Patents Issued in March 27, 2018
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Patent number: 9926153Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sheet aligning apparatus that is capable of detecting misalignment. A control portion of a post-processing apparatus causes a front aligning member and a rear aligning member to be moved to an aligning position to align sheets conveyed to a processing tray, causes the front aligning member to be moved from the aligning position to a detecting position, and determines whether an electrostatic capacitance sensor detects misalignment (sheet shifting from a sheet bundle). When it is determined that the sensor detects misalignment, the front aligning member is moved from the detecting position to the aligning position so that sheets are realigned.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.Inventors: Yuichi Kubota, Tatsuya Ohmori, Masashi Yamashita
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Patent number: 9926154Abstract: A paper feeding device includes a pickup mechanism, a conveying mechanism disposed behind the pickup mechanism, a separation mechanism disposed behind the conveying mechanism, a feeding mechanism disposed behind the separation mechanism, a transmission mechanism driving the pickup mechanism, the conveying mechanism, the separation mechanism and the feeding mechanism, and an ultrasonic circuit unit disposed between the separation mechanism and the transmission mechanism. The ultrasonic circuit unit includes an ultrasonic detecting module, an amplifying circuit unit electrically connected with the ultrasonic detecting module, a paper density detecting unit electrically connected with the amplifying circuit unit, an analog-to-digital converter electrically connected with the paper density detecting unit, a processor electrically connected with the analog-to-digital converter, and a driving unit electrically connected with the processor and the transmission mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Foxlink Image Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yuan Hao Tsai, Chien Jen Chen, Shih Wei Tseng, Yi Hong Chen
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Patent number: 9926155Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal print apparatus including a medium detection sensor arranged from a thermal head at a distance shorter than an outer circumferential length of the platen roller, and a controller. The controller determines that the print medium is wrapped around the platen roller if the print medium is not detected by the medium detection sensor even when the print medium is fed by a feed amount at which the leading edge of the print medium reaches the medium detection sensor after starting of printing on the print medium. In this case, the print medium is fed backward by reversely rotating the platen roller.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SATO HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kazuyuki Hoshi, Atsuo Kayama
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Patent number: 9926156Abstract: A sheet size specification system for specifying size of a sheet on a sheet stacking tray of an image forming device, by using an image capture unit of a portable terminal. The system includes an analyzer and a size specifier. The analyzer analyzes image data captured by the image capture unit, the image data indicating the sheet stacking tray and the sheet thereon. The size specifier acquires, from the analyzed image data, first position data indicating positions of predefined feature points of the sheet stacking tray and second position data indicating positions of an outline of the sheet, and specifies size of the sheet on the sheet stacking tray based on the first position data and the second position data.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: KONICA MINOLTA, INC.Inventors: Ryuji Sato, Hiroshi Mizuno, Satoshi Fujii
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Patent number: 9926157Abstract: A sheet feeder, which is included in an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, includes a sheet loader on which a sheet bundle is loaded, an air blower to blow air to the sheet bundle loaded on the sheet loader and float upper sheets of the sheet bundle, a loader elevation device to lift and lower the sheet loader, a reflective optical detector including a first reflective optical detector to detect the upper sheets floated by the air blower and a second reflective optical detector to detect multiple floating sheets located below the floating sheets detected by the first reflective optical detector, and a controller configured to control the loader elevation device to perform a lifting operation of the sheet loader based on a combination of an output value of the first reflective optical detector and an output value of the second reflective optical detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Sugawara, Takashi Fukumoto, Hideaki Takahashi, Hidetoshi Kojima
