sing METHOD OF USING A SURFACTANT-CONTAINING SHRINKAGE MATERIAL TO PREVENT PHOTORESIST PATTERN COLLAPSE CAUSED BY CAPILLARY FORCES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A first photoresist pattern and a second photoresist pattern are formed over a substrate. The first photoresist pattern is separated from the second photoresist pattern by a gap. A chemical mixture is coated on the first and second photoresist patterns. The chemical mixture contains a chemical material and surfactant particles mixed into the chemical material. The chemical mixture fills the gap. A baking process is performed on the first and second photoresist patterns, the baking process causing the gap to shrink. At least some surfactant particles are disposed at sidewall boundaries of the gap. A developing process is performed on the first and second photoresist patterns. The developing process removes the chemical mixture in the gap and over the photoresist patterns. The surfactant particles disposed at sidewall boundaries of the gap reduce a capillary effect during the developing process. Full Article
sing METHODS OF GROWING HETEROEPITAXIAL SINGLE CRYSTAL OR LARGE GRAINED SEMICONDUCTOR FILMS AND DEVICES THEREON By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method is provided for making smooth crystalline semiconductor thin-films and hole and electron transport films for solar cells and other electronic devices. Such semiconductor films have an average roughness of 3.4 nm thus allowing for effective deposition of additional semiconductor film layers such as perovskites for tandem solar cell structures which require extremely smooth surfaces for high quality device fabrication. Full Article
sing ORGANIC LAYER DEPOSITION ASSEMBLY, ORGANIC LAYER DEPOSITION DEVICE INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING ORGANIC LIGHT-EMITTING DISPLAY DEVICE USING THE ORGANIC LAYER DEPOSITION ASSEMBLY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An organic layer deposition assembly for depositing a deposition material on a substrate includes a deposition source configured to spray the deposition material, a deposition source nozzle arranged in one side of the deposition source and including deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction, a patterning slit sheet arranged to face the deposition source nozzle and having patterning slits in a second direction that crosses the first direction, and a correction sheet arranged between the deposition source nozzle and the patterning slit sheet and configured to block at least a part of the deposition material sprayed from the deposition source. Full Article
sing Watch comprising interchangeable strap connecting means By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 05 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A watch comprising a watch case with opposite arranged connecting parts in form of two parallel branches for the mounting of a watch strap or cord between said branches, where said watch further comprises at least one generally T-shaped strap or cord connector comprising a spring loaded sliding bar suited for engaging in holes provided in a surface of each branch facing each other, said T-shaped strap or cord connector further comprises a cord receiving opening being arranged opposite to the spring loaded sliding bar and being an opening adapted to receive a cord having generally round or polygonal cross section, said cord at a first end and a second end being provided with interacting locking parts. Full Article
sing Profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers and composite part comprising a profiled retaining section By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A profiled retaining section for positioning a seam connecting two decorative layers includes an upper region, a center region and a lower region forming at least one anchor. The upper region is designed as a piping, or in the manner of a piping, for protruding over a visible side of the skins to be positioned. The center region includes two sides to be sewn to the decorative layers. The anchor is designed to be introduced in a groove having a lesser width than the anchor itself and to exert a force on the groove in the lateral direction. The upper region, the center region and the anchor are integral with each other and arranged in the vertical direction relative to each other. Also described is a composite part that uses the profiled retaining section. Full Article
sing Funeral urn system and method of using same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EST A funeral urn system comprising: a funeral urn defining an urn proximal attachment and a substantially opposed urn distal attachment, the funeral urn including an urn body defining an ashes receiving cavity and an urn aperture leading into the ashes receiving cavity, the funeral urn also including an urn cap selectively securable to the urn body in register with the urn aperture to seal the ashes receiving cavity; and a spear head cap, the spear head cap defining a cap proximal attachment and a substantially opposed cap distal end section tapering in a direction leading away from the cap proximal attachment. The urn proximal and distal attachments are configured and sized to be selectively attachable respectively to the urn distal and proximal attachments of another urn similar to the funeral urn. The urn distal attachment is configured and sized to be selectively attachable to the cap proximal attachment. Full Article
