Patents Examined by Hoang Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9876281
    Abstract: A system and method are for reducing the probability of detection of a Line of Sight type communication and sensor mast. The mast has an upper portion extending upwardly relatively the ground, and a lower portion closer to the ground than the upper portion. The mast at the upper portion is equipped with at least a communication or sensor element. The mast is equipped with an actuator that, based on calculated instructions, is designed to alter the elevation above ground of the mast upper portion so as to achieve an acceptable signal quality with the upper portion of the mast at the lowest possible elevation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Comrod AS
    Inventors: Tor Mathias Dybvik, Jan Ove Sjöberg
  • Patent number: 9876280
    Abstract: A system for detecting radio frequency (RF) signals includes a radome including one or more phase change material (PCM) layers disposed on an inner surface thereof and a sensor at least partially disposed within the radome. The system also includes a heat source arranged such that it can direct heat toward the inner surface of the radome and a controller that causes the heat source to direct heat towards the inner surface of the radome such that a frequency selective surface (FSS) is formed thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Brandon W. Pillans, Gary A. Frazier, Charles M. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 9874175
    Abstract: An external-heat engine device working on a Rankine cycle, and preferably an organic Rankine cycle. The external-heat engine, which is designed to give operational advantages, includes a cylinder block, a top cover and a bottom tray with sealing surfaces arranged to be joined together and to rest against complementarily fitting covers, each sealing surface resting sealingly against only one opposite sealing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Viking Heat Engines AS
    Inventors: Harald Nes Rislå, Christian Schlüter, Moritz Becker, Andreas Mück
  • Patent number: 9876273
    Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a housing in which electrical components are mounted. The housing may include a metal portion that serves as ground. An antenna for the electronic device may be formed from metal traces on an antenna support such as a flexible printed circuit. The flexible printed circuit may be mounted to a speaker box. The speaker box may have one or more walls formed from metal plates. A metal plate in a speaker box may be coupled to a metal clip. The metal clip may be shorted to a metal stiffener that overlaps a tail portion of the flexible printed circuit. The metal stiffener may have an opening that is aligned with an opening in the metal clip. A metal fastener such as a screw may pass through the openings to short the metal clip, stiffener, and metal plate to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lui, Robert F. Meyer, Stoyan P. Hristov, Ashley E. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 9869495
    Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-cycle power generator. More specifically, the invention relates to a power generator having a heat pump cycle and at least a hot power gener-ating cycle, the cycles being configured relative to one another to transfer heat there between two or more times in a single cycle thereby to recover energy through the reuse of unused heat energy that is typically discarded in conventional ther-modynamic cycles. The multi-cycle power gener-ator includes a heat pump cycle and a hot power cycle, wherein at least a pair of heat exchangers of the hot power cycle are common with a pair of heat exchangers of the heat pump cycle. The multi-cycle power generator may further include a cool power generating cycle In combination with the heat pump and hot power generating cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Inventor: Martin Gordon Gill
  • Patent number: 9863287
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide heat engine systems and methods for generating electricity. In one configuration, a heat engine system contains a working fluid circuit having high and low pressure sides and containing a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2). The system further contains a power turbine configured to convert thermal energy to mechanical energy, a motor-generator configured to convert the mechanical energy into electricity, and a pump configured to circulate the working fluid within the working fluid circuit. The system further contains a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a heat source stream to the working fluid, a recuperator configured to transfer thermal energy from the low pressure side to the high pressure side of the working fluid circuit, and a condenser (e.g., air- or fluid-cooled) configured to remove thermal energy from the working fluid within the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Echogen Power Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Steven Kacludis, Stephen R. Hostler, Steve B. Zakem
  • Patent number: 9863280
