Combined With Diverse-type Art Device Patents (Class 219/201)
  • Patent number: 10449798
    Abstract: A method for authenticating a security mark containing a photochromic compound can provide higher security performance. The method comprises a process of irradiating a security mark containing a photochromic compound with excitation light, a process of acquiring first security information on a time-dependent change in the absorption spectrum and/or reflection spectrum of the security mark after the irradiation with excitation light, and a process of checking the acquired first security information against previously acquired first security information on the security mark. In this method, the security mark preferably contains two or more photochromic compounds different from one another in color development and/or in quenching rate after the color development in a photochromic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCY
    Inventors: Jiro Abe, Yoichi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10451331
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator having a defrosting device, the refrigerator comprising: a refrigerator main body; an evaporator provided in the refrigerator main body; a defrosting heater provided at the lower side of the evaporator so as to emit heat when a power source is applied; and a heat pipe for transferring heat to the evaporator, one side of the heat pipe being arranged so as to be able to transfer heat to one side of the defrosting heater, and the other side of the heater pipe extending to the upper side along the vertical direction of the evaporator. Thereby, the present invention can shorten defrosting time and reduce power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gyuwon Shin, Kyungroc Moon, Jinwoo Kwag
  • Patent number: 10442539
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system may comprise an electro-thermal heating element and a controller. The electro-thermal heating element may be configured to heat a structure, and the controller may be configured to: identify a target temperature for the structure; identify a target rate of temperature change for the structure; identify a target voltage for heating the structure at the target rate of temperature change; and apply the target voltage to the electro-thermal heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC.
    Inventor: Gary S. Froman
  • Patent number: 10442680
    Abstract: Electric connection flexures for moving stages of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices are disclosed. The disclosed flexures may provide an electrical and mechanical connection between a fixed frame and a moving frame, and are flexible in the moving frame's plane of motion. In implementations, the flexures are formed using a process that embeds the two ends of each flexure in the fixed frame and moving frame, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: MEMS Drive, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaolei Liu, Kegang Huang, Guiqin Wang, Matthew Ng, Benson Mai, Changgeng Liu
  • Patent number: 10416188
    Abstract: An air data probe includes a probe body and an air data sensing port disposed in the probe body. The probe body includes a barrel region, a tapered head region extending forward from the barrel region, and a tip at a forward-most end of the tapered head region. The air data sensing port is disposed in the probe body at a port location aft of the tip. The probe body has a turbulence-producing geometry originating at the tip that produces a turbulent boundary layer of airflow that extends from the tip to the port location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Rosemount Aerospace Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Jae Doolittle, Mackenzie Whalen, James Barron Egberg, Aaron A. Cusher, Brian Daniel Matheis
  • Patent number: 10401317
    Abstract: A wireless sensor measures properties of a substance and transmits the properties to a remote wireless receiver. The wireless sensor can be fully enclosed within a container containing the substance, allowing remote monitoring of the properties of the substance without compromising integrity of a closed system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Gate Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Kristian Michael Scaboo, Morten Juel Jensen
  • Patent number: 10386102
    Abstract: A defrosting device includes a heating unit filled with a working fluid and including an active heating part heated to a first temperature that can evaporate the working fluid, and a passive heating part positioned at a rear side of the active heating part and heated to a lower temperature than the first temperature. The defrosting device also includes a heat pipe disposed adjacent to an evaporator to transfer heat to the evaporator while circulating working fluid heated by the active heating part, the heat pipe including an entrance portion configured to receive working fluid evaporated by the active heating part, and a return portion connected adjacent to the passive heating part and configured to receive working fluid that has condensed after circulating through the heat pipe. Condensed working fluid received at the heating unit first passes through the passive heating part before being reheated at the active heating part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Geunhyung Lee, Jongryul Kim, Kwangsoo Jung, Woocheol Kang, Jongmin Lee, Hyunwoo Cho
  • Patent number: 10378006
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of using the same for conducting photonic and optical treatments on biological samples with additional functions including temperature monitoring and real-time microscopic imaging are provided. The photonic and optical treatments can be conducted using light with wavelengths in the near-infrared region (NIR) on biological samples, including in-vitro brain cell cultures, in-vivo central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) tissue samples, and other body tissues. The apparatus and methods can be combined with magnetic nanoparticles treatment to accomplish non-invasive, on-demand drug targeting, brain cell specific gene delivery, and magnetized photo-biomodulation for treating various CNS disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: The Florida International University Board of Trustees
    Inventors: Vidya Sagar, Madhavan Nair
  • Patent number: 10365009