sing Arrangement for a meter cabinet, distribution cabinet, switch cabinet or empty housing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An arrangement is disclosed for a meter cabinet, distribution cabinet or empty housing, including a frame and a door, wherein the frame can carry a door and the door is attached pivotally to the frame on its hinge side. The door may be aligned in relation to its frame quickly and without problems, with an adjustment device for aligning the door in the closed condition, the adjustment device being associated with the frame. Full Article
sing Image forming apparatus having pivotable casing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An image forming apparatus includes a first casing, a second casing, an arm, a guide unit, a support part, and an urging member. The second casing is supported on the first casing and configured to pivot relative to the first casing. The arm has a first end portion rotatably coupled to one of the first casing and the second casing and a second end portion slidably coupled to the other of the first casing and the second casing. The guide unit is provided at the other of the first casing and the second casing and configured to slidably guide a shaft. The guide unit includes a first guide and a second guide. The support part supports the first guide such that the first guide is movable toward and away from the second guide. The urging member is configured to urge the first guide toward the second guide. Full Article
sing Removable grommet device and method of using thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grommet device and method of using a grommet device is provided. A top structure has a top surface. An aperture having a central axis is positioned interior of the top structure. A sidewall is formed around the aperture and connected to the top structure. The sidewall is positioned substantially perpendicular from the top surface of the top structure. At least two upper protruding structures are connected to the top structure at different locations along the top structure, wherein each of the upper protruding structures extends into the aperture. At least two lower protruding structures extend from the sidewall at different locations along the sidewall, wherein each of the lower protruding structures have a flexing portion extending into the aperture, wherein each of the upper protruding structures are substantially radially aligned with the flexing portion of each of the lower protruding structures, respectively. Full Article
sing PAD FOR A BICYCLE DISC BRAKE AND DISC BRAKE COMPRISING SUCH A PAD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a pad for a bicycle disc brake, comprising a support frame and an element made of friction-wearing material associated with said support frame. The element made of friction-wearing material comprises a visual wearing indicator, which preferably is defined on an upper portion of the element made of friction-wearing material, more preferably at a side end area of said upper portion. The invention also relates to a bicycle disc brake comprising a pair of pads of the type described above. Full Article
sing VARIABLE DAMPING SYSTEM USING A PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A damper assembly includes a housing and rod supported by the housing. A piston assembly is attached to the rod, and is positioned to separate an interior chamber of the housing into a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber. The piston assembly includes an annular plate that defines at least one orifice. The orifice interconnects the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber in fluid communication. The damper assembly includes a piezoelectric device that is moveable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in response to a control signal. When disposed in the disengaged position, the piezoelectric device does not affect fluid flow through the at least one orifice. When disposed in the engaged position, the piezoelectric device does affect fluid flow through the at least one orifice, to adjust a damping rate of the piston assembly. Full Article
sing Process for purifying solid carboniferous fuels prior to combustion, liquefaction or gasification using a rotary chamber By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Solid carboniferous fuels contain varying quantities of moisture, mercury, chlorine, nitrogen, sulfur, heavy metals and other materials that attain vapor pressure at elevated temperatures. The cost effective removal of these degrading and sometimes hazardous materials is important to the further use of the fuel for combustion as a solid, liquid, or gas. The solid fuel is cut, shredded, ground or sieved to appropriate size, and heated in a chamber that can exclude oxygen and air thus preventing ignition. The unwanted materials are driven in the gaseous state and extracted for disposal. The solid fuel cleaned of pollutants exits the chamber and is cooled below ignition temperature prior to contact with oxygen. The solid fuel thus purified is more appropriate for combustion, liquefaction or gasification due to the reduced costs in use as a fuel or in the post combustion clean up. Full Article
