Patents Issued in December 6, 2016
  • Patent number: 9511958
    Abstract: A single imaging device collects image data of a storage portion. A container module identifies a container perimeter of the storage portion in at least one of the collected image data. A spout module is adapted to identify a spout of the transferring vehicle in the collected image data. An arbiter determines whether to use the image data based on an evaluation of the intensity of pixel data or ambient light conditions. An alignment module is adapted to determine the relative position of the spout and the container perimeter and to generate command data to the propelled portion to steer the storage portion in cooperative alignment such that the spout is aligned within a central or target zone of the container perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Zachary T. Bonefas
  • Patent number: 9511959
    Abstract: A high-speed transportation system including at least one transportation tube having at least one track, at least one capsule configured for travel through the at least one tube along a travel path between stations, a propulsion system adapted to propel the at least one capsule through the tube, and a levitation system adapted to levitate the capsule within the tube. At least a portion of the travel path is arranged over or in a body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: HYPERLOOP TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brogan Bambrogan, Joshua Giegel
  • Patent number: 9511960
    Abstract: A mobile dock trailer includes a dock enclosure having first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls. A first loading door is positioned in the first side wall, a second loading door is positioned in the second side wall, and a third loading door is positioned in the second end wall. First and second wheels are attached to an underside of the dock enclosure. A stationary support is attached to the underside of the dock enclosure at a location distal to the first and second wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Rick Bradford
  • Patent number: 9511961
    Abstract: A cassette (1) includes first and second sheet accommodation sections (3) and (5), and a restricting section (7). The second sheet accommodation section (5) is slidably attached to the first sheet accommodation section (3). The restricting section (7) includes first and second engagement sections (38a) and (78a), and a manipulation section (70). The first engagement section (38a) is disposed in the first sheet accommodation section (3). The manipulation section (70) is disposed in the second sheet accommodation section (5). The second engagement section (78a) engages with the first engagement section (38a). A lever portion (71) of the manipulation section (70) is shiftable from a lying down posture to a tilted posture. The second engagement section (78a) is disposed in the lever portion (71).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Masaki Murashima, Tomoya Hotani
  • Patent number: 9511962
    Abstract: A sheet feeding device includes a rotary feeder to contact a first side of a sheet to feed the sheet downstream along a feed passage; a friction pad disposed opposing the rotary feeder with the feed passage interposed between the rotary feeder and the friction pad to form a separation nip, the friction pad having a first side facing the separation nip and a second side opposite the first side of the friction pad; a holder disposed on the second side of the friction pad and having a first side holding the friction pad and a second side opposite the first side of the holder; a guide support disposed on the second side of the holder; and a pair of guides disposed on the guide support to contact a second side of the sheet facing the friction pad to raise the sheet from a surface of the friction pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Mizuna Tanaka, Ippei Kimura, Ikuo Fujii, Hirofumi Horita, Tomoya Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9511963
    Abstract: A conveyor device is described in which a conveyor roller is used to convey a medium inside a printing device with the conveyor roller extending in a width direction of the printing device. The conveyor roller receives a force from a following roller configured to face the conveyor roller. The conveyor roller is supported by one or more bearings. The one or more bearings include a shaft supporting portion that extends in the width direction to support the conveyor roller against the force of the following roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhira Ota, Noriyuki Kawamata, Masao Mimoto, Keisuke Wakakusa, Iwane Sano, Jie Xiu, Shingo Ito
  • Patent number: 9511964
    Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus vertically conveys a sheet which includes a crease at a center of the sheet and which is in a vertical state where the crease is on the top and a fore edge of the sheet is on the bottom. The apparatus includes the first holder which clamps and holds the sheet and the second holder which clamps and holds the sheet while corrugating the sheet. The second holder holds the sheet while the first holder holds the first part of the sheet, and then, while the second holder holds the sheet, the first holder releases the first part of the sheet, moves along the sheet and holds the second part of the sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Shiokawa, Atsushi Arai
  • Patent number: 9511965