    Abstract: A heater, e.g. an anti-freezing heater, is disclosed. The heater can be configured to set off an alarm when a heating element is broken or malfunctioning. The heater can also be configured to connect the heating element to a relatively low voltage when the heating element may experience a dry burning condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignees: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC., TRANE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS (CHINA) CO., LTD
    Inventors: Nipeng Cong, Hua Zhao, Ping Yuan
  • Patent number: 10345328
    Abstract: A wind direction meter has the following plurality of sensors and a control unit. Each sensor has a first surface and has first and second interlayer connection members made of different metals or semiconductors. Further, the wind direction meter includes a thermoelectric conversion element which generates an electrical output when a temperature difference occurs between first ends and second ends of the respective first and second interlayer connection members. The sensor generates an electric output when the surrounding air, whose temperature has been changed by a heater, is moved by the wind to produce a temperature difference between the first ends and the second ends of the first and second interlayer connection members. The control unit calculates the direction of the wind on the basis of the difference in output. Thus, the wind direction of a weak wind can be detected with the wind direction meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Toshikazu Harada, Atusi Sakaida, Toshihisa Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 10324051
    Abstract: An open cup flash point detector is shown that rapidly increases the temperature of the substance being tested until temperature is close to a theoretical flash point. Thereafter, as temperature is slowly increased, an igniter flame moves in an arc over the upper lip of the test cup while simultaneously a UV sensor senses a wedge-shaped area, also immediately over the upper lip of the test cup. The arc of the igniter flame and the wedge-shaped area do not overlap. By incremental increases in temperature and repeating the arc movement of the igniter flame, the flash point can be detected by the UV sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Petroleum Analyzer Company, LP
    Inventors: Michael Brosseau, Thomas Herold, Simon Blass, Oezkan Oguz
  • Patent number: 10321519
    Abstract: Various components and methods related to a leading edge assembly are disclosed. The leading edge assembly can include an outer strike shell and a foam core. The foam core can be located inside the outer strike shell. The leading edge assembly can include a heating element with a plurality of sensors and wires. A method of manufacturing a leading edge assembly can include forming a composite layer, applying a metallic layer to the composite layer, installing an electronic device, and inserting a foam core into a cavity bounded by the composite layer and/or the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
    Inventor: A. David Sandiford
  • Patent number: 10307800
    Abstract: The technology relates to a system for clearing sensors. The system may comprise a sensor. The sensor may comprise a sensor cover and a cover window arranged on the sensor cover. The system may further comprise a sensor motor for rotating the sensor cover and the cover window around an axis of rotation. The sensor cover and cover window may be rotated to clear the cover window of debris. The cover window may have a linear cross section in a plane that passes through and is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The sensor motor may be configured to rotate the sensor cover and the cover window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Waymo LLC
    Inventor: Peter Craig Lombrozo
  • Patent number: 10294642
    Abstract: A lavatory system includes a basin having a water collecting area having a back wall, a bottom wall, and a front wall. The back wall of the water collecting area is proximate the wall on which the lavatory system is mounted. Further, an opening may extend through the front wall. The lavatory system also includes a hand dryer having a blower located below the water collecting area and a first plenum having an input and an output. The input is connected to the blower to receive a first air flow from the blower, and the output is aligned with the opening in the front wall of the water collecting area to deliver the first air flow from the front wall over the water collecting area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Bradley Fixtures Corporation
    Inventors: Graeme S. Bayley, Mark A. Figurski, John M. Loberger, Michelle L. Rundberg, Kevin M. Kohlwey, Theodore E. Dhein, Kenneth A. Kreitzer, Kevin B. Kline, Jason M. Renner, Scott I. Biba, Cory R. Boudreau, Terry Lee McCallum, Jon A. Dommisse
  • Patent number: 10295220
    Abstract: An air handling system and an apparatus and method for removing snow from the intake air for the air handling system. The apparatus includes a sequence of snow fence panels which each have alternating filter areas and open flow areas. The locations of the filter areas and open flow areas in each succeeding panel alternate so that a filter area in one panel is positioned in front of an open area in the next panel. During an extreme snow event, if the snow clogs the filter elements, the air continues to flow through the alternating open flow areas, which creates low pressure zones behind the clogged filter elements. The snow separates from the air flow in the low pressure zones and is retained in the low pressure zones by horizontal collection pans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ACME MANUFACTURING CORPORATION
    Inventors: Harold A. Lewis, Scott C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 10286881
    Abstract: A snow and ice removal device may include one or more, such as a plurality, of vent apertures which may be in communication with a compressor that may be configured to deliver pressurized air to the vent apertures. A heating element may be disposed proximate to the vent apertures. The vent apertures and heating element may be disposed on a roof surface that is coupled to the vehicle. A control unit may be configured to govern the flow of pressurized air through the vent apertures and to govern the ability of the heating element to produce heat. A power source may be in electrical communication with the control unit and the heating element. Heat may be applied to the roof surface by the heating element to loosen and accumulated ice or snow, and pressurized air from the vent apertures may dislodge and propel the ice or snow from the roof surface and off the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Inventor: James Clark Carroll