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Patent number: 9926158Abstract: A bag dispensing device comprises a box and a roll of bags, the bags being connected together in the roll. Each bag defines a closed bottom end and an upper end that is closed while the bag is part of the roll but that becomes open once the bag is detached from the roll. The roll of bags is located in the container with at least one leading bag thereof extending out of the container so as to be grasped by the user and detached from the roll when a bag is needed by the user for receiving therein a sample or the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: LABPLAS INC.Inventors: Marc Brouilette, Danielle Lafond, Alain Chevigny
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Patent number: 9926159Abstract: A press roller spring frame is provided. The spring frame includes a frame body having a first section having an arcuate shape, a second section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape, a third section extending from the first section and having a substantially planar shape. The second and third sections are configured to oppose one another with the first section therebetween. The spring frame further includes a roller operatively coupled to the third section and configured to rotate about an axis. A compressive force may be applied to the roller to displace the third section closer to the second section, whereby the arcuate shape of the first member is compressed. The compression causes the first member to produce a spring force that resists the compressive force applied against the roller to keep the roller against the object applying the compressive force.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand CompanyInventors: Anthony A. Jones, Paul M. Codd
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Patent number: 9926160Abstract: A web unwind stand for obtaining, loading, splicing, and unwinding convolutely wound rolls of web material and forwarding the web material unwound from each of the convolutely wound rolls uninterruptedly to a downstream apparatus is disclosed. The unwind stand comprises splicing means, a first positionable roll grasping apparatus for obtaining and disposing a first of the convolutely wound rolls proximate to, and relative to, the splicing means, and, second positionable roll grasping apparatus for obtaining and disposing a second of the convolutely wound rolls proximate to, and relative to, the splicing means.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Matthew Joseph Macura, Rong Deng, Craig Allen Powell
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Patent number: 9926161Abstract: Provided is a paper feeding roller in which recesses due to deformation are unlikely to be formed even when contact with another roller in one location continues for a comparatively long period of time, particularly as a conveying roller or the like. A paper feeding roller that has a shaft measuring 6 mm in exterior diameter pressure-welded to the outer circumferential surface under a load of 600 g in a high-temperature environment of 60° C. for 24 hours is left at room temperature for eight hours while being pressure-welded, after which the recess amount obtained using the difference (T)0?T1, between the thickness T1 (mm) of the position where the shaft was pressure-welded and the thickness T0 (mm) of a position where the shaft was not pressure-welded, is 0.1 mm or less.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Masashi Hamakubo, Akihiro Mine
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Patent number: 9926162Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sheet conveying apparatus capable of preventing detection error without causing damage on a sheet. The present post-processing apparatus includes a sheet conveying path to convey a sheet as being formed between an upper guide member and a lower guide member for guiding a sheet, and a detection portion including a second sensor as an electrostatic capacitance sensor to detect a sheet being conveyed on the sheet conveying path with output of the second sensor. The second sensor is fixed on a face of an upper guide member on an opposite side to the conveying path and the second sensor and the sheet conveying path are separated by the upper guide member.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: CANON FINETECH NISCA INC.Inventors: Tatsuya Ohmori, Masashi Yamashita, Yuichi Kubota
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Patent number: 9926163Abstract: An adjustable tray includes a first board, a second board and an adjustment component. The second board is pivoted on the first board, and the second board has at least one first position section and at least one second position section. The adjustment component includes a main part and at least one abutted part connected to each other. A first distance is between the first position section and the first board. A second distance is between the second position section and the first board. The first distance is different from the second distance. The main part is movably disposed on the first board for positioning the abutted part at the first position section or the second position section to pivot the second board with a first angle or a second angle between the first board and the second board, and the first angle is different from the second angle.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Avision Inc.Inventor: Chin-Chu Chiu