    Abstract: A counter ejector disposed at a downstream part of a box former, the counter ejector including a hopper that receives a sheet-shaped corrugated board box being transferred from an upstream side and fallen; and a blower that downwardly blows air to a hopper from above the corrugated board box, wherein the blower is capable of changing a blowing area to be blown along a transfer direction of the corrugated board box, and blows air to the blowing area corresponding to at least the front-end portion and the rear-end portion of the hopper in the transfer direction if the corrugated board box has a possible maximum size in the transfer direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES PRINTING & PACKAGING MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventors: Osamu Hatano, Toshiaki Miyakura, Shinya Iori
  • Patent number: 9511966
    Abstract: A sheet conveying device is provided in a sheet discharge portion of an image forming apparatus. A curved path and a reverse conveyance path are formed within the sheet conveying device. An outer guide rib and an inner guide rib are provided to a conveyance guide forming a lower-side guide surface of the curved path. The inner guide rib is lower than a reference straight line connecting a pressure contact point of a discharge roller pair to a rotary roller, and the outer guide rib is higher than the reference straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuro Kawashima
  • Patent number: 9511967
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a current collector includes a supply reel configured to have metal foil wound on the supply reel, a pair of transfer rollers disposed on one side of the supply reel, a hole formation unit disposed on one side of the transfer rollers and configured to include an upper roller including first protrusion cutter modules and first groove cutter modules configured to form through holes in the metal foil transferred by the transfer roller and a lower roller including second protrusion cutter modules and second groove cutter modules configured to form the through holes in the metal foil, and a pair of thickness control rollers disposed on one side of the hole formation unit, spaced apart from each other, and configured to control so that a thickness of the current collector is smaller than the specific interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KOREAJCC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dal Woo Shin, Mun Soo Lee, Jin Sik Shin
  • Patent number: 9511968
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reel-up (1) for receiving and winding into a roll (2) a paper web (W) that arrives from a drying cylinder in a paper making machine and for starting a new roll (2) from a tail (19) formed by cutting the paper web (W). The reel-up (1) comprises a rotatably mounted reel spool (3) onto which a paper web (W) can be wound to create a paper roll (2) of increasing diameter; and an endless flexible belt (4) mounted for rotation along a predetermined path of travel such that the flexible belt (4) forms a loop. The flexible belt (4) is positioned adjacent to the reel spool (3) to engage the paper web (W) against the reel spool (3) during winding such that the flexible belt (4) is deflected from the predetermined path of travel by an amount relative to the amount of paper material wound on the reel spool (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Per-Olof Malmqvist
  • Patent number: 9511969
    Abstract: A method includes designing probing signals for testing an alignment of actuators in a web manufacturing or processing system with measurements of a web of material being manufactured or processed by the system. The method also includes providing the probing signals during alignment testing to identify the alignment of the actuators with the measurements of the web. Designing the probing signals includes designing the probing signals based on both spatial and dynamic characteristics of the web manufacturing or processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell Limited
    Inventors: Danlei Chu, Cristian Gheorghe
  • Patent number: 9511970
    Abstract: An original transport device having paper discharge rollers constituted by a fixing roller in a fixed position and a separate/contact roller separating from/making contact with the fixing roller, for sandwiching and transporting an original in an original transport path, includes: a swinging support member supporting the separate/contact roller and swinging so that the separate/contact roller is separated from/press-contacted to the fixing roller; an operation unit coupled to the swinging support member to swing the swinging support member; and a locking member locking the swinging support member to stop the swing thereof. The locking member locks the swinging support member so that the paper discharge rollers are in a separate state or a press-contact state when the operation unit is driven, and after the operation unit is turned off, the locking member maintains the separate state or the press-contact state during driving of the operation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasumasa Morimoto
  • Patent number: 9511971
    Abstract: In a sheet post-processing device, the front end portion of a sheet (P) transported onto a post-processing tray makes contact with a paper discharge tray, and thus it is possible to prevent the sheet (P) from being curled excessively. When the first sheet (P) in a stack of sheets to be subjected to post-processing in a post-processing portion is transported onto the paper discharge tray, the standby position of a drive roller forming a paper discharge roller pair is set between the maximum separate position and a nip position on a driven roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Terumitsu Noso, Masahiko Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 9511972