sing Fuel processing system with temperature-control fluid circuit By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An integrated reformer and combustion apparatus for use in a fuel cell system comprises at least one reformer plate (3) at which in use a reforming reaction can take place and at least one combustion plate (1) at which in use a combustion reaction can take place. The plates are arranged in a stack such that the reformer plates (3) and combustion plates (1) are interspersed. The apparatus is arranged such that in use a reforming reaction and a combustion reaction can take place simultaneously, the combustion reaction providing heat for the reforming reaction. A further fluid circuit (19, 29) may be provided in thermal communication with at least one of the reformer unit and the combustion unit so as to allow the temperature of that unit to be controlled. Full Article
sing Apparatus and method for rapidly producing synthetic gas from bio-diesel by-product using microwave plasma By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Provided are an apparatus and a method for rapidly producing a synthetic gas from a bio-diesel byproduct using microwave plasma, in which, while a plasma flame is generated by a plasma generator and waste glycerin, a bio-diesel byproduct, as fuel, is gasified by being supplied to the generated plasma flame of high temperature, the fuel is supplied in various types to increase the contact time or the contact area with the plasma flame and thus promote gasification thereof and the contents of steam and oxygen supplied and the plasma power are controlled to increase the collection amount of combustible gas and thus allow rapid production of the synthetic gas. Full Article
sing Upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels using a lean fuel gas stream from a pyrolysis step By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for upgrading coal and other carbonaceous fuels includes subjecting the carbonaceous fuel to a pyrolyzing process, thereby forming upgraded carbonaceous fuel and a flow of lean fuel gases. Auxiliary fuel is combusted in an auxiliary fuel combustor to produce auxiliary fuel combustion gases, and the lean fuel gases are heated with the auxiliary fuel combustion gases. The heated lean fuel gases are combusted in a lean fuel combustor, thereby producing a gas stream of products of combustion, and at least a portion of the gas stream of products of combustion are directed to the pyrolyzer. Full Article
sing Pre-processing assembly for pre-processing fuel feedstocks for use in a fuel cell system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pre-processing assembly and method for processing fuel feedstock containing oxygen and hydrocarbons having higher and lower hydrocarbon content for a fuel cell, wherein the pre-processing assembly has a deoxidizing bed for reducing oxygen in the fuel feedstock and a pre-reforming bed for reducing higher hydrocarbon content in the fuel feedstock and wherein the deoxidizing bed and the pre-reforming bed are disposed within a common reaction vessel such that the fuel feedstock first passes through the deoxidizing bed and thereafter through the pre-reforming bed. The pre-reforming assembly may further include a propane processor bed for processing propane and propylene in the fuel feedstock, where the propane processor bed is disposed within the common reaction vessel with the deoxidizing bed and the pre-reforming bed. Full Article
sing Fuel processing systems with thermally integrated componentry By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Hydrogen-producing assemblies, fuel cell systems including the same, methods of producing hydrogen gas, and methods of powering an energy-consuming device. Hydrogen-producing assemblies may include a monolithic body that defines at least a reforming conduit, and in some embodiments a plurality of reforming conduits, in which a feed stream is catalyzed into a reformate gas stream containing hydrogen gas, and a burner conduit, in which a fuel-air stream is combusted. The monolithic body is constructed to conduct heat generated by the exothermic reaction of the combustion from the burner conduit to the reformer conduit. In some hydrogen-producing assemblies, the monolithic body further defines a vaporizing conduit, in which liquid portions of the feed stream are vaporized prior to being delivered to the reformer conduit, and the monolithic body may be constructed to conduct heat from the burner conduit to the vaporizing conduit. Full Article
sing Method for forming synthesis gas using a plasma-catalyzed fuel reformer By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method of forming a synthesis gas utilizing a reformer is disclosed. The method utilizes a reformer that includes a plasma zone to receive a pre-heated mixture of reactants and ionize the reactants by applying an electrical potential thereto. A first thermally conductive surface surrounds the plasma zone and is configured to transfer heat from an external heat source into the plasma zone. The reformer further includes a reaction zone to chemically transform the ionized reactants into synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A second thermally conductive surface surrounds the reaction zone and is configured to transfer heat from the external heat source into the reaction zone. The first thermally conductive surface and second thermally conductive surface are both directly exposed to the external heat source. A corresponding apparatus and system are also disclosed herein. Full Article
