met BASE STATION AND COMMUNICATION CONTROL METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A base station including: a memory, and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to: estimate a plurality of angles of arrival based on a plurality of received signals from a plurality of wireless device respectively, each of the plurality of angles of arrival being an angel of a horizontal plane relative to each direction from which each of the plurality of received signals arrives, and control at least one tilt angel based on the plurality of angels of arrival, each of the at least one tilt angle being an angle of the horizontal plane relative to each direction to which at least one beam is formed. Full Article
met POSITION SENSOR, DIRECTION ESTIMATION METHOD, AND SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A sensor includes a reception antenna, a parasitic antenna terminating in a variable load, a controller, a transmitter transmitting a transmission signal, a receiver, a memory, and a processor. The controller sets an impedance value of the variable load. The receiver receives a first signal formed of signals received by the antennas and derived from the transmission signal, and the signal received by the parasitic antenna corresponding to the impedance value. The memory stores a first signal strength value of the first signal corresponding to the impedance value. The processor sets candidates of a complex propagation channel, calculates second signal strength values of a second signal respectively corresponding to the candidates, estimates a target complex propagation channel by selecting a candidate corresponding to a minimum difference among differences between the first signal strength value and the second signal strength values, and estimates a direction of arrival of the first signal. Full Article
met METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING TARGET OBJECT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for detecting a target object by a radar device for a vehicle. The method includes recognizing the situation that causes the deterioration in the function of a radar, and preventing the performance from deterioration through a signal processing technology. The apparatus includes: a signal transmitting unit that transmits a transmission signal for detecting a target object; a signal receiving unit that receives a reception signal generated by a reflection of the transmission signal; a signal analyzing unit that calculates frequency spectrum information of the reception signal, and extracts periodicity information for determining a periodicity of the frequency spectrum information; a determining unit that determines whether a clutter structure exists; and a target detecting unit that detects a target object by deleting a peak value component of the periodicity information when it is determined that the clutter structure exists. Full Article
met SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING PROTECTION LEVEL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a system for determining a protection level. The system includes a receiver configured to receive an error augmentation for a satellite orbit and clock error, an error augmentation for an ionospheric error, an error augmentation for noise and multi-path between a receiver and a satellite, and an error augmentation for a tropospheric error, a first calculator configured to calculate a first adjustment coefficient to be applied to the error augmentation for the satellite orbit and clock error and the error augmentation for the ionospheric error, and a second calculator configured to calculate a protection level by applying the first adjustment coefficient. Full Article
met RECOVERY ASSISTANCE DEVICE, METHOD AND SYSTEM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention discloses a recovery assistance device for helping in rescuing victims of avalanches, earthquakes or boat capsizes. The device is capable of calculating a position from combinations of a previous position and distances to other devices. Different configurations are possible, with a basic configuration consisting of a smart phone having waveform generation capabilities, processing and GNSS receiving capabilities. The device is programmed to be used in a defined mission by an application. The device can also receive a number of add-ons as a battery add-on, a modem add-on, a sound wave generation add-on, antennas, and protection, possibly waterproof, if adequate. Devices of the same type can be carried by people to be rescued and rescuers. The device is therefore quite versatile and can increase significantly the efficiency of rescue teams in different use case scenarios. Full Article
met OPTIMIZING METHOD FOR VEHICLE COOPERATIVE OBJECT POSITIONING AND VEHICLE COOPERATIVE POSITIONING APPARATUS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A vehicle cooperative object positioning optimization method and comprises steps of: receiving an information package by the local vehicle and the information package having a vehicle original coordinate and at least one object original coordinate provided by a neighbor vehicle respectively including different positioning accuracies; performing a time delay compensation for the vehicle original coordinate and the object original coordinate to acquire a vehicle coordinate and an object coordinate of the neighbor vehicle respectively; performing an optimizing procedure to optimize the vehicle coordinate and the object coordinate respectively so as to obtain the vehicle optimized coordinate and the object optimized coordinate. Therefore, the vehicle optimized coordinate and the object optimized coordinate include higher accuracy than the coordinate information detected by the GPS receiver so as to determine precisely a distribution of the environmental objects and enhance driving safety. Full Article