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a paper conveyance apparatus comprises a paper feed section, a first roller, a second roller and a motor. Paper is placed in the paper feed section. The first roller is arranged at the upstream side of a reading position where the paper is read. The first roller conveys the paper at a first speed. The second roller is arranged between the first roller and the paper feed section. The second roller conveys the paper at a speed faster than the first speed. The motor drives the first roller and the second roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA TEC KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Toshiaki Ouchi, Toshihiro Imai
  • Patent number: 9511973
    Abstract: A sheet stacking apparatus for performing post-processing on sheets received from an image forming apparatus and discharging the processed sheets. A stacking tray has the received sheets stacked thereon. A CPU controls a tray lifting/lowering motor to drive the stacking tray to be lifted or lowered. The CPU determines a vertically moving state of the stacking tray. When the stacking tray is not lowered though the tray lifting/lowering motor is controlled to lower the stacking tray, the CPU notifies the image forming apparatus that a job should be suspended. After notifying, the CPU controls the tray lifting/lowering motor to lift the stacking tray. Then, when the stacking tray can be lifted, the CPU notifies the image forming apparatus that the job is to be resumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yutaka Ando, Mitsuhiko Sato, Takashi Yokoya, Hiromasa Maenishi, Akihiro Arai
  • Patent number: 9511974
    Abstract: A yarn storage device (1) for a yarn-processing machine including yarn storage spaces (2) and at least one yarn loader (3) which can be moved to a selected yarn storage space (2) in order to connect an end part of the yarn supply (14) to an end part of an external yarn supply, and to add an amount of yarn to said yarn storage space (2) by winding the yarn (100) onto a winding-up body (6) and then removing it from the winding-up body (6) in the wound-up state and to add it to the storage space (2). The present invention also relates to a corresponding method and a yarn-processing machine fitted with such a yarn storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: NV MICHEL VA DE WIELE
    Inventors: Charles Beauduin, Vincent Lampaert
  • Patent number: 9511975
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for winding and locking a lace comprising a fixed support, a rotatable spool, a user-operable knob for driving the spool, and elements for blocking the spool. The blocking elements comprise at least one pawl having a retaining portion engaging at least one complementary projection of the support in the absence of a rotational force exerted by the user on the knob, a base rotationally driven when the knob rotates during loosening, a first bar carrying the retaining portion and being elastically deformable, an actuating portion carried by a second bar and away from the retaining portion, the pawl being configured so that, during loosening, the knob, via the actuating portion, disengages the retaining portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MAVIC S.A.S.
    Inventors: Adeline Grenet, Duncan Ledingham, Charly Signori
  • Patent number: 9511976
    Abstract: A feedback system for a motor of an elevator system is provided. The feedback system may include a first sensor and a processing circuit. The first sensor may be disposed in proximity to a drive component of the elevator system and configured to detect a change in position of the drive component. The processing circuit may be configured to receive a first data signal from the first sensor corresponding to the change in position of the drive component and generate a feedback signal for controlling the motor based on the first data signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Keunmo Kang, Timothy D. Devalve, William A. Veronesi, Slade R. Culp, Harold Terry, Daryl J. Marvin, Ismail Agirman
  • Patent number: 9511977
    Abstract: A friction brake (1) for braking a rail-guided transport device (26), in particular a lift (elevator), having at least one brake lever (15) with a brake lining (4), which can be pressed against a rail (2) in order to brake the transport device (26), and with an actuator (6) for actuating the at least one brake lever (15). According to the invention, a solid body joint (36) is proposed, which has at least one web (37) to which a brake lever (3) is fastened, wherein the web (37) twists about the longitudinal axis (38) thereof when the brake lever (3) performs a pivoting movement. Moreover, according to the invention, means (42, 42?, 50, 52) are provided, which limit or prevent deflection of the web (37) in the lateral direction (x).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: gomtec GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Schautt
  • Patent number: 9511978
    Abstract: An elevator includes an elevator hoistway with an elevator car arranged to move therein. The elevator car includes an interior bounded by at least the elevator care roof. A frame structure includes two parallel, horizontal, elongated roof beams that are at a horizontal distance from each other. Between the roof beams is a trough that has an upward-facing base surface, and a standing platform in connection with the roof of the elevator car that includes a standing surface, immediately above which is a space free of the parts of the elevator car and free of the ropes of the elevator, for enabling standing on top of the standing surface at least when the elevator car is situated at a distance from the top end of the elevator hoistway. The standing surface forms at least a part of the base surface of the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juha Mielonen, Matti Räsänen, Nithil Karimpanackal Natarajan, Osmo Björni, Paula Bello, Razvan Albu, Timo Manner, Tuuli Somma
  • Patent number: 9511979