sing Distributed Power Harvesting Systems Using DC Power Sources By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A distributed power harvesting system including multiple direct current (DC) power sources with respective DC outputs adapted for interconnection into a interconnected DC power source output. A converter includes input terminals adapted for coupling to the interconnected DC power source output. A circuit loop sets the voltage and current at the input terminals of the converter according to predetermined criteria. A power conversion portion converts the power received at the input terminals to an output power at the output terminals. A power supplier is coupled to the output terminals. The power supplier includes a control part for maintaining the input to the power supplier at a predetermined value. The control part maintains the input voltage and/or input current to the power supplier at a predetermined value. Full Article
sing Methods of fabricating polycrystalline diamond products using a selected amount of graphite particles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) fabricated by sintering a mixture including diamond particles and a selected amount of graphite particles, polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) having a PCD table comprising such PCD, and methods of fabricating such PCD and PDCs. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a mixture including graphite particles present in an amount of about 0.1 weight percent (“wt %”) to about 20 wt % and diamond particles. The method further includes subjecting the mixture to a high-pressure/high-temperature process sufficient to form PCD. Full Article
sing APERTURE CODING FOR A SINGLE APERTURE TRANSMIT RECEIVE SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An integrated circuit (IC) of a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) coded aperture radar (CAR) configured to step through a range of frequencies in each sweep and a method of assembling the FMCW CAR are described. The IC includes an antenna element to transmit and receive at a given time duration, a transmit channel to process a signal for transmission, the transmit channel including a transmit switch to change a state of a transmit phase shifter between two states based on a first code, and a receive channel to process a received signal, the receive channel including a receive switch to change a state of a receive phase shifter between two states based on a second code. The IC also includes a switch controller to control the first code and the second code, wherein the switch controller controls the first code to remain constant within the sweep. Full Article
sing MOTORCYCLE BLIND SPOT DETECTION SYSTEM AND REAR COLLISION ALERT USING MECHANICALLY ALIGNED RADAR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A blind spot detection system for a motorcycle, which includes an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a detection device for detecting the presence of a vehicle in at least one blind spot. The accelerometer detects a gravity force vector, and the gyroscope detects the position of the motorcycle relative to the gravity force vector such that a lean angle of the motorcycle is calculated. The detection device is then configured to maintain the same position of the motorcycle relative to the gravity force vector and compensate for the position of the motorcycle if the lean angle is greater or less than 90°, such that the detection device is able to detect the presence of the vehicle in the at least one blind spot, independent of the lean angle of the motorcycle. Full Article
sing GNSS Signal Processing with Delta Phase By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Methods and apparatus for processing of GNSS signals are presented. These include GNSS processing with predicted precise clocks, GNSS processing with mixed-quality data, GNSS processing with time-sequence maintenance, GNSS processing with reduction of position jumps in low-latency solutions, GNSS processing with position blending to bridge reference station changes, and GNSS processing with delta-phase correction for incorrect starting position. Full Article
sing INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS AND INFORMATION PROCESSING SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A portable terminal includes a GPS unit configured to receive a GPS signal, a GPS processing section configured to detect GPS accuracy at an interval and detect the position of a vehicle on the basis of the GPS signal received by the GPS unit, and an information processing section configured to detect entrance timing, which is timing when the GPS accuracy is detected when the vehicle is located at an entrance point of a multi-storey parking structure, on the basis of transition of the GPS accuracy detected by the GPS processing section at the interval. Full Article