met Hierarchically Elaborated Phased-Array Antenna Modules and Method of Calibration By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus consisting of hierarchically elaborated antenna modules is calibrated by steps. Although the AWV can be calculated mathematically based on the required phase shift values of each antenna element for a beam direction to compensate for signal delay. However, in practice, due to hardware implementation imperfection, coupling in signal path for each antenna element within hardware, inaccuracies of implementations, physical misalignment, the mathematically generated AWV does not necessarily provide alignment between transmit beam and receive beam. This subset is sufficient is all practical operation. The subset of AWVs are typically called codebook and the receiver beam points to different direction by using a AWV within the codebook. Full Article
met RADIO COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND BEAM CONTROL METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A radio communication device including a memory and a processor coupled to the memory and the processor configured to determine a method, among a plurality of methods for beam forming, to be used for forming a first beam for a first terminal and a second beam for a second terminal based on a difference between an emitting direction of the first beam, to be formed, from the radio communication device and an estimated direction of the second terminal from the radio communication apparatus, the estimated direction being estimated based on a received signal from a second terminal, and form the first beam and the second beam based on the determined method. Full Article
met Moisture responsive irrigation method and apparatus By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An irrigation device comprising a moisture responsive barrier is provided. At least a portion of the barrier has perforations, at least some of the perforations are associated with a water swellable material. The perforations are configured to open as the water swellable material loses moisture and dries out and are configured to close as said water swellable material is exposed to and absorbs water, such as during a watering step. According to another aspect the irrigation method includes the steps of positioning a perforated barrier between a source of irrigation water and an area to be irrigated, wherein the perforations are associated with a water swellable material; exposing the water swellable material to water to cause the water swellable material to swell to close the perforations; and permitting the water swellable material to dry, to open the perforations, whereby the opening and closing of the perforations regulates the amount of irrigation water being applied across the barrier in the irrigation method. Full Article
met Light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications, and method for producing same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provide a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications which can be used as a covering material for an agricultural house or the like, is excellent in uniformity of color or the like of crops cultivated, can reduce the occurrence of leaf scorch, seedling blight or the like, and can cultivate the crops at high productivity. Specifically, the invention provides a light-scattering fluororesin film for agricultural applications that gives a ratio of scattered light with a scattering angle of 5.5 to 10° being 5% or higher relative to the total transmitted light. Full Article
met Method and apparatus for aeroponic growth By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for growing plants without soil uses removable V-shaped baskets to support plants in a tiered, self-contained unit. Nutrient enriched water is sprayed on the plant roots. The roots are held by perforations in the elongated V-shaped basket and a plant blanket. The unit is multilevel and can be set over an aquarium. The growing shelf can have a worm bag in order to add natural nutrients. Baskets can be comprised of a pair of identical halves that can be readily mutually coupled. Coupling mechanisms can include those that snap together and those providing for a pivoting coupling. Full Article
met Assemblies, systems and methods for the transportation and display of plants and flowers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A system for efficient transportation and display of plants or flowers has been designed that contains two or more trays and a container. The first tray and alternative tray house the plants or flowers. The second tray, in which the first tray and alternative tray nest, allows for easy movement of the first tray, the alternative tray and the supply of water or nutrients. The container is designed to serve two functions, shipping and displaying. Full Article
met Method of treating plant growth media with multi-branched wetting agents By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT Certain novel formulations of plant growth media additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce hydrophobicity within said media. The inventive formulation comprising multi-branched surfactant compounds with both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents within each branch attached to a polyfunctional base compound permit effective moisture penetration through plant growth media for sustained seedling and plant growth therein. Such multi-branched wetting agents provide sustained moisture penetration over a sustained period of time, since the individual branches of such compounds may become dissociated from its base polyfunctional compound. Since such branches include both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents themselves, and thus act as wetting agents, even after degradation of the initial surfactant compound, repeated wetting and moisture penetration, at least, are permitted. Methods of treating plant growth media with such compounds and formulations thereof are also contemplated within this invention. Full Article