    Abstract: An underslung elevator includes: a suspending sheave assembly disposed on a lower portion of a car floor, the suspending sheave assembly being configured such that suspending sheaves are each supported rotatably between two longitudinal end portions of a pair of suspending sheave beams; and rubber vibration isolators disposed between a car frame lower beam and the suspending sheave assembly. The suspending sheaves are supported on the pair of suspending sheave beams such that portions thereof protrude upward beyond the pair of suspending sheave beams, and the rubber vibration isolators are disposed to be positioned vertically above shafts of the suspending sheaves when viewed from an axial direction of each of the suspending sheaves, and to be positioned on opposite sides of each of the suspending sheaves when viewed from vertically above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Naoyuki Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9511980
    Abstract: For the fastening, securing or clamping of goods, such as a load strap, support strap, tie member, rope, safety harness or the like, with an information medium (2) attached thereto, wherein it is ensured, even under hard operating conditions, that the prescribed marking is maintained for a long time, this is achieved in that the information medium (2) includes at least one identification medium (3a, 3b), an insert (4) having high tear strength, to which the identification medium (3a, 3b) is attached, and a protective casing (5), which surrounds the identification medium (3a, 3b) and the insert (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Spanset Inter AG
    Inventors: Lars Dohse, Werner Glasen
  • Patent number: 9511981
    Abstract: A connection bracket is provided in order to connect a connection, such as a shackle, hook or ring, to a flange, in particular to a flange of a tower element of a wind turbine, wherein the connection bracket (1) has two fixing sections (3a,3b), which are arranged at a distance (D) from each other and each have a support surface (3c) for laying the connection bracket (1) against the flange and a connection section (4), wherein the connection section (4) is formed from two supporting sections (7a, 7b) each firmly connected to one of the fixing sections (3a, 3b) and standing thereon, and a center section (6) carried by these supporting sections (7a, 7b) and firmly connected to them, such that the connection section (4) bridges the distance (D) between the fixing sections (3a, 3b) at a distance (Y) from the plane (E) of the support surface (3c), and wherein, in a top view seen from the side of the connection bracket (1) remote from the support surface (3c), the center line (M) of the center section (6) of the con
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SpanSet-secutex GmbH
    Inventor: Boris Franke
  • Patent number: 9511982
    Abstract: A rail system includes carrier profiles open in the upward direction, a rail inserted in the carrier profiles with a gap therebetween, and clamping profiles which lie in the gap are in contact with an inner contact surface of the rail and partially overlap the rail, one upper part of the carrier profile expanding laterally downward to an undercut cross-sectional region, bounded by opposite upper side wall sections, inclined inwardly or curved concavely, and at least one part of the clamping profile tapers downward in wedge fashion and is bounded in the direction of the rail by the inner contact surface and in the direction of the side wall by an outer contact surface, which lies in contact with the corresponding upper side wall section, the at least one part being fitted into an appropriately shaped part of the gap within the undercut cross-sectional region of the carrier profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Strothmann Machines & Handling GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Münter
  • Patent number: 9511983
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a first movable part of a crane. Position a first crane part above a calibration point at a first predetermined co-ordinate in a reference system. Measure a first distance between a first transmitter/receiver element of a first distance measuring device mounted on the first movable crane part and a second transmitter/receiver element of the first distance measuring device disposed in a stationary manner in the reference system. Measure an orientation of the first transmitter/receiver element in accordance with the first predetermined co-ordinate, the measured first distance and a first item of information concerning the surroundings. Perform a transformation in the reference system in accordance with the ascertained orientation of the first transmitter/receiver element for transforming distance measured during operating of the crane by means of the first and second transmitter/receiver elements to determine a position of the first movable crane part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: PRIMETALS TECHNOLOGIES GERMANY GMBH
    Inventors: Robert Eidenberger, Dirk Rehbein, Thomas Wösch
  • Patent number: 9511984
    Abstract: An industrial vehicle is provided with a vehicle body, battery cells, which are the electric power source for the industrial vehicle and are located within the vehicle body, and a counterweight, which is located within the vehicle body. The counterweight has a weight portion and a weight body that extends from the weight portion. The battery cells are provided on both sides of the weight body and are thermally coupled to the weight body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Takashi Sakai, Takahisa Sugimoto, Shintaro Watanabe, Hidefumi Oishi, Hiromi Ueda, Naoto Morisaku, Kazuki Maeda
  • Patent number: 9511985