  • Patent number: 10266153
    Abstract: A snow and ice removal device may be used to prevent and remove snow and ice accumulation from one or more roof surfaces of a vehicle. The device may include one or more, such as a plurality, of vent apertures which may be in communication with a compressor that may be configured to deliver pressurized air to the vent apertures. A heating element may be disposed proximate to the vent apertures. The vent apertures and heating element may be coupled to a roof surface of the vehicle. A control unit may be configured to govern the flow of pressurized air through the vent apertures and to govern the ability of the heating element to produce heat. Heat may be applied to the roof surface by the heating element to loosen and accumulated ice or snow, and pressurized air from the vent apertures may dislodge and propel the ice or snow from the roof surface and off the vehicle. The device may include a solar panel which may be configured to deliver electrical power to one or more elements of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: James Carroll
  • Patent number: 10201735
    Abstract: A sports device configured to generate thermal energy to warm surfaces. In one implementation, the sports device embodies a lacrosse stick with a shaft and head. The shaft includes a thermal core with a phase change material that can retain and dissipate heat over an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventor: Robert Marc Goldberg
  • Patent number: 10198049
    Abstract: A surface temperature management method of mobile device is provided. The method includes sensing a temperature of an application processor in an operation mode of the mobile device; and controlling the application processor using the sensed temperature and a surface temperature management table to manage a surface temperature of a target part of the mobile device. The surface temperature management table includes information related to the temperature of the application processor corresponding to the surface temperature of the target part in the operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Heungkyu Kwon, Jae Choon Kim, Eunseok Cho, Jichul Kim
  • Patent number: 10197892
    Abstract: An image pickup apparatus which is able to obtain an image with high sharpness within a short period of time using a simple structure when operated in a low-temperature environment. A lens unit and a heater are provided in an internal space of a main case, and the internal space is divided into a first closed space and a second closed space via an opening, which is opened and closed by a valve member. A detecting unit detects a temperature in the internal space. An opening and closing unit opens and closes the valve member. A control unit controls opening and closing actions of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Nakano
  • Patent number: 10197588
    Abstract: An air data probe is provided. The air data probe comprises an inner body having an outer surface, an outer body having an inner surface, a thin film heating system having a first surface and a second surface, a first thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the first surface and the outer surface, a second thermally conductive adhesive disposed between the second surface and the inner surface; and wherein the thin film heating system comprises one or more thin film heaters having one or more heating elements disposed in a thermally conductive, electrical insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Yates Wong, Grant A. Gordon, Nicholas A Everson, Morris G. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10183749
    Abstract: A fact checking system utilizes social networking information and analyzes and determines the factual accuracy of information and/or characterizes the information by comparing the information with source information. The social networking fact checking system automatically monitors information, processes the information, fact checks the information and/or provides a status of the information, including automatically modifying a web page to include the fact check results. The fact checking system is able to be implemented utilizing a drone device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Inventor: Lucas J. Myslinski
  • Patent number: 10179654
    Abstract: A system for power management of air data probes is provided. The system comprises a power source in an aircraft, and two or more air data probes electrically connected to the power source. Each of the air data probes comprises a body structure coupled to a fuselage of the aircraft, and at least one electrical heater coupled to the body structure and in electrical communication with the power source. A switching mechanism is coupled between the power source and the electrical heater of each of the air data probes. The switching mechanism is controllable such that the electrical heater of each of the air data probes is electrically connectable to the power source in parallel or in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Morris G. Anderson, James B. Cox, Jason Garde, Grant A. Gordon, Danny Thomas Kimmel
  • Patent number: 10182470
    Abstract: A ceramic heater having an enlarged windward area includes a conductive heat sink, at least one positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heating element, and an electrode plate. The conductive heat sink includes a cooling fin. The at least one PCT heating element is disposed on one side of the cooling fin. The electrode plate is disposed on the other side of the cooling fin. A conductive terminal protrudes from one end of the electrode plate. The conductive terminal includes a warped section and a flat section. A portion of the warped section and the flat section extend in a direction perpendicular to an extending direction of the electrode plate. Accordingly, heat dissipation is accelerated, a windward area is enlarged, and the effect of blowing out a hot airflow is enhanced, thereby avoiding a temperature rise of the conductive terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: BETACERA INC.