met Method for improved plant breeding By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 31 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved plant breeding system for high throughput analysis of plant phenotype and genotype is provided. A method for analyzing the impact of genetic modifications on plants and selecting a plant with a genetic modification of interest is also provided. Also provided is a method for developing marketable information for improved plant breeding and a method for collecting data on a selected plant phenotype for rapid analysis of the effect of a genetic modification on the selected phenotype. Full Article
met Method for determining hydration requirements of succulent plants By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention provides an improved, quantitative, standardized method of hydrating succulent plants by a plant owner. The method includes calculating the amount of water and watering frequency required, depending on environmental conditions, such as substrate used to grow a plant, relative humidity and temperature, and using a demarcated container for watering the plant, all of which maintains and prolongs the health, vitality, beauty and longevity of the succulent plant. Full Article
met Automated high-throughput seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT An automated method for analyzing seeds generally includes collecting image data from individual seeds using a seed sampling system, determining at least one characteristic of each of the individual seeds based on the collected image data, and removing tissue from each of the individual seeds using the seed sampling system. The method also includes, prior to removing the tissue sample from each of the individual seeds, adjusting at least one operational parameter of the seed sampling system based on the at least one characteristic of the seed from which the tissue is to be removed to thereby allow for generally consistent removal of tissue from each of the individual seeds. In some aspects, the method further includes analyzing the tissue removed from the seeds for presence or absence of at least one characteristic, and selecting seeds based on presence or absence of the at least one characteristic. Full Article
met Composition that prevents damage to trees by harmful insects and a prevention method thereof By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention relates to a composition comprising a neonicotinoid-based compound having a high degree of insecticidal activity, a surfactant, and an organic solvent, which is capable of demonstrating stable effects and in which the types and amounts of surfactant and organic solvent are adjusted so as to prevent chemical damage in numerous types of trees. In addition, the present invention relates to a method for preventing damage to trees by harmful insects of numerous types of trees by injecting this composition into a tree trunk and allowing the chemical to circulate within the tree body. Full Article
met Mixed turf and method for its production By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Turf (1) for sports, recreational activities and/or for ornamental purposes comprising a mat of flexible material (10) equipped with a first face (11) and a second face (12) opposite to each other. To the mat (10) a plurality of fibers (20) are connected of an artificial material in such a way that it forms an artificial turf (50) that protrudes from the first face (11). The turf (1) comprises, furthermore, a measured amount of a loose infill material (50), for example of granular type, distributed on the face (11) of the mat (10). The turf (1) comprises, furthermore, natural vegetable material, i.e. plants, belonging to one, or more plant species (30) put in the loose infill material (50) by means of sowing, transplantation of portions of plants, or a combination of the two solutions. The fibers of artificial material (20) have a profiled shape comprising a main blade (21) and at least one side wing (22). More precisely, the side wing (22) has a curved profile suitable for forming a channel (25) arranged substantially parallel to the main blade (21) in order to form a channel that is substantially parallel to said main blade, so that the profile of the channel partially or completely encircles the spaces that are occupied by water, roots and loose infill material, creating a water reserve for roots. Full Article
met Automated systems for removing tissue samples from seeds, and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A seed sampling system is provided having an automated seed loading assembly including a seed bin and being operable to singulate seeds from a plurality of seeds within the seed bin. The system also includes an automated seed sampling assembly operable to remove tissue samples from the singulated seeds, and an automated seed transport assembly operable to transfer the singulated seeds from the seed loading assembly to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly includes multiple retention members. Each of the retention members is movable relative to the seed loading assembly and to the seed sampling assembly. The seed transport assembly is operable to position one of the multiple retention members adjacent to the seed loading assembly for engaging one of the singulated seeds, while positioning another of the retention members adjacent to the seed sampling assembly for presenting another of the singulated seeds to the seed sampling assembly. Full Article
