Patents Issued in August 22, 2017
  • Patent number: 9738475
    Abstract: A medium conveyance device including: a conveyance guide that defines a conveyance space through which a paper sheet shaped medium should pass when conveying the medium along a conveyance direction; and an outside region that is a region, out of a guide face forming a boundary face to the conveyance space in the conveyance guide, contacted by an end portion of the medium in an orthogonal direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction, and that guides the end portion of the medium to so as to be positioned inside the conveyance space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Sato, Hajime Togiya
  • Patent number: 9738476
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reel-up (2) for receiving and winding into a roll (3) a paper web (W) that arrives from a drying cylinder (17) in a paper making machine (1). The reel-up (2) comprises a rotatably mounted reel spool (4) onto which a paper web (W) can be wound to create a paper roll (3) of increasing diameter and an endless flexible belt (5) mounted for rotation along a predetermined path of travel such that the flexible belt (5) forms a loop. The flexible belt (5) is positioned adjacent to the reel spool (4) to engage the paper web (W) against the reel spool (4) during winding such that the flexible belt (5) is deflected from the predetermined path of travel. According to the invention, the endless flexible belt (5) comprises electrically conductive material such that static electricity in the flexible belt (5) is dissipated away from the flexible belt (5). The invention also relates to a paper making machine in which the inventive reel-up is used and to a method of winding a paper web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: VALMET AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Ingvar Klerelid, Per-Olof Malmqvist
  • Patent number: 9738477
    Abstract: A package of flat material in a flat profile and a method for making the package. Flat material is wound around a core having hollow channels that are coupled by engagement with extruding pins from a member. The member is mounted on an axis that rotates, causing the member to rotate. The rotation winds the flat material onto the core. The final package of flat material has a flat profile, which may be a convenient shape for storage in small and confined places.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Proton Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerel Jay Kolb, Mike Vidra
  • Patent number: 9738478
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus, having a housing with an opening, an image forming unit, a path to guide a recording medium toward the opening, a reversible roller disposed in the path, and an intermediate reversible roller disposed between the image forming unit and the reversible roller, is provided. A rotating direction of the reversible roller is switchable between a first rotating direction and a second rotating direction opposite from the first rotating direction. A circumferential speed of the reversible roller is switchable between a predetermined circumferential speed and none. A rotating direction of the intermediate reversible roller is switchable between a third rotating direction and a fourth rotating direction opposite from the third rotating direction. The circumferential speed of the reversible roller in the first rotating direction is reduced to be lower than the predetermined circumferential speed while the intermediate reversible roller is rotating in the third rotating direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masato Makino
  • Patent number: 9738479
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet, a stacking portion on which the sheet having the image formed thereon is to be stacked, a first roller capable of forward and reverse rotations, a second roller capable of rotating with the first roller when the first roller makes a forward rotation, a third roller capable of rotating with the first roller when the first roller makes a reverse rotation and then the forward rotation, a regulation portion movable between a regulation position where entering of the sheet into a nip portion between the first and second rollers is prevented, and an allowing position where discharge of the sheet is allowed, and a movement unit configured to cause the regulation portion to be placed in the allowing position during forward rotation, and to be placed in the regulation position during reverse rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ryo Iwasawa, Daisuke Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9738480
    Abstract: A sheet conveying apparatus includes a discharge tray having a support surface supporting a sheet discharged by a discharge unit of a conveyor. A first stopper is provided on the support surface. A movable member is provided on the support surface between the discharge unit and the first stopper. The first stopper is changeable between a first position at which the first stopper protrudes from the support surface and a second position at which the first stopper is stored in the discharge tray. The movable member is changeable between a third position at which the movable member protrudes from the support surface and a fourth position located nearer to the support surface than the third position. The first stopper is changed from the first position to the second position in conjunction with a change of the movable member from the third position to the fourth position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuo Ito
  • Patent number: 9738481