sing Fluid Permeable Anodic Oxide Film and Fluid Permeable Body Using Anodic Oxide Film By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A fluid permeable anodic oxide film includes a plurality of regularly-disposed pores formed by anodizing metal and a plurality of permeation holes having an inner width larger than an inner width of the pores and extending through the fluid permeable anodic oxide film. Also provided is a fluid permeable body which makes use of the fluid permeable anodic oxide film. Full Article
sing CONTROLLING VALVE OPERATION USING PRESSURE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A valve body has a piston that slides within the body through four successive positions. The piston has a head, and an upper and lower skirt, with a port in the upper skirt. In the first position, a bias force urges the piston to the first of four positions, in which the piston port is closed. In a second position, the piston port aligns with a low pressure port in the valve body, when a low pressure supply of water is connected. In a third position, greater pressure again closes the piston port. In a fourth position, at a still greater pressure, the piston port aligns with a high pressure port in the valve body. The bias force or a location of the piston port can be varied for valves along a supply line, whereby varying supply pressure opens different valves, thereby enabling addressing of valves according to supply pressure. Full Article
sing CASING WITH LIQUID DISPENSER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a casing for a mobile electronic device, the casing including a dispenser, which includes a spraying unit and a reservoir, wherein the dispenser can be moved from a secure position to at least one dispensing position. Full Article
sing SYSTEMS FOR DIFFUSING VOLATILE COMPOUNDS UTILIZING MOVEABLE PODS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A system for diffusing one or more volatile compounds includes a base and a pod tray, carried by the base. At least one pod is carried by the pod tray. The pod has a housing holding a volatile compound mass, the housing and mass being moveable relative to one another. An actuator is carried by the base, the actuator being operable to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another. The pod and the actuator are positionable relative to one another such that one or both of the pod and the actuator can be positioned proximate to one another to enable the actuator to engage the pod and move the housing and the volatile compound mass relative to one another. Full Article
sing METHOD FOR USING A FLOW OF AIR TO CREATE A PROTECTED FIELD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In one embodiment, a method of creating a protected field is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes directing a first flow of air around a target space, drawing the first flow of air in through a primary air intake vent to create a first flow field envelope. In one embodiment, a second flow of air is directed within the first flow field envelope. Full Article
sing PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF MAGNESIUM FLUORIDE SOL SOLUTIONS FROM ALKOXIDES COMPRISING ADDITION OF CARBON DIOXIDE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a method for obtaining a magnesium fluoride (MgF2) sol solution, comprising the steps of providing a magnesium alkoxide precursor in a non-aqueous solvent and adding 1.85 to 2.05 molar equivalents of non-aqueous hydrofluoric acid to said magnesium precursor, characterized in that the reaction proceeds in the presence of carbon dioxide. The invention further relates to sol solutions, method of applying the sol solutions of the invention to surfaces as a coating, and to antireflective coatings obtained thereby. Full Article
sing CONDUCTIVE ROLLER COATING COMPOSITION, AND DEVELOPING ROLLER AND IMAGE FORMATION DEVICE USING SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a conductive roller coating composition which can reduce degradation of toner during durable printing when used for a developing roller, and a developing roller and image formation device using the same. In a conductive roller coating composition containing a resin component including a polyol and an isocyanate, and microparticles, a Tg of the microparticles is −13° C. or less. In a developing roller including: a shaft 1; and an elastic layer 2 supported on an outer periphery of the shaft 1, an outer periphery of the elastic layer 2 is coated with the conductive roller coating composition. Full Article
sing METHODS FOR PRODUCING ULTRAFINE FIBER AND ULTRAFINE FIBER-CONTAINING SHEET, SHEET OBTAINED THEREBY, AND RESIN COMPOSITE COMPRISING LAMINATED RESINS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing an ultrafine fiber-containing sheet with suppressed yellowing. Another object of the present invention is to provide an efficient method for eliminating an introduced substituent, and a composite sheet comprising an organic layer and/or an inorganic layer laminated on the obtained sheet. The present invention provides a method for producing an ultrafine fiber-containing sheet, comprising (a) introducing a substituent having electrostatic and/or steric functionality to a fiber raw material to obtain substituent-introduced fiber; (b) machine-processing the substituent-introduced fiber obtained in the step (a) to obtain substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber; (c) preparing a sheet from the substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber obtained in the step (b); and (d) eliminating at least a portion of introduced substituents from the sheet obtained in the step (c). In a preferred aspect, the substituent having electrostatic and/or steric functionality is a phosphoric acid-derived group, and the method may further comprise, after the step (a) and before the step (c), the step of (e) changing the degree of neutralization of the substituent-introduced fiber or the substituent-introduced ultrafine fiber. Full Article