met Plant growth method and article By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The present invention is directed to device and method for promoting plant growth. The device is a plant spacing member that has a body and a first end and a second end. The first end and second end have openings for receiving at least one plant limb therein to create a space between the limbs of the plant. An increased flow of air and light then flow through the created space to the interior of the plant to stimulate the growth of the plant. In addition, the increase flow of air and light dries the plant to reduce the accumulation of mold and mildew. Full Article
met Method to use a photoluminescent adjuvant in agricultural applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 14 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a nontoxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant. Full Article
met Plant air purification enclosure apparatus and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plant air purifying enclosure, or “PAPE,” contained within an unconditioned space, either within or outside a building, containing therein a plant air purifier, which is used to purify air using plants and microbes growing therein. The PAPE enclosure itself receives poor indoor quality air from within structure where the PAPE is located or from a structure close by along with thermal energy which keeps the plant air purifier enclosure at a suitable temperature for the plants and air cleaning microbes within the air purifier. Poor air enters the enclosure, is purified by the plants and microbes, and returns in purified form back to the habitable space from which it was taken. This lowers the amount of outside air needed for ventilation purposes and so lessens a building's overall energy consumption while providing efficiently for naturally purified air. Fundamentally, the object of this invention is to specify devices, systems and methods to house/enclose plant purifiers in such a way that they can readily be deployed on a wide scale. Full Article
met Plant container assembly and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plant container assembly, method, and kit include a plant container with a sidewall having first and second sidewall portions, an open top, and an open bottom. A hinge member is on the sidewall between the open top and the open bottom and pivotally connects the first and second sidewall portions for movement between an open position of the plant container, and a closed position of the plant container forming an interior space capable of containing plant growing medium. A closure portion extends along the sidewall between the open top and the open bottom. A plant support cooperatively engages the closure portion and selectively holds the plant container in the closed position. A planar member is configured to be selectively placed within the plant container and supported on a ledge member on each of the first and second sidewall portions to selectively form a bottom closure for the plant container. Full Article
met Vertical method and apparatus for growing plants By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 21 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Method and apparatus for growing plants in vertical stacks by providing vertically stacked, interconnected pairs of plant platforms and light trays carrying growth promoting light sources. Each light tray is suspended below the underside of the next above plant platform. The stack is vertically raised in succession whereby the plant platforms are suspended and vertically spaced from each other. Thereafter, plants are placed between suspended platforms under the light trays which are regulating during periods of plant growth and non-growth. Full Article
met Automated high-throughput seed sample handling system and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus for processing seed or seed samples includes an autonomous sorter which sorts seed by pre-programmed criteria. Optional features can include a counter to autonomously ensure the correct number of seeds to a seed package, a cleaning device, a sheller, and a label applicator. A conveyance path, controlled automatically, can move the seed to appropriate and desired stations during the processing while maintaining the sample segregating from other samples. Validation of the sample can be pre-required and information about the sample can be derived and stored for further use. Full Article
met Automated contamination-free seed sampler and methods of sampling, testing and bulking seeds By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An automated seed sampler system includes an imaging device for obtaining images of seeds, an orienting device for orienting the seeds based on the images, and a sampling station for removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the system also includes a transport subsystem for supporting the oriented seeds and conveying the oriented seeds to the sampling station. A method for removing tissue from seeds includes imaging the seeds, orienting the seeds based on image information obtained from the seeds, and removing tissue from the oriented seeds. In some aspects, the method also includes transporting the oriented seeds in a transport subsystem to a sampling station for removing the tissue from the oriented seeds, and/or collecting the tissue removed from the oriented seeds so that a one-to-one correspondence exists between the tissue and the sampled seeds, and/or analyzing the tissue for characteristics indicative of genetic and/or chemical traits. Full Article