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial truck, comprising a vehicle frame, a lifting framework (14), the lifting framework (14) having a first lifting frame (20) which is attached to the vehicle frame, and at least one lifting arrangement (22, 24) which is movable in the vertical direction (V) relative to the first lifting frame (20), and a measuring arrangement (32, 38, 40) which is provided in order to detect a movement of the first lifting frame (20) and/or of the lifting arrangement (22, 24) relative to the vehicle frame. In this case, it is provided according to the invention that the measuring arrangement comprises at least one optical sensor (32) by means of which the movement of the first lifting frame (20) and/or of the lifting arrangement (22, 24) can be sensed contactlessly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Haemmerl, Carsten Schoettke
  • Patent number: 9511986
    Abstract: A filling element includes a housing that forms a first dispensing opening. The first dispensing opening and a second dispensing opening provide corresponding filling jets. These jets combine to create a new jet for entry into a container to be filled. The first dispensing opening is offset outward radially opposite the second dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 9511987
    Abstract: A dilution ratio adjusting apparatus in a beverage dispenser and a method of dilution adjustment calculates driving pulse numbers and pulse frequencies necessary for operating tube pumps discharging concentrated syrup based on dilution ratio information and basic flow rate information for discharging the concentrated syrup to thereby control the operation of the tube pumps, whereby easy and quick change in setting of the beverage dispenser is achieved even when changing of a concentrated syrup to another concentrated syrup with a different dilution ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hayakawa Sanki, Inc.
    Inventors: Yohei Hayakawa, Satoshi Wakui, Yasushi Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 9511988
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a control system electrically connected with a beverage dispenser, a proximity sensor, and a touch-sensitive display. The control system causes the touch-sensitive display to display an advertising state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is not present at the beverage dispensing system and a beverage selection state when the proximity sensor indicates a user is present. The control system further causes the touch-sensitive display to display a pour state after a beverage choice selection is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the beverage selection state. The control system still further causes the beverage dispenser to deliver the beverage choice after a pour request is made through the touch sensitive display during the display of the pour state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Hernandez, Jeremiah A. Hong
  • Patent number: 9511989
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Peter Leissling, Matthias Janssen
  • Patent number: 9511990
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a micromechanical part in a single-piece made of a synthetic carbon-allotrope includes forming a substrate which includes the negative cavity for the micromechanical part to be fabricated, coating the negative cavity of the substrate with a layer of the synthetic carbon allotrope in a thickness of between 0.2 ?m and 20 ?m, the thickness being less than the depth of the negative cavity, removing from the substrate a larger thickness than the thickness of the deposited layer, so as to leave a limited thickness of the layer of material in the negative cavity, and removing the substrate so as to release the single-piece micromechanical part formed in the negative cavity comprising an external surface of comparable roughness to that of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Nivarox-FAR S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Cusin, David Richard, Philippe Dubois
  • Patent number: 9511991
    Abstract: A microdevice encapsulation structure arranged in at least one cavity formed between a substrate and a cap rigidly attached to the substrate is provided, the cap including one layer of a first material, one face of which forms an inner wall of the cavity, and mechanical reinforcement portions rigidly attached at least to and partly covering said face, having gas absorption and/or adsorption properties, in which the Young's modulus of a second material of the mechanical reinforcement portions is higher than that of the first material, wherein each of said portions includes at least one first layer of the second material, and at least one second layer of a third metallic getter material such that the first layer of the second material is arranged between the layer of the first material and the second layer of the third material and/or is covered by the second layer of the third material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Xavier Baillin, Bernard Diem, Jean-Philippe Polizzi, Andre Rouzaud
  • Patent number: 9511992
    Abstract: This structure, that is applicable particularly to manufacturing of <<Beyond CMOS>> type systems comprises a substrate (74) with opposite first and second faces, a cap (80) with opposite first and second faces, the first face of the cap being fixed to the first face of the substrate, at least one cavity (86) defined between the cap and the substrate, at least one nano-object (72) in the cavity, and first doped zones (88, 90) that are formed in the substrate, on the first face of the substrate, the nano-object being electrically connected to the first doped zones. According to the invention, the structure also comprises second doped zones (92, 96) that are formed in the cap, on the first face of the cap and that are at least partially in direct contact with the first doped zones, and means of making contact (96, 98) between the first and the second face of the cap and that open up on the second doped zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventor: Xavier Baillin
