective valve shaft axes. The valve shaft axes and the fuel delivery passages are perpendicular to each other.
US09376996B2
A problem exists that in the case that a prior injection (a pilot injection B or a previous injection C) before a main injection A is executed when an engine is driven at a low load, a defective ignition and a defective combustion tend to be caused, an amount of carbon monoxide (CO) in an exhaust gas becomes excessive, and the carbon monoxide is discharged as white smoke. An engine device is mounted to a working vehicle, and a common rail type fuel injection device which injects fuel to the engine at multiple stages during one combustion cycle. The common rail type fuel injection device does not execute the prior injections B and C coming before the main injection A in the case that a load applied to the engine is in a low load state in which a load is lower than that at a working time by the working vehicle.
US09376993B2
A lever device for a fuel injection valve includes a housing with a housing recess, at least one lever element arranged in the housing recess and having a coupling section coupled to a section of the housing, a drive element arranged in the housing recess and coupled to the at least one lever element to act upon the at least one lever element in the direction of a force-action axis, and an output element arranged in the housing recess and coupled to the at least one lever element such that the output element may be moved in the force-action axis direction by the at least one lever element. The coupling section of the lever element has at least one recess that defines at least two coupling section contact surfaces spaced apart from one another and resting against the housing section.
US09376985B2
A swirler includes an inner shroud positioned radially inside an outer shroud. At least one of the outer shroud and inner shroud has a major diameter and a minor diameter, the major diameter being greater than the minor diameter, the major and minor diameters defining an ovate shape. The swirler further includes a plurality of vanes extending between the inner and outer shrouds.
US09376982B2
In consideration of a force acting on a valve, wear in the valve or in a valve seat is suppressed and thereby the frequency of lifetime use of a fuel injector is increased. In a control apparatus for controlling a driving current that is allowed to pass to a fuel injector including a solenoid, after a first injection pulse width for injecting fuel is finished and before a second injection pulse width, which is to be output subsequently to the first injection pulse width for injecting the fuel, is started, a third pulse width 421 for allowing the driving current to pass through the solenoid is output and the driving current that is to be allowed to flow through the solenoid by the third pulse 421 is controlled in accordance with one of a measurement value and a predictive value of a fuel pressure.
US09376981B2
An injection valve injects a given amount of fuel into an engine in response to an injection pulse. An ECU inputs the injection pulse corresponding to an amount of injected fuel. The ECU inputs information on an amount of injected fuel corresponding to the number of injection pulses to a display controlling portion through a communication line. The ECU produces the information on the amount of injected fuel composed of digital data whenever a given number of injection pulses corresponds to the given amount of fuel. The display controlling portion decides that the given amount of fuel is injected from the injection valve when a predetermined number of pieces of digital data are properly received. The display controlling portion calculates an instantaneous fuel consumption based on an amount of injected fuel thus decided and an operating distance to cause a meter to display information on the instantaneous fuel consumption.
US09376980B2
A fuel injection device is provided with a fuel injection valve to inject fuel into a combustion chamber of an engine, and an electronic control unit to operate the fuel injection valve to inject the fuel in multiple separate injections. The electronic control unit controls a timing of a first fuel injection by the fuel injection valve to carry out the first fuel injection on the retard side with respect to a timing when a premix duration immediately after the first fuel injection is minimum, and controls a timing of a second fuel injection by the fuel injection valve in such a manner that a heat release rate waveform produced by the first fuel injection and the second fuel injection carried out thereafter has a double-peaked shape.
US09376979B2
Methods and systems for controlling combustion performance of an engine are provided. A desired fuel quantity for a first combustion cycle is determined. One or more engine actuator settings are identified that would be required during a subsequent combustion cycle to cause the engine to approach a target combustion phasing. If the identified actuator settings are within a defined acceptable operating range, the desired fuel quantity is injected during the first combustion cycle. If not, an attenuated fuel quantity is determined and the attenuated fuel quantity is injected during the first combustion cycle.
US09376971B2
An energy management system and method for a vehicle system operate the vehicle system according to a current trip plan as the vehicle system travels along a route during a trip. The current trip plan designates operational settings of the vehicle system. The system and method also revise the current trip plan into a revised trip plan responsive to current, actual operation of the vehicle system differing from the current trip plan by at least a designated threshold amount. The revised trip plan designates operational settings of the vehicle system and includes an initial designated operational setting that matches the current, actual operation of the vehicle system.
US09376969B2
Methods and systems for passively purging a hydrocarbon trap in an engine intake in a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises, in response to an ambient temperature decrease during an engine off condition while a fuel tank is sealed from atmosphere, delivering fuel stored in a hydrocarbon trap in an intake of the engine to a fuel vapor canister coupled to the fuel tank in an emission control system.
US09376963B2
A tuning process is provided for dynamically tuning a gas-turbine (GT) engine to correct for flashback events without directly measuring occurrences of the flashback events at the GT engine. Initially, readings are taken that measure low-frequency dynamics at the GT engine. A determination of whether flashback criteria are met by an instantaneous signal that quantifies a detected spike within the measured low-frequency dynamics is carried out, where the flashback criteria include the following: identifying the spike overcomes a multiple of an average of the low-frequency dynamics measured over a predefined period of time; and identifying the spike overcomes a preestablished minimum amplitude. Upon the spike meeting the flashback criteria, a count is added to a running record of spikes, which is compared to an alarm limit. If the alarm limit is triggered, action(s) are invoked to address the flashback events, such as adjusting fuel-flow splits of the GT engine.
US09376961B2
A system for controlling air flow rate of a compressed working fluid to a fuel injector of a combustor includes an outer casing that defines a high pressure plenum around a portion of the combustor, an extraction port in fluid communication with the high pressure plenum and an inlet port. The combustor includes a plurality of fuel injectors arranged around a combustion liner, an inner flow sleeve, an outer air shield that surrounds the plurality of fuel injectors and the inner flow sleeve. The outer air shield defines an injection an air plenum between the outer air shield and the inner flow sleeve and an inlet to the injection air plenum. An external fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the extraction port and the inlet port. A baffle extends between the outer casing and the outer air shield to provide flow separation between the inlet and the high pressure plenum.
US09376960B2
A heat transfer augmented channel wall includes a bulk portion, a wall surface and a plurality of multi-portion indented features extending from the wall surface into the bulk portion. The multi-portion indented features include a first indented portion and a second indented portion that are divided by a ridge which disrupts fluid flow between first and second indented portions. The ridge has a height that is less than a maximum depth of the multi-portion indented features.
US09376959B2
A foil bearing includes an outer member (11), and a plurality of foils (13) that are mounted to an inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) and directly face the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11) in a radial direction without interposition of another member (such as back foils). The foils (13) each include: holding portions (13a, 13b) that are formed at both circumferential ends and held while in contact with the outer member (11); and a body portion (13c) that is formed circumferentially between the holding portions (13a, 13b) and has a bearing surface (A). At least an end portion on one side in a circumferential direction of the body portion (13c) is raised radially inward with respect to the inner circumferential surface (11a) of the outer member (11).
US09376957B2
The present invention relates to a system for cooling a rotary engine, the system comprising a drive shaft having a bore hole and at least one of a coolant transmission hole in fluid communication with the bore hole. At least one of a coolant distribution channel is in fluid communication with the coolant transmission hole. A coolant fluid channel receives a coolant liquid from the coolant distribution channel, wherein the coolant liquid is circulated between the bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine. Other exemplary embodiments include a centripetal force pump formed by at least the rotation of the drive shaft, which circulates the coolant liquid between the drive shaft bore hole and the outer coolant fluid channel to cool the rotary engine, and adjusting the coolant liquid flow rate based, in part, on the RPM of the drive shaft.
US09376952B2
A vehicle that includes an engine, an exhaust system, and a controller, and a method are disclosed herein. The exhaust system includes a passage for directing the exhaust gas stream from the engine through the series of exhaust after-treatment devices, including a selective-catalytic reduction device and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The exhaust after-treatment devices are employed to reduce various exhaust emissions of the engine. The exhaust system, may however, prematurely return failing emissions results due to the amount of contaminants that have flowed through the exhaust system since the last regeneration even of the particulate filter. Therefore, the controller may, via the present method, alter the threshold of the SCR efficiency diagnostic due to contaminants accumulated on the DPF and selectively enable or disable the diagnostic based on a set of recorded instructions, to improve the robustness of the SCR efficiency diagnostic and prevent inaccurate failing emissions results.
US09376949B2
Embodiments are described to improve the durability of a lean NOx aftertreatment system. According to one embodiment of the present invention an air injection system is used to inject air continuously into the exhaust system between the upstream three-way catalyst and the downstream selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst when the engine is operating at stoichiometric or rich air/fuel ratios and the exhaust temperatures are above a calibratable level (e.g., 700° C.). In another embodiment, an oxidation catalyst is positioned downstream of the air injection point to prevent exothermic reactions from occurring on the SCR. In another embodiment, the reductant for the SCR is generated in-situ. In yet another embodiment, a diverter valve with a reduction catalyst in a bypass arm is utilized to bypass the SCR during high load conditions.
US09376939B2
An internal combustion includes a crankshaft and a camshaft rotatable by the crankshaft. The internal combustion engine also includes an oil source, an engine cover, and a drive member disposed within the engine cover for transferring rotational motion from the crankshaft to the camshaft. A camshaft phaser actuated by an electric motor is disposed within the engine cover for controllably varying the phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft. A supply passage communicates oil from the oil source to the camshaft phaser in order to lubricate the camshaft phaser and a drain passage drains oil from the camshaft phaser to the oil source. A sealing arrangement defines a dry zone within the engine cover to isolate the drive member from oil used to lubricate the camshaft phaser. The sealing arrangement includes an electric motor to camshaft phaser seal to seal between the electric motor and the camshaft phaser.
US09376936B2
A turbine housing of an exhaust gas turbocharger, includes an outer housing in which an inner housing with a tubular nozzle and an outlet duct for connection to an exhaust gas system is arranged. The outlet duct is coupled with the tubular nozzle for movement relative to the nozzle via a seal ring. The seal ring is inwardly everted and pushed onto the nozzle and embraced by an inner-housing support ring, so that a fluid tight fit on the inner housing nozzle is ensured. The seal ring is further pushed onto the outlet duct and there also coupled onto the outlet duct with an outlet duct support ring in a fluid tight manner so that an especially durable connection is created. Both support rings are additionally coupled in a materially bonded manner with the seal ring and the outlet duct nozzle or with the inner housing.
US09376931B2
A turbomachine passage cleaning system includes a first airflow passage having a first inlet configured and disposed to fluidly connect to a compressor portion, a first outlet configured and disposed to fluidly connect to a turbine portion, and a first intermediate portion including a first strainer. A second airflow passage is fluidly coupled to the first airflow passage. The second airflow passage has a second intermediate portion having second strainer. A first valve is arranged in the first intermediate portion upstream from the first strainer, and a second valve is arranged in the second intermediate portion upstream from the second strainer. The first and second valves are selectively operated to control fluid flow into respective ones of the first and second airflow passages to filter air passing from a turbomachine compressor portion to a turbomachine turbine portion.
US09376918B2
An aerofoil typically for a blade or vane for a gas turbine engine comprises a pressure wall, a suction wall and a web that extends therebetween. One of the walls comprises an inner leaf and an outer leaf which defines a cavity, the other wall defines a first outlet, the aerofoil defines at least one first passage extending from the cavity through the web and to the outlet. Coolant in the cavity on one side wall of the aerofoil is thereby routed across the web to be used to cool the other wall by convention and formation of a coolant film.
US09376913B2
The aim of the invention is to improve the efficiency of an axial-piston motor. To this end, the axial-piston motor comprises at least one compressor cylinder, at least one working cylinder and at least one pressure line guiding the compressed fuel from the compressor cylinder to the working cylinder. A working piston comprising a working rod is provided in the working cylinder, and a compressor piston comprising a compressor rod is provided in the compressor cylinder. The axial-piston motor is characterized in that it at least one of the two rods comprises transverse stiffeners.
US09376911B2
A chisel holder comprises a body zone (12) having a chisel receiving opening (18) that is open at least in the direction of a chisel insertion end (14) of the body zone (12), and also comprises a fastening shaft (26) which extends from a supporting end (20) of the body zone (12) and has a longitudinal shaft axis (LB), the body zone (12) having a first supporting surface region (22) at its supporting end (20). Said chisel holder is characterized in that the body zone (12) has a second supporting surface region (24) at its supporting end (20), said second surface region (24) extending at an angle from the first supporting surface region (22), or/and the first supporting surface region (22) comprises a first supporting surface (28) and a second supporting surface (30) extending at an angle from the first supporting surface (28).
US09376906B2
A method and apparatus for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore includes conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore via a cable, and determining the torque in the cable in real-time. The method further involves conveying the downhole tool on a wireline, and automatically triggering an alert when the torque reaches a certain level. The apparatus includes a cable, a downhole tool attached to the cable for conveyance within the wellbore, and a sensor to measure torque in the cable. The apparatus may also include a telemetry system to communicate the torque data to the surface. The downhole tool includes a sensor to measure the relative torque between the downhole tool and the cable in real time.
US09376902B2
The subject disclosure relates to determining an optimum orientation for perforations around the circumference of a subsurface borehole and optimum wellbore fluid initiation pressure for hydraulic fracturing in anisotropic formations.
US09376895B2
A method and apparatus is used for pumping fluid at a wellhead. The apparatus has a support structure that supports a pumping assembly and removes liquid from the well site through a small diameter pipeline as a continuous flow at a constant flow rate.
US09376891B2
An actuating apparatus for a downhole valve including a tubular body. The tubular body includes an axial bore that extends through the body. An inlet port extends radially and at least partially through the tubular body. When open, the inlet port is arranged to be in fluid communication with a region uphole of the actuating apparatus. The actuating apparatus also includes an actuating member that is operable by application of fluid pressure from a region uphole of the actuating apparatus via an open inlet port to actuate the valve.
US09376887B2
This stuffing box (46) defines a circulation passage (66) of a cable working line (28), a packer (70), and a back-pressure resistant valve (74). The passage (66) extends between an upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46), intended to be connected to a well, and a downstream end (64). The back-pressure resistant valve (74) is arranged in the passage (66) to prevent, in case of break of the line (28), the back-pressure of a fluid from the upstream end (62) towards the downstream end (64). The or each packer (70) is situated between the upstream end (62) of the stuffing box (46) and the back-pressure resistant valve (74). No packer (70) is arranged between the back-pressure resistant valve (74) and the downstream end (64).
US09376886B2
Systems and methods for remotely setting a downhole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve.
US09376885B2
Systems and methods can include maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.
US09376879B2
Provided is a core sampling apparatus which maintains the internal pressure after the core drilling.The core sampling apparatus includes a barrel part, a container which is movably disposed in the barrel part and maintains the sampled core, a ball valve to prevent a fluid from inflowing and outflowing between an inside and an outside of the barrel part in a closed state thereof, a first seal member which seals a space between the barrel part and the ball valve, a second seal member which seals a space between the container and the barrel part, a locking mechanism which locks a state in which the ball valve is sealed by the first seal member, and an inflowing mechanism configured to inflow the fluid only in a direction to an internal space of the closed barrel part by the first seal member and the second seal member.
US09376874B2
An ejector or jet pump is provided for use in the drilling of wells to prevent the total fluid pressure at the bottom of the borehole from reaching a level which constitutes a risk of cracking the rock or sediment being drilled, thus resulting in leakage and circulation failure. The pump is placed between the drill bit and the drill string and provided with nozzles directed in such a way that low pressure is established externally at the drill bit. The pump is operated by the drilling fluid which is supplied in the normal way through the drill string. The pressure difference across the pump is used to draw a secondary flow of drilling fluid from the borehole through internal bores in the pump to the nozzles in the drill bit. This fluid flow provides necessary cleaning of the drill bit and drilling surface.
US09376870B2
An offshore universal riser system. A riser system includes a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device releasably secures the valve module in the flow passage. A method of constructing a riser system includes the steps of installing the valve module in the flow passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the flow passage. The annular seal module is operative to prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the flow passage. Drilling methods include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, is dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.
US09376869B1
A system and method for installing casing in a blind horizontal well for blind horizontal directional borings. The system and method may include an example of an offset transmitter sonde assembly that contains an open central passage through which well casing can be inserted, and an example of a drill bit assembly that may be remotely uncoupled from a drill string, leaving the bit in the bore created. Remote uncoupling of the drill bit assembly tends to allow a casing to be installed in the bore while the drill string and bit remain in the bore for support during casing installation. After installation of the casing the drill bit assembly may be uncoupled from the drill string, allowing the drill string to be withdrawn from the bore, with the drill bit assembly remaining in the bore.
US09376866B2
A hybrid rotary cone drill bit includes a plurality of legs. A bearing shaft extends from each leg, and a rotary cone is rotationally coupled to each bearing shaft. At least one rotary cone includes a nose row of cutting structures, an inner row of cutting structures, and a gage row of cutting structures. The nose row and the inner row of cutting structures are formed of milled teeth. The gage row of cutting structures is formed of cutter inserts.