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Patent number: 9926164Abstract: A device (10, 100) for supplying notes of pecuniary value (24) to a thin-walled transport container (12) includes a stacking unit (20) for stacking the notes of pecuniary value (24) to be supplied to form a stack of notes of pecuniary value in a stacking region (26).Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Diebold Nixdorf, IncorporatedInventors: Andreas Jeschke, Mirko Duchstein
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Patent number: 9926165Abstract: An adhesive tape dispenser includes a main body provided with a flattening sheet at an upper side of a first end and the flattening sheet is connected with a blade. The main body is provided with a Velcro at an underside of the first end and pivotally mounted with a first roller corresponding with the Velcro. In the process of release of adhesive tape, the adhesive tape enables the first roller and the Velcro to rub each other and generates static electricity and thus, when the adhesive tape is not used, the adhesive tape will be absorbed to the first roller and impossible to roll up back to the adhesive tape roll.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Hsiu-Man Yu Chen
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Patent number: 9926166Abstract: Tape dispensers with an improved wetting system are disclosed. The tape dispensers include a holder for a roll of liquid-activatable tape, a wetting system that has a reservoir of liquid and a roller having an absorbable outer surface to absorb and dispense liquid, and a manually operated feeding mechanism. The roller is at least partially immersed in the reservoir of liquid and the wetting system includes a roller adjustment mechanism to simultaneously adjust an upward force applied by the roller to the liquid activated tape and an immersion depth of the roller into the reservoir of liquid. The wetting system may also include a pressure mechanism to adjust a downward force applied to the liquid activated tape as it passes over the roller.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Intertape Polymer Corp.Inventor: Mike E. Lazzaroni
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Patent number: 9926167Abstract: A mobile wire dispenser apparatus includes a base frame to which an upper frame is releasably lockable. The apparatus further includes a primary spool mounting assembly for supporting a first spool of wire and a secondary spool mounting assembly for supporting a second spool of wire. To facilitate mobility, the apparatus includes a plurality of wheels and an elongated handle.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Eric L. Horne
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Patent number: 9926168Abstract: The invention concerns a bobbin (1) for winding and unwinding a link such as a cable or similar, comprising: • a central mandrel (10) comprising two opposing faces (11, 12) perpendicular to a rotational axis (13) of the bobbin (1), • two sets of arms (21) each mounted on a respective opposing face of the central mandrel (10), each arm being in contact with an intermediate support positioned between the two ends of same, • characterized in that the bobbin comprises a plurality of adjustment elements (30) each associated with a respective arm, the actuation of an adjustment element resulting in a force being applied to the associated arm of same through the intermediate support, the application of said force tending to vary the inclination of said arm around the intermediate support in such a way as to adjust the position of said arm in a plane essentially parallel to the rotational axis of the bobbin.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: CONDUCTIX WAMPFLER FRANCEInventors: Jean-Michel Berger, Bruno Parseihian
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Patent number: 9926169Abstract: A winder may include a body, a spindle, and a manually actuated winding mechanism. The spindle may be coupled to the body and constructed and arranged to be rotatable with respect to the body and to be removably coupled to at least one spool. The manually actuated winding mechanism may be coupled to the spindle and constructed and arranged to rotate the spindle and the at least one spool.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Mark Charles Feffer
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Patent number: 9926170Abstract: In an elevator installation, an elevator car is movably arranged alongside guide rails and the elevator car is equipped with a brake system with preferably two safety brakes. A movement monitoring system monitors the movement parameters of the elevator car and triggers corresponding warnings or safety measures, if permissible threshold values are exceeded or it provides determined adjusted movement parameters to an elevator control. The movement monitoring system determines a first movement parameter in a time interval and detects an acceleration of the elevator car. The movement monitoring system determines the time interval for determining the adjusted movement parameter as a function of the detected acceleration.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: David Michel, Eric Birrer, Rudolf J. Müller, Michael Geisshüsler