met Plant cultivation device and feed-water control method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A plant cultivation device and feed-water control method, in which a detected moisture amount to start watering and a water amount to be used per watering are easily determined, includes a plant cultivation container for pooling plant cultivation water; a water-absorbing plant cultivation bed material; a feed-water device for supplying the plant cultivation water to the plant cultivation container; a first moisture sensor for detecting moisture around an immersed part of the plant cultivation bed material; a second moisture sensor for detecting moisture around a growth part of the plant cultivation bed material where a root of a plant is received; and a controller for supplying water when values detected by both of the first and second moisture sensors are below respective reference values, and for stopping water supply when a value detected by either the first or second moisture sensor is above the corresponding reference value. Full Article
met Wettable peat moss, method of preparation, and method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A composition comprising peat moss and one or more alkoxylates selected from the group consisting of alcohol alkoxylates and alkylphenol alkoxylates and, optionally, one or more polysaccharides, for example guars and/or guar derivatives. A synergistic effect of a combination of the alkoxylates and the polysaccharides was discovered. A method of preparing the peat moss composition and a method of using it are also disclosed. Full Article
met Method to use a photoluminescent adjuvant in agricultural applications By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides a non-toxic photoluminescent adjuvant delivered to targeted crops, plants and seeds to assist spray operations in low light or dark light operations. These crops and plants include: not for human consumption crops, turf grass, ornamental flowers, seeds, shrubs and bushes. Spray operations are delivered to the foliar, crown and soil parts and seeds of a crop or plant. Full Article
met AUTONOMOUS MOBILE PLATFORM AND VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION METHOD FOR PREVENTING FROST DAMAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field. Full Article
met AUTONOMOUS MOBILE PLATFORM AND VARIABLE RATE IRRIGATION METHOD FOR PREVENTING FROST DAMAGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A rover includes a base having wheels and a propulsion system coupled to the wheels to propel the rover around a field. A tower is coupled to the base and extends over the base. Sensors are set on the tower and the base and are configured to sense environmental conditions around the rover at different elevations. A computing system includes a processor and memory. The memory is configured to receive measured data from the sensors and determine an amount and manner of water to be dispensed on plant life in the field. Full Article
met METHOD AND SYSTEM OF A NETWORKED SCENT DIFFUSION DEVICE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A diffusion device for atomizing liquids includes a floating magnet disposed within a track inside at least one package with liquid for the atomizing diffusion device, wherein as a liquid level inside the package changes, the floating magnet moves substantially vertically along the track, a plurality of Hall effect sensors or Hall effect switches disposed outside the liquid at various positions, the Hall effect sensors or Hall effect switches each generating an output voltage in response to a magnetic field of the floating magnet, and a processor that receives the output voltages and fits them to a model that includes the floating magnet position with respect to various sets of output voltages to determine a position of the floating magnet with respect to the Hall effect sensors. Full Article
met ELECTROSTATIC ATOMIZING DEVICE AND ELECTROSTATIC ATOMIZING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An electrostatic atomizing device includes a discharge section capable of retaining a liquid, a voltage applying section for applying a voltage to the discharge section, and a control section for setting the voltage applied by the voltage applying section to a given voltage at which a charged particulate water can be produced in an amount equal to or greater than a given amount. The control section is configured to set the voltage applied by the voltage applying section to a voltage lower than the given voltage at an operation start, and then to change the lower voltage to the given voltage. The electrostatic atomizing device can shorten a time needed before the electrostatic atomizing phenomenon occurs. Full Article
met MULTI-AXIS ARTICULATING AND ROTARY SPRAY SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The present disclosure provides a system and method articulating and rotary spray system for fluids that includes a first drive for rotating a mast for different headings and a second drive for rotating a nozzle for different pitches at any time with or without rotation of the mast. The method and system uses a system of interacting gears that rotate a control rod in variable synchronization to control the nozzle pitch relative to the mast heading while the control rod orbits about a center of rotation of the rotating mast along a longitudinal axis. Full Article
met