sing ELECTRODE HAVING NANO MESH MULTI-LAYER STRUCTURE, USING SINGLE CRYSTAL COPPER, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to an electrode having a multilayer nanomesh structure using single-crystalline copper and a method for manufacturing same, the electrode comprising: a substrate; a single-crystalline copper electrode layer formed on the substrate and having a hive-shaped pattern with a nano-sized line width; and a metal oxide layer formed on the single-crystalline copper electrode layer, this providing an electrode having excellent optical transmittance, low electrical sheet resistance, and excellent mechanical stability. The present invention is technically characterized by an electrode having a multilayer nanomesh structure using single-crystalline copper, the electrode comprising: a substrate; a single-crystalline copper electrode layer formed on the substrate and having a hive-shaped pattern with a nano-sized line width; and a metal oxide layer formed on the single-crystalline copper electrode layer. Full Article
sing STRAIN GAUGE POLYMER COMPRISING PHOTOCHROMIC COLORANT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A composite manufacture includes an extrudable thermoplastic matrix and a photochromic colorant, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. Methods include adding photochromic colorant to an extrudable thermoplastic polymer matrix to form a mixture, heating the mixture to form a composite, the photochromic colorant conferring to the composite a reversible strain-induced color change property. The composite manufactures can be used in cable coatings permitting visual detection of mechanical stresses in a wire based on the reversible strain-induced color change property. Full Article
sing PERSONAL PORTABLE TERMINAL FOR PERFORMING BOARD GAME, AND BOARD GAME SYSTEM USING SAME AND GAME BOARD THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 04 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present invention board relates to a game system using a portable terminals and a game board therefor. According to the present invention, there is provided a board game system, including: one or more pieces configured to correspond to respective game players; a game board configured to display a path through which the pieces move, and to detect a changed location of each of the pieces on the path; and one or more personal portable terminals each configured to check the changed location of the piece detected by the game board while communicating with the game board, and to output information about operations, which will be performed by each of the game players, or options, which can be selected by each of the game players based on a location of one of the pieces corresponding to each of the game players. Full Article
sing Method for playing a football-based bean bag tossing game By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Cornhole games have been a mainstay during tailgating events at football games across the United States. However, the traditional cornhole game offers little challenge as the board has but one target opening and scoring is limited. Further, the traditional cornhole game has no real connection to the game of football; it does not present a representation of the field of play and does not apply the rules of football. The purpose of this invention is to create a method of play for a bean bag tossing game that is based on the game of football and incorporates the rules and strategies of the game of football. In an effort to create such a football-based bean bag tossing game, the game should incorporate the concepts of kickoffs, including onside kickoffs, punts, including fake punts, driving down the field by gaining yardage, the ability to kick a field goal or score a touchdown when in scoring position, the loss of yardage through application of penalties, the loss of possession through the application of turnovers, the possibility of scoring a touchdown after an opponent's turnover, the ability to attempt a last-chance Hail Mary touchdown, and the option to try for a 2-point conversion after a touchdown is scored. The game should also provide the player with an opportunity to use strategy when deciding what plays to make. With this football-based bean bag toss game, all of the main elements of the game of football listed above are incorporated and the game plays out similarly to a real game of football. Full Article