    Abstract: A CHP system includes a combustor (heat source), a Rankine cycle apparatus, and a second heat exchanger. The Rankine cycle apparatus includes, as an evaporator, a first heat exchanger that absorbs thermal energy produced in the combustor. The second heat exchanger is located closer to the combustor than is the evaporator, absorbs thermal energy produced in the combustor, and transfers the thermal energy to a heat medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takumi Hikichi, Osao Kido, Atsuo Okaichi, Osamu Kosuda
  • Patent number: 9863313
    Abstract: Various examples are provided for power generation using buoyancy-induced vortices. In one example, among others, a vortex generation system includes an array of hybrid vanes comprising a first vane section in a surface momentum boundary layer and a second vane section above the first vane section. The first vane section is configured to impart a first angular momentum on the preheated air in the surface momentum boundary layer and the second vane section is configured to impart a second angular momentum on preheated air drawn through the second vane section. In another embodiment, a method for power extraction from a buoyancy-induced vortex includes imparting angular momentum to preheated boundary layer air entrained by a thermal plume to form a stationary columnar vortex. The angular momentum can be imparted to the preheated boundary layer air at a plurality of angles by an array of hybrid vanes distributed about the thermal plume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: GEORGIA TECH RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ari Glezer, Mark Simpson
  • Patent number: 9865936
    Abstract: An array antenna has rectangular conductor sections, located successively side by side in a first plane, mutually separated by slots of constant width. A backing reflector is transverse to the first plane. Feed structures extend through the backing reflector, the feed structures comprising pairs of parallel feed conductors, each pair comprising conductors coupled to the rectangular conductor sections on opposite sides of a respective one of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Andrea Neto, Daniele Cavallo, Giampiero Gerini, Reindert Grooters, Giovanni Toso
  • Patent number: 9859616
    Abstract: The antenna-equipped film includes: a film base; an antenna pattern formed on the film base; and a number-of-winding setting circuit connected to the antenna pattern. The antenna pattern is formed as a plurality of linear loops. The number-of-winding setting circuit includes: first wiring connected to the antenna pattern to constitute a spiral circuit; jumper switches intervening by two each in each lap of the spiral circuit; second wiring connected to the end portion of the innermost lap of the spiral circuit and a position between the two jumper switches in each lap excluding the innermost lap and the outermost lap of the spiral circuit; third wiring connected in common to the other ends of the second wiring; and jumper switches intervening in the second wiring. The outer end of the spiral circuit and the third wiring constitute a pair of terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: SMK Corporation
    Inventors: Ryuji Ikeda, Masayuki Nagumo, Ryo Okamura, Kensaku Mizumoto
  • Patent number: 9853352
    Abstract: A signal enhancement device includes a back cover and an antenna module. The back cover includes a backboard for covering a rear surface of a main body and a top board for covering a top of the main body. The antenna module includes a base portion of board shape for being fixed on a portion of an inside surface of the backboard adjacent to the top board, a first bending portion for being fixed on an inside surface of the top board, a second bending portion for being fixed on a front end surface of the top board, and a third bending portion for being fixed on an outside surface of the top board and a portion of an outside surface of the backboard adjacent to the top board. When the signal enhancement device is mounted on the main body, the antenna module is capable of coupling with a communication antenna of the main body so as to enhance signal quality of the communication antenna.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Cheng Uei Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Guan Yi Chen, Wen Bing Hsu, Kuo Wei Chang
  • Patent number: 9853348
    Abstract: An electronic device having a housing formed of a condutive material, and an antenna device thereof. The electronic device includes a housing provided with a plurality of housing modules, and a printed circuit board positioned inside the housing, and having an antenna power feeding unit electrically connected to the printed circuited board. The plurality of housing modules may be at least partially formed of a conductive material. At least one of the conductive materials of the plurality of housing modules may be electrically connected to the antenna power feeding unit of the printed circuit board so as to function as an antenna of the electronic device. Various embodiments may be made based on the technical idea of the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woosup Lee, Yeonwoo Kim, Jungsik Park, Seunggil Jeon, Juseok Noh, Jaebong Chun, Hyunju Hong
  • Patent number: 9847570