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Patent number: 9926171Abstract: An embedded safety elevator includes a van body, a motor, a battery, a driving wheel, a transmission rod, an embedded elevating device, and an inwardly concave spiral guide rail. The embedded elevating device is embedded in the guide rail and can move up and down along the guide rail; the embedded elevating device is fixed on the van body to drive the van body to move up and down, the motor and the battery are mounted on the van body and are connected with the driving wheel, the driving wheel is connected with the transmission rod, and the transmission rod is further connected with the embedded elevating device. The motor is started to drive the driving wheel to rotate, the driving wheel drives the transmission rod to rotate, the transmission rod transmits the power to the embedded elevating device for driving the embedded elevating device to spirally elevate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Shenzhen Shengshi Elevator Co.,LtdInventor: Xukai Jin
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Patent number: 9926172Abstract: A ropeless elevator system, a propulsion system, and a method for operating a ropeless propulsion system are disclosed. The ropeless elevator system may include an elevator car, a hoistway in which the elevator car travels, and a ropeless propulsion system. The ropeless propulsion system may include electrical windings energized by a power source, the electrical windings affixed to a stationary structure, the stationary structure associated with the hoistway, and a magnet, the magnet affixed to a moving structure, the moving structure associated with the elevator car, and interaction between the electrical windings and the magnet generates a thrust force on the elevator car traveling in the hoistway.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANYInventor: Richard N. Fargo
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Patent number: 9926173Abstract: This invention provides a circular tower spiral escalator structure with counter-rotating sprocket wheels at the top and bottom floors that use a side bow roller chain to connect and drive the ascending and descending escalator steps. Two pedestal robots and a step conveyor at the top and bottom floors pick up each escalator step when it arrives and move it to the opposite side of the circular tower where it departs. An alternate design replaces the two pedestal robots and step conveyor with a double arm pedestal robot on the top and bottom floors. Both designs provide continuous transport of escalator riders to a plurality of floors of varying ceiling heights with level entries and exits on each floor.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: John Richard Strieter
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Patent number: 9926174Abstract: A mobile crane for intended use in lifting an object using a hoist rope includes a boom having a first end portion and a second end portion. A carrier or conveyor is provided for carrying the hoist rope from adjacent the first end portion of the boom to adjacent the second end portion of the boom. Related methods are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Link-Belt Cranes, L.P., LLLPInventor: Curtis Imerman
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Patent number: 9926175Abstract: Auxiliary extension device for a crane provided with a telescopic extendable arm having at least one end segment provided with a free end, wherein the auxiliary extension device is made of one or more composite materials.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: CIFA SPAInventors: Paolo Dario Maini, Mauro Marco Cortellini, Paolo Francesco Ragaini
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Patent number: 9926176Abstract: A chain block is provided including a first frame, a second frame, a wheel cover side structure including a wheel cover which covers the hand wheel and residing on an opposite side of the first frame in a direction away from the second frame, and a gear case side structure including a gear case covering a gear member and residing on an opposite side of the second frame in a direction away from the first frame, and each of the first frame and the second frame is provided with a rolling restriction portion restricting rolling along outer circumferences of the first frame and the second frame in a case of a standing posture in which the first frame and the second frame contact an installation part at the same time.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: KITO CORPORATIONInventor: Kosuke Kosuga
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Patent number: 9926177Abstract: A hydraulic jack includes an oil cylinder, an oil tank, and an oil storage barrel. The oil storage barrel includes a front portion and a back portion which are opposite to each other; an oil outlet of the oil cylinder is connected with an oil inlet at the front portion of the oil storage barrel by means of an oil inlet pipe; and an oil inlet of the oil tank is connected with an oil outlet at the front portion of the oil storage barrel by means of an oil outlet pipe, the oil inlet pipe and the oil outlet pipe are provided with switching valves for alternatively turning on the oil inlet pipe and the oil outlet pipe. A partition plate that is capable of moving along a barrel wall and an elastic telescoping member are provided inside the oil storage barrel.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.Inventors: Xueyong Wang, Yan Chen, Xiangjun Tian