    Abstract: A print medium finishing unit may include a load part in which print media is loaded, a stapler stapling the print media loaded in the load part while moving along one side end of the print media, and at least one arrangement member supporting one side end of the print media, wherein the arrangement member protrudes toward a moving path of the stapler to move between an arrangement position supporting one side end of the plurality of print media and an escape position escaping from a moving path of the stapler by receiving a force through the moving stapler. Therefore, a moving path of the stapler has a simple structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: S-PRINTING SOLUTION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ho Il Lee, Joon Sik An
  • Patent number: 9738482
    Abstract: Provided is a discharged sheet accommodating device including a support shaft that has an axial center and is mounted on an apparatus body of an image forming apparatus that is provided with an outlet port from which a recording material is discharged, a first support portion that is provided to be fixed to a lower end of the support shaft, a second support portion into which the support shaft is movably inserted, a holding member of which one end is supported by the first support portion and the second support portion, and which is movable in an up and down direction and in a horizontal direction, and a receiving member of which one end is fixed to the support shaft and the other end is held by a leading end portion of the holding member to foe extensible and contractable, and which receives the recording material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Keiichi Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 9738483
    Abstract: A tape sticking apparatus for sticking a masking tape for protecting a peripheral portion of a substrate, such as a wafer, is disclosed. The tape sticking apparatus includes: a substrate holder configured to hold and rotate a substrate; and a tape sticking unit configured to stick a masking tape onto a peripheral portion of the substrate held on the substrate holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation, IS ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenya Ito, Keisuke Uchiyama, Tomiichi Matsui, Mahito Shibuya
  • Patent number: 9738484
    Abstract: A motorized rotary drum supported on a motor housing bears a plurality of yarn loops wound thereon, such loops being adapted to be unwound upon request from a downstream machine. A yarn-unwinding sensor comprises light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements both of which are integral with the motor housing. Light-guiding elements which are integral with the drum guide the light from the light-emitting elements to a window which is defined on the rotary drum in a position such that it is repeatedly engaged by the yarn during its rotary unwinding motion, and vice versa. A reflecting surface reflects the light coming out of the window back towards the window. Light-deviating elements which are integral with the motor housing deviate the light coming back from the window towards the light-receiving elements. The unwinding of a yarn loop from the drum is determined on the basis of the variation of light resulting from the yarn transiting on the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: L.G.L. ELECTRONICS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giorgio Bertocchi, Mauro Varischetti, Pietro Zenoni
  • Patent number: 9738485
    Abstract: A reel apparatus and method comprising an inner flange assembly, an outer flange assembly, and a bearing assembly coupled to the inner and outer flange assemblies. The inner flange assembly is capable of freely rotating relative to the outer flange assembly. In another embodiment, wire is spooled from a reel assembly comprising an inner flange assembly and an outer flange assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Encore Wire Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Bigbee, Jr., John L. Rhoads
  • Patent number: 9738486
    Abstract: A device for winding elongate flexible objects is disclosed herein. The device includes a rigid member extending along a central axis between first and second ends. The device also includes first and second forks each having a base mountable to the rigid member and a plurality of tines supported on the base. The first fork and the second fork are further defined as both being removably engaged with the rigid member. The plurality of tines of the first fork include at least one tine mounted for pivoting movement about a pivot axis extending transverse to the central axis and this tine is larger than the other tines of the first fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventors: Scott Coburn, Geoff Hoover
  • Patent number: 9738487
    Abstract: An unwinder for a sheet material has a housing and has crosspieces arranged laterally in the housing. To ensure the functionality of the unwinder even in the case of relatively large winding cores or of relatively large rollers, the crosspiece is connected, in a releasable and non-releasable manner, to an accommodating element of which the surface-area portions, which correspond to the crosspiece, enclose the crosspiece and have accommodating surfaces for the product which is to be unwound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GMS GmbH
    Inventor: Joern Gaumann
  • Patent number: 9738488
    Abstract: A mobile hose reel traversable between a mobile mode and a stationary mode. The mobile hose reel comprises a first side frame assembly having a first rotatable side wall and a first side frame assembly elongated body. The first side frame assembly elongated body is slidably engaged with at least a portion of the first rotatable side wall and is configured to secure to a first pair of stability members. A second side frame assembly comprises a second rotatable side wall and a second side frame assembly elongated body. The second side frame assembly elongated body is slidably engaged with at least a portion of the second rotatable side wall and is configured to secure to a second pair of stability members. Traversal of the first and second side assemblies upwardly or downwardly about a longitudinal axis traverses the mobile hose reel between a mobile orientation and a stationary orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Suncast Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Robert G. Kopp, Michael R. Vogler
  • Patent number: 9738489
    Abstract: A method of controlling an elevator installation with several elevator cages per elevator shaft, wherein a destination call to a desired destination story is actuated on a call input story by at least one passenger and at least one most favorable call allocation for transport of the passenger by the elevator cage from a start story to a destination story, is determined for the destination call by at least one destination call control. If at least one disadvantage parameter is set, at least one disadvantage-free call allocation for transport of the passenger by the elevator cage from a start story to a destination story is determined by the destination call control, in which it is possible the start story and call input story or the destination story and desired destination correspond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventor: Lukas Finschi
  • Patent number: 9738490
    Abstract: A platform lift apparatus moves objects vertically within a structure such as between floors of a residential or commercial structure. The platform lift apparatus further comprises a main body having a platform receiving portion and a utility portion. A drive train is substantially contained within the utility portion of the main body. The drive train comprises a rotatable shaft having plural lift drums and a motor operatively coupled to the shaft to cause selective rotation thereof. Each of the lift drums has an associated lift tether coupled thereto and wound thereon. A platform is coupled to respective ends of the lift tethers to suspend the platform from the platform receiving portion of the main body. The platform is selectively movable by operation of the drive train to travel vertically relative to the main body. The platform is substantially nested within the platform receiving portion of the main body when at an uppermost point of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Spacelift Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay P. Penn, Jeffrey Neil Cronin
  • Patent number: 9738491
    Abstract: A hydraulic-boosted rail brake is provided for use with an elevator having a guide rail. The rail brake includes a braking plate having friction material, a spring package in communication with the braking plate, a hydraulic cylinder, a piston housed at least partially inside the hydraulic cylinder, and a brake controller. The braking plate is selectively movable relative to the guide rail, and the spring package biases the friction material to interact with the guide rail to cause braking. The piston is in communication with the braking plate and is selectively: (a) movable in a release direction to diminish or overcome force from the spring package; and (b) movable in an engage direction to supplement the force from the spring package. The brake controller selectively causes the piston to move in the release direction and in the engage direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR AG
    Inventors: Frank P. Dudde, Peter F. Feldhusen, William K. Delk, Mike Palazzola, Jie Xu, Alan M. Parker, John Keith Anderson, Olivia Stone
  • Patent number: 9738492
    Abstract: The disclosure is related to systems and methods regarding transit and movement of people. The Articulated Funiculator is a continuous and connected system of trains that moves people in mass. The trains lie horizontal at specific floor levels (designated as stations) in tall buildings or underground levels (designated as stations) in mining operations and underground subway stations. The Articulated Funiculator transitions from horizontal alignments at the stations to vertical, slanted or curved alignments between the stations, albeit the passengers remain horizontal in a standing position. The Articulated Funiculator captures the energy from the braking, dynamic braking? of the trains and stores it. The stored energy is then used to accelerate the Articulated Funiculator. This re-use of energy makes the Articulated Funiculator sustainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Fritz King
  • Patent number: 9738493
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a crane, having a jib rotatable about an upright axis, at which jib a trolley is movably arranged, from which trolley a hoist rope connected to a load hook runs off, as well as a load hook position determining device for determining the position of the load hook. The load hook position may be determined optically by means of one camera only, which camera is mounted on the trolley of the crane and views from the trolley in a predetermined and thus known viewing direction downwards onto the load hook. In doing so, the position of the load hook in the camera image is determined by an image evaluator. To simplify detection of the load hook in the camera image, the image evaluator may include rope run determining means for determining the rope run of the hoist rope running off from the trolley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Liebherr-Components Biberach GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Fenker, Michael Palberg
  • Patent number: 9738494
    Abstract: Provided is a safety lighting system for an overhead crane comprising a laser generator capable of generating a laser signal; and a crane control system having a programmable logic circuit; wherein the laser generator is integrated with the crane control system; and wherein the laser generator is operable to project a laser signal onto a surface corresponding to the position of the crane or crane components and a method of using the safety lighting system to determine when an object has crossed into a designated safety zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Mazzella Lifting Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Shubel, Kenneth Wright
  • Patent number: 9738495
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a lattice piece for a crane boom comprising at least two lattice piece parts which are separably connected to one another in the longitudinal direction by means of one or more releasable connection points, wherein one or more lattice piece parts have one or more longitudinal tubes at least sectionally in the region of the connection points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
    Inventors: Roland Bohnacker, Ulrich Wiedemann, Thomas Klaiber
  • Patent number: 9738496
    Abstract: An improved knuckle boom crane apparatus provides a supportive base and a frame attached to the base, the frame including a cabin with an interior. A prime mover is supported upon the frame. A main boom is pivotally attached to the frame at a first boom end portion, the main boom having a second end portion. A jib boom is provided having first and second end portions, the jib boom first end portion being pivotally attached to the main boom second end portion, the jib boom second end portion being a free end portion. A main block is attached to the main boom and depending from the main boom second end portion. An auxiliary block is attached to the jib boom and depending from the jib boom second end portion. A main block parking area is provided next to the connection of main boom and jib boom that enables the main block to be parked when using the auxiliary block of the jib boom. The parking area enables the jib boom auxiliary block to lift a selected package without dismantling of the main block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: DynaKing Crane, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Bobeck
  • Patent number: 9738497
    Abstract: A jib attachment/detachment mechanism to mount a jib on a boom head includes a guide mechanism including a guide roller and a guide support configured to guide engaging portions of a jib support to positions of engagement with shaft pins of a boom head when the jib support is pulled up with a wire by using a winch and to prevent change of a state of the wire pulled up by the winch when the jib support is rotated around the shaft pins by contracting a cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TADANO LTD.
    Inventors: Masafumi Nakamura, Hiroshi Takashima
  • Patent number: 9738498
    Abstract: A telescopic boom extension device includes a cylinder-boom coupling mechanism, an inter-boom fixing mechanism, and a driving mechanism that drives the foregoing two. The driving mechanism has a hydraulic supply part and a drive source generation part. The hydraulic supply part includes an AOH and is provided at a cylinder tube of a telescopic boom. The hydraulic supply part supplies operating oil selectively to actuators driving a B pin and a C pin. The drive source generation part includes an air hose and supplies compressed air to the AOH. The air hose is wound around a hose reel in an unrollable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: TADANO, LTD.
    Inventors: Naoto Kawabuchi, Takashi Kawano
  • Patent number: 9738499
    Abstract: A trolley for a lift assembly is disclosed. The trolley includes a drive portion and a lift portion separable from the drive portion. The lift portion includes one or more fittings configured to hold one or more wire ropes for raising and lower a platform hitched to the wire ropes. The drive portion is connectable to a drive assembly to move the drive portion and lift portion along a lift stroke. Pairs of trolleys are interconnected via tension lines or wires connected to the lift portions of the trolleys. The lift portions are configured to move independent of the drive portions through lift provided via the interconnection of the lift portions through the tension lines or wires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: PAR SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Noel Gabriel Plamondon, William R. Johanek
  • Patent number: 9738500
    Abstract: A scissor lift includes a base, a platform, a plurality of pivotally connected scissor links, a support column, and a locking actuator. The platform has a fixed horizontal orientation and being movable between a first elevation and a second elevation. The scissor links are arranged in a crisscross pattern and operatively connecting the base and the platform. The lift actuator is pivotally attached to at least one of the scissor links to selectively raise and lower the platform along a lift path. The support column extends alongside the lift path and positioned adjacent to the platform. The locking actuator is fixed to an underside of the platform and includes a piston member extendable toward the support column to operatively connect the platform with the support column when the platform is raised at the second elevation so that the platform is supported by the support column in the fixed horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ADVANCE LIFTS, INC.
    Inventor: Brian C. Lowe
  • Patent number: 9738501
    Abstract: Industrial truck with a drive part and a load part with two wheel arms that is height-adjustable relative to the drive part, wherein each of the wheel arms has a wheel arm lever, which has at least one load roller and is pivotably articulated on the wheel arm, and a rod, via which a height adjusting movement of the load part is coupled with a pivoting movement of the wheel arm lever, wherein the rod has a hydraulic cylinder, with which a length of the rod is adjustable and which has an operating volume, characterized in that the two rods are push rods, and the industrial truck has a pressure accumulator, which is connectable with the operating volumes of the two hydraulic cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Jungheinrich Aktiengesellschadt
    Inventors: Dirk Wendt, Klaus-Peter Badura
  • Patent number: 9738502
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a tool, system of tools, or method of utilizing tools to quickly, safely, ergonomically and effectively lift any number of objects including but not limited to manhole covers and car tires. The user is aided by the tool containing any number of picks that may be directionally adjusted, manually or automatically, latches to connect the tool to attachments (such as tripods, power lifting belts, vehicles, and other tools), additional support handle bars located at or about the center of gravity which may be adjusted from one location to another to guide the body into a lifting posture to reduce back strain and accident potential, pre-molded or moldable sections on the tool or its handlebars to aid the user in gripping the tool, a gyroscope and other features for making the jobs of utility workers and service workers safer, more efficient, and easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: D.C. Water & Sewer Authority
    Inventors: Wade L. Brooks, James Lowell Ramsey Clarke
  • Patent number: 9738503
    Abstract: A perforation device to perforate closed receptacles containing coloring products is provided, and includes a support plane which is configured to support a receptacle to be perforated. The support plane is movable in a substantially vertical direction. The perforation device also includes a perforation member positioned at a determinate height, higher than the support plane, and an actuator to selectively move the support plane toward the perforation member to cause the perforation of the receptacle to be perforated. The actuator includes a lifting mechanism connected to the support plane and drivable by a pedal that cannot be driven by an operator without the operator also driving a safety mechanism at the same time using both hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Corob S.p.A. Con Socio Unico
    Inventor: Fabrizio Benatti
  • Patent number: 9738504
    Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for an appliance includes an operable paddle having a lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached to a dispenser wall between outward and inward positions. An actuator has a switch positioned proximate a pivot defined by a first end of an actuator lever. A second end of the actuator lever is positioned proximate the lower portion of the operable paddle, wherein operation of the operable paddle to the inward position engages the lower portion of the operable paddle with the bottom portion of the actuator lever and operates the actuator lever from an idle state to a use state. Movement of the bottom portion of the actuator lever operates the switch from a deactivated state to an activated state, wherein the activated state of the switch activates the at least one of the ice dispenser and the water dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Jose R. Aranda, Daniel H. Quinlan, Todd Tunzi
  • Patent number: 9738505
    Abstract: A cooling system for a beverage comprises an enclosure for housing a beverage container, a cold plate through which the beverage flows, and a refrigeration system that controllably cools the enclosure and the cold plate in a differential manner. In preferred embodiments, preference is given during normal operation to cooling the cold plate, and only cooling the enclosure when the cold plate is determined to be at or below a desired temperature. In some embodiments a special defrost cycle warms the cold plate while continuing to cool the enclosure. Controls can be mechanical, electronic or any combination of the two, and preferably utilizes information from both pressure and temperature sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Cleland Sales Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Cleland, Adam Cleland
  • Patent number: 9738506
    Abstract: An adapter to convert a conventional water cooler designed for use with substantially rigid water bottles as the source of water to use of bag-in-box liquid containers as the source of water includes a holder for removably holding a bag-in-box liquid container in place of the water bottle at the top of the water cooler and a liquid supply line connectable to a bag dispensing fitting of a bag-in-box liquid container positioned in the holder and a water bottle opening cap engaging pin above a water reservoir in the water cooler. Water from the bag-in-box liquid container can flow by gravity from the bag-in-box liquid container through the liquid supply line and the water bottle opening cap engaging pin into the reservoir. A water level controller to control the flow of water from the bag-in-box container into the water reservoir to control the level of water in the reservoir can also be included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Robert Clay Groesbeck
  • Patent number: 9738507
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a liquid dispenser includes a liquid reservoir, a measurement device providing at least one signal indicative of the amount of liquid remaining in the liquid reservoir, an electrically actuated valve coupled to a tube outlet exiting from a bottom of the liquid reservoir, and a processor. The processor is electrically connected to the measurement device and operatively coupled to and controlling operation of the valve. Further, the processor is configured to determine a valve open time for dispensing a requested amount of liquid. The valve open time depends upon a preliminary time based on the requested amount and at least one signal from the measurement device, and an adjustment to the preliminary time based on a difference between a requested amount and a measured amount determined by the measurement device for at least one previous dispense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: A.C. Dispensing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek Cole, Paul Gregory Erman, Ian MacLean
  • Patent number: 9738508
    Abstract: A MEMS capacitive pressure sensor is provided. The MEMS capacitive pressure sensor includes a substrate having a first region and a second region, and a first dielectric layer formed on the substrate. The capacitive pressure sensor also includes a second dielectric layer having a step surface profile formed on the first dielectric layer, and a first electrode layer having a step surface profile formed on the second dielectric layer. Further, the MEMS capacitive pressure sensor includes an insulation layer formed on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer having a step surface profile with a portion formed on the insulation layer in the peripheral region and the rest suspended over the first electrode layer in the device region. Further, the MEMS capacitive pressure sensor also includes a chamber having a step surface profile formed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING INTERNATIONAL (SHANGHAI) CORPORATION
    Inventor: Zhongshan Hong
  • Patent number: 9738509
    Abstract: A diaphragm structure of a micromechanical component includes: a diaphragm integrated via at least one spring element into a layered structure, the diaphragm spanning a cavern, so that at least one section of the diaphragm edge extends up to and beyond the edge area of the cavern; and an anchoring structure formed in the overlap area between the diaphragm and the cavern edge area. The anchoring structure includes at least one anchor element structured out of the layered structure above the cavern edge area, and one through opening for the anchor element formed in the edge area of the diaphragm, so that there is a clearance between the anchor element and the through opening which allows for a mechanical stress relaxation of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Schelling, Jochen Zoellin
  • Patent number: 9738510
    Abstract: A method and structure for a PLCSP (Package Level Chip Scale Package) MEMS package. The method includes providing a MEMS chip having a CMOS substrate and a MEMS cap housing at least a MEMS device disposed upon the CMOS substrate. The MEMS chip is flipped and oriented on a packaging substrate such that the MEMS cap is disposed above a thinner region of the packaging substrate and the CMOS substrate is bonding to the packaging substrate at a thicker region, wherein bonding regions on each of the substrates are coupled. The device is sawed to form a package-level chip scale MEMS package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MCUBE, INC.
    Inventor: Chien Chen Lee
  • Patent number: 9738511
    Abstract: A MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) structure comprises a MEMS wafer. A MEMS wafer includes a cap with cavities bonded to a structural layer through a dielectric layer disposed between the cap and the structural layer. Unique configurations of MEMS devices and methods of providing such are set forth which provide for, in part, creating rounded, scalloped or chamfered MEMS profiles by shaping the etch mask photoresist reflow, by using a multi-step deep reactive ion etch (DRIE) with different etch characteristics, or by etching after DRIE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Jongwoo Shin, Kirt Reed Williams, Cerina Zhang, Kuolung (Dino) Lei
  • Patent number: 9738512
    Abstract: An integrated MEMS device comprises two substrates where the first and second substrates are coupled together and have two enclosures there between. One of the first and second substrates includes an outgassing source layer and an outgassing barrier layer to adjust pressure within the two enclosures. The method includes depositing and patterning an outgassing source layer and a first outgassing barrier layer on the substrate, resulting in two cross-sections. In one of the two cross-sections a top surface of the outgassing source layer is not covered by the outgassing barrier layer and in the other of the two cross-sections the outgassing source layer is encapsulated in the outgassing barrier layer. The method also includes depositing conformally a second outgassing barrier layer and etching the second outgassing barrier layer such that a spacer of the second outgassing barrier layer is left on sidewalls of the outgassing source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Daesung Lee, Jongwoo Shin, Jong Il Shin, Peter Smeys, Martin Lim
  • Patent number: 9738513
    Abstract: Provided are a MEMS pressure sensor and a method for forming the MEMS pressure sensor. The method includes: preparing a first substrate, where the first substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; preparing a second substrate, where the second substrate includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface, the second substrate includes a pressure sensing region; bonding the first surface of the first substrate and the third surface of the second substrate with each other; forming a cavity between the first substrate and the pressure sensing region of the second substrate; removing the second base to form a fifth surface opposite to the third surface of the second substrate; and forming a first conductive plug passing through the second substrate from the side of the fifth surface of the second substrate to the at least one conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: MEMSEN ELECTRONICS INC
    Inventor: Manhing Chau
  • Patent number: 9738514
    Abstract: Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) ultrasonic transducers (CUTs) and methods for forming CUTs are described. The CUTs may include monolithically integrated ultrasonic transducers and integrated circuits for operating in connection with the transducers. The CUTs may be used in ultrasound devices such as ultrasound imaging devices and/or high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Butterfly Network, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Rothberg, Keith G. Fife, Tyler S. Ralston, Gregory L. Charvat, Nevada J. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9738515
    Abstract: A packaged integrated device includes a package substrate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the package substrate has a hole therethrough. The integrated device package also includes a first lid mounted on the first surface of the package substrate to define a first cavity, and a second lid mounted on the second surface of the package substrate to define a second cavity. A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) die can be mounted on the first surface of the package substrate inside the first cavity and over the hole. A port can be formed in the first lid or the second lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: David Bolognia, Kieran P. Harney
  • Patent number: 9738516
    Abstract: A method of forming an IC (integrated circuit) device is provided. The method includes receiving a first wafer including a first substrate and including a plasma-reflecting layer disposed on an upper surface thereof. The plasma-reflecting layer is configured to reflect a plasma therefrom. A dielectric protection layer is formed on a lower surface of a second wafer, wherein the second wafer includes a second substrate. The second wafer is bonded to the first wafer, such that a cavity is formed between the plasma-reflecting layer and the dielectric protection layer. An etch process is performed with the plasma to form an opening extending from an upper surface of the second wafer and through the dielectric protection layer into the cavity. A resulting structure of the above method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Yen Chou, Chih-Jen Chan, Chia-Shiung Tsai, Ru-Liang Lee, Yuan-Chih Hsieh
  • Patent number: 9738517
    Abstract: A mold structure having high-precision multi-dimensional components which includes a first oxide layer superimposed on a top of a first semiconductor substrate; a second oxide layer superimposed on a top of a second semiconductor substrate; integrated designs patterned in at least one of the oxide layers; and the first and second semiconductor substrates bonded to one another into a three dimensional (3D) mold such that the first oxide layer only makes partial contact with the second oxide layer such that a portion of the first oxide layer avoids contact with the second oxide layer, the portion of the first oxide layer directly opposite a surface portion of the second semiconductor substrate that is free of the second oxide, the 3D mold selectively filled with a filling material to form a molded high-precision multi-dimensional component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: International Business Machines Corporation, Yale University
    Inventors: Emily R. Kinser, Jan Schroers, Golden Kumar
  • Patent number: 9738518
    Abstract: A reformer reactor is provided for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen rich gas by auto-thermal reaction process having a cylindrically shaped and double walled, housing with two side faces forming a reaction chamber of the reformer. Additionally, a fuel inlet is provided in one of the two side faces for providing hydrocarbon fuels into the reaction chamber, wherein further a fuel preheating means is provided which preheats the hydrocarbon fuel before the hydrocarbon fuel enters the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: POWERCELL SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Bård Lindstrõm, Anders Karlsson, Lars Pettersson
  • Patent number: 9738519
    Abstract: A fuel reformer 20 producing a reformed gas by catalysis by using a fuel gas includes a combustion chamber 24, a combustion nozzle 30, an exhausting pipe 15, a gas distribution gap 25, an outer reforming portion 43, a fuel gas introduction pipe 10, and a reformed gas outlet pipe 11. The combustion nozzle 30 is located in the combustion chamber 24. A columnar protruding portion 40 is provided in the combustion chamber 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO PRECISION PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Makoto Hirakawa, Shigeru Mizukawa
  • Patent number: 9738520
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide gas generating agent pack includes a chlorine dioxide gas generating agent containing a mixture of chlorite powder, gas generation control agent powder, moisture-absorbent powder, water-absorbent resin powder, and activating agent powder; and a gas-permeable film container permeable to water vapor and chlorine dioxide gas and containing the chlorine dioxide gas generating agent. This chlorine dioxide gas generating agent pack is suitable for being carried to a region where sterilization, disinfection and deodorization are required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: AMATERA, INC.
    Inventors: Hiromasa Fujita, Tetsuhiro Fujita
  • Patent number: 9738521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for preparing nitric acid by catalytic oxidation of NH3 by means of oxygen and subsequent reaction of the NOx formed with an absorption medium in an absorption tower, which comprises a catalyst bed for N2O decomposition arranged in the process gas downstream of the catalytic NH3 oxidation and upstream of the absorption tower in the flow direction and a catalyst bed for NOx reduction and effecting a further decrease in the amount of N2O arranged in the tailgas downstream of the absorption tower in the flow direction, wherein the amount of N2O removed in the catalyst bed for N2O removal arranged in the process gas is not more than that which results in an N2O content of >100 ppmv and a molar N2O/NOx ratio of >0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: THYSSENKRUPP UHDE GMBH
    Inventors: Meinhard Schwefer, Rolf Siefert, Jürgen Fuchs, Klaus Ruthardt, Michael Groves
  • Patent number: 9738522
    Abstract: An arrangement (100) for production of fully soluble, pure and well defined mono- or di-ammonium phosphates, comprises an extraction section (10), a stripping section (20) and end treatment arrangements (90). The extraction section performs a liquid-liquid extraction of phosphate between a feed liquid (1) comprising phosphoric acid and being essentially free from nitrate ions, and a solvent (5) having a solubility in water of less than 2%. The stripping section performs a liquid-liquid extraction of phosphate between solvent loaded with phosphate and a strip solution (4). The solvent depleted in phosphate is recirculated to the extraction section for further extraction of phosphate. The strip solution is an aqueous ammonium phosphate solution, wherein at least 80% of the ammonium phosphate is monoammonium phosphate and/or wherein the solvent is a water-immiscible alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: EASYMINING SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Yariv Cohen, Patrik Enfält
  • Patent number: 9738523
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of preparing a carbide-derived carbon having high ion mobility for use in a lithium battery anode material, a lithium air battery electrode, a supercapacitor electrode, and a flow capacitor electrode, including thermally treating a carbide compound in a vacuum, thus obtaining a vacuum-treated carbide compound; and thermochemically reacting the vacuum-treated carbide compound with a halogen element-containing gas, thus extracting the element other than carbon from the vacuum-treated carbide compound, wherein annealing can be further performed after thermochemical reaction. This carbide-derived carbon has a small pore distribution, dense graphite fringe, and a large lattice spacing and thus high ion mobility, compared to conventional carbide-derived carbon obtained only by thermochemical reaction with a halogen element-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCH
    Inventors: Sun-Hwa Yeon, Kyoung-Hee Shin, Chang-Soo Jin, Kyu-Nam Jung, Sukeun Yoon, Jae-Deok Jeon, Joonmok Shim, Jung-Hoon Yang, Bum-Suk Lee, Myung Seok Jeon, Wook Ahn
  • Patent number: 9738524
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to generate carbon nanostructures from organic materials are described. Certain embodiments provide solid waste materials into a furnace, that pyrolyzes the solid waste materials into gaseous decomposition products, which are then converted to carbon nanostructures. Methods and apparatuses described herein provide numerous advantages over conventional methods, such as cost savings, reduction of handling risks, optimization of process conditions, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignees: Nano-C, Inc., Northeastern University
    Inventors: Yiannis Levendis, Henning Richter, Chuanwei Zhuo