    Abstract: Novel and advantageous antennas are provided. A multi-functional antenna can morph in order to change geometrical shape and thereby change its antenna radiation characteristics. Such characteristics can include radiation pattern, bandwidth, beamwidth, operational frequency, and directivity. The antenna can therefore be multifunctional such that one single antenna can serve multiple applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Stavros Georgakopoulos, Shun Yao
  • Patent number: 9847571
    Abstract: An antenna includes a ground support, an electrically conductive, endless element mounted at a distance relative to the ground support, and a trio of ports arranged along the endless element for conveying radio frequency signals in an operating band of frequencies. The antenna is compact and has high port isolation and low pattern correlation due to successively spacing the ports apart along the endless element by a spacing of one-half of a guided wavelength at a center frequency of the operating band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Giorgi Bit-Babik, Antonio Faraone
  • Patent number: 9847585
    Abstract: A square bracket-shaped radiation element is in a non-ground region of a board. A first reactance element that equivalently enters a short-circuited state in a second frequency band is connected between a second end of the radiation element and a ground conductor. A second reactance element that equivalently enters a short-circuited state in a first frequency band s connected between a first end of the radiation element and the ground conductor. In the UHF band, the radiation element and the ground conductor function as an inverted F antenna that contributes to field emission. In the HF band, a loop including the radiation element and the ground conductor functions as a loop antenna that contributes to magnetic field emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kuniaki Yosui
  • Patent number: 9847576
    Abstract: A UHF-RFID antenna having a central segmented loop surrounded by passive dipole structures provides shaping of the electric and magnetic fields to reduce the number of false positive reads by a UHF-RFID reader at a point of sale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Stefan Maier, Benno Flecker, Dariusz Mastela, Gerald Wiednig
  • Patent number: 9845773
    Abstract: An engine system having a flowpath between a junction upstream of a turbocharger and an intake manifold that includes an ejector and an aspirator connected in parallel relative to one another within the flowpath is disclosed. The motive flow through the ejector is in the opposite direction relative to the direction of the motive flow through the aspirator, and both the ejector and the aspirator have a suction port fluidly coupled to a device requiring vacuum. The engine system also includes a first check valve disposed in control of the motive flow through the ejector and a second check valve disposed in control of the motive flow through the aspirator and may also include a control valve in fluid communication within the flowpath upstream or downstream of the ejector and the aspirator that controls the flow into and/or out of both thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: David E. Fletcher, Brian M. Graichen, Matt Gilmer, Andrew Niedert, Steve Long
  • Patent number: 9843095
    Abstract: An antenna element (10) includes: a feeding point (16); a connector (15) in which an external antenna is detachably engaged; a first partial element (11) connecting the feeding point (16) and the connector (15); and a second partial element (12) branching from the first partial element (11) and having an open end (12a) at a different position from the connector (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shuhhei Ohguchi, Hiroyuki Takebe
  • Patent number: 9840940
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the recovery mechanical power from heat energy sources using a common working fluid comprising, in some embodiments, an organic refrigerant flowing through multiple heat exchangers and expanders. The distribution of heat energy from the source may be portioned, distributed, and communicated to each of the heat exchangers so as to permit utilization of up to all available heat energy. In some embodiments, the system utilizes up to and including all of the available heat energy from the source. The expanders may be operatively coupled to one or more generators that convert the mechanical energy of the expansion process into electrical energy, or the mechanical energy may be communicated to other devices to perform work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: ElectaTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Hank Leibowitz, Hans Wain, David Williams
  • Patent number: 9843104
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shaped horn in conjunction with a dielectric tube for enhanced aperture directivity that can achieve a near optimum efficiency. The shaped horn provides additional mode control to provide an improved off-axis cross-polarization response. The horn shape can be individually optimized for isolated horns or for horns in a feed array. The feed array environment can produce results that lead to a different optimized shape than the isolated horn. Lower off axis cross-polarization can result in improved efficiency and susceptibility to interference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: VIASAT, INC.
    Inventors: Donald L Runyon, Anders Jensen