US09376859B1
A window covering comprises a head rail and slats that are suspended from the head rail and have a plurality of edges that define a front plane. A tilter assembly is operatively connected to the slats for tilting the slats and comprises a wand shaft operatively connected to a worm gear. A drive gear operatively connected to a tilt shaft, and at least one idler gear connects the worm gear to the drive gear. The axis of rotation of the wand shaft is disposed at an angle relative to the plane to space a wand controller from the front plane. The wand shaft may include a wand connector that is releasably connected to the tilter assembly.
US09376850B2
An opening/closing assist device includes a cam fixed to a first member, which is one of an opening/closing body and a coupling subject of the opening/closing body, a contact element located on a second member, which is the other one of the opening/closing body and the coupling subject, and a damper stay. The damper stay includes a first end rotatably connected to the first member and a second end rotatably connected to the contact element. The contact element is maintained in the state of being pressed against the cam by means of the elastic force of the damper stay. The cam has a shape that is set so that a moment generated at the cam based on the elastic force applied by the contact element is generated so that a moment required to rotate the opening/closing body is in accordance with operation characteristics required for the opening/closing body.
US09376839B2
An electronic lock cylinder, includes a mechanical rotation core, electronic rotation core, barrel-shaped housing with both ends opened for accommodating the rotation cores, and a retainer rod, the rotation cores fixed axially to each other via an electromagnet core, and the mechanical rotation core and the housing fixed to each other via the retainer rod. When the core is retracted, the rotation cores can rotate through a certain angle with respect to each other, and the retainer rod is moved such that the rotation cores are fixed to each other and rotate together, now rotating the electronic rotation core by using an electronic key, and a deflector rod of the mechanical rotation core is driven to rotate such that the lock is unlocked. Further disclosed are an electronic lock system including the electronic lock cylinder and a method for unlocking a lock. Axial fixation between the rotation cores is achieved.
US09376834B2
A lock adapted for attachment to a sash window/door without screws comprises: a shaft with a cam secured thereon is rotatably secured to a housing, with the cam disposed within a housing cavity and rotatable therefrom out of an opening, into an extended position. The housing may be a single integrally formed wall that preferably has a flat bottom surface. A first attachment leg protrudes out from the housing cavity to extend beyond the bottom surface, with a foot thereon extending beyond a first end of the housing. A second attachment leg protrudes out the housing cavity second end, with a foot thereon oriented toward the housing first end, and a locking tab extends from the housing bottom surface. Installation of the screwless sash lock is by receiving the first foot, second foot, and locking tab within correspondingly positioned openings in the window/door rail, through sequenced rotational and sliding motion.
US09376822B2
The invention relates to a locking system (1) for plate-shaped panels (4.1, 4.2) with hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) which complement one another and each of which is provided with a hook element (6). The hook elements (6) of complementary hook-profiled sections (5.1, 5.2) of adjacent panels (4.1, 4.2) hook in a joining movement (f) so as to engage into one another into a connected position. A profiled locking element (11) which has a first spring portion (12.1) and a first foot portion (13.1) is provided, said locking element being insertable into a first undercut (9.1) of a first hook-profiled section (5.1). The first undercut (9.1) of at least the first hook-profiled section (5.1) has a second undercut (9.2) which is effective perpendicular to the larger lateral surfaces (2) and into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) automatically locks from an open position into a locking position upon reaching the connected position of the two panels (4.1, 4.2). The second undercut (9.2) has a space (14) in which or into which the first spring portion (12.1) of the locking element (11) can be elastically deflected into the open position.
US09376821B2
Floor panels are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element in a locking groove, which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.
US09376819B2
A ramp system has a plurality of modular components adapted to be interconnected in a desired configuration. The modular components include an entry ramp module (10, 80), an exit ramp module (80) and a landing module (100, 180) therebetween. Each modular component has a floor assembly (12), handrail assemblies (14, 16) and leg assemblies (18). Each of the handrail assemblies have posts (22, 24) which are adapted to support a handrail (26). The posts are collapsible by folding inwardly towards a deck (28) of the floor assembly through operation of a folding means (30) interconnecting the floor assembly and each post of the handrail assembly. The posts of the handrail assemblies are reversibly collapsible from an erect position, where the ramp system can be used and the handrail assemblies can support users of the ramp system, to a compact position, where the ramp system can be stored, packaged and transported until required for assembly on site.
US09376816B2
In one aspect, a metal construction member can include at least two metal strips. Each metal strip can have a continuous nonlinear pattern along one lengthwise edge of the strip, where the continuous nonlinear pattern can include a plurality of repeating units. Each repeating unit can include at least one joining region, which can protrude away from a lengthwise axis of the metal strip. At least one of the metal strips can be joined to at least one other metal strip at a plurality of adjacent joining regions.
US09376814B2
A pipe insulation product including a core of insulating material and a laminate. The core includes a cylindrical outer surface; a cylindrical inner surface; and a wall extending between the cylindrical outer surface and the cylindrical inner surface. The laminate includes a metallized polymeric film sheet layer forming an inner layer, a scrim, a porous media sheet layer, and a polymeric film sheet layer forming an outer exposed layer bonded together via an adhesive. The laminate is coextensive with and bonded to the cylindrical outer surface of the core and the laminate and core are flexible so that the core and laminate can be opened, placed about a pipe, and closed without degrading the laminate.
US09376811B2
A support structure for a false ceiling and a working process for working the bar are described. The bar has an elongated shape along a longitudinal direction and includes at least two sheet metal portions located side by side or overlapping, in contact or adherent, the one with the other. In the bar a transverse direction, extending transverse to, or intersecting, the longitudinal direction is defined. At least one of the sheet metal portion has cuts defining partially cut parts, wherein a partially cut part of at least one of the sheet metal portions protrudes towards the other to determine an interference of parts, and wherein the cuts are arranged, are directed, or extend along the transverse direction.
US09376805B2
A vacuum insulating panel comprise a first sheet of a flexible material, a second sheet of a flexible material and a bridging element of a flexible material extending in a generally rectilinear waveform between the first and the second sheets. The bridging element and the sheets define therebetween a plurality of separate generally rectilinear evacuated compartments containing a self-supporting insulating element. The bridging element comprise first flat regions extending along the inside face of the first sheet, second flat regions extending along the inside face of the second sheet, and connecting regions extending between the first and second flat regions, There are seals between the flat regions of the bridging element and the inside face of the sheets. If one compartment is punctured only that compartment is affected. The seals prevent loss of vacuum in adjacent compartments.
US09376803B1
A flood vent includes a door pivotable within a frame between a closed position and an open position. A fluid trigger that is triggerable by a fluid to allow the door to pivot from the closed position to the open position includes a retainer and a fluid modifiable material. The fluid modifiable material is positioned between the door and the retainer thereby obstructing the door from pivoting from the closed position to the open position until the fluid modifiable material is modified by contact with the fluid.
US09376799B2
The transportable building is made of side-by-side building sections mounted on parallel foundation beams. Each building section has a skate clamp mounted thereto for sequential sliding and clamping engagements to one of two foundation beams. In another aspect, each of the beams has a removable receiving end attached thereto. Each receiving end has a V-shaped trough on an upper surface thereof to facilitate the alignment of building sections onto the foundation beams during the assembly of the transportable building. In yet another aspect, each foundation beam has workable jacks at each end thereof and a series of self-adjusting jacks mounted thereto between the workable jacks for supporting the transportable building on an uneven ground surface.
US09376796B2
Reconfigurable, expandable-collapsible structures based upon negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) auxetic unit cells achieve rapidly deployable apparatus, devices and systems. A plurality of joint bodies, each joint body having a plurality of connection features, are coupled to interconnecting link members with opposing ends, each end including connection features that engage with the connection features of the joint bodies. The link members pivot about different axes relative to the joint bodies, thereby forming an expandable and collapsible structure having a height and a width. The link members form an array of geometric unit cells when the structure is expanded, and the height and the width of the structure when expanded are both greater than the height and the width of the structure when collapsed. In certain embodiments the structures have unit cells based upon triangles or bowtie shapes.
US09376791B2
In an illustrative embodiment, a faucet assembly includes a faucet housing; a faucet spout carried by the faucet housing; at least one water valve disposed in fluid communication with the faucet spout; at least one delivery conduit disposed in fluid communication with the at least one water valve; and at least one magnetic faucet mount assembly including at least one faucet housing connector element carried by the faucet housing and at least one sink connector element adapted for engaging the sink, the at least one faucet housing connector element and the at least one sink connector element magnetically engaging each other.
US09376784B2
A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first linkage arrangement, a first actuator, a first interface device, and a first control element. The control system may also have a second linkage arrangement, a second actuator, a second interface device, and a second control element. The control system may further have an input device selectively activated to generate a mode signal, and a controller. The controller may be configured to selectively generate commands directed to the first control element based on only the first actuator signals, and to selectively generate commands directed to the second control element based on only the second actuator signals. The controller may also be configured to selectively generate commands directed to both of the first and second control elements based on only the first actuator signals an in response to the mode signal.
US09376780B2
A jackup deployed riser protection structure comprises a plurality of coupler receivers disposed onto a jackup hull, a tubular sleeve, wherein the tubular sleeve is a hollow structure that allows a riser to pass through, a support structure coupled with the tubular sleeve to provide support for the tubular sleeve, and a plurality of couplers coupled with the support structure, wherein each of the plurality of couplers is coupled with one of the plurality of coupler receivers, so that the jackup deployed riser protection structure is supported by the jackup hull in order to provide protection to the riser.
US09376778B2
A flood barrier system includes vertical elements and panels extending between such vertical elements, the foregoing components having various features for inhibiting passage of flood water therethrough. One or more vertical elements may have a multi-layer base plate which forms a watertight seal with vertical gaskets disposed on the vertical elements. One of the vertical elements of the system may comprise a stanchion post which may be formed of extruded aluminum. Another vertical element which may find potential use in certain applications may be secured to a store front mullion. The panels in such system may include specially adapted gaskets to reduce instances of leakage. The vertical elements and panels allow the present flood barrier system to be flexible and readily deployable as a barrier to flood or flood risk.
US09376776B2
A high-production routing device has a drive frame with an operator area and an open deck. The open deck includes angularly disposed deck bars allowing an unobstructed view of a work surface. In the drive frame geometry, a line drawn from a center of mass of the device to a most lateral point of the drive frame forms an angle ranging between about 0 degrees and about 60 degrees. The device also has a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic reservoir. The device further includes a routing drum with multiple rotors, each freely and independently rotating about a shaft. Each rotor includes several radially disposed blades, which rout the work surface. The device also has at least one single wheel drive assembly for driving and steering, including a hydraulic drive motor and a hydraulic steering motor operatively coupled to the hydraulic pump and to a precision drive-steerable wheel.
US09376770B2
A roll cleaning apparatus for a paper making machine has a cleaning member that is mounted to a support member that extends lengthwise relative to a first roll. The cleaning member has a pad and is moveable between an engaged position against the roll during operation, and a disengaged position spaced away from the roll in a non-operating condition. The roll cleaning apparatus includes a drive connected to cause linear reciprocation of the cleaning member and a drive or actuator mounted to move the cleaning member between the engaged and disengaged positions, and operable to bias the cleaning member against the roll in use.
US09376769B2
Disclosed herein are carpets and carpet tiles comprising a primary backing material having a face and a back side; a plurality of fibers attached to the primary backing material and extending from the face of the primary backing material and exposed at the back side of the primary backing material; and an adhesive composition. The adhesive composition generally comprises at least one homogenously branched ethylene polymer. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing the disclosed carpets and carpet tiles.
US09376766B2
Low weight and non-square carpet tile suitable for use in mass transit vehicles, particularly passenger aircraft. The carpet tile preferably weighs less than about 82 ounces per square yard. The carpet tile of this invention may have a carpet pile and at least one backing layer. The backing layer may use a low weight filler material. The carpet tiles satisfy transportation industry standards for flame, smoke and toxicity.
US09376762B2
An apparatus for growing ingots by the Czochralski method includes a growth chamber defining an enclosure configured to circulate a purge gas about the growing ingot and a crucible provided in the growth chamber configured to hold the molten silicon. A weir is supported in the crucible and is configured to separate the molten silicon into an inner growth region surrounding the melt/crystal interface from an outer region configured to receive the crystalline feedstock. The weir comprises at least one sidewall extending vertically and a cap extending substantially perpendicularly to the sidewall.
US09376759B2
A method for modifying a surface by generating nanotubes at one or more selected sites on the surface, the surface including a first metal. The method includes the steps of positioning at least one cathode and at least one anode relative to the surface in an electrolyte solution including a fluoride salt of a second metal, and applying a voltage between the at least one anode and the at least one cathode sufficient to generate nanotubes at one or more selected sites on the surface and to inhibit nanotube formation at one or more of the other selected sites, wherein the nanotubes include the first metal and the second metal.
US09376754B2
A method includes introducing an organic metal gas containing hydrogen into a deposition vessel to cause a component of the organic metal containing hydrogen to be adsorbed on a substrate; introducing an oxidizing gas or a nitriding gas into the vessel, generating plasma with the oxidizing gas or the nitriding gas by a plasma source, and oxidizing or nitriding the component; detecting emission intensity of a wavelength of light through an observation window in the vessel, the light being emitted, by generating the plasma, from an excited hydrogen radical resulting from the hydrogen separated from the organic metal above the substrate when the organic metal reacts with the oxidizing gas or the nitriding gas to form an oxidized metal or a nitride metal on the substrate; and stopping the generation of the plasma when a value of the detected emission intensity becomes a first predetermined value or less.
US09376748B2
A method for etching an organic film 1 having a surface selectively protected by a hard mask layer 2, includes a partial etching process of etching the organic film 1 partly in a thickness direction of the organic film 1 by using a mixed gas containing a gas that anisotropically etches a silicon oxide film and a gas that isotropically etches the organic film without etching the silicon oxide film; and a deposition process of depositing a protective film 3 made of the silicon oxide film on side surfaces 12 and a bottom surface 11 of a recess 10 formed in the organic film in the partial etching process. The partial etching process and the deposition process is alternately performed multiple times.
US09376747B2
When treating workpiece or substrate surfaces with the help of a vacuum plasma discharge between an anode and an cathode and whereby due to such treatment a solid is formed and deposited on the anode surface, which solid has a higher specific DC impedance than the specific DC impedance of the anode material, at least parts of the anode surface are shielded from such deposition by establishing thereat a shielding plasma.
US09376741B2
An article of manufacture comprises a ferritic stainless steel that includes a near-surface region depleted of silicon relative to a remainder of the ferritic stainless steel. The article has a reduced tendency to form an electrically resistive silica layer including silicon derived from the steel when the article is subjected to high temperature oxidizing conditions. The ferritic stainless steel is selected from the group comprising AISI Type 430 stainless steel, AISI Type 439 stainless steel, AISI Type 441 stainless steel, AISI Type 444 stainless steel, and E-BRITE® alloy, also known as UNS 44627 stainless steel. In certain embodiments, the article of manufacture is a fuel cell interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell.
US09376740B2
The present disclosure generally relates to systems, apparatus and methods of plasma spraying and plasma treatment of materials based on high specific energy molecular plasma gases that may be used to generate a selected plasma. The present disclosure is also relates to the design of plasma torches and plasma systems to optimize such methods.
US09376734B2
Provided are an extraction agent and extraction method that selectively extract and, at a low cost, recover indium from an acidic solution containing indium and zinc. The indium extraction agent comprises an amide derivative represented by general formula (I). In the formula, R1 and R2 each indicate the same or different alkyl group, R3 indicates a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, and R4 indicates a hydrogen atom or any given group, other than an amino group, bound to the α-carbon as an amino acid. The general formula preferably has a glycine unit, a histidine unit, a lysine unit, an aspartic acid unit, or an N-methylglycine unit. By extracting indium from an acidic solution containing indium and zinc by means of solvent extraction using the extraction agent, it is possible to selectively extract indium.
US09376730B2
A two stage ironmaking process includes a first stage that includes solid state reduction of iron ore and producing a partially-reduced iron-containing feed material and an off-gas containing CO2 at a location that is in close proximity to a site for sequestering CO2. A second stage of the process includes transporting the feed material to an ironmaking facility iron at another location and producing iron from the feed material.
US09376724B2
The invention provides a method for identifying a neonatal subject at risk for NEC, said method comprising (a) profiling the microbiota in a sample from the GI tract of said subject prior to a conclusive diagnosis of NEC and/or prior to full onset of NEC, (b1) comparing said profile to a standard microbiota profile obtained from corresponding samples from neonatal subjects with NEC or subjects which later developed NEC and determining the degree of correlation between said profile and the standard profile(s), and/or (b2) comparing said profile to a standard microbiota profile obtained from corresponding samples from neonatal subjects which did not develop NEC and determining the degree of correlation between said profile and the standard profile, and (c) identifying the subject as being at risk of NEC if significant correlation is observed in (b1) and/or significant correlation is not seen in (b2). An oligonucleotide probe set for use in the method of the invention, and kits containing the same, are also provided.