sing Method for playing a baseball-based bean bag tossing game By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Tailgating, or having party prior to a sporting event, most often a football game, is an American pastime. In recent years, tailgating has expanded to other sports, including baseball. For many years, cornhole games have been a mainstay during tailgating events at football games across the United States. However, the traditional cornhole game offers little challenge as the board has but one target opening and scoring is limited. Further, the traditional cornhole game has no real connection to the game of baseball; it does not present a representation of the field of play and does not apply the rules of baseball. The purpose of this invention is to create a method of play for a bean bag tossing game that is based on the game of baseball and incorporates the rules and strategies of the game of baseball. In an effort to create a baseball-based bean bag tossing game, the game must incorporate the imagery of a baseball field, the rules of the game, and the concepts of pitching, including balls, strikes and hits, one-, two- and three-base hits, homeruns, sacrifice bunts and sacrifice flies, outs at first, second and third base, fly outs, infield fly-outs and outfield fly-outs, double plays, steals and extra base hits. Players attempt to get hits to get runners on base, then try to bring the runners home to score.The game should also provide the player with an opportunity to use strategy when deciding what plays to make. With this baseball-based bean bag toss game, all of the main elements of the game of baseball listed above are incorporated and the game plays out similarly to a real game of baseball. Full Article
sing METHODS FOR AUTOMATICALLY GENERATING A CARD DECK LIBRARY AND MASTER IMAGES FOR A DECK OF CARDS, AND A RELATED CARD PROCESSING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of automatically generating a calibration file for a card handling device comprises automatically generating a calibration file stored in memory of a main control system for a card handling device. Automatically generating the calibration file comprises identifying at least one parameter associated with a rank area around a rank of at least a portion of the card, identifying at least one parameter associated with a suit area around a suit of the at least a portion of the card, and storing the at least one parameter associated with the rank area and the at least one parameter associated with the suit area in the calibration file. Additionally, a method of automatically generating deck libraries for one or more decks of cards comprises automatically generating a plurality of master images for the cards of the first deck type using the parameters from the calibration file. Full Article
sing GEOGRAPHY GAME USING MAPS AND EDIBLE CHIPS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A geography game for learning geography and geographic information is disclosed that includes maps, scoresheets, lists of facts, and rules and instructions used to guide players on how to effectively use edible food items, such as chips, to learn geography through a fun and entertaining platform. The game provides marketing value to chip manufacturers and variations of the game add even more value by creating excitement and longevity. In one implementation, the edible chip is a triangular corn tortilla chip. Full Article
sing HEAT EXCHANGER DESIGNS USING VARIABLE GEOMETRIES AND CONFIGURATIONS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A heat exchanger may include at least one fluid passageway adjacent a heat transfer plate and a plurality of heat transfer elements positioned in the at least one fluid passageway and joined with the heat transfer plate. The heat transfer elements may be positioned with first spacings therebetween at an inlet end of the at least one fluid passageway. The heat transfer elements may be positioned with second spacings therebetween at an outlet end of the at least one fluid passageway. The first spacings may be smaller than the second spacings. Full Article
sing ELECTRONIC/ELECTRICAL COMPONENT HOUSING WITH STRIPS OF METAL PLATE AND SHAPE MEMORY MATERIAL FORMING A HEAT TRANSFER PATH By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a housing for electronic/electrical that includes an inner panel and an outer panel, a strip of metal plate, and a strip of shape memory material. The inner panel and the outer panel are disposed parallel to each other at regular intervals to define an internal space. The strip of metal plate extends from an inner surface of the outer panel. The strip of shape memory material extends from an inner surface of the inner panel and is attached or detached to/from the metal plate on the outer panel while changing into an original straight shape or a bent shape according to a temperature variation. Here, when the temperature increase beyond a first transition temperature, the shape memory material straightens to form a heat transfer path. At a low temperature environment, the shape memory material bends and is separated from the metal plate to interrupt the heat transfer path. Full Article
sing MOTOR INTERFACE ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD OF USING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A motor interface assembly configured to be operably coupled to a blower assembly, wherein the motor interface assembly is configured to measure a discharge air temperature, determine a difference between the discharge air temperature and a predetermined temperature, and operate the blower assembly based in part on the difference between the discharge air temperature and a predetermined temperature. Full Article