    Inventors: Etsuro Habata, Chih-Chang Wei
  • Patent number: 10149415
    Abstract: Described is a planar spring contact component coupled to a computer housing card enclosure that makes electrical contact with an inserted expansion card, to help form an electromagnetic shield around an opening in the card enclosure provided for external access to the expansion card. A planar spring contact component is electrically coupled to a conductive column that forms a first longitudinal side of an opening in a computer housing card enclosure. The planar spring contact component contacts a longitudinal side edge of a backplate surface panel of an expansion card when the expansion card is inserted into the card enclosure. The planar spring contact component deforms to force the opposite side edge of the backplate surface panel in a first planar direction, relative to a plane of the surface panel of the backplate, into an opposing shielding conductor, which may be a planar spring contact component of another conductive column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: EMC IP HOLDING COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: John Svenkeson
  • Patent number: 10148173
    Abstract: A voltage regulator is disclosed. The voltage regulator includes a plurality of energy storage modules, a voltage converter for converting an input voltage into a charging voltage, a time-sharing controller for generating a select signal, and a de-mux coupled to the plurality of energy storage modules, the voltage converter and the time-sharing controller, to sequentially conduct the connections between the voltage converter and each energy storage module of the plurality of energy storage modules according to the select signal, to charge each energy storage module of the plurality of energy storage modules with the charging voltage, and each energy storage module of the plurality of energy storage modules generate a plurality of output voltages after finishing charging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Chin Wang
  • Patent number: 10139165
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a nanoparticle generator, comprising a body defining an internal space, with an electric insulator inserted into the internal space from a side of the body; a heat-insulating tube, internally inserted into the body, wherein the electric insulator and a local heating unit which is mounted on the electric insulator are internally inserted into the heat-insulating tube along a central axis thereof; a first inlet, provided at a side of the body, for introducing external air into the heat-insulating tube; a second inlet, provided at a side of the body, for introducing external air between the heat-insulating tube and the body; and an outlet, provided at a side of the body, for evacuating the air introduced through the heat-insulating tube into the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: ECOPICTURES CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Ji
  • Patent number: 10111780
    Abstract: Goggle lens and face gasket engagement system having a lens member with first and second ends, a plurality of latch members pivotably attached to the lens member, one latch member attached adjacent each end of the lens member, each latch member having at least one recessed detent area, a flexible face gasket member further comprising a plurality of supple nub protrusions, each supple nub protrusion for residing in a corresponding one of the recessed detent areas of the latch members, a plurality of other alignment protrusions and receptacles interfacing between the lens member and face gasket, and a strap member interconnecting the latch members for securing the goggle lens and face gasket engagement system to a user's head. Preferably, the goggle lens and face gasket engagement system further comprises a multi-point contact electrical system for heating the lens to prevent fogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Abominable Labs, LLC
    Inventor: Vincent O'Malley
  • Patent number: 10087903
    Abstract: A computer that includes at least one processor and memory. The processor of the computer can be programmed to execute instructions stored on the memory that include controlling, based on a temperature, which of a plurality of power sources of a vehicle battery are coupled to a starter circuit during a vehicle ignition event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Hudson, David Celinske, Farouq Mozip, John Anthony DeMarco
  • Patent number: 10066853
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a coupling structure of a case and an air heater body in an air heater, and the coupling structure includes: an air heater body for generating flames with the fuel supplied from a fuel tank and forcedly blowing the heat of the flames to the outside; the case detachably coupled surroundingly to the air heater body; fastening screws for unitarily coupling the air heater body and the case to each other; coupling flanges formed on both sides of the case in a longitudinal direction of the case and having first screw coupling holes screw-coupled to the fastening screws; and coupling brackets located on one side and the other side of the air heater body in the longitudinal direction of the air heater body in such a manner as to come into surface contact with the coupling flanges and having second screw coupling holes formed thereon correspondingly to the first screw coupling holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: PASECO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Won Jae Moon