US09376723B2
Provided herein are methods, kits, and compositions related to nucleic acid detection that allow the detection and discrimination of various Staphylococcus species and types. In particular, provided herein are assays that allow the detection of MSSA, MSSE, MRSA, MRSE, VRSA, VRSE, and MRSA community strain by detecting the presence of absence of one or more target sequences selected from a list of target genes and sequences that include, but are not limited to: mecA, femA-SA, femA-SE, lukF-PV, lukS-PV, VanA, SCCmec type I, type II, type III, type IV, type V, and type VII. In certain embodiments, asymmetric PCR amplification methods are employed. In other embodiments, probe-target generated signals are detected at least two temperatures to generate a temperature/temperature signal ratio.
US09376714B2
The present invention is directed to a method for detecting and quantifying rare mutations in a nucleic acid sample. The nucleic acid molecules under investigation can be either DNA or RNA. The rare mutation can be any type of functional or non-functional nucleic acid change or mutation, such as deletion, insertion, translocation, inversion, one or more base substitution or polymorphism. Therefore, the methods of the present invention are useful in detection of rare mutations in, for example, diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up applications, when the targets are rare known nucleic acid variants mixed in with the wildtype or the more common nucleic acid variant(s).
US09376712B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for detection and quantification of individual target molecules in biomolecular samples. In particular, the invention relates to improved, stable nanoreporter probes that are capable of binding to and identifying target molecules based on the probes' uniquely detectable signal. Methods for identifying target-specific sequences for inclusion in the probes are also provided, as are methods of making and using such probes. Polynucleotide sequences of certain nanoreporter components are also provided. The probes can be used in diagnostic, prognostic, quality control and screening applications.
US09376705B2
A method for detecting susceptibility of microorganisms to chemical agents or antibiotics through a combination of exposing the microorganisms to the chemical agents or antibiotics after having exposed the microorganisms to a stress response-inducing stimulus and subsequently analyzing the response of the microorganisms by mass spectrometry.
US09376697B2
A method for on-farm processing a biomass feedstock into a useful industrial chemicals includes the steps of (a) delignifying the biomass feedstock to produce a delignified biomass, (b) subjecting the delignified biomass to cellulase production, (c) subjecting the delignified biomass with attached cellulase to simultaneous cellulolytic and solventogenic reactions to produce useful industrial chemicals (d) collecting and separating the useful industrial chemical from the fermentation broth and (e) collecting the fermentation residues.
US09376696B1
The present invention relates to host cells that produce compounds that are characterized as benzylisoquinolines, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof. The host cells comprise one, two or more heterologous coding sequences wherein each of the heterologous coding sequences encodes an enzyme involved in the metabolic pathway of a benzylisoquinoline, or its precursors or intermediates from a starting compound. The invention also relates to methods of producing the benzylisoquinoline, as well as select precursors and intermediates thereof by culturing the host cells under culture conditions that promote expression of the enzymes that produce the benzylisoquinoline or precursors or intermediates thereof.
US09376695B2
A method for producing an L-amino acid is described, for example, L-phenylalanine and L-histidine, by fermentation using a bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family, wherein the bacterium has been modified by attaching a DNA fragment able to be transcribed encoding the peptide represented in SEQ ID NO: 2, or a variant thereof, particularly a portion of the ssrA gene, to the 3′-end of gene encoding for the bacterial enzyme, which influences on the L-amino acid biosynthesis, such as chorismate mutase/prephenate dehydrogenase or phosphoglucose isomerase.
US09376690B2
The present disclosure is directed to compositions comprising templated nanoconjugates and methods of their use.
US09376685B2
Disclosed herein are linear donor molecules comprising homology arms of 50-750 base pairs (e.g., 50-100 base pairs) flanking one or more sequences of interest. The donor molecules and/or compositions comprising these molecules can be used in methods for targeted integration of an exogenous sequence into a specified region of interest in the genome of a cell.
US09376684B2
The invention relates to the inhibition of blood coagulation, especially during organ rejection, and in particular the inhibition of delayed vascular rejection. The invention provides anticoagulant proteins which are anchored to cell membranes. The anticoagulant function is preferably provided by heparin, antithrombin, hirudin, TFPI, tick anticoagulant peptide, or a snake venom factor. These anticoagulant proteins are preferably prevented from being constitutively expressed at the cell surface. In particular, expression at the cell surface is regulated according to cell activation, for instance by targeting the protein to a suitable secretory granule. Expression of these proteins renders cells, tissues and organs less vulnerable to rejection after transplantation (e.g. after xenotransplantation).
US09376680B2
The invention relates to iRNA, e.g., double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), compositions targeting the Serpinc1 gene, and methods of using such iRNA, e.g., dsRNA, compositions to inhibit expression of Serpinc1 and methods of treating subjects having a bleeding disorder, such as a hemophilia.
US09376677B2
Methods are provided for producing a molecular array comprising a plurality of molecules immobilized to a solid substrate at a density which allows individual immobilized molecules to be individually resolved, wherein each individual molecule in the array is spatially addressable and the identity of each molecule is known or determined prior to immobilization. The use of spatially addressable low density molecular arrays in single molecule detection and analysis techniques is also provided. Novel assays and methods are also provided.
US09376676B2
In various embodiments, a method of breaking down biological material is provided. The method may include providing a sample comprising the biological material in a liquid. The method may further include providing a gas such that the gas forms an interface with the liquid. The method may also include breaking down the biological material by applying acoustic waves in a plurality of sequential bursts to the interface.
US09376667B2
Water-forming NADH oxidase derived from Streptococcus mutans should be further improved in terms of stability for practical use in industrial production. An object of the present invention is to provide an enzyme that is obtained through modification of a water-forming NADH oxidase, which is useful as an NAD+ regeneration system for stereoselective oxidation catalyzed by an oxidoreductase, by protein engineering techniques so that the enzyme can withstand long-term use without exhibiting a reduction of its activity for the regeneration of NAD+, that is, an enzyme having improved stability, and to provide a method for efficiently producing a useful substance such as an optically active alcohol or amino acid. The present invention relates to an enzyme modification method that can improve the stability of water-forming NADH oxidase derived from Streptococcus mutans by appropriately introducing mutation.
US09376656B2
A photobioreactor includes an upper layer of transparent film and a lower layer of film wherein the upper layer and lower layer are attached to each other along the perimeter to form a sealed structure, the upper layer and lower layer also attached to form pathways comprising independent channels within the confines of the outer perimeter, a first manifold and second manifold on opposite ends of the parallel channels within the sealed structure wherein a first portion of the first manifold is in fluid communication with each of an inlet of a first subset of the channels and a second portion of the first manifold is in fluid communication with each of an outlet of a second subset of the channels and wherein the second manifold is in fluid communications with the distal end of the parallel channels plumbing apparatus comprising a degas vessel in fluid communication with the first manifold; and wherein the structure is substantially horizontal in operation.
US09376655B2
A filter assembly for separating microcarriers from a fluid medium includes a collapsible container bounding a sterile compartment adapted to hold a fluid. An inlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows into the compartment. An outlet port is attached to the container through which fluid flows out of the compartment. A filter is disposed within the compartment, the filter dividing the compartment into an inlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the inlet port and an outlet chamber that is fluidly coupled with the outlet port, the filter allowing a medium to pass therethrough but preventing microcarriers disposed in the medium from passing therethrough.
US09376650B2
A method for securing the use of an aqueous medium under any substantial exclusion of metal ion interference is disclosed. A phosphonic acid compound containing: a selected phosphonate moiety and a moiety selected from a limited number of species; or hydrocarbon chains containing aminoalkylene phosphonic acid substituents; or alkylamino alkylene phosphonic acids containing an active moiety embodying N, O, and S. The technology can, by way of illustration, be used in numerous applications including secondary oil recovery, scale inhibition, industrial water treatment, paper pulp bleaching, dispersant treatment, sequestering application, brightness reversion avoidance and paper pulp treatment.
US09376643B2
Compounds and compositions, including engine oils and lubricant formulations comprising at least one estolide compound. Exemplary compositions comprise an estolide base oil and an additive package.
US09376625B2
A system and method of converting tires or other solid carbon based material is disclosed, including providing a chamber, feeding the solid carbon based material into the chamber, rotating the chamber, heating and reducing the material in the chamber, collecting solid residue from the chamber, collecting vapor from the chamber, and converting vapor collected from the chamber to a liquid. In an embodiment, the material includes a whole tire. The tire is heated in the chamber causing the tire to collapse and liquefy, exposing the metal in the tire which aids in grinding the carbon material in the tire as it tumbles, collecting solid residue, for example tire carbons, and collecting vapor, for example vaporized oil, and benzene and methane gas from the chamber and converting the oil. The chamber may be heated to a temperature from about 500° F. to about 1000° F. using gases reclaimed from the material.
US09376624B2
The invention relates to a method for producing fuel from organic waste or biomass in a gasification process comprising the burning of organic waste or biomass and the recovery of the gasification residue. The method comprises at least the following steps: organic aqueous waste or biomass (M; M1) is fed in a combustion chamber (1); oxygen-bearing pressurized regeneration gas (G) is also fed in said combustion chamber (1); a continuous, pressurized combustion process is maintained in the combustion chamber, without adding an external oxygen source or heat in the process, so that the combustion of organic waste or biomass is carried out with the oxygen content of 0.1-1 of the stoichiometric oxygen content, as the oxygen maintaining the combustion and the overpressure and heat created in the combustion chamber (1) are completely derived from the pyrolysis of the regeneration gas and/or from the pyrolysis of the aqueous organic waste or biomass (M; M1) fed in the combustion chamber, and from the gasification reactions between the supplied material (M1) and the regeneration gas (G); ash (A) created in the continuous gasification process taking place in the combustion chamber (1) is removed and combustion gases obtained from the gasification process, together with solid particles contained in the combustion gases, are conducted to a separation process; in the separation process, the temperature of the combustion gas (S) is dropped below the flash point (Fp) of the compounds contained in the combustion gas and below the water condensation point, the condensation water (W) contained in the combustion gas (S) removed, the liquid fuel (M; M4) is recovered from the combustion gas (S) and the regeneration gas (G) contained in the combustion gas is completely or partly conducted back to the combustion chamber (1).
US09376618B2
The present invention provides an FFS mode liquid crystal display device that uses a liquid crystal composition which has a negative dielectric anisotropy and can achieve good display properties by being used for FFS mode liquid crystal display devices without degrading the image sticking property of display devices and various properties of liquid crystal display devices, such as dielectric anisotropy, viscosity, nematic phase upper limit temperature, low-temperature nematic phase stability, and γ1. The liquid crystal composition contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by general formula (I) below and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by general formula (II) below.
US09376614B2
An optically active composition is described. The composition may include a copolymer of two or more polyepoxides covalently linked by a fused arene.
US09376606B2
According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of thermally conductive composites that include a polymer matrix functionalized with liquid crystals grafted onto the polymer matrix. Also disclosed are methods that generally include modifying liquid crystals and incorporating the modified liquid crystals into a polymer matrix such that the modified liquid crystals are grafted onto the polymer matrix.
US09376605B2
A phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising a foam material, a phase change material, the phase change material being absorbed into the foam, and a protective covering encasing the foam material/phase change material. A method for making a phase change device for controlling temperature within a confined environment, comprising providing a phase change material, providing a foam material, absorbing the phase change material into the foam material, and sealing the foam material/phase change material within a protective covering.
US09376590B2
A primer-less coating composition for facestock comprises: a binder being a water-dispersible polymer; an ethylenically unsaturated compound which is aqueous-dispersible and miscible with or bonded to said water-dispersible polymer, wherein said ethylenically unsaturated compound is able to form a covalent bond with an ink; and a crosslinker, wherein said crosslinker is suitable for binding the coating to the facestock. The coating composition may be applied to a substrate to form a printable film. A printed film in accordance with the invention may be used in a label, for example for use on a container such as a bottle.
US09376588B2
This invention relates to an epoxy resin composition and its application in marine maintenance and repair coating with improved overcoatability.
US09376581B2
To provide a photo-curable composition for imprints which can ensure high ratio of mold filling and low defect density during mold releasing, and can provide a resist material with high etching durability. A photo-curable composition for imprints comprising a monofunctional monomer, a polyfunctional monomer and a photo-polymerization initiator, having a viscosity at 25° C. of 15 mPa·s or smaller, an Ohnishi parameter of 3.0 or smaller, and a crosslink density calculated by (Formula 1) of 0.6 mmol/cm3 or larger; Crosslink density={Σ(Ratio of mixing of polyfunctional monomer (parts by mass)*Number of functional groups of polyfunctional monomer/Molecular weight of polyfunctional monomer)}/Specific gravity.
US09376579B2
There is provided an intaglio printing ink that causes little set-off, exhibits improved chalking resistance, and attains improved print quality, and which permits low-cost prevention of blocking by low-dose irradiation with ultraviolet light. The intaglio printing ink comprises at least an ultraviolet curable composition, an oxidation polymerizable composition, a photopolymerization initiator, an oxidation polymerization catalyst, and a pigment. An acid-modified epoxy-acrylate prepared by reacting a polybasic acid anhydride with an epoxy-acrylate obtained by reacting an acrylate, having two or more acryloyl groups and one carboxyl group in one molecule, with an epoxy compound, having two or more epoxy rings in one molecule, is used as the ultraviolet curable composition.
US09376577B2
The present invention relates to a coating composition containing a colored aluminum pigment and a titanium oxide pigment, wherein in the case where a coating film formed from the coating composition is illuminated at 45 degrees with respect to the surface of the coating film, a ratio of lightness L* of light observed at 45 degrees with respect to specularly reflected light, relative to lightness L* of light observed at 110 degrees with respect to specularly reflected light is within a range of 1.00 to 1.50. The invention further relates to a method for forming a coating film, including steps of applying the above-described coating composition to a substrate; and further applying a clear coating composition thereto.
US09376572B2
The present invention provides a highly dielectric elastomer molded body which is inexpensive and excellent in its dielectric property, shock resistance, flexibility, and processability and can be used at a UHF band having 800 to 960 MHz and an electronic component material for a high frequency use. The highly dielectric elastomer molded body is formed by molding a highly dielectric elastomer composition comprising an elastomer and dielectric ceramic powder added thereto. The molded body has a tensile elongation not less than 250% and a hardness not more than 70. In measurement at a frequency of 950 MHz, a dielectric constant of the highly dielectric elastomer molded body is 4 to 10, and a dielectric dissipation factor thereof is not more than 0.02. An electronic component material for a high frequency use is made of the highly dielectric elastomer molded body.
US09376569B2
The present disclosure provides colorant compounds and methods of isolation of the colorant compounds derived from a reaction of genipin and an amine. The colorant compositions comprise purified compounds (e.g., a purified polymer or a purified dimer) obtained from multiple fractioning by chromatography of the reaction resulting material. The purified polymer or dimer can be used as a colorant by itself or in combination with another colorant for imparting color to a food, a drug, a cosmetic, a medical device, and textile products.
US09376561B2
Described herein are polymer compositions comprising at least one inorganic salt comprising a cation selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals and aluminum, and an anion selected from the group consisting of chloride, sulfate, nitrate, phosphate, acetate and formate, in a concentration of 100 to 5000 mg/kg, based on the composition, and wherein the salt is present in the composition exclusively in dissolved form or in the form of amorphous and/or crystalline inclusions having a size of not more than 60 μm. Compositions of the present invention are distinguished by an improved surface after heat-moisture storage and are suitable in particular for the production of moldings with a high gloss finish that demand a class A surface, which have optionally been subjected, in whole or in part, to a further surface treatment step involving e.g. lacquering, in-mold decoration, or metallization by vacuum deposition or galvanization.
US09376560B2
The present invention relates to a matrix material for a carbon fiber-reinforced composite. The matrix material for the carbon fiber composite contains a matrix resin as a resin component. The matrix resin contains at least a first epoxy resin containing a polyfunctional glycidylamine-type epoxy resin having four epoxy groups in one molecule. The matrix resin may further contain at least one of a p-aminophenol-type epoxy resin having three epoxy groups in one molecule, and a tetramethylbiphenol-type solid epoxy resin having two epoxy groups in one molecule. The matrix resin has an average epoxy equivalency of 99 to 163.
US09376559B2
This invention relates to processes to prepare impact copolymers having an ethylene content of greater than 20 wt % using a process where ethylene polymer is made in the first stage and propylene polymer is made in the second stage.
US09376557B2
A process for preparing a homogeneous polyethylene product can include producing a first polyethylene resin in the presence of a metallocene catalyst in a reactor. The first polyethylene resin can have a density of from 0.942 to 0.970 g/cm3 and an HLMI of from 0.5 to 150 g/10 min. The process can include separately producing a second polyethylene resin in the presence of a chromium catalyst in a reactor. The process can include physically blending together the first polyethylene resin and the second polyethylene resin to produce the homogeneous polyethylene product. The homogeneous polyethylene product can include at least 25% by weight of the first polyethylene resin.
US09376555B2
A composition for use as a wood-filter that includes a modified styrene butadiene latex; at least one pH indicator, wherein pH indicator causes the composition to change color as the composition dries; one or more types of microspheres, wherein the microspheres provide durability and stainability to the wood-filling composition; and high-density polyethylene fibers.
US09376551B2
The present invention relates to new crosslinked organosilicon polysulphides, to processes for preparing them and to their use as additives for plastics and/or rubbers.