  • Patent number: 9511993
    Abstract: A semiconductor physical quantity detection sensor includes (1) a first electrostatic capacitance formed by the movable electrode, and a first fixed electrode formed in a first conductive layer shared with the movable electrode, (2) a second electrostatic capacitance that is formed by the movable electrode, and a second fixed electrode formed in a second conductive layer different in a height from a substrate surface from the movable electrode, and (3) an arithmetic circuit that calculates the physical quantity on the basis of a change in the first and second electrostatic capacitances generated when the physical quantity is applied. In this configuration, an electric signal from the first electrostatic capacitance, and an electric signal from the second electrostatic capacitance are input to the arithmetic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoko Yamanaka, Heewon Jeong, Chisaki Takubo
  • Patent number: 9511994
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system device is disclosed. The micro-mechanical system device comprises a first silicon substrate comprising: a handle layer comprising a first surface and a second surface, the second surface comprises a cavity; an insulating layer deposited over the second surface of the handle layer; a device layer having a third surface bonded to the insulating layer and a fourth surface; a piezoelectric layer deposited over the fourth surface of the device layer; a metal conductivity layer disposed over the piezoelectric layer; a bond layer disposed over a portion of the metal conductivity layer; and a stand-off formed on the first silicon substrate; wherein the first silicon substrate is bonded to a second silicon substrate, comprising: a metal electrode configured to form an electrical connection between the metal conductivity layer formed on the first silicon substrate and the second silicon substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Julius Ming-Lin Tsai, Michael J. Daneman
  • Patent number: 9511995
    Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to method and apparatus for forming three-dimensional MEMS. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a method of controlling out-of-plane buckling in microstructural devices so as to create micro-structures with out-of-plane dimensions which are 1×, 5×, 10×, 100× or 500× the film's thickness or above the surface of the wafer. An exemplary device formed according to the disclosed principles, includes a three dimensional accelerometer having microbridges extending both above and below the wafer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Brian Lee Wardle, Fabio Ferruccio Fachin, Stefan Nikles, Mathew Varghese
  • Patent number: 9511996
    Abstract: Methods are used to form semiconductor devices that include an integrated circuit and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device operatively coupled with the integrated circuit. At least a portion of an integrated circuit may be fabricated on a surface of a substrate, and a MEMS device may be formed over the at least a portion of the integrated circuit. The MEMS device may be operatively coupled with the integrated circuit. Semiconductor structures and electronic devices including such structures are formed using such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SOITEC
    Inventors: Mariam Sadaka, Bernard Aspar, Chrystelle Lagahe Blanchard
  • Patent number: 9511997
    Abstract: A method for forming an integrated circuit device includes forming a dielectric layer onto a first substrate, forming a sacrificial material into a sacrificial cavity formed into the dielectric layer, forming a membrane layer over the dielectric layer and sacrificial material, releasing the sacrificial material through at least one via formed through the membrane layer, and bonding a capping substrate to the membrane layer such that a second cavity is formed, the second cavity being connected to the sacrificial cavity though a via formed into the membrane layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chun-Wen Cheng, Chia-Hua Chu
  • Patent number: 9511998
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a high density getter. The high density getter includes a silicon surface area formed by porosification or by the formation of trenches within a sealed cavity of the device. The silicon surface area includes a deposition of titanium or other gettering material to reduce the amount of gas present in the sealed chamber such that a low pressure chamber is formed. The high density getter is used in bolometers and gyroscopes but is not limited to those devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ashwin Samarao, Gary O'Brien, Ando Feyh, Gary Yama, Andrew Graham, Bongsang Kim, Fabian Purkl
  • Patent number: 9511999
    Abstract: A method for sealing cavities in micro-electronic/-mechanical system (MEMS) devices to provide a controlled atmosphere within the sealed cavity includes providing a semiconductor substrate on which a template is provided on a localized area of the substrate. The template defines the interior shape of the cavity. Holes are made so as to enable venting of the cavity to provide a desired atmosphere to enter into the cavity through the hole. Finally, a sealing material is provided in the hole to seal the cavity. The sealing can be made by compression and/or melting of the sealing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: SILEX MICROSYSTEMS AB
    Inventors: Thorbjorn Ebefors, Niklas Svedin
  • Patent number: 9512000