  • Patent number: 10054896
    Abstract: A drive transmission device includes a rotation shaft, a drive transmitter attached to the rotation shaft to slide in an axial direction and including an engaging portion extending in the axial direction, and a coil spring to bias the drive transmitter to one side in the axial direction, and a shaft-side drive transmitter disposed on the rotation shaft. The coil spring includes a sparse portion and a dense portion. The shaft-side drive transmitter engages the engaging portion to prevent the drive transmitter from disengaging from the rotation shaft. The coil spring and the engaging portion satisfy C>A?B where A represents a length of the coil spring in a state in which the shaft-side drive transmitter retains the drive transmitter, B represents a compressed height of the coil spring, and C represents a length of the coil spring in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Takagi, Kimiharu Yamazaki, Naoyuki Suido, Shogo Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 10051162
    Abstract: A security camera including: an image pickup unit which is configured to capture an image; a controller which is connected to the image pickup unit and configured to process the image captured by the image pickup unit; a first heat generating frame which is installed to contact a surface of the controller; and a second heat generating frame which is arranged to face the first heat generating frame and is installed to contact another surface of the controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Hanwha Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woondo Jung, Jiseok Kim
  • Patent number: 9993016
    Abstract: A hands free frozen drink mixer system is a frozen drink mixing system of the immersion type that enables the user to automatically and hands-free blend ingredients for a frozen drink, add flavorings while blending, and automatically shut off the blender after a programmed interval of time. The hands free frozen drink mixer system may have a mixer assembly having an elevated motor supported by a back stand that integrally connects with a base having a drip basin and removable rack. A mixer shaft having a rotary blade assembly extends vertically downward from the front bottom side of the motor, and a canister holder that is adjustable in height via a vertical track holds a mixing canister. The canister is positioned over the base which has a removable drip tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Alford Herman Dyer
  • Patent number: 9995696
    Abstract: This invention is intended to allow an experimenter to work at amenable temperatures while viewing and/or manipulating aqueous protein crystals or other specimens under a dissection microscope at close to 4° C. or other controlled temperatures. The invention provides a specimen stage chamber large enough to fit a multi-well plate containing the specimens. The temperature of this specimen stage chamber is controlled by transparent coolant circulated through its walls and through a transparent chamber beneath the specimen stage chamber, without blocking the light path of the microscope. An additional chamber cools the air above the specimen stage chamber. In one version of this apparatus, circulation of most coolants is replaced by an array of Peltier coolers. The apparatus is open to the air above, giving the experimenter direct access to the crystals for manipulation. The invention may have wider application for manipulation of other specimens under a microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Daniel Marc Himmel
  • Patent number: 9957049
    Abstract: A heated roller shade system is provided. The heated roller shade system includes a roller located in a cavity defined between an inner wall of a vehicle and an outer wall of the vehicle. The roller shade system also includes a shade coupled to the roller. The roller is configured to selectively move the shade between a deployed position and an open position. The roller shade system also includes a heating mechanism coupled to at least one of the roller and the shade. The heating mechanism facilitates increasing a temperature of at least one of the roller and the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Sahrudine Apdalhaliem, Kimberly Dawn Meredith, Morteza Safai, Lon E. Switzer, Thomas Seth Perkins, Scott A. Langdon, Tuan D. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9949318
    Abstract: A portable heating arrangement for providing heat to a surface, such as a roof and rain gutter is provided. The portable heating arrangement includes a base configured to rest upon the surface and at least one heating conduit directly or indirectly mounted to at least a portion of the base and configured to provide heat to the surface. The heating arrangement may further include at least one connector configured to directly or indirectly attach at least a portion of the base to the surface. The heating conduit may include a metal wire enclosed within a conductive core and polymer sheath. A method of forming a portable heating arrangement and a method for heating a surface are also provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Amante Radiant Supply, Inc.