US09376548B2
The present invention relates to a polyolefin composition comprising a polyolefin base resin and an antioxidant, characterized in that said polyolefin composition has a lifetime of at least 200 h in a test measuring the resistance against ClO2-containing water at 90° C. and at a concentration of ClO2 of 4 ppm wherein the equipment used is according to ASTM F2263-03.The present invention further relates to a pipe comprising the polyolefin composition according to the invention, to the use of the polyolefin composition for the production of a pipe, and to the use of a particularly selected antioxidant for increasing the resistance of a polyolefin composition against degradation caused by contact with ClO2-containing water.
US09376531B2
In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains.
US09376519B2
The present specification describes a transition metal compound having a novel structure, a catalytic composition including the same, and a method for preparing a polymer using the same.
US09376512B2
This invention relates to processes to produce polyethylene involving contacting ethylene with a metallocene catalyst system; wherein the catalyst system comprises: a stoichiometric activator; and a metallocene compound. The metallocene catalyst system is also disclosed.
US09376500B2
This invention describes a method of conjugating a cell binding agent such as an antibody with an effector group (e.g., a cytotoxic agent) or a reporter group (e.g., a radionuclide), whereby the reporter or effector group is first reacted with a bifunctional linker and the mixture is then used without purification for the conjugation reaction with the cell binding agent. The method described in this invention is advantageous for preparation of stably-linked conjugates of cell binding agents, such as antibodies with effector or reporter groups. This conjugation method provides in high yields conjugates of high purity and homogeneity that are without inter-chain cross-linking and inactivated linker residues.
US09376498B2
The present invention pertains to novel antibodies capable of binding to CD26, as well as to their use as a medicament. Moreover, the present invention provides antibodies for use in treating and/or preventing Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD), for use in treating Aplastic Anemia and/or for use in promoting engraftment after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Furthermore, the present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one antibody of the present invention, as well as provides a kit of parts.
US09376496B2
The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies that are capable of specifically binding to lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1), to polynucleotides encoding such antibodies, and to cells that express such antibodies. antibodies of the invention have utility in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer, in which LLT1- and CD161-expressing cells play a role in disease pathogenesis.
US09376493B2
The present invention provides antibodies directed against ICOS or a derivative thereof which neutralize ICOS engagement on Treg by inhibiting the fixation between ICOS and ICOS-L and abrogate proliferation of Treg induced by plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The present invention further provides antibodies directed against ICOS or a derivative thereof which induce IL-10 and IFNγ production, induce CD4+ T cells proliferation, reduce Tconv proliferation, and increase the immunosuppressive function of Treg.
US09376483B2
Fibronectin Type III (FN3) polypeptide libraries are described, along with their use in identifying fibronectin-type binding peptides having high binding affinities, e.g., greater than 300 nM, for VEGFR2 or Axl proteins.
US09376476B2
Prion peptides comprising prion epitopes and fusions thereof, that display enhanced immunogenicity are described. Also described are methods of treating and diagnosing prion disease.
US09376470B2
Novel polypeptides which have an excellent angiogenesis-inducing activity and an excellent antibacterial activity and medical uses thereof are disclosed. The amino acid sequences of the novel polypeptides are shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs:1 to 6. These polypeptides have angiogenesis-inducing and antibacterial activities. Such polypeptides are useful for the prevention, amelioration or treatment of skin wounds caused by a cut wound, surgical wound, erosion, burn, decubitus, intractable wound, skin ulcer, leg ulcer, diabetic ulcer, occlusive arterial disease or arteriosclerosis obliteran, and for the prevention, amelioration or treatment of bacterial infection in such skin wounds, and the like.
US09376469B2
The present invention relates to peptidomimetics having a stable, internally constrained protein secondary structure, where the peptidomimetics contain a hydrogen bond surrogate in the internal constraint, and at least one beta amino acid. Methods for promoting cell death using peptidomimetics that inhibit p53/hDM2 are also disclosed.
US09376461B2
Provided herein is a simple, one-step, non-enzymatic synthesis of O-Acetyl-ADP-ribose (OAADPR) from NAD and sodium acetate in acetic acid. The extension of this reaction to other carboxylic acids, demonstrates that the reaction between NAD, and NAD analogs produces mixtures of the corresponding 2′- and 3′-carboxylic esters. Included are O-carboxyl-ADP-ribose compounds and corresponding methods of synthesis (e.g., O-propionyl-ADP-ribose, O-succinyl-ADP-ribose, O-malonyl-ADP-ribose), as well as non-adenosine nucleoside compounds.
US09376460B2
The subject of the invention is a new method of the synthesis of polyphosphate analogs, such as nucleosides, oligonucleotides, carbohydrates, peptides and proteins, which are of biological importance and are used in organic chemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology. Polyphosphate analogs, including in particular nucleoside 5′-triphosphates, display high biological activity and are responsible for the provision and storage of energy in live organisms. The method relates to the synthesis of organic polyphosphates of general formula (1), where n has a value of 0 to 2, while X stands for an organic radical, in particular nucleoside, oligonucleotide, peptide-carbohydrate or a protein radical.
US09376458B2
A method for making the compound is set forth utilizing the starting material
US09376457B2
The present invention relates to a stable mixture comprising surface-modified particles which are obtained by reacting metal oxide or semimetal oxide particles with at least one compound selected from among silicon-comprising compounds bearing one, two or three alkoxy radicals and at least one solvent, at least one surface-active substance or a mixture thereof, the use of these particles in systems in which they are brought into contact with at least one solvent, where the mass ratio of solvent to modified particle is greater than 500, and also the use of these particles in agglomeration-deagglomeration cycles.
US09376455B2
A material is deposited onto a substrate by exposing the substrate to a metal-containing precursor to adsorb metal atoms of the metal-containing precursor to the substrate. The substrate injected with the metal-containing precursor is exposed to an organic precursor to deposit a layer of material by a reaction of the organic precursor with the metal atoms adsorbed to the substrate. The substrate is exposed to radicals of a reducing agent to increase reactivity of the material deposited on the substrate. The radicals of the reducing agent are produced by applying a voltage differential with electrodes to a gas such as hydrogen. The substrate may be exposed to radicals before and/or after exposing the substrate to the organic precursor. The substrate may be sequentially exposed to two or more different organic precursors. The material deposited on the substrate may be a metalcone such as Alucone, Zincone, Zircone, Titanicone, or Nickelcone.
US09376448B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of DNA-PK. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US09376445B2
The invention relates to spiro derivatives, to the use of said derivatives intreating diseases and conditions mediated by modulation of voltage-gated sodium channels, to compositions containing said derivatives and processes for their preparation.
US09376441B2
The present disclosure relates to compounds that are Syk inhibitors and to their use in the treatment of various disease states, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. In particular embodiments, the structure of the compounds is given by Formula I: wherein X1, X2, X3, R2, R3, R4, R5, and Y are as described herein. The present disclosure further provides pharmaceutical compositions that include a compound of Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and methods of using these compounds and compositions to treat conditions mediated by Syk.
US09376434B2
The present invention relates to novel dihydroazole of formula (I) and salts thereof: Wherein R1, A1, A2, G, X and Y are as defined in the description, compositions thereof, processes for their preparation and their uses to prevent or treat parasitic infections or infestations in animals and as pesticides.
US09376426B2
Compounds of the formula (I) in which D, R1, R2, R3, R4 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, are inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, in particular of Met kinase, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors.
US09376422B2
The present invention relates to substituted benzene compounds. The present invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of treating cancer by administering these compounds and pharmaceutical compositions to subjects in need thereof. The present invention also relates to the use of such compounds for research or other non-therapeutic purposes.
US09376419B2
Disclosed are solid forms of Nilotinib hydrochloride and methods of preparation of various crystalline solvates of Nilotinib HCl including benzyl alcohol, acetic acid, propylene glycol, and isopropanol. Nilotinib HCl is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for the treatment of drug resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
US09376415B2
A compound derived from the culture product of an actinomycete and having an antitumor activity is provided. Provided is a compound represented by any one of formulas (I), (II) and (III)or an optical isomer thereof or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof which can be isolated from the culture fluid of an actinomycete which belongs to the genus Streptomyces, wherein R1, R2, R5 and R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, a hydroxymethyl group, a hydroxyl group, or a double bond by which R1 and R2 or R5 and R6 are bonded; R3, R4, R7 and R8 each independently represent a methyl group or a hydroxymethyl group; and R9 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyl group.
US09376412B2
An anode material is provided for a surface of an electrode. The anode material comprises carbon-containing substrates and unsaturated compounds. At least one chemical bond is formed between the unsaturated compounds and the surfaces of the carbon-containing substrates.
US09376406B2
The invention described herein pertains to compounds, compositions and formulations comprising the compounds, and methods for use of the compounds, compositions and/or formulations in the treatment of diseases responsive to the inhibition of uPAR-uPA interactions, such as cancer.
US09376405B2
The instant invention relates to novel water soluble bis-(triazinylamino)-stilbene optical brightening agents, a process for their preparation and their use for whitening natural and synthetic materials.
US09376396B2
The present invention relates to novel acylaminocycloalkyl compounds, in particular to the compounds of the formula I as described herein and to their salts and N-oxides. The compounds possess valuable therapeutic properties and are suitable, in particular, for treating diseases that respond to modulation of the dopamine D3 receptor.
US09376395B2
The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising: (a) a cyclopolysaccharide and (b) a compound of Formula (I) or its pharmaceutical acceptable salt: wherein X1, X2, Q, Z, and m are defined herein. Also disclosed is a method for treating a neoplastic disease or an immune disease with these compositions.
US09376393B2
A new medical therapy, and more particularly certain quinoline compounds which are anti-angiogenic integrin aplha5beta1 inhibitors, for use in the treatment of fibrosis, or a fibrosis-related disease, such as a fibrotic disease affecting the lung, liver, kidney, skin, epidermis, endodermis, muscle, tendon, cartilage, heart, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, colon, uterus, nervous system, testis, adrenal gland, artery, vein, biliary tract, or eye.
US09376392B2
The invention provides compounds and salts thereof as d herein. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound disclosed herein, processes for preparing compounds disclosed herein, intermediates useful for preparing compounds disclosed herein and therapeutic methods for treating an HIV infection, treating the proliferation of the HIV virus, treating AIDS or delaying the onset of AIDS or ARC symptoms in a mammal using compounds disclosed herein.
US09376386B2
The present invention provides processes for making 2-((3R,5R,6S)-5-(3-chlorophenyl)-6-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-((S)-1-(isopropylsulfonyl)-3-methylbutan-2-yl)-3-methyl-2-oxopiperidin-3-yl)acetic acid as well as intermediates and processes for making the intermediates. Also provided are crystalline forms of the compound and the intermediates.
US09376384B2
Provided is a compound that allows easy introduction of a pentafluorosulfanylaryl group into a compound of interest.A diaryliodonium salt is represented by the general formula (d) shown below: In this formula, k is 1 or 2, R1 is an alkyl group having 1 or 2 carbon atoms, m is an integer of 0 to 4, R2 is a straight or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, n is an integer of 0 to 5, and A− is a counter anion.
US09376381B2
The invention provides compositions of novel high penetration compositions (HPC) or high penetration prodrugs (HPP) of peptides and peptide-related compounds, which are capable of crossing biological barriers with high penetration efficiency. The HPPs are capable of being converted to parent active drugs or drug metabolites after crossing the biological barrier and thus can render treatments for the conditions that the parent drugs or metabolites can. Additionally, the HPPs are capable of reaching areas that parent drugs may not be able to access or to render a sufficient concentration at the target areas and therefore render novel treatments. The HPPs can be administered to a subject through various administration routes, e.g., locally delivered to an action site of a condition with a high concentration or systematically administered to a biological subject and enter the general circulation with a faster rate.
US09376377B2
The invention relates to a method for producing an isocyanate by reacting the corresponding primary amine with phosgene in a reactor (100) which comprises at least one reaction zone (110) and a quenching zone (120) arranged below said reaction zone, having the following steps: (i) introducing a gaseous amine flow (1) and a gaseous phosgene flow (2) into the reactor (100) and reacting the flows in the reaction zone (110) into a product gas flow (3) comprising isocyanate and hydrogen chloride and optionally excess phosegene; (ii) introducing the product gas flow (3) into the quenching zone (120), in which the product gas flow is cooled by injecting a quenching liquid (4) via at least one quenching nozzle (200) such that a liquid flow (5) comprising the quenching liquid (4) and isocyanate and a gaseous flow (6) comprising hydrogen chloride and optionally phosgene are obtained; and (iii) separating the isocyanate from the liquid flow (5) obtained in step (ii); wherein the temperature Tw*, of the wall of the reaction zone (110) directly above the quenching zone (120) is kept at a value which lies maximally 4.0%, preferably maximally 2.0%, below the maximum temperature, Twmax, of the wall of the reaction zone, said maximum temperature being specified in Kelvin.
US09376371B2
A triphenylamine derivative is represented by General Formula (1). In General Formula (1), OR1 represents an alkoxy group having 2 to 8 carbon atoms. R2 to R6 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Ar1 and Ar2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 20 carbon atoms and optionally substituted with an alkoxy group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a cycloalkyl group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms, or a 3- to 10-membered heterocyclic group. Note that the case where Ar1 and Ar2 are both a hydrogen atom is excluded.
US09376359B2
Disclosed herein is a process for preparing an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-linear mono-alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound. The process involves the steps of: (a) providing an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-di(alkyl-substituted)aromatic compound; wherein a first alkyl substituent is a C3 to C8 alkyl moiety and a second alkyl substituent is a C4+n to C8+n linear alkyl moiety, wherein n is 0 to 42 and further wherein the second alkyl substituent is at least one carbon atom greater than the first alkyl substituent; (b) subjecting the isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-di(alkyl-substituted)aromatic compound to oxidation conditions in the presence of an oxygen-containing source, thereby converting the first alkyl substituent which is a C3 to C8 alkyl moiety to a hydroperoxide-containing substituted moiety to produce an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-linear alkyl-substituted, hydroperoxide-containing substituted aromatic compound; and (c) converting the hydroperoxide-containing substituted moiety to a hydroxyl moiety thereby providing an isomeric mixture comprising a major amount of a para-linear mono-alkyl-substituted hydroxyaromatic compound.
US09376356B2
A method or system for recovering carbon dioxide is provided with which in a plant for synthesizing methanol from a hydrocarbon gas or synthesizing gasoline therefrom via methanol, the waste heat of a low-temperature reformed gas, which has conventionally been discarded and is difficult to reutilize, can be effectively utilized. In the system for synthesizing methanol or gasoline from a hydrocarbon gas and for recovering carbon dioxide, a reformed gas is produced by steam reforming of the hydrocarbon gas. Since a combustion discharge gas generates when a fuel gas is burned in order to obtain a heat source for the steam reforming, carbon dioxide is recovered from the combustion discharge gas in an absorption tower (40) using an absorption liquid. In a regeneration tower (10), the reformed gas is used first as a heat source for a first reboiler (20A) located at the tower bottom, and the reformed gas having a lowered temperature is then used as a heat source for a second reboiler (20B) located in a middle position to heat the absorption liquid in stages, thereby regenerating the absorption liquid.
US09376350B2
A urea fertilizer having reduced ammonia volatilization upon application to soil including a central particle having an outer surface and comprising ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, and a coating of urea on the outer surface of the central particle, and further a process of making the fertilizer including the steps of: granulating ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, with a binder to produce volatilization inhibitor particles; screening the inhibitor particles to a preselected particle size; spraying melted urea onto the surface of the inhibitor particles to produce a coating on the inhibitor particles; granulating the coated inhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to produce granules of urea coated central volatilization particles; and cooling the granules.
US09376344B2
A method of making a foamed glass composite, including crushing a vitreous precursor material, such as waste glass, frit, metallurgical slag or the like, sizing the crushed vitreous precursor to segregate an amount of crushed particles of a predetermined size and pelletizing the crushed particles. The pellets are preheated and passed through a high-temperature flame to foam the pellets. The foamed pellets are air-quenched to a temperature below their dilatometric softening point and then cooling to room temperature. The foamed pellets are then mixed with Portland cement and water to form a composite material. The flame temperature is at least about 1300° C. and the pellets are preheated to within no more than about 25° C. of their dilatometric softening point. The pellets have a volume of between about 0.05 and about 1 cubic centimeter and reside in the flame for between about 0.5 to about 10 seconds.
US09376340B2
Provided is an optical glass having low specific gravity, low abrasion degree, and high devitrification-proof stability, as well as a preform for precision press molding and an optical element which use such an optical glass. The optical glass has a composition including, in cationic % expression, P5+: 36 to 40%, Al3+: 11 to 16%, Mg2+: 11 to 19%, Ca2+: greater than 0% and 2% or less, Sr2+: 0 to 4%, Ba2+: 25 to 31%, Zn2+: 0% or more and less than 2.4%, and Y3+: 2 to 7%, a total amount of Zn2+ and Y3+ (Zn2++Y3+) being 3 to 7%. The composition also includes, in anionic % expression, O2−: 74 to 78%, and F−: 22 to 26%. Li+, Na+, K+, La3+, and Gd3+ are not included. The optical glass further has a refractive index (nd) of 1.58 to 1.60 and an Abbe number (νd) of 67 to 69.