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Patent number: 9926178Abstract: An actuator includes a ram structure slidably mounted within a cylinder structure bore and defines with the cylinder structure a gap therebetween. A fluid passageway structure in the ram structure defines a path for fluid to flow through the ram structure and includes an outlet in a sidewall of the ram structure. A cushioning seal located between the ram structure and the cylinder structure can engage the ram structure and a cylinder cap during ram structure extension such that the seal substantially closes off a first portion of the gap extending from the seal toward an open end of the cylinder structure. The cushioning seal can move during ram structure retraction in a direction of ram structure retraction such that fluid flowing out of the ram structure sidewall outlet, when the outlet is in the gap first portion, flows between the seal and the cylinder cap.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Crown Equipment CorporationInventors: Martin Okroy, Jason Kremer, Lee Wente, Kevin A. Gilliland
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Patent number: 9926179Abstract: A power unit (or a hydraulic floor jack) includes a rectangular frame with side flanges and has a tubular handle enclosing a control shaft and a control knob. A pivotal lifting mechanism is mounted on the frame including a pair of parallel lift arms having rearward ends interconnected by a lateral push bar. The forward ends (with the bridge) are rotatable upward for lifting a load as the push bar is translated forward within a pair of U channels tracks attached to the inner side flanges. A hydraulic cylinder has a ram for pushing the lateral push bar forward along the tracks for raising the forward ends of the lift arms, and has a releasable control valve for retracting the ram to lower the forward ends of the lift arms. The safety mechanism includes a toothed rack bar secured in the vertical wall of the racks. The lateral push bar has bore holes in the ends thereof.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Salvatore Cala
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Patent number: 9926180Abstract: A capping machine for applying a cap on an open end of a container that is made of a deformable material and filled with a pourable product is disclosed. The machine comprises a conveying device and at least one operative unit moved by the conveying device along a processing path. The at least one operative unit comprises a support portion configured to receive and retain a container, and at least one capping head movable to and away from the open end of the container to apply the cap onto the open end of the container. The at least one operative unit further comprises a plunger movable to and away from an opposite closed end of the container to deform the closed end of the container so as to reduce an interior volume of the container and to increase an interior pressure of the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SIDEL S.P.A. CON SOCIO UNICOInventor: Vincent Le Guen
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Patent number: 9926181Abstract: A touchless tap handle for beverage dispensing is provided that incorporates a spring and ball check valve within a spigot housing. The spigot housing as a male threaded end for connection to a beverage dispensing line. Between the beverage connection and the check valve is a flow control valve having a detachable control mechanism. A system operator can use the control mechanism to calibrate fluid flow. The control mechanism is further fastened or keyed to allow for removal after modifying system flow parameters. A tap handle extension is further provided that can be threadingly affixed to the spigot housing. The tap handle extension specifically does not control operational parameters, which are intended to be initiated through touchscreen or pushbutton control of a pour control system.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: SESTRA SYSTEMS, INCInventors: Lev Volftsun, Alex Kushnir
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Patent number: 9926182Abstract: Various systems, processes, and techniques may be used to achieve beverage dispensing. In particular implementations, a beverage dispensing system may include a housing, a water inlet, a dispensing faucet, and a tray. The housing may include a base and at least one vertically extending wall that defines an inner cavity at least at the top of the housing. The water inlet and the dispensing faucet may be coupled to the housing. The tray may be adapted to couple to the housing and be suspended in the inner cavity. The tray may have walls and a lower surface that define a cavity adapted to hold a beverage concentrate container, the lower surface being slanted relative to the base of the housing when the tray is coupled to the housing. The lower surface may have an connector fitting adapted to receive a beverage concentrate conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Schroeder Industries, Inc.Inventor: David Santy