sing THERMAL MANAGEMENT USING PHASE CHANGE MATERIAL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Generally discussed herein are devices and methods for thermal management of a component. An apparatus can include a phase change material substantially at a phase transition temperature of the phase change material, a component near, on, or at least partially in the phase change material, and a heat removal device to transfer heat energy away from the phase change material and maintain the phase change material substantially at the phase transition temperature. Full Article
sing INSTALLING ASSEMBLY AND HEAT SINK USING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A heat sink includes a cooling module and an installing assembly for fixing the heat sink on a housing. The installing assembly includes a case, a handle rotatablely fixed in the case and a support including a fixing board with blocks and two brackets. The handle is actively connected with the support. The fixing board is fixed on a bottom plate of the case. The handle includes two bulges. The brackets include two slide openings for receiving the bulges. When the heat sink is installed, the handle is rotated to be vertical, the bulges are out of the slide openings, and the blocks are stuck on the housing. When the heat sink is dismantled, the handle is rotated to be horizontal and the bulges are stuck into the slide openings to resist the brackets, thereof the fixing board being uplifted and the blocks being pushed away from the housing. Full Article
sing APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COMPRESSING CONTINUOUS DATA By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed are an apparatus and method for compressing continuous data. The apparatus for compressing continuous data may include a data generator configured to calculate differences between adjacent values in original continuous data and generate data based on the calculated differences. Full Article
sing SINGLE-FLUX-QUANTUM PROBABILISTIC DIGITIZER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A probabilistic digitizer for extracting information from a Josephson comparator is disclosed. The digitizer uses statistical methods to aggregate over a set of comparator readouts, effectively increasing the sensitivity of the comparator even when an input signal falls within the comparator's gray zone. Among other uses, such a digitizer may be used to discriminate between states of a qubit. Full Article
sing Purification of carbon nanotubes using agarose column and density gradient ultracentrifugation By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Apr 2014 08:00:00 EDT A method of processing bundles of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Bundles of CNTs are put into a solution and unbundled using sonication and one or more surfactants that break apart and disperse at least some of the bundles into the solution such that it contains individual semiconducting CNTs, individual metallic CNTs, and remaining CNT bundles. The individual CNTs are separated from each other using agarose bead column separation using sodium dodecyl sulfate as a surfactant. Remaining CNT bundles are then separated out by performing density-gradient ultracentrifugation. Full Article
sing Process for producing granules comprising one or more complexing agent salts By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Jun 2014 08:00:00 EDT A process for producing granules containing one or more complexing agent salts of the general formula from an aqueous starting solution, containing the one or more complexing agent salts in a concentration of from 10 to 80% by weight, based on the total weight of the aqueous starting solution, in a jet apparatus. Full Article
sing ENERGY HARVESTING DEVICE USING ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An energy harvesting device includes: a first nanoporous electrode and a second nanoporous electrode, each of which is configured to which store electrical charge; a first current collector connected to the first nanoporous electrode and a second current collector connected to the second nanoporous electrode; and an enclosure that contains the first and second nanoporous electrodes and the first and second current collectors and transfers a force applied from the outside to the first nanoporous electrode and the second nanoporous electrode, wherein at least one of the first nanoporous electrode and the second nanoporous electrode comprises an ion conductive polymer. Full Article
sing Single Phase Permanent Magnet Motor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A single phase permanent magnet motor includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a stator core with windings. The stator core includes a yoke and claw-poles. Each claw-pole forms an arc pole face which is an involute curved face. All arc pole faces cooperatively define a space for receiving the rotor. A gradually changing uneven air gap is defined between the arc pole faces and the rotor. When the motor powers off and stops, the pole axis of the rotor is offset from the central axis of the claw-poles by a certain angle to avoid the rotor to stop at a dead point position, thus facilitating next startup of the motor. Full Article