US09376334B2
A method for treating a liquid solution S1 is provided. The method may comprise a step of injecting said liquid solution S1 into a plasma immersed in a second liquid solution S2 separate from said liquid solution S1. In addition, a device capable of being applied in the context of such a method is also provided.
US09376331B2
A system and process for treating water wherein water to be treated is directed to an inlet zone and from the inlet zone to a mixing zone. A flotation zone receives water from the mixing zone. A clarified water collection area is disposed adjacent the flotation zone for receiving clarified water from the flotation zone. There is provided one or more spray nozzles disposed in the mixing zone for injecting pressurized water into the mixing zone and generating air bubbles in the mixing zone such that the air bubbles are mixed with the water to be treated. A perforated plate separates the inlet zone and the mixing zone and includes an array of openings through which water to be treated passes as the water to be treated moves from the inlet zone to the mixing zone. The openings in the perforated plate give rise to a homogeneous mixture of the water to be treated and the air bubbles that result from the pressurized water being injected into the mixing zone by the one or more spray nozzles. Suspended matter and particulate in the water agglomerates around or with the air bubbles and the air bubbles carry the suspended matter and particulate to the surface of the water to be treated. Once the water and air bubbles reach the flotation zone, the air bubbles with the associated suspended matter and particulate can be removed from the surface of the water by a flotation process.
US09376330B2
A unit for pretreating water by heat and/or ion treatment. It provides a pretreatment unit including a direct contact heat and/or ion exchanger having a continuous or dispersed phase that includes a fluorinated liquid that is not miscible with water with a density of more than 1.25.
US09376325B2
A new configuration of ZSM-5 is provided whereby the crystals have a higher average silica to alumina ratio at the edges of each crystallite than in the center as determined from a narrow slit line scan profile obtained from SEM/EDX or TEM/EDX elemental analysis. Such ZSM-5 crystals are obtained by a preparation process using L-tartaric acid. The new configuration ZSM-5 provides significantly reduced xylene losses in ethylbenzene dealkylation, especially when combined with silica as binder, and one or more hydrogenation metals selected from platinum, tin, lead, silver, copper, and nickel.
US09376322B2
There is provided colloidal silica particles comprising at least one polyvalent metal element M selected from a group consisting of iron, aluminum, zinc, zirconium, titanium, tin, and lead in an average content of 0.001 to 0.02 in terms of an M/Si molar ratio, and having an average primary particle diameter of 5 to 40 nm, wherein the content of the polyvalent metal element M present in an outermost layer of the colloidal particles is 0 to 0.003 atom per square nanometer (nm2) of a surface area of the colloidal particles; and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in an organic solvent, a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a polymerizable compound, and a silica sol that the colloidal silica particles are dispersed in a dicarboxylic anhydride.
US09376315B2
The present invention provides partially fluorescent nanoparticles and methods of making and using the partially fluorescent nanoparticle having a nanoparticle with a matrix and a fluorescent dye dispersed in or about the matrix, wherein at least a portion of the fluorescent dye has been anisotropically bleached.
US09376312B2
An improved MEMS transducer apparatus and method. The method includes providing a movable base structure having a base surface region overlying a substrate and a center cavity with a cavity surface region. At least one center anchor structure and one spring structure can be spatially disposed within a substantially circular portion of the surface region. The spring structure(s) can be coupled the center anchor structure(s) to a portion of the cavity surface region. The substantially circular portion can be configured within a vicinity of the center of the surface region. At least one capacitor element, having a fixed and a movable capacitor element, can be spatially disposed within a vicinity of the cavity surface region. The fixed capacitor element(s) can be coupled to the center anchor structure(s) and the movable capacitor element(s) can be spatially disposed on a portion of the cavity surface region.
US09376311B2
A new process enabling rapid and efficient desktop manufacturing of microfluidic devices fabricated from thermoplastic substrates utilizing the selective irreversible swelling of thermoplastic polymer when exposed to suitable solvent makes it possible to produce micro- or nano-fluidic devices with outstanding bonding and collapse free micro- or nano-structures.
US09376310B2
Methods for fabricating multi-sensor microelectronic packages and multi-sensor microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a magnetometer wafer comprised of an array of non-singulated magnetometer die over an accelerometer wafer comprised of an array of non-singulated accelerometer die. The magnetometer wafer is bonded to the accelerometer wafer to produce a bonded wafer stack. The bonded wafer stack is then singulated to yield a plurality of multi-sensor microelectronic packages each including a singulated magnetometer die bonded to a singulated accelerometer die.
US09376306B2
Methods of dispensing an ingredient and measuring an amount of the ingredient dispensed, e.g., at a customer's location usually as the ingredient is used by the customer, in order to improve the dispensing process by adjusting future dispense cycles, accurately dispensing the ingredient, predicting an amount of ingredient to be dispensed.
US09376296B2
A hoist for vehicles having two lifting columns arranged at both sides of a vehicle, each having two support arms that are supported in a horizontally pivotal and longitudinally adjustable fashion at their lifting column, and each having at their free end a support plate. These support plates are positionable at support positions underneath a vehicle as specified by the vehicle manufacturer by an appropriate movement of the support arm. The manufacturer support positions are saved as target positions according to corresponding vehicle model in a data memory of the hoist, and coordinates of actual positions of the support plates are determined by measurements and perhaps calculations. A computer makes a comparison between the target and actual coordinates, and enables a lifting process of the support arms only when differences between the target and the actual coordinates are within a predetermined tolerance.
US09376287B2
A sheet conveying device includes a conveying roller provided on an inner side of a curved part of a conveying path of a sheet; a driving unit configured to rotate the conveying roller; a drive control unit configured to control a rotation speed of the conveying roller by the driving unit; a rotation speed detecting unit configured to detect the rotation speed of the conveying roller; a conveying unit configured to convey the sheet laid across the conveying roller and the conveying unit; a conveying speed detecting unit configured to detect a conveying speed of the sheet; and a sheet thickness detecting unit configured to detect a thickness of the sheet based on the conveying speed of the sheet detected by the conveying speed detecting unit and the rotation speed of the conveying roller detected by the rotation speed detecting unit.
US09376285B2
A sheet-stapling apparatus mounts a center-fold booklet and staples the booklet at a fold of the booklet by a staple. The sheet-stapling apparatus has a supporting member that mounts the center-fold booklet, pushing members that push the booklet to the supporting member, a stapler that penetrates the staple through the booklet and a clincher that clinches legs of the staple to bind the booklet. Each pushing member has a pushing recess portion for pushing the fold of the booklet. The pushing recess portion spreads from a booklet-positioning angle to a booklet-pushing angle to prevent the booklet from shifting.
US09376279B2
A sheet feeding device includes a manual bypass tray, a pair of side-fences and restricting members. On the manual bypass tray, a sheet conveyed to an apparatus main body is placed. The pair of side-fences are arranged slidable in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet so as to mutually approach/separate on the manual bypass tray. The restricting members are arranged attachable to/detachable from the pair of side-fences. Each of the restricting members includes a first engaging part and a preventive portion. The first engaging part is engaged with the manual bypass tray to restrict slide of each of the pair of side-fence in the width direction. The preventive portion is arranged so as to be separated upwardly from the manual bypass tray to prevent the sheet on the manual bypass tray from uplifting.
US09376271B2
An article transport facility allows transport carriages to travel with sufficient stability while avoiding damages to any transport carriage when the connection to another adjacent transport carriage is disengaged. Each of a plurality of transport carriages, which forms a carriage sequence, includes a carriage main body, a wheel which rolls on a travel surface formed along the travel path, a first connecting portion provided to a forward end portion of the carriage main body, and a second connecting portion provided to a back end portion of the carriage main body. The first connecting portion is connected to the second connecting portion of another transport carriage that is immediately in front so as to be pivotable about a carriage pivot axis extending along a vertical direction. The wheel is provided in the forward end portion of the carriage main body.
US09376270B2
Embodiments provide an electric lug loader system. An electric lug loader may include a shaft assembly rotatably mounted to a frame that extends across a flow path. The shaft assembly may have shafts arranged radially around, and parallel to, the rotational axis of the shaft assembly, clamp members arranged along each of the shafts, support members arranged radially around the rotational axis and across the flow path, and electric drives coupled to the shafts. Conveyors may be coupled with the frame and spaced apart across the flow path upstream and/or downstream of the shaft assembly. Additional drives may be coupled with the shaft assembly and the conveyors. A controller may be configured to synchronize the drives to engage successive workpieces between the clamp members and the support members and deposit the workpieces onto a lugged conveyor. Other embodiments provide related methods and systems.
US09376269B2
The device for transferring stacks of blister packs comprises at least one transfer cassette for holding a stack of blister packs, the transfer cassette comprising a bottom element and at least two opposing side boundary elements. A transfer cassette motion unit serves to move the transfer cassette in the conveying direction and in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and is configured in such a way that the transfer cassette is movable from a loading position, in which it is loaded with the stack of blister packs, to an unloading position, in which the stack of blister packs is transferred to a compartment of a conveying device. During unloading, the transfer cassette is moved laterally out of the compartment and thus out of the unloading position in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, whereas the stack of blister packs remains on the conveying device.
US09376266B2
A nut arranging apparatus includes a nut arranging portion having a generally ring-shaped shape for arranging nuts, and a nut supplying portion that is a portion for supplying the nuts to the nut arranging portion and is arranged inside the nut arranging portion. The nut supplying portion includes a holding portion that is a portion for temporarily holding the nuts. The nut supplying portion forms a bottom plate portion that is a bottom surface portion of the holding portion with a surface that is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction, and changes a direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion. The nut supplying portion supplies the nuts to an appropriate position of the nut arranging portion by sliding the nuts held in the holding portion in the direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion while changing the direction of tilt of the bottom plate portion.
US09376264B1
The present invention is directed to a conveyor belt cleaning apparatus comprising a frame having a front side, a rear side, two lateral sides and one or more openings located between the front side, the rear side and the lateral sides; a first scraping blade and a second scraping blade, wherein each of the scraping blades is positioned between the lateral sides of the frame, and wherein the second scraping blade is rearward of the first scraping blade; and means for securing the frame to the underside of a conveyor belt assembly such that the first scraping blade and the second scraping blade make contact with the conveyor belt of the conveyor belt assembly.
US09376256B2
The invention relates to a tray sealer having a feed belt comprising a drive unit and a belt body having a conveyor belt. The belt body is adapted to be dismounted, together with the conveyor belt, from the drive unit without making use of a tool. An exchange unit is provided on or at the tray sealer, the exchange unit being configured for accommodating the belt body when the belt body is dismounted from the drive unit. A corresponding method for exchanging or cleaning at least one of a conveyor belt, a belt body and/or a drive unit of a tray sealer is also provided.
US09376247B2
A re-sealable flexible sachet (10, 50) with a nozzle portion (14) which is foldable about a fold line (41, 52, 110) to constrict the outlet conduit (15) when the nozzle portion (14) is in the folded configuration, and the nozzle portion (14) has an ear (20A, 20B, 51) extending in a transverse direction with a corresponding slot opening (23A, 23B, 53) to receive the ear (20A, 20B, 51) to secure the nozzle portion (14) when the nozzle portion (14) is in the folded configuration.
US09376240B1
A cap for a bottle having a safety seal over its mouth, the cap provided with one or more integral seal-cutting fins to facilitate removal of the safety seal. The cap further includes mouth alignment ribs and may include one or more depressor fins. The cap may have an inner stage and an outer stage. When inverted, the cap may be positioned on the lip of the mouth of a heat induction sealed bottle. Upon application of downward force and rotation of the cap, the seal-cutting fins score or cut the safety seal to facilitate removal of the seal. The depressor fin(s) prevents the entire circumference of the seal from being scored or cut, and therefore reduces the risk that the seal will fall into the bottle during removal of the seal.
US09376238B2
A presentation package for providing a “mixed drink”, such as a gift, wherein the mixer or base beverage is contained in a first container, such as a 12 ounce soda can, and the liquor is provided in a second container, such as a small single serving liquor bottle, is described. The two containers are joined together by the presentation package. The package further includes indicia relative to the occasion associated with the giving or presentation of the “mixed drink” combination.
US09376230B2
A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton and a dispenser comprising a dispenser panel. The dispenser panel is at least partially defined by a tear line extending in at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The dispenser panel can be at least partially removable from the carton to create a dispenser opening. The carton also can comprise a handle for grasping and carrying the carton. The handle comprises a handle feature extending in at least the dispenser panel, and at least a portion of the handle can be removable from the carton with the dispenser panel.
US09376225B2
A vertical filling and packaging machine of the present invention includes tension devices (11) that are disposed near positions of ironing rollers (5) and that pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward. Tension devices (11) pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward to flatten a portion of cylindrical film (1) before the pair of ironing rollers (5) sandwiches the portion of cylindrical film (1), wherein the content has been injected into the cylindrical film (1). As a result, when lateral seal part (1e) is formed on cylindrical film (1) by lateral seal device (6), lateral seal part (1e) is not easily wrinkled.
US09376223B2
Provided is a liquid container having a vacuum pumping device, which includes: a housing having a lower portion which is opened by means of an opening or closing control to be exposed to the atmosphere and an upper portion having a mounting hole so that a space is formed therein; an inner container having a cylinder chamber provided at an upper portion thereof to allow a liquid to flow in or out and a liquid store area connected to a lower portion of the cylinder chamber to change a volume according to an amount of liquid therein, the cylinder chamber being coupled to the mounting hole of the housing so that the inner housing is detachably mounted in the housing for refilling; a syringe unit coupled to or separated from the cylinder chamber to suck the liquid from the inner container and discharge the sucked liquid outwards; and an elastic cap mounted to the cylinder chamber, the elastic cap being closed in advance when the syringe unit is inserted into the cylinder chamber and opened later when the syringe unit sucks the liquid after the syringe unit is inserted into the cylinder chamber, so that the liquid is discharged while keeping a sealed state. If the liquid container having a vacuum pumping device of the present disclosure is used, the elastic cap may be easily manufactured due to its simple design and may keep its sealing force even though it is used repeatedly. Further, since the movement of a membrane may prevent even a minimum air from flowing into a filling chamber of the liquid store area while the syringe unit is being inserted, it is possible to prevent the solution from being contaminated.
US09376210B2
The invention relates to a cargo handling system for loading and securing one or more freight containers in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The system includes bracket members configured to be secured to a base or floor of the cargo hold, and elongate guide members, each of which is mounted on and interconnects a number of the bracket members arranged in a row, wherein each guide member forms a restraint or a stop against lateral movement of a freight container loaded in the cargo hold. The bracket members include at least one fastening portion configured for tool-less fast-release engagement and locking with a seat track profile in the base or floor of the cargo hold. Furthermore, the bracket members typically extend transversely inwards or inboard of the elongate guide members.
US09376193B1
A method for limiting motion of at least one outboard engine of a watercraft to at least one desired limit position in at least one direction is disclosed. The method comprises initiating a calibration process by inputting a sequence of at least one state of at least one switch, moving the at least one outboard engine about at least one axis in the at least one direction until the at least one desired limit positions is reached, sensing a position of the at least one outboard engine about the at least one axis when the at least one outboard engine is at the at least one desired limit position, and recording the sensed position to be a limit position. A method for limiting motion of a plurality of outboard engines, and a watercraft are also disclosed.
US09376188B2
A deflector control portion in a jet propulsion boat causes a deflector to swing by controlling a deflector drive mechanism in response to an operation of a shift operating portion. The deflector control portion causes the deflector to move to a first trim position when the shift operating portion is switched to a forward movement shift position. The deflector control portion causes the deflector to move to a second trim position when the shift operating portion is switched to an operating shift position.
US09376187B2
Provided is a power module for use in a marine vessel and a wind-propelled vessel provided with such a power module. The power module includes: a sail storage housing which has at least a portion thereof arranged below a deck of a marine vessel and having an opening on an upper end thereof; a sail which is movable between a storage position located inside the sail storage housing and a use position at which the sail projects from the deck in the vertical direction; and a sail movement unit which is configured to move the sail between the storage position and the use position.
US09376181B1
A water craft able to offer fast rescue includes a water craft provided with a pressurization pump and a high pressure air reservoir to have air pressurized and poured into the high pressure air reservoir and stored therein. The water craft is formed with a concealed storage space having an uninflated rescue device received therein. The rescue device communicates with the high pressure air reservoir so that the rescue device can be inflated via the high pressure air reservoir. Thus, before inflated, the rescue device can be entirely received in the concealed storage space, letting the water craft have good maneuverability and, after inflated, the rescue device will be ejected out of the concealed storage space for carrying many persons thereon, thus advantageous to carry out rescue mission.
US09376177B2
A towed water sled apparatus is disclosed. The towed water sled apparatus is designed to provide lift to an overturned water sled apparatus thereby preventing the overturned water sled apparatus from diving below the water surface. The towing line may be above the water surface while pulling the overturned water sled apparatus along the water surface. The nose radius may transition to the lift section to provide lift to the overturned water sled apparatus and prevent the overturned water sled apparatus from sinking into the water surface.