    Inventor: Josh Whitcraft
  • Patent number: 9937772
    Abstract: A heater, particularly for a motor vehicle, having at least one heating element for heating air and a control unit, which has a control circuit, arranged on a printed circuit board, for controlling the at least one heating element, whereby the at least one heating element has ribs and a contact strip, whereby a contact strip section is arranged on the circuit board of the control circuit and forms a connection between the at least one heating element and the control circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gries
  • Patent number: 9939459
    Abstract: A system for testing a pitot probe heating element includes first and second probes, measuring signals selected from a first signal representing a differential electric current between supply and return wires of the heating element, a second signal representing a residual voltage with respect to ground in the heating element, and a third signal representing ambient electric fields with respect to ground in the heating element; a signal acquisition component that selectively and sequentially applies a test voltage to the heating element to generate the selected signals and receives the selected signals measured by the first and second probes; a signal processing component that receives the selected ones of the first, second, and third signals, processes them, and extracts measurements from the data to generate results indicative of a condition of the heating element; a device control component that generates a display; and a display component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Daniel J. Dichek
  • Patent number: 9941185
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a variable heat conductor that is able to increase heat conduction capacity based on operating temperature. The variable heat conductor is to be positioned between an electronic device and a heat sink to facilitate cooling of the electronic device. During cold start-up of the electronic device, the variable heat conductor acts as a thermal isolator, causing the electronic device to warm more quickly following the cold start-up. The variable heat conductor may fully conduct heat at higher temperatures that are at or above a desired temperature set-point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GE Intelligent Platforms, Inc
    Inventors: Bernd Sporer, Philipp Gerhard Hortmann
  • Patent number: 9927480
    Abstract: A multi-function probe wire de-icing apparatus is described. The multi-function probe wire de-icing apparatus may include a multi-function probe wire, a main heater wire collocated with the multi-function probe wire, and a sacrificial wire deposed adjacent to the main heater wire. The sacrificial wire is configured to fail prior to the main heater wire failing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: ROSEMOUNT AEROSPACE, INC.
    Inventor: Michael Paul Nesnidal
  • Patent number: 9812111
    Abstract: A multiple layer panel having improved sound insulation is disclosed. The multiple layer panel comprises a first rigid substrate having a first thickness H3, a second rigid substrate having a second thickness H1, wherein H3?H1, and a multiple layer acoustic interlayer having a thickness H2 between the first and second rigid substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Lu
  • Patent number: 9795287
    Abstract: A system for simultaneously heating multiple elongated surgical viewing instruments comprises a heater with a slot and an insert received by the slot. The insert has multiple elongate cavities, each configured to receive the tip of a viewing instrument. A cover, configured to cover the heater with the insert in the slot thereof, provides a plurality of openings aligned with the cavities of the insert. In the preferred embodiment, the heater is reusable and the insert and cover are disposable. The insert and cover may be integrally joined into a single unit. The system may further include a stand upon which the heater is supported, one or more cavities to receive cleaning swabs to be heated, and/or a pad to heat a cleaning wipe or other article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventor: John Temple
  • Patent number: 9766006
    Abstract: An ice maker is provided that varies an amount of heat transferred between an ice making member connected to a cooling unit and water being in direct or indirect contact with the ice making member according to portions of the ice making member, and producing ice in various forms including rounded ice without edges, especially spherical ice, on the ice making member, the ice maker including a cooling unit performing cooling; at least one ice making member connected to the cooling unit and being in direct or indirect contact with water to allow ice to be produced thereon; with an amount of heat transferred between the ice making member and the water being in direct or indirect contact with the ice making member varies according to portions of the ice making member, such that ice is produced in various forms on the ice making member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Coway Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yong-Bum Kim, Jin-Pyo Hong, Hyun-Woo Lee
  • Patent number: 9745070
    Abstract: Within examples, systems for multiple zone heaters for rotor craft are provided and methods for operation. An example system for a rotor craft comprises multiple blades coupled to a rotor and areas of the multiple blades divided into sections. A given blade includes an inboard section extending from the rotor outward and an outboard section extending from the inboard section to a tip of the given blade. The system also includes a plurality of first spanwise heater systems included on respective outboard sections of the multiple blades, a plurality of second spanwise heater systems included on respective inboard sections of the multiple blades, and a control unit coupled to the plurality of first spanwise heater systems and the plurality of second spanwise heater systems. Respective heater systems of the sections of multiple blades are energized in a sequence based on outside air temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Edward W. Brouwers, Andrew A. Peterson