    Abstract: Methods for fabricating flexible substrate nanostructured devices are disclosed. The nanostructures comprise nano-pillars and metallic bulbs or nano-apertures. The nanostructures can be functionalized to detect biological entities. The flexible substrates can be rolled into cylindrical tubes for detection of fluidic samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Chieh-feng Chang, Sameer Walavalkar, Scott E. Fraser, Axel Scherer
  • Patent number: 9512001
    Abstract: This invention provides nanometer-sized fluorescent magnetic particles and processes of making them. The nanoparticle has a core particle comprising a magnetic material and a fluorescent material, and the particle size is less than about 1 micrometer. The nanoparticles can be coated with an inorganic or organic layer and can be surface-modified. The nanoparticles can be used in many biological assays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: CAPITALBIO CORPORATION, TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Huachang Lu, Guangshun Yi, Depu Chen, Lianghong Guo, Jing Cheng
  • Patent number: 9512002
    Abstract: A coated hydrogen storage pellet; wherein the pellet comprises a hydrogen-storage material; the coating comprises a hydrogen-permeable polymer and the coating has a mean thickness of less than 50 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: CELLA ACQUISITION LIMITED
    Inventors: Stephen Bennington, Sean McGrady, David Royse, Arthur Lovell, Lyndsey Mooring, Tom Headen
  • Patent number: 9512003
    Abstract: A pyrolytic hydrogen generator comprising a pressure vessel containing a plurality of cardboard receptacles for the thermally decomposable hydrogen generating material and an associated ignition system. Also, a modular pellet tray assembly for use in the generator comprises a plurality of trays having pellet holders and associated igniters and held in a stack by support rods that also provide electrical connectivity to the trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventors: Darren Paul Scattergood, Robert John Vere Churton, William Ranulf Slee, Philip Nicholas Barnes, Graham Manton, Gareth Thomas Flegg
  • Patent number: 9512004
    Abstract: A method for operating a steam reforming plant wherein a hydrocarbon-rich feed is reacted with steam to form synthesis gas. The plant includes a steam reforming reactor and processing units to obtain a hydrogen-rich fraction after separation of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. The plant also includes a pressure-swing adsorption plant to separate the hydrogen-rich fraction into product and residual gas. A recycle compressor is included and allows the plant to operate is two different modes. In the first mode, carbon dioxide separated from the synthesis gas is compressed and added to the hydrocarbon-rich feed. In the second mode, the recycle compressor is used to recycle residual gas from the pressure-swing adsorption plant to the hydrogen-rich fraction upstream of the pressure-swing adsorption plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Lang, Alexander Hirsch, Josef Schwarzhuber
  • Patent number: 9512005
    Abstract: In a method for producing a carbonaceous film in which a polymer film is wrapped around a core and is subjected to a heat treatment, material film surfaces during the carbonization step are prevented from fusion, whereby a long carbonaceous having a large area film is obtained. Fusion can be prevented by subjecting a polymer film to a heat treatment under a reduced pressure, and under a reduced pressure while allowing an inert gas to flow. The range of the pressure reduction is preferably ?0.08 MPa to ?0.01 kPa. It is preferred to carry out carbonization with the pressure reduced in the range of from ?0.08 MPa to ?0.01 kPa while allowing an inert gas to flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Inada, Yasushi Nishikawa, Makoto Mishiro
  • Patent number: 9512006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel secondary structure of carbon nanostructures, a bundle thereof and a composite comprising the same. The secondary structure according to the present invention is characterized that it is formed by a plurality of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) assembled to have a tube form in whole or in part. The novel secondary structure according to the present invention, the bundle thereof and the composite comprising the same are highly applicable in fields of energy materials, functional composites, batteries, semiconductors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: SungJin Kim, Jindo Kim, KyungYeon Kang, JaeKeun Yoon
  • Patent number: 9512007
    Abstract: In order to obtain a graphite film having an excellent thermal diffusivity, a high density, and excellent flatness without flaws, recesses and wrinkles on the surface, the process for producing a graphite film according to the present invention comprises the graphitization step for a raw material film made of a polymer film and/or a carbonized polymer film and/or the post-planar pressurization step for the film in this order to prepare a graphite film, wherein the graphitization step is a step of thermally treating two or more stacked raw material films at a highest temperature of 2,000° C. and includes a method of electrically heating the raw material films themselves and/or a method of thermally treating the films while applying pressure to the films planarly, and the post-planar pressurization step includes a method of planarly pressurizing the one raw material film or the multiple stacked raw material films after graphitization by single-plate press or vacuum press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: KANEKA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasushi Nishikawa, Shuhei Wakahara, Mutsuaki Murakami