US09376172B2
A self-aligning roller chock comprises a deck mounting structure which includes a boss member coupled to the deck and a swivel base plate rotationally coupled to the boss member for rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the deck; a pivot assembly coupled to the swivel base plate; a frame coupled to the pivot member and configured to pivot relative to the deck mounting member about the pivot assembly; and a sheave wheel rotationally mounted within the frame adapted to receive rigging line therein. The chock will pivot about two axes providing a self-aligning horizontal and vertical alignment with a resulting force of the rigging line. The self-aligning roller chock may further include a spring coupled to the frame and partially supporting the weight of the frame and the sheave wheel at least when the axis of the sheave wheel is non-parallel to the plane of the deck.
US09376169B1
A removably-positionable ratline for modern sailboats comprising an adjustable belt and two shroud vice clamps with a base member and a jaw comprising mating faces with arcs that, when aligned with one another, allow a fastener to be engaged through them so as to hold both components together and form a central opening to grip a shroud cable.
US09376164B2
An electrically assisted vehicle includes a vehicle body, pedals to input human power, a crank that is coupled to the pedals and freely rotatably supported on the vehicle body, a wheel (i.e., at least one wheel) that is attached to the vehicle body and rotates according to a rotation of the crank, a first electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the wheel, a second electric motor that is attached to the vehicle body and drives the wheel or another wheel, a torque detection unit that detects a torque applied to the crank, a torque command value calculation unit, and a motor drive unit that drives the first electric motor and second electric motor according to a calculated torque command value. The torque command value calculation unit calculates a first torque command value for the first electric motor and a second torque command value for the second electric motor according to a torque detected by the torque detection unit, and calculates the first and second torque command values such that the first and second torque command values are mutually shifted in phase.
US09376156B2
A bicycle including front and rear wheels and a frame supported by the front and rear wheels. The rear wheel defines a central plane of the bicycle. The frame includes a main frame and a rear frame that is movable relative to the main frame. The main frame has a seat support with an offset portion that is offset from the central plane. The bicycle also includes a seat supported by the seat support, and a suspension unit coupled between the rear frame and the main frame to inhibit relative movement between the rear frame and the main frame. The suspension unit is positioned with the offset portion of the seat support laterally aligned with a first side of the suspension unit, and a second side of the suspension unit opposite the first side is not laterally aligned with the seat support.
US09376152B2
A robotic device includes a drive pod defined between multiple wheels coupled to an axle of the drive pod. The robotic device further includes a single mounting shaft coupled to the drive pod and configured to couple the drive pod with a body of the robotic device. The robotic device also includes multiple first motors defined within the drive pod and configured to control multiple first drive gears coupled to a drive shaft gear of the drive pod. The robotic device still further includes a second motor defined within the drive pod and configured to control a second drive gear coupled to a carousel gear of the drive pod.
US09376151B2
A walking robot and a control method thereof. The control method includes performing transition of a second leg to a toe-off state, when ground reaction force applied to a first leg exceeds a first set value under the condition that the first leg is in a swing state and the second leg is in a support state, performing transition of the second leg to the swing state and transition of the first leg to the support state, when ground reaction force applied to the second leg is below a second set value under the condition that the second leg is in the toe-off state, and achieving walking of the walking robot by repeating the transitions among the swing state, the support state and the toe-off state. Thereby, the control method allows the robot to more stably and naturally walk.
US09376148B2
Provided herein is a caterpillar for cable mobile robot and a cable mobile robot using the same, the caterpillar for cable mobile robot and cable mobile robot including a case; a plurality of first rotating members configured to rotate and distanced from one another inside the case; a second rotating member configured to rotate and provided between the first rotating members; a belt member mounted to the first rotating members and the second rotating member; and a tension adjuster located between the second rotating members and the first rotating member, and configured to support the belt member at its lower part so that the tension of the belt is adjusted.
US09376146B2
A reinforced structure is disclosed which includes a structural component as well as a reinforcing part that is arranged in a cavity of the structural component. The reinforcing part can include a support part and a connection, the support part being arranged in the cavity such that a distance between the support part and the structural component at a position of the structural component with a higher probability of deforming under a force load from outside on the structural component is shorter than at a position of the structural component with a lower probability of deforming under a force load from the outside.
US09376141B1
The present invention relates to a steering system that allows the user to switch between a first steering mode and a second steering mode by a purely mechanical means. This includes, but is not limited to, switching from an all-wheel steering mode to a crab steering mode. The four wheel steering interchange system includes a chassis, a front wheel steering system, a rear wheel steering system, and a steering control link that connects the front wheel steering system and the rear wheel steering system. The four wheel steering interchange system also includes a steering interchange that mechanically switches the steer of the attached vehicle from one mode to a second mode.
US09376137B2
A steering device includes: a steering shaft and a column jacket that are telescopically adjustable in an axial direction; a lock plate provided with a plurality of holes; a lock mechanism that moves a tooth such that the tooth advances to the lock plate to be engaged with one of the holes, and retreats from the lock plate to be disengaged from the hole. The lock plate includes a bent portion as a stopper at an end portion of the lock plate in the axial direction, and the stopper restricts a movement of an upper jacket relative to a lower jacket in the axial direction by abutting on the lock mechanism in the axial direction when the steering shaft and the column jacket is telescopically adjusted.
US09376134B2
A media and entertainment center for baby strollers. The center can be incorporated originally into a baby stroller or retrofitted to existing baby strollers. The center includes a V-shaped pocket that extends downwardly from the shade of the stroller and has two main panels and two side panels with the main panels being joined together leaning the bottom of the V-shaped pocket. The main panel that faces the infant carried by the stroller is transparent and the side panels have perforations to allow sound to pass through the V-shaped pocket. A media device can be located within the V-shaped pocket with the viewing screen of the media device facing the transparent panel to enable the infant to see the viewing screen through the main panel and hear the sound through the side panels.
US09376133B2
A stroller is provided. A support frame (100) of the stroller includes a pair of vertical bars (120), lengths of which are vertically controllable in a telescopic manner, and provided to be spaced apart from each other, a one-side support (111) and an other-side support (112) respectively disposed at one side and the other side to include horizontal bars (130) having both ends connected to the pair of vertical bars to support the pair of vertical bars, and side supports (150) and a bottom support (160). The stroller also includes extension rods (140) respectively coupled to be capable of vertically moving into or out of upper ends of the vertical bars, an inner sheet (400) formed in a shape corresponding to an internal space of the support frame, detachable members (180) detachably coupled to the extension rods, and a sun cover (500) coupled to the detachable members.
US09376132B1
A car dolly comprises a frame having a supporting portion and a tire receiving portion. The supporting portion has a plurality of wheel acceptance areas. The tire receiving portion comprises a pair of angled inner walls and a pair of outer walls. The dolly has a pair of rotatable arms and a reversible saddle. In an extended configuration, each rotatable arm extends above the frame at an angle. In a retracted configuration, each rotatable arm extends generally horizontally underneath the frame.
US09376129B2
A blocked rail crossing detection and notification system is described. The system includes a processing device, a communications interface communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable for facilitating communications between the processing device and at least one external device, and at least one vehicle detection mechanism placed proximate to a rail grade crossing. The at least one vehicle detection mechanism is communicatively coupled to the processing device and operable to provide signals to the processing device indicative of the presence or non-presence of a vehicle within a defined area surrounding an intersection of a roadway and one or more railroad tracks. The processing device is further programmed to communicate the presence or non-presence of a vehicle along with supporting correlative visual data within the defined area to the at least one external device via the communications interface.
US09376119B2
A vehicle-center-of-gravity condition determining apparatus includes: a rear wheel brake pressure change unit; a front wheel brake pressure detector; a rear wheel brake pressure detector; a rear wheel axle load estimating unit configured to estimate a rear wheel axle load based on a relationship between front and rear brake pressures detected during braking and a rear wheel axle load property of the rear wheel brake pressure change unit; and a vehicle-center-of-gravity condition determiner configured to determine a center of gravity condition of a vehicle in a vehicle width direction based on the estimated rear wheel axle load. The rear wheel axle load estimating unit is configured to estimate each of the rear wheel axle loads in a case where braking is performed in a state of at least two of during straight running, during right turning, and during left turning.
US09376110B2
A vehicle control apparatus is disclosed, which includes a processing device that calculates a target acceleration such that a vehicle speed of a vehicle, which includes a continuously variable transmission, becomes a target vehicle speed; sets a threshold for a change amount of an engine rpm based on the target acceleration; and controls the engine rpm such that the change amount of the engine rpm does not exceed the threshold.
US09376103B2
A traveling mode switching controller of a hybrid electric vehicle has a velocity detection unit, a state-of-charge detection unit, and a switching control unit for selectively switching among first to third traveling modes. In the first traveling mode, an engine is deactivated and a drive motor is activated to actuate drive wheels. In the second traveling mode, the engine activates a generator to activate the drive motor. In the third traveling mode, the engine activates the drive wheels. When the state of charge is less than a first state of charge, the switching control unit performs switching between the second traveling mode and the third traveling mode at a first velocity. When the state of charge is the first state of charge or more, the switching control unit performs switching between the first traveling mode and the third traveling mode at a predetermined velocity higher than the first velocity.
US09376097B2
An object of the invention is to prevent abnormal noise from being generated when the pressure of brake fluid supplied to a brake caliper is reduced.A vehicle brake device includes first and second hydraulic brakes generating a hydraulic brake force and a regenerative brake generating a regenerative brake force and divides a braking force into the hydraulic brake force and the regenerative brake force. The vehicle brake device includes a regulating valve that is provided between the first and second hydraulic brakes and continuously regulates the flow rate of brake fluid flowing to the second hydraulic brake from the first hydraulic brake, and a pressure reducing valve that reduces the pressure of the brake fluid supplied to the second hydraulic brake. An opening of the regulating valve is continuously increased and the pressure reducing valve is opened, when the hydraulic brake force of the first hydraulic brake is reduced.
US09376093B2
Described herein is a system and method to enable braking system operation independent of conventional aircraft signals, such as those tied to the hibernation commands. Stated another way, the present disclosure relates to the enablement of a braking system in response to an initiation signal. In this way, the crew has the ability to force the braking system out of a hibernation mode into an “emergency type” braking mode if desired. The concepts described herein may be applicable to an electric braking system and to a hydraulic braking system.
US09376092B2
A automatic car washing apparatus is provided with a preparation station including a spray bar joined with an armature. The spray bar is manually moveable to selectively spray certain portions of a vehicle determined by the attendant. The armature provides forces to assist the user in manually manipulating the spray bar to prepare the vehicle to undergo subsequent and/or additional washing or cleaning procedures. A related method is also provided.
US09376089B1
A seat belt system for a vehicle having a vehicle structure and a seat operatively connected to the vehicle structure includes a lap belt having a first end and a second end. The first end of the lap belt includes a buckle element and the second end of the lap belt includes a belt link. The seat belt system also includes a cable having a first end and a second end. The first end of the cable is connected to an anchor and the second end of the cable includes a ferrule. The seat belt system additionally includes a hinge operatively connecting the belt link to the ferrule. The hinge operates to pivot the belt link relative to the ferrule when an occupant of the vehicle is positioned in the seat and restrained by the seatbelt system.
US09376081B2
An airbag device for a vehicle may include a main vent hole formed in an airbag cushion and configured to discharge an expanding gas therein, a cover provided to an outer side of the airbag cushion and configured to switch between a state in which the cover is spaced apart from the main vent hole by a given tensile force to open the main vent hole and a state in which the cover is closely adhered to the main vent hole to close the main vent hole, a tether configured to have one end portion connected to the cover and another end portion fixed in the airbag cushion and provide the tensile force to the cover through the main vent hole, and a tether guide.
US09376074B2
A curved sandwich impact structure for a vehicle having a micro-truss core. In one embodiment, the sandwich impact structure includes a micro-truss layer sandwiched between two facesheets, a micro-truss layer designed for energy absorption on the outside of one of the facesheets, and a fascia panel in contact with the energy absorbing micro-truss layer.
US09376062B2
A carrier apparatus for a vehicle may include guide rails, a carrier, an extending bar, an extending linkage, a support unit and lamps. The guide rails may be symmetrically disposed under a rear bumper beam and extend in a front-rear direction. The carrier may have a panel and sliding rails and be stowed in or drawn out from the rear bumper beam. The extending bar may be coupled to a driving unit disposed on a front of the carrier and extend rearward from the driving unit and be connected to the panel. The extending linkage may include a plurality of links on the the extending bar which open laterally away from the extending bar when the driving unit operates. The support unit may be connected to the links and moves laterally with the links. The lamps may be mounted on the support unit and slide laterally with the support unit.
US09376058B2
An illumination system for a vehicle container includes a fluid container, a photoluminescent portion disposed on the container, and a light source located proximate the container. The light source is configured to emit light at a first wavelength directed toward the photoluminescent portion. The photoluminescent portion is configured to convert the first wavelength to at least a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength to illuminate the container.
US09376055B2
An emblem device includes a back plate, an emblem and a lighting device. The emblem overlies the back plate, and has a translucent portion and an opaque portion. The lighting device is disposed between the emblem and the back plate, and is configured and arranged to be able to disperse light though the translucent portion of the emblem.
US09376050B1
A restraint assembly includes at least one strap and a resilient member having two ends, at least one of which is coupled to the strap such that the resilient member is in line with the strap and provides a resilient link within the restraint assembly. A limiter haves at least two ends, each of the ends of the limiter being coupled to the restraint assembly, the limiter being longer than the resilient member when the resilient member is in an un-stretched position, such that the limiter prevents the resilient member from exceeding a maximum predetermined length when the restraint assembly is stretched into a taut condition. At least one side rail is coupled to the resilient member and the strap, the side rail being positioned aside the resilient member and the strap, the side rail including coupling structure operable to couple the resilient member to the strap.
US09376039B1
A seat back frame assembly and seat assembly are provided. The seat back frame assembly includes a pair of side members spaced apart from each other, a top member spaced apart from a bottom member, each of the top and bottom members interconnecting each of the pair of side members so as to define a peripheral edge, the peripheral edge enclosing a back space. An interference member is disposed within the back space and spaced apart from an inner surface of one of the pair of side members. The interference member disposed above a midpoint of the one of the pair of side members and includes a sliding surface angled obtusely with respect to the back space so as to direct an occupant forward of the back space and away from the side member when experiencing a side load.
US09376034B2
A method for minimizing the electricity consumption required for a public transport network that includes several consumers such as electric vehicles. When the vehicles brake, they deliver energy which is recoverable by consumers on the network, such as moving vehicles. A timetable of running orders for all the vehicles is produced, taking account of at least the following parameters: a dynamic location of each vehicle, a stop schedule for each vehicle outside a stop zone, a start schedule for each vehicle in a stop zone in the network; depending on time and motion variations in at least one of said parameters, at least some of the running orders in the timetable are modified chronologically according to a criterion for the maximum distribution of energy recovered from braking to consumers potentially actively requiring power. The timetable is delivered to the vehicles. An associated algorithmic platform may implement the novel process.
US09376033B2
In an insulating section, a power feeding rail, and a track transportation system, the insulating section extending along a travel direction of a vehicle and connecting electric train lines coming into contact with a pantograph of the vehicle at a contact surface facing the vehicle is characterized by including: a main surface portion formed on a surface which follows a current-conducting surface coming into contact with the pantograph in the electric train line, and having a portion in which a width in an up-down direction orthogonal to the travel direction is larger than the width of the pantograph; and inclined surface portions provided on both sides in the up-down direction on at least the near side in the travel direction of the main surface portion, inclined so as to gradually approach the vehicle as it goes toward the far side from the near side in the travel direction, and connected to the main surface portion.
US09376026B2
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer. In one aspect an apparatus for wirelessly transferring power from a charging power source to a device is provided. The apparatus includes a first strand wound in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source and a second strand wound together with the first strand in one or more turns and operationally coupled to the charging power source. The apparatus further includes an inductor circuit connected to the first strand and disconnected from the second strand. The inductor circuit is further configured to reduce a current difference between a first current flowing through the first strand and a second current flowing through the second strand.
US09376022B2
A dynamic battery emulator for replacing and mimicking the characteristics of a battery in a portable electronic device when the device is located in or on a vehicle can include a power control module capable of varying its output voltage to adapt to the voltage requirements of an attached portable electronic device; an input for conveying electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system to the power control module; an output for providing electrical power to the portable electronic device; an output for communicating a control signal from the power adaptor to the portable electronic device to selectively turn on and off the portable electronic device; a battery replacement module configured to replace the battery in a portable electronic device and including battery replacement circuitry for transferring electrical power from the power control module to the portable electronic device via the output for providing electrical power; an ignition sense controller for determining the power state of the vehicle's electrical system; and in communication with the ignition sense controller, at least one timer and switch for reducing the conveyance of electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system to the portable electronic device at a predetermined time after the vehicle's ignition or electrical system is turned off.
US09376018B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining when a task may be performed on a vehicle that is moving. The method includes generating a driver workload value based on at least one task parameter describing a predetermined attribute of the task and preventing a user from performing the task if the driver workload value exceeds a predetermined driver workload threshold and the vehicle is moving.