  • Patent number: 9746488
    Abstract: A wind sensor has a housing and a wind detection element, which is rotatably mounted on the housing and is formed by a wind wheel having a cup-star including a plurality of cups, wherein at least one ohmic heating element is incorporated in the wind wheel. Structures are provided for transferring energy between the housing and the ohmic heating element rotating with the wind wheel. The structures can include a primary coil arranged in the housing and a secondary coil arranged in the wind wheel, wherein the secondary coil is connected to the ohmic heating element. The plurality of cups of the wind wheel are each mounted by way of flat webs, wherein the webs extend into the cups and divide the cups into two regions, and the at least one heating element is embedded in the webs and extends into the region of the cups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Kriwan Industrie-Elektronik GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Kriwan, Eduard Elfenbein
  • Patent number: 9726399
    Abstract: The invention describes a tank comprising a solution, dispersion or emulsion for selective catalytic reduction in combustion engines. The tank comprises an electrical resistive heating element immersed in the tank. The electrical resistive heating element comprises at least one heating cord. The heating cord comprises metal filaments. The metal filaments •comprise a copper layer or a layer in a copper alloy, and comprise a surrounding layer in stainless steel, •or comprise a steel layer, surrounded by a layer in copper or in a copper alloy, surrounded by a nickel, zinc or tin layer or a layer of alloys comprising such metals; •or comprise a layer of low carbon or high carbon steel, and comprise a surrounding nickel, zinc or tin layer or layer of alloys comprising such metals, and the heating cord comprises a polymer coating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: NV BEKAERT SA
    Inventors: Steve Verstraeten, Filip Lanckmans, Inge Schildermans, Veerle Van Wassenhove, Lieven Tack
  • Patent number: 9724146
    Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes a sterile packaged implant kit and a sterile packaged instrument kit. The sterile packaged implant kit includes at least one surgical implant, an insertion device, and an implant package adapted to receive the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device therein. The implant package maintains the at least one surgical implant and the insertion device sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged implant kit. The sterile packaged instrument kit includes one or more instruments necessary to use the sterile packaged implant kit and an instrument package adapted to receive the one or more instruments therein. The instrument package maintains the one or more instruments sterile after sterilization of the sterile packaged instrument kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: BioMedical Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam T. Knight, Daniel F. Cheney, Eric A. Marcano, David J. Pancratz
  • Patent number: 9716329
    Abstract: A high-safety electrical plug includes a plug body, a rotation element, and at least one plug pin. The rotation element is rotatably arranged on the plug body, and the at least one plug pin is arranged on the rotation element. The rotation element includes an elastic element and a rotation body standing with the elastic element. The rotation body includes two axial cylinders opposite each other and a position limiting element. The two cylinders are formed on the rotation body. The position limiting element defines more than two side surfaces. One side surface connects with the elastic element, deforming the elastic element. The rotation body is rotated until the side surface previously connected with the elastic element is replaced by another side surface to connect with the elastic element, which fixes the rotation body on the elastic element after the rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Li-Wen Tien, Xue-Qing Liu, Run-Sun Zeng
  • Patent number: 9708929
    Abstract: The application relates to a method and a device for suppressing ice formation on intake structures of a compressor, particularly the compressor of a gas turbine. The technical aim of the present invention is to provide a method and a device for suppressing the formation of ice on said structures, which avoid the disadvantages of known solutions, such as a reduction of the performance of the gas turbine, and have a simple and broad applicability. According to the present invention the mechanical vibratory energy of said structures during operation is converted into electrical energy by a piezoelectric element, firmly applied to said structure, and in a connected electrical circuit the generated electrical energy is then converted into thermal energy by an ohmic resistor and this thermal energy is conducted to at least a portion of the structure for suppressing ice formation. Excess energy may be transmitted by a transmitter to other circuits in adjacent structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: ANSALDO ENERGIA SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Leszek Szwedowicz, Andreas Bauer, Marcus Neubauer, Sebastian Marc Schwarzendahl
  • Patent number: 9708979
    Abstract: A method of securing two components to each other includes locating a mounting strip at a first mounting flange of a first component. The mounting strip is slidably affixed to the first component and includes a plurality of strip openings and a tightening ramp located at each strip opening of the plurality of strip openings. A second component is located such that a second mounting flange of the second component abuts the first mounting flange. A plurality of fasteners are located at the second mounting flange. A fastener of the plurality of fasteners extends through each strip opening of the plurality of strip openings. The mounting strip is slid in a direction to increase tension on the plurality of fasteners via an increasing height of the tightening ramp under a fastener head of the fastener, thereby securing the first mounting flange to the second mounting flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott A. Chasen