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Patent number: 9926183Abstract: A refrigerator with a single lever switch for a user to control dispensing both water and ice. A water/ice dispenser includes a main body, an ice discharge port disposed on one side of the main body, an ice guide coupled to the outlet of the ice discharge port, a water discharge port disposed on the other side of the main body, and an integral lever. The integral lever is coupled pivotally to the ice guide through its middle portion. One end of the integral lever serves as a water discharge button for a user to request dispensing water and the other end of the integral lever serves as an ice discharge button for a user to request dispensing ice.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Dongbu Daewoo Electronics CorporationInventor: Dong Sun Kim
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Patent number: 9926184Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting drips from a spout on a beverage dispenser has a table top base that is held in place by the weight of a beverage dispenser. The table top base supports a drip catch reservoir, and drips hit a back plate with guides before washing into the drip catch reservoir. The drip catch reservoir has an outlet allowing drainage into a disposal tank without moving the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Keith L. Davis
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Patent number: 9926185Abstract: A fluid transfer lid for removably coupling to pharmacy bottles or containers for withdrawing and/or delivering liquid medication or other fluid therefrom or thereto. In example forms, a syringe comprising a male or female connection tip couples with a transfer port of the lid, thereby allowing the transfer of fluids from the container and to the syringe.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: NEOMED, INC.Inventors: Benjamin M. Davis, Aaron N. Ingram
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Patent number: 9926186Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a point of sale and one or more free-pour and/or controlled-pour spouts. The system receives data at the point of sale that includes a beverage selection entered at a user interface and determines the ingredients in the beverage selection. A dispensing instruction is sent to one of the controlled-pour spouts to dispense a quantity of the ingredient based at least in part on the beverage selection. For the free-pour spouts, a quantity of the ingredient is measured as the ingredient is dispensed from a container through a free-pour spout. The point of sale receives data that includes the identity of the ingredient and the measured quantity. A price of the beverage selection is calculated based at least in part on the ingredients dispensed and the quantities thereof. The price may be automatically calculated upon dispensing of the beverage selection.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: BEVERAGE DESIGN, LLCInventors: Gorham Nicol, James Nicol
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Patent number: 9926187Abstract: Methods for fabricating crack resistant Microelectromechanical (MEMS) devices are provided, as are MEMS devices produced pursuant to such methods. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a sacrificial body over a substrate, producing a multi-layer membrane structure on the substrate, and removing at least a portion of the sacrificial body to form an inner cavity within the multi-layer membrane structure. The multi-layer membrane structure is produced by first forming a base membrane layer over and around the sacrificial body such that the base membrane layer has a non-planar upper surface. A predetermined thickness of the base membrane layer is then removed to impart the base membrane layer with a planar upper surface. A cap membrane layer is formed over the planar upper surface of the base membrane layer. The cap membrane layer is composed of a material having a substantially parallel grain orientation.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: NXP USA, Inc.Inventors: Chad S Dawson, Dubravka Bilic, Lianjun Liu, Andrew C McNeil
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Patent number: 9926188Abstract: A sensor unit including a first semiconductor component and a second semiconductor component, the first semiconductor component including a first substrate and a sensor structure. The second semiconductor component includes a second substrate, the first and second semiconductor components being connected to each other with the aid of a wafer connection, the sensor unit having a decoupling structure, which is configured in such a way that the sensor structure is decoupled thermally and/or mechanically from the second semiconductor component.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Johannes Classen, Torsten Kramer, Hubert Benzel, Jens Frey, Daniel Christoph Meisel, Christoph Schelling
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Patent number: 9926189Abstract: The application describes MEMS transducers and associated methods of fabrication. The MEMS transducer has a flexible membrane with a vent structure comprising a moveable portion which opens in response to a differential pressure across the membrane to provide a flow path through the membrane. At least one edge of the moveable portion comprises one or more protrusions and/or recesses in the plane of the moveable portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Cirrus Logic, Inc.Inventor: Marek Sebastian Piechocinski
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Patent number: 9926190Abstract: A MEMS device and methods of forming are provided. A dielectric layer of a first substrate is patterned to expose conductive features and a bottom layer through the dielectric layer. A first surface of a second substrate is bonded to the dielectric layer and the second substrate is patterned to form a membrane and a movable element. A cap wafer is bonded to the second substrate, where bonding the cap wafer to the second substrate forms a first sealed cavity comprising the movable element and a second sealed cavity that is partially bounded by the membrane. Portions of the cap wafer are removed to expose the second sealed cavity to ambient pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.Inventors: Kai-Fung Chang, Len-Yi Leu, Lien-Yao Tsai
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Patent number: 9926191Abstract: A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher V. Jahnes, Anthony K. Stamper
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Patent number: 9926192Abstract: A method of the invention includes reducing stiction of a MEMS device by providing a conductive path for electric charge collected on a bump stop formed on a substrate. The bump stop is formed by depositing and patterning a dielectric material on the substrate, and the conductive path is provided by a conductive layer deposited on the bump stop. The conductive layer can also be roughened to reduce stiction.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.Inventors: Cerina Zhang, Nim Tea
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Patent number: 9926193Abstract: Nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) devices having nanomagnets for an improved range of operating voltages and improved control of dimensions of a cantilever are described. For example, in an embodiment, a nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) device includes a substrate layer, a first magnetic layer disposed above the substrate layer, a first dielectric layer disposed above the first magnetic layer, a second dielectric disposed above the first dielectric layer, and a cantilever disposed above the second dielectric layer. The cantilever bends from a first position to a second position towards the substrate layer when a voltage is applied to the cantilever.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Jorge A. Munoz, Dmitri E. Nikonov, Kelin J. Kuhn, Patrick Theofanis, Chytra Pawashe, Kevin Lin, Seiyon Kim
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Patent number: 9926194Abstract: A device and method detect cellular targets in a bodily source by utilizing a biofunctional pad comprised of a thin film of carbon nanotubes (CNT's). When antibodies are absorbed by the CNT's, cellular targets having markers matching the antibodies may be detected in a bodily source placed upon the biofunctional pad by measuring the conductivity of the thin film using conductive contacts electrically coupled to the thin film, as the binding of the receptors in the cellular targets to the antibodies changes the free energy in the thin film. In many respects, the device functions as a Field Effect Transistor (FET) with the bodily source, e.g., blood, acting as a polyelectrolyte liquid gate electrode to create a varying electrostatic charge or capacitance in the thin film based upon the binding of cellular targets in the source to the antibodies present on the biofunctional pad.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: University of Louisville Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Balaji Panchapakesan
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Patent number: 9926195Abstract: The present teachings provide methods for providing populations of single-walled carbon nanotubes that are substantially monodisperse in terms of diameter, electronic type, and/or chirality. Also provided are single-walled carbon nanotube populations provided thereby and articles of manufacture including such populations.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Michael S. Arnold, Mark C. Hersam, Samuel I. Stupp
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Patent number: 9926196Abstract: Processes are disclosed for the conversion of biomass to oxygenated organic compound using a simplified syngas cleanup operation that is cost effective and protects the fermentation operation. The processes of this invention treat the crude syngas from the gasifier by non-catalytic partial oxidation. The partial oxidation reduces the hydrocarbon content of the syngas such as methane, ethylene and acetylene to provide advantageous gas feeds for anaerobic fermentations to produce oxygenated organic compounds such as ethanol, propanol and butanol. Additionally, the partial oxidation facilitates any additional cleanup of the syngas as may be required for the anaerobic fermentation. Producer gases and partial oxidation processes are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Synata Bio Inc.Inventors: Richard E. Tobey, Jianxin Du, Ralph Corley
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Patent number: 9926197Abstract: A gas atomization apparatus is disclosed for producing high purity fine refractory compound powders. After the system reaches high vacuum, a first stage inert atomizing gas breaks superheated metal melt into droplets and a second stage reactive atomizing gas breaks the droplets further into ultrafine droplets while reacts with them to form refractory compound powders. The first stage atomizing gas is inert gas able to break up melt into droplets and prevent crust formation on the nozzle front. A reaction time enhancer is arranged at bottom of reaction chamber to furnish a reactive gas flow in a reverse direction of the falling droplets and powders. Under the reverse gas flow, the falling droplets and powders change moving direction and travel longer distance in reaction chamber to increase reaction time. This apparatus can produce refractory powders with ultrahigh purity and uniform powder size while maintain high process energy efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventors: Bo Liu, Hongjie Qiu
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Patent number: 9926198Abstract: A method for manufacturing high purity sulfuric acid is provided. A mixed solution subsequently undergoes a first preheating step, a second preheating step, a distilling step and an evaporating step to remove peroxide, water, oxygen and insoluble impurities, so as to obtain the first gas containing sulfur trioxide, sulfuric acid and hydrogen oxide. And then, the sulfur trioxide is absorbed by a sulfuric acid solution, thereby forming the high purity sulfuric acid.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: ASIA UNION ELECTRONIC CHEMICAL CORP.Inventors: Curtis Douglas Dove, Goang-Cheng Chang, Yuen-Ming Kung, Hung-Wen Chan, Wei-Hsuan Hsu
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Patent number: 9926199Abstract: An ordered open-cellular carbon microstructure and a methods for forming the ordered open-cellular carbon microstructure capable of greatly improving the carbon yield (remaining mass % after carbonization) of an open-cellular polymer material. In one embodiment, the method starts with providing an ordered open-cellular polymer template material. The polymer template material is immersed in a reservoir containing a liquid monomer solution, wherein the liquid monomer solution swells the polymer material. Then the polymer template material is removed from the reservoir containing liquid monomer solution. Excess liquid monomer solution is removed from the polymer template material. The liquid monomer solution absorbed into the polymer template material is polymerized forming a copolymer material by irradiating the template material with ultraviolet (UV) light in a nitrogen environment.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventor: Alan J. Jacobsen
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Patent number: 9926200Abstract: Highly purified carbon nanotubes (CNT) having virtually no carbonaceous impurities (amorphous carbon) nor inorganic impurities (metal and metal oxides), and methods of their preparation are described. The purified CNT feature excellent electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties due to the near total absence of detrimental impurities. The CNT starting material is preferably in the form of wafer, film, or buckypaper for efficient diffusion of purifying media. The highly pure CNT are prepared by heat treating a CNT starting material in a specified amount of oxygen, then treating the CNT in a solution comprising water and acid, or further heat treating the CNT in an atmosphere comprising chlorine (Cl2). Extremely low levels of inorganic impurities may be achieved by treating sequentially with a treatment solution followed by chlorine. Removal of chloride from purified CNT may be achieved by further treating the chlorine-treated material in an atmosphere comprising hydrogen (H2).Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventors: Yongan Yan, Satyabrata Raychaudhuri
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Patent number: 9926201Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for fabricating buckypaper or similar sheets of nanostructures having relatively high aspect ratios. A dispersion of nanostructures such as nanotubes is subjected to fluid dynamics/forces which promote alignment of their axes of elongation while in suspension in the flow. An agglomeration of better aligned nanostructures is isolated from the carrier fluid into a useable form. In the case of nanotubes, one form is buckypaper. One example of alignment forces is Taylor-Couette flow shear forces. One example of isolation is filtering the flowing dispersion to collect better aligned nanostructures across the filter into a sheet or film. The degree of alignment can produce anisotropic material properties that can be beneficially used in application of the sheet or film.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Iowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Michael R. Kessler, Daniel Vennerberg
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Patent number: 9926202Abstract: Procedures for the synthesis of zero dimension GQDs based on exfoliation/reduction of surface passivated functionalized graphite oxide (f-GO PEG) are described. The synthesis procedures can include exfoliation/reduction f-GO PEG in presence of hydrogen gas, using focused solar radiation and under vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology MadrasInventors: Ramaprabhu Sundara, Tessy Theres Baby, Adarsh Kaniyoor