US09376016B2
A method is provided for operating a motor vehicle having at least one drive unit in the form of an internal combustion engine that is actuated by an accelerator pedal and a control unit that interacts with the accelerator pedal. Haptic feedback on the accelerator pedal indicates to a driver that a defined action causing a change in the driving mode is about to be initiated and carried out. The haptic feedback is realized as idle travel defined in a characteristic curve stored in the control unit of the accelerator pedal proceeding from the specific accelerator pedal travel.
US09376012B2
A fuel door assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The fuel door assembly includes a housing, a fuel door and a door seal. The fuel door is hingedly supported by the housing for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The door seal includes a proximal edge supported by the housing and a distal edge separated from the housing. The door seal has an arcuate shape extending from the proximal edge to the distal edge when the fuel door is in the open position.
US09376004B2
An anti-vibration device for a vehicle including a rod (11) fixed to an engine (1) at one end portion (12) thereof and fixed to a vehicle body at the other end portion (13) thereof, an inertia mass (15) supported on the rod (11), an actuator (17) operative to reciprocate the inertia mass in an axial direction of the rod, and an acceleration sensor (21) that detects vibration of the rod in the axial direction. The acceleration sensor (21) is disposed between the one end portion (12) of the rod (11) and the other end portion (13) of the rod (11). Accordingly, sensitivity to pitch vibration of the rod (11) is reduced so that accuracy in detection of rigid body resonance in the axial direction is enhanced.
US09375996B2
A device and a method for a controlling compressor of vehicles may include a cabin temperature sensor, an outdoor temperature sensor, an evaporator temperature sensor, an engine speed sensor, and a throttle position sensor detecting a throttle opening, a condenser, an evaporator, a temperature control door controlling a temperature of an air flowed in a cabin, an intake door selectively flowing an inner air or an outer air in the cabin, and a blower blowing the air to the intake door, and a controller controlling an operation of the air conditioning system, wherein the controller decides a acceleration mode and an allowable temperature at each acceleration mode when an acceleration condition occurs, and decreases an operation of the compressor according to a difference between the evaporator temperature and the allowable temperature.
US09375990B2
Provided is a configuration including a basic input amount detecting unit configured to calculate a basic input amount of the vehicle, based on wheel speed fluctuation amount which a wheel speed sensor has detected; a first target current setting unit configured to set a first target current, based on the basic input amount; a second target current setting unit configured to set a second target current, based on vehicle acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor; and a damper control unit configured to control dampers, based on the first target current if a vehicle behavior control device is not operating, and based on the second target current if the vehicle behavior control device is operating.
US09375989B2
A vehicle suspension system is provided where two or more flexible members are arranged in a non-planar way with a distance there between. These flexible members are being rigidly mounted between a frame structure of a vehicle and a wheel structure of the vehicle and the arrangement of the flexible members is so as to provide guided suspension and being resistive against forces other than those in the intended direction of the suspension movement.
US09375986B1
A special hitch insert, adapted to receive a rolling cart, can be inserted into a standard vehicle hitch. The hitch insert allows the cart to be loaded at ground level, rolled to the rear of the vehicle, and secured to the hitch insert by using the cart as a lever to raise the cart and lock it onto the hitch insert at the level of the receiving hitch.
US09375983B2
An apparatus for displaying the state of the tire pressure for a vehicle tire of a truck trailer includes a lamp to optically display the tire pressure state. An arm is provided with the lamp arranged thereon. A mount fixes the arm to the truck trailer and the arm is made substantially of an elastomer material so as to cause the arm to be flexibly deformable when colliding with a foreign object. The arm reverts back to its initial configuration after such a collision as a result of its elastic material characteristic.
US09375977B2
Provided is a one piece vehicle wheel capable of obtaining design having a high-class feeling, improving the cleaning property, reducing the weight, and easily adjusting the weight balance without deteriorating the design. A one piece type vehicle wheel 1 is provided with a cylindrical rim 2, a disk 3 provided inside the rim 2, and a plurality of spokes 7 each of which extends from the central part of the disk 3 toward the rim 2 and has an outer end connected to the rim. A boundary groove 23 is formed on a design surface side of the vehicle wheel 1 along the boundary between the rim 2 and each of the spokes 7.
US09375968B2
The invention relates to a special layer construction and a special film of plastic for the production of such a layer construction which is suitable for printing by means of dye diffusion thermal transfer printing, a process for the production thereof and a security and/or valuable document comprising such a layer construction.
US09375962B1
A method of analyzing a printed test pattern includes printing first and second rows of marks, each row including at least two pluralities of marks. A gap between two pluralities of marks in the first row is located in a first position in a cross-process direction that is different than a second position of another gap between pluralities of marks in the second row. A controller identifies the first row of marks with reference to a predetermined set of image data corresponding to the first row of marks including the first plurality of marks, the second plurality of marks, and the gap in the first row.
US09375961B2
A print control apparatus includes an acquiring unit, a receiving unit, and a print control unit. The acquiring unit acquires an attribute of print paper set in a printing apparatus. The receiving unit receives a category, designated by a user, of the attribute of the print paper to be used by the printing apparatus. The print control unit causes the printing apparatus to print an image in accordance with the attribute in a case where the category received by the receiving unit and a category including the attribute acquired by the acquiring unit are matched.
US09375960B2
A coil spring fixing member includes: a mount member having an arrangement surface on which an end portion of the coil spring is disposed; a boss provided on the arrangement surface, on which boss the coil spring is fitted; and a protrusion provided at a site on a side surface of the boss, the site being apart from the arrangement surface by at least a wire diameter of the coil spring, wherein the protrusion is engaged with winding of the coil spring disposed between the arrangement surface and the protrusion, and a portion of the boss ranging includes a first region having a first diameter, and a second region which is nearer to the end portion than the first region and has a diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a step intervenes between the first region and the second region.
US09375955B2
A printing apparatus includes a printing unit, a first and second conveying units conveying a printing medium, a driving unit driving the conveying units and a control unit controlling the driving unit. A load mutually acting on the conveying units through the medium in a conveyance state by the conveying units is recursively calculated for each predetermined conveyance unit while setting the initial value to 0. The driving unit is controlled based on the calculation result at the time of the transition to suppress a fluctuation in a conveyance amount at the time of the transition of the conveyance state of the medium from the conveyance state by the conveying units to a conveyance state only by the second conveying unit.
US09375932B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus performs a wiping process for wiping a nozzle forming face while a leaking process for leaking liquid from a plurality of nozzle groups is performed by setting a pressure difference to a second pressure difference which is smaller than a first pressure difference, after performing a discharging process for discharging liquid from a part of nozzle groups among the plurality of nozzle groups by setting the pressure difference to the first pressure difference, when a difference which is obtained by subtracting an external pressure which is a pressure in a space to which a nozzle is open from an internal pressure which is a pressure of liquid in the nozzle included in the plurality of nozzle groups which eject liquid is set to the pressure difference.
US09375928B2
In an embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a die substrate with a chiclet adhered by its front side to the die substrate. The fluid ejection device also includes an ink delivery slot formed through the chiclet from its back side to its front side. The fluid ejection device further includes a mixing bead at the back side of the chiclet, adjacent the ink delivery slot.
US09375927B1
An apparatus for digital printing on articles (2), comprises a drum (3) rotatable about a central axis (C), carrying piece-holder elements (4) circumferentially distributed around said central axis (C) and each configured for carrying an article (2) being processed. The drum (3) rotates to transfer the piece-holder element (4) through printing stations (9) carrying printheads (10), each operating according to a printing area (15) of predetermined length (L), to create a printing pattern (M) on a side surface (2a) of each article (2), driven in rotation around its own axis (X). Auxiliary movement devices (21) shift the printhead (10) parallel to the main extension direction (D) of the printing area to allow the articles to be processed having an extension greater than the length of the printing area (15). It is also described a printing process implemented by the apparatus.
US09375926B1
An electrostatic ink jet printhead having an electrostatic actuator with improved resistance to adverse effects resulting from misalignment of a body layer to a gap standoff layer. In an embodiment, first and second portions of the gap standoff layer each have a first width and first and second sections of the body have each have a second width that is wider than the first width. Even with an amount of misalignment, the first and second sections of the body layer define nodes for an actuator membrane, thereby maintaining an effective width (WE) of the actuator membrane that is equal to a target width (WT) of the actuator membrane.
US09375923B2
A piezoelectric element includes a vibration plate; a lower electrode; a piezoelectric film; and an upper electrode, which are laminated in the stated order. An electric field is applied to the piezoelectric film by the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A shape of the piezoelectric film near a boundary face between the piezoelectric film and the upper electrode as viewed from a lamination direction of the piezoelectric film and the upper electrode, is substantially the same as a shape of the upper electrode. A width of the piezoelectric film precipitously extends from an end of the boundary face. A thickness of the piezoelectric film in an area in the width of the piezoelectric film where the upper electrode is not formed, is formed to be proportionate to the precipitous extension of the width of the piezoelectric film.
US09375919B2
The inkjet printing apparatus uses a different scanning condition in printing for a unit region on the back side of a printing medium corresponding to a unit region on the front side of the printing medium where cockling is estimated to occur.
US09375915B2
In a screen printing that shifts squeegees in a horizontal direction while abutting the squeegees against a mask, and slides the squeegees on the mask, and scrapes up the paste on the mask so that opening portions are filled with the paste to transfer the paste onto the substrate, a larger amount of paste Ps is supplied to regions in which the paste is scraped up by the end portions of the squeegee than a region in which the paste is scraped up by a center portion of the squeegee on the mask.
US09375907B2
To produce a fiber composite material component, a production system has a mold providing unit with at least one component mold. Fiber composite material can be applied to the at least one component mold by means of at least two production units. The at least two production units can be moved for this purpose on a guide path. The guide path runs round the mold providing unit so that the at least two production units can travel round the mold providing unit along the guide path. The productivity and flexibility of production can thereby be increased.
US09375899B2
A composite product includes gypsum in an amount of 70 to 90% by weight, fibers in an amount of 1.5 to 26% by weight substantially homogeneously distributed through the composite, and a rheology-modifying agent in an amount of 0.5 to 6% by weight. The composite is caused or allowed to cure to form a cured composite. The cured composite is a fire resistant component used in a fire-rated door core, a fire-rated door or a fire-rated building panel. The fire resistant component may include a building panel, a door panel, a door core, a door rail, a door stile, a door lock block, a door border, or a door insert.
US09375893B2
A panel construction suitable for automotive parts comprises (a) a first composite fiber mat layer (b) adjacent to and covering a face of the fiber mat, a thermoplastic polymer film and optionally (c) adjacent to and covering the thermoplastic film, a second composite fiber mat layer, where the fiber mats comprise non-woven fibers or fabrics and a cured acrylic resin binder. The thermoplastic film is preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane film. The construction preferably contains no adhesive layer between components (a), (b) and (c).
US09375890B2
The extrusion-molding device of the invention includes a flow passage for transporting a paste raw material composition; a screw provided at an upstream side of the flow passage to knead the raw material composition and transport it to a downstream side; a die provided at a downstream side of the flow passage to extrude a molded body composed of the raw material composition therefrom; a resistive tube for connecting the flow passage and the die; and a current plate provided between the screw and the die. The current plate comprises a plurality of through-holes that penetrate from a upstream end side to a downstream end side, and an opening of the through-hole on the upstream end side has a larger open area than an opening on the downstream end side.
US09375888B2
A method for manufacturing a cladding element for a passenger cabin of a vehicle is provided. A first layer is introduced into a forming shell. A support layer is provided onto the first layer, such that the first layer extends beyond an edge of the support layer. An elastic material strip is provided onto a portion of the first layer hat extends beyond the support layer, such that the material strip is flush with the edge of the support layer. A second layer is provided onto the support layer, such that a portion of the second layer extends beyond the edge of the support layer and is superimposed on the material strip. The forming shell is closed and a pressure is exerted on the layer arrangement accommodated in the forming shell at a temperature between 50° C. to 100° C., to form a sandwich structure.
US09375871B2
The imprint process of the invention includes at least an adhesion layer-formation step, a filling step, a curing step, and a releasing step. In the adhesion layer-formation step, an adhesive including a compound including in one molecule a tetravalent atom having one hydrolysable group and two inert group, and a reactive functional group bonded to the atom is brought into contact with a substrate blank that is then scrubbed thereby forming an adhesion layer on the substrate blank to prepare a transfer substrate. In the filling step, a mold is located in proximity to the transfer substrate with a work-material interleaved between the mold and the adhesion layer to fill the work-material up in a transfer shape area of the mold; in the curing step, the work-material is cured; and in the releasing step, the mold is released off from the work-material.
US09375867B2
Provided is a transfer film for in-mold molding which is superior in solvent resistance, heat resistance, durability, blocking resistance, and moldability, and is capable of suppressing the generation of gate flow, and also provided is a method for producing such a film. The film is provided with: a transfer layer (11) which is to be transferred to an in-mold molded body and which is to be cured when irradiated with active energy rays after the transfer; and a film shaped substrate (L0). The transfer layer (11) comprises an IMD layer (L2) laminated on the substrate (L0) and to be arranged on the outermost surface of the molded body after the in-mold molding. The IMD layer (L2) is constituted by a mixture composition containing at least one active-energy curable resin and at least one thermosetting resin.
US09375861B2
A concrete tower manufactured by an apparatus comprising a slipform, which is circumferentially guided in such a way that the slipform slides helically on top of the end face of the tower is provided. During the sliding, concrete is disposed by the slipform to the end face of the tower. After numerous revolutions, a low-cost tower is erected.
US09375859B2
An apparatus for slicing food products, in particular sausage, meat or cheese, includes a product support for at least one product, a cutting blade which is disposed after the product support and to which the product can be supplied along a conveying direction, and at least one product holder movable along the conveying direction and cooperating with the product at least at times during the slicing procedure, wherein the product support has a loading zone which is disposed between a starting position and an end position of the product holder and in which the product support can be loaded with the product and wherein the product holder is movable from the end position back into the start position while bypassing the loading zone.
US09375852B2
A rotational hydraulic joint may include an extension chamber and a retraction chamber. Each chamber may include an end cap and a piston that moves relative to the end cap. One or more ports may add and remove fluid from the chamber. The rotational hydraulic joint may rotate in a cyclical direction when fluid is added to the extension chamber and in a countercyclical direction when fluid is added to the retraction chamber. The chambers may each include a torus-shaped cavity. Bladders may prevent fluid from leaking out of the rotational hydraulic joint. Stationary and movable electrodes may be coupled to the end cap and piston respectively. A plurality of rotational hydraulic joints may be combined to create a compound joint.
US09375843B2
A robotic system that includes a robot and a remote station. The remote station can generate control commands that are transmitted to the robot through a broadband network. The control commands can be interpreted by the robot to induce action such as robot movement or focusing a robot camera. The robot can generate reporting commands that are transmitted to the remote station through the broadband network. The reporting commands can provide positional feedback or system reports on the robot.
US09375837B2
When the compression spring is compressed due to the relative displacement of the stopper which occurs in response to the tilt angle of the arm structure, the compression spring is compressed by the small relative displacement of the stopper over its entire body in the longitudinal direction, so that a repulsive force is obtained which varies little over the entire range of the tilt angle, enabling support of the heavy object in a stable condition.
US09375825B2
A system for use in substrate polishing includes a conditioner system for conditioning a surface of a polishing pad and a vacuum system having a vacuum port. The conditioner system includes a conditioner head constructed to receive an abrasive conditioner component. The vacuum system is configured to apply suction through the vacuum port to the surface of the polishing pad in a direction away from the surface to remove material on the surface.
US09375824B2
A measured characterizing value dependent on a thickness of a region of a substrate is input into a first predictive filter. The first predictive filter generates a filtered characterizing value. A measured characterizing rate at which the measured characterizing value changes is input into a second predictive filter. The second predictive filter generates a filtered characterizing rate of the region of the substrate. The measured characterizing value and the measured characterizing rate are determined based on in-situ measurements made at or before a first time during a polishing process of the substrate. A desired characterizing rate is determined to be used for polishing the region of the substrate after the first time and before a second, later time based on the filtered characterizing value and the filtered characterizing rate.
US09375820B2
A method of finishing glass sheets includes forming a stack comprising alternating layers of unfinished glass sheets and spacer pads. The stack is such that there is no physical contact between any two adjacent unfinished glass sheets and outer edges of the spacer pads are recessed relative to outer edges of the unfinished glass sheets. The stack is secured by clamping the unfinished glass sheets and spacer pads together and then supported on a working surface. The unfinished glass sheets of the stack are finished simultaneously while the stack is supported on the working surface. After the finishing, the stack comprises alternating layers of finished glass sheets and spacer pads.
US09375797B2
A fixture configured to file a chain of a chain saw. The fixture includes at least one pair of flanges, wherein each of the flanges has a first end and a second end. Further, a first connecting portion connects the flanges at their first ends, and a second connecting portion connects the flanges at their second ends. Further, the first connecting portion includes a pair of counter holds configured to provide area contact with a guide bar of the chain saw. The fixture also includes a cam portion pivotally coupled to the second connecting portion, wherein the cam portion and at least one of the counter holds simultaneously secure the fixture to the guide bar.
US09375791B2
The present disclosure relates to a polygonal turning insert having primary cutting edges, which individually include a nose edge and two main edges, which converge toward the same. Behind the nose edge, chip-directing guide surfaces are formed, on one hand, with a breast surface included in a knob situated behind the nose edge along a bisector between the main edges, and, on the other hand, with a pair of flank surfaces included in a land there behind. At a distance behind the knob, there is formed a second breast surface, the upper part of which is situated on a higher level than the upper part of the first breast surface. In such a way, it is guaranteed that thin chips, which tend to pass or jump over the first breast surface without being affected by the same, will impinge on the second, higher breast surface and be subjected to guiding by the same.
US09375785B2
A molten metal holding and pouring box with a rectangular-shaped upper section and a pyramidal-shaped lower section provides a relatively constant flow of molten metal being poured from the box through each of two bottom nozzles into two separate foundry molds at the same time. The two bottom nozzles are contained in a unitary dual nozzle assembly that facilitates replacement as required by wear, or a change in location of the sprue cups in the two separate foundry molds being filled with molten metal.
US09375783B2
Discontinuous fiber preforms, fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites, and methods of making same are disclosed. A fiber preform includes a milled fiber material having a weighted average fiber length of about 0.03 mm to 0.12 mm and/or a percent fiber volume fraction of the fiber preform of about 15% to about 55%. The milled fiber material is at least substantially free of a binder material. A fiber-reinforced MMC includes a milled fiber material having a weighted-average fiber length of about 0.03 mm to 0.12 mm and/or a percent fiber volume fraction of the fiber preform of about 15% to about 55%. The fiber-reinforced MMC further includes a metal infiltrated into the milled fiber material. The milled fiber material is at least substantially free of a binder material. The milled fiber can be substantially uniformly oriented and/or randomly oriented in the fiber preform and/or the fiber-reinforced MMC.
US09375777B2
A stock ejector assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock ejector with a large spring and a ring-style stripper. The ring-style stripper provides a larger surface area for contacting the stock. The large compression spring is preloaded and when a load is applied, the stripper retracts and the spring pressure increases. When the dies separate, the stock ejector pushes the part off flat surfaces, separating surfaces sealed by adhesion, including but not limited to oil or lubricant adhesion.
US09375769B2
Disclosed in a method for manufacturing a drive shaft which comprises forming a first shaft unit by shrinking one side of a metallic pipe which has a uniform first strength; decreasing the thickness of an intermediate portion of the metallic pipe by drawing the intermediate portion of the metallic pipe which is integral with the first shaft unit; forming at an inner side surface of the other side of the metallic pipe a strength decrease unit which has a second strength smaller than the first strength, by heat-treating by a predetermined distance the inner side surface of the other side being opposite to one side of the metallic pipe; and forming a second shaft unit without transforming any portion of the intermediate portion by shrinking the metallic pipe which has the strength decrease unit, wherein the second shaft unit is formed by applying compression force to a portion where the strength decrease unit in the metallic pipe is formed, in a predetermine direction being vertical with respect to the axial direction of the metallic pipe.
US09375768B2
The present invention is directed to a method of oxidizing an organic compound present in soil, groundwater, process water or wastewater comprising contacting such organic compound with a persulfate and ferrous lactate.
US09375765B1
Tube scrapper projectiles for tube cleaning applications such as condenser and chiller tube cleaning utilizing projectile-based mechanical agitation of tubes and pipes. In some cases, the tube cleaning projectiles are configured for selectable indexing of various biasing levels for the blades and in some cases the biasing elements comprise a plurality of arcuate and/or tapered beams oriented axially along the scraper projectile.
US09375761B1
Methods for converting non-standard frac sand into sand with fracking properties using at least one jet pump.
US09375753B2
Described herein are methods for preparing multilayer composites comprising a fiberglass substrate encapsulated, at least in part, by a calendered film; along with products produced from same. The methods improve the efficiency of the manufacturing process and provide a product with improved performance characteristics.
US09375747B2
The valve, in particular glue valve, consists of a valve housing (10) and of a plug unit (11) fitted thereto. The two parts are assembled separately, with connecting clips (41, 42) being connected to the plug unit (11) and, when the plug unit (11) is fitted onto the valve housing (10), being connected to the latter, namely to the coil core (15), via clamping members.
US09375735B2
The invention relates to rotary bell cup atomizers used in the coating of substrates; more particularly, the invention provides a protective cover for the outer atomizing edge of such devices during idle periods in the coating process, which cover is retractable to expose the atomizing edge and permit unimpeded conventional coating to proceed upon initiation of coating.
US09375729B2
The invention pertains to a cassette (2) comprising a product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) and a positioning means (3a, 3b) engageable with a counter-piece on a centrifuge having a rotor for separating blood components or on a system component (4) arranged in a centrifuge. The positioning is effected such that a section of the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b) is aligned with a section of the centrifuge or the system component arranged in the centrifuge. Furthermore, a tube connected with bags is accommodated in the product conveying path (1, 1a, 1b).
US09375726B2
An apparatus includes a placer-gold processing system, including: (A) an upstream section; (B) a gold-concentrator assembly being configured to be in fluid communication with the upstream section; (C) a gold-detection assembly being configured to be in fluid communication with the gold-concentrator assembly; and (D) a magnetite-separator assembly being configured to be in fluid communication with the gold-concentrator assembly.
US09375719B2
A lateral wall arrangement for laterally bounding the roller gap of a roller press having rollers supported in a machine frame, driven in opposite directions, and forming a roller gap, comprising a lateral wall, an assembly device, and a suspension for the lateral wall, wherein the lateral wall is supported in a spring-loaded manner by the suspension. The suspension is a linkage in the simplest case. It is thus achieved in an advantageous manner that the lateral wall is both easy to dismantle and is able to follow deflection motions of the rollers.
US09375712B2
A Lab On a Chip (LOC) comprises: a sample inlet for receiving a liquid sample; and a Sample Preparation Module (SPM) coupled to the sample inlet. The SPM comprises: a mixing chamber; a reagent chamber containing a reagent; a semi-permeable membrane oriented between the mixing chamber and the reagent chamber; and a tuned energy source, wherein the tuned energy source selectively causes contents of the reagent chamber to expand and pass through the semi-permeable membrane into the mixing chamber to mix the reagent with the liquid sample. The LOC further comprises a microchannel coupled to the SPM; a light source; an optic module optically proximate to the microchannel; and a plurality of lenses within the optic module, wherein each lens has a different effective focal length for generating a single composite image of an object passing through the microchannel.
US09375694B2
A downdraft gasifier that utilizes a plurality of vertically positioned tubes to create a pyrolysis zone, an oxidation zone beneath the pyrolysis zone and a reduction zone beneath the oxidation zone. The shape of the tubes eliminates the need for a restriction (hearth), which limits the maximum achievable throughput. A rotating and vertically adjustable grate is located beneath, but not attached to, the reduction zone of the gasifier.
US09375683B2
Filtration processes and systems are provided for the separation of a filterable fluid stream by a filtration membrane module with uniform transmembrane pressure and flux along the membrane and internal control of membrane fouling via intermittent periodic reduction of the pressure differential between the permeate and retentate sides of the membrane and/or backwashing cycles during separation, recovery, and/or purification of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, biologically produced polymers and other compounds or materials from aqueous fluids.
US09375670B2
An air purification system including a Particle Phase Pollutant (PPP) treatment section (9) having an air inlet (14) and an air outlet (15), a particle removal filter, (11) and a blower (12) to draw air from the air inlet (14) of the PPP treatment section (9) to pass through the particle removal filter (11) and exit through the air outlet (15) of the PPP treatment section (9). The system also includes a Gas Phase Pollutant (GPP) treatment section (10) installed at a downstream position of the particle removal filter (11) of the PPP treatment section (9), the GPP treatment section (10) having an air inlet (19) and an air outlet (20), a gas removal filter (16) with high filter air flow resistance, and a blower (17) located at a downstream position of the gas removal filter (16) to draw air from the air inlet (19) of the GPP treatment section (10) to pass through the gas removal filter (16) and exit through the air outlet (20) of the GPP treatment section (10). In addition, airflows of the GPP treatment section (10) and PPP treatment section (9) are directed by their respective blower (12, 17), and a portion of the air exiting the air outlet (15) of the PPP treatment section (9) is directed through the air inlet (19) of the GPP treatment section (10).
US09375664B2
A filter assembly includes a housing defining a cavity with an inlet and an outlet in communication with the cavity and establishing a flow path from the inlet to the outlet. A filter is disposed in the cavity between the inlet and the outlet. The filter includes a vertex extending transversely to the flow path for diffusing the flow of fluid and increasing the surface area of the filter. The filter includes a pair of legs spaced from each other and each extending across the flow path from the vertex to the housing. The legs extend transversely to each other at the vertex with one of the legs extending along a first arcuate path from the vertex to the housing and the other of the legs extending along a second arcuate path different than the first arcuate path from the vertex to the housing.
US09375652B2
A confetti cannon includes a one-piece housing. The one-piece housing has a confetti hopper, a launch tube, and a valve housing. The valve housing has an inlet connected to an internal valve. Whereby, the confetti hopper, the launch tube, and the valve housing are integrally formed to create the one-piece housing. The internal valve can be an electric solenoid valve for controlling the confetti cannon remotely.
US09375651B2
A toy glove is disclosed, and includes an inflatable user engagement portion and a fluid retention portion. The fluid retention portion is affixed to the user engagement portion and includes an attachment layer, an absorbent layer, and a retention layer. The absorbent layer is configured to absorb and retain fluid, and is compressible under an applied force so that fluid stored in the absorbent layer is displaced therefrom under pressure. The retention layer covers the absorbent layer and is semi-permeable so that the retention layer inhibits fluid at an equilibrium state from flowing therethrough and allows at least a portion of the fluid displaced from the absorbent layer under pressure to pass therethrough.
US09375650B1
A toy paper airplane conversion kit has a nose-piece with a combination capacitor mounting portion and nose clip connected to a rear, electric motor driven propeller unit by a lead receiving, square section conductor conduit which keys into a complementary socket of the motor mount, maintaining the rear propeller unit tilted upward. The nose-piece has a combination capacitor mount and nose clip with two paper-clamping, cantilever spring arms extending rearwardly in spaced-apart, coplanar, side-by-side relation under the capacitor mounting portion and having converging portions adjacent rear free ends and, a stubby, paper spreading, crease stuffing fin from the nose-piece, rearward of free ends of the springs. The capacitor mouth receiving a charging plug of a battery pack unit.
US09375637B2
In a game machine 1 for displaying an option screen that displays an option constitution image SEP indicating two or more options CHC on a display 11 so as to select the options by a player, two or more options are located on the option constitution image SEP, being scattered on a plane when displaying the options CHC. When locating the options on the option constitution image and displaying these, such a control is done that the letters comprising each option are set by a different size and the options having respectively different size of letters are located on the option constitution image. The letters comprising each option displayed on the option constitution image are enlarged or reduced every option at a predetermined display time cycle.
US09375635B2
A system and method for efficiently performing graphics operations on a video game/application hosting service. One embodiment of a system comprises: an application/game server comprising a central processing unit and a graphics processing unit generating a series of video frames; a buffer management logic to manage the series of video frames; a shared buffer managed by the buffer management logic to store the video frames generated; wherein the buffer management logic continually monitors a signal indicating when a video display or video compression unit is ready to receive a next video frame and, responsive to detecting that the display or video compression unit is about to be ready, the buffer management logic to transfer the most recently completed from the shared buffer to a back buffer; and responsive to detecting the signal, the buffer management logic transferring the video frame from the back buffer to a front buffer.
US09375634B2
A fusible bead toy includes a particulate bead. The particulate bead is made of a transparent and water soluble resin. The particulate bead has a shape of polyhedron.
US09375629B2
A method and apparatus to receive a measure of heart rate for a user while the user is exercising on a stationary exercise device, calculate a speed of the user based on the measure of heart rate, and display on a display device viewable by the user a location of where the user would be along a selected route based on the user's speed.
US09375628B2
Systems and methods track a first object when continuous tracking information for the first object is not available. The systems and methods detect when the tracking information for the first object is not available. A last time of a last determined location of the first object is determined and a second object closest to the last determined location at the last time is determined. The location of the first object is associated with a location of the second object if tracking information for the first object is not available.
US09375626B2
The present embodiments are directed to a rack adapted to support a plurality of weighted plates. Such a rack is commonly known as a “weight tree” or “plate tree” due to the extensions that branch out from the center of the rack. The embodiments described herein may feature extensions that rotate about a central vertical axis so that weight plates stored on the weight tree are easily accessible to a user. In further embodiments, the weight tree may be assembled/disassembled so that individual components of the weight tree may be elsewhere employed, such as on another weight tree or on lifting equipment (e.g., a Smith machine, bench press, squat rack, etc.) adapted to receive such components.
US09375623B2
Methods for training and improving overhand throwing. A first embodiment of a method includes training exercises performed using a system which includes at least one upper arm that extends from a central body. A pathway marked by indicia extends down the upper arm curving to indicate the correct motion for a desired overhand throw. A flexible slap card may be located along the pathway for use in a first training exercise. The body may include a hole positioned and sized for use as a target for a second training exercise.
US09375622B2
A swing guide training apparatus may have a base with a vertical support where the vertical support can adjust the height of the apparatus. Opposite the base, there is a pair of swing guide arms forming a swing guide assembly. These swing guide arms are open on each end and are connected by a U-shaped member allowing a bat to be swung through the space provided by the swing guide assembly. The U-shaped member can be compressed or expanded to change the width of the swinging channel. Additionally, other features may be present such as a mount for holding a baseball and a device to measure the speed of the bat as it is swung through the swing channel. The swing guide assembly rotates to accommodate batters that are left and right handed.
US09375619B2
An adjustable length golf club shaft having a grip portion with an end point is disclosed. A locking element is located within the grip portion and a lower shaft having an inner surface that is in frictional contact with the locking element is also disclosed. The locking element is configured to engage the inner surface of the lower shaft. A total length of the golf club shaft is adjustable by a distance of at least one inch and a total weight of the golf club shaft in a weight zone is less than 110 g. The weight zone is defined as a region of the golf club shaft extending from the end point of the grip portion up to 11″ along a central axis of the golf club shaft toward a tip portion of the shaft.
US09375616B2
A golf club incorporating an interchangeable shaft system includes a shaft, a shaft sleeve, a club head. The shaft sleeve is coupled to an end of the shaft and is received in a hosel included in the club head. The shaft sleeve is removably coupled to the club head. Hosel and shaft sleeve alignment features provide discrete orientations between the shaft and club head.
US09375604B2
An adjustable pedal assembly for use in a fitness machine is disclosed to include a pedal holder frame including two lateral plates, two guide axles connected in parallel between the lateral plates and a mounting unit for mounting on the fitness machine, two pedals slidably supported on the guide axles of the pedal holder frame, and an adjustment device including an actuation member inserted through and connected with the pedals and rotatable to move the pedals relative to each other, and a rotary adjustment knob fastened to one end of the actuation member and operable to rotate the actuation member in adjusting the transverse distance between the two pedals.
US09375600B2
A figure trimmer comprises a chassis, a pedal set, a rotating assembly, at least a first elastic component, and at least a second elastic component. The pedal set is arranged on the chassis and is able to restrictedly rotate in horizontal and vertical direction. The rotating assembly couples to the pedal set and the chassis, so as to drive the pedal set rotating in the horizontal direction. When the pedal set rotates in the horizontal direction, the first elastic component exerts an opposite reaction force to the pedal set. When the pedal set rotates in the vertical direction, the second elastic component exerts an opposite reaction force to the pedal set.
US09375587B2
Various embodiments relate to a method of performing microbeam radiation therapy (microbeam radiosurgery) for a subject, including: producing a high-energy radiation beam; shaping, attenuating, strengthening, hardening and/or otherwise appropriately modifying the high-energy radiation beam using a low-Z, high-Z, or variable-Z filter; passing the beam before or after it has been so modified through a collimator to produce high-dose regions alternating with low-dose regions; and irradiating the subject with the collimated beam so modified.
US09375575B2
A method and neurostimulation system of providing therapy to a patient is provided. At least one electrode is placed in contact with tissue of a patient. A sub-threshold, hyperpolarizing, conditioning pre-pulse (e.g., an anodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to render a first region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal root fibers) less excitable to stimulation, and a depolarizing stimulation pulse (e.g., a cathodic pulse) is conveyed from the electrode(s) to stimulate a second different region of the tissue (e.g., dorsal column fibers). The conditioning pre-pulse has a relatively short duration (e.g., less than 200 μs).
US09375574B2
A computer assisted programming method includes ramping up a stimulation current for a plurality of contacts on a lead. Patient feedback is received while the stimulation current is being ramped up. Patient feedback indicates that the patient is beginning to feel stimulation. Based on the patient feedback, amplitude of the stimulation current that resulted in the patient feedback is recorded, and contacts are divided into groups. The contacts are activated one group at a time to the recorded amplitude. For each activated group of contacts, whether the patient can feel stimulation is determined. Thereafter, the target group that caused the patient to feel stimulation is then sub-divided into sub-groups. This process repeats a plurality of cycles until one or more contacts that caused the patient to feel stimulation are identified. The recorded amplitude is assigned as a perception threshold for the identified one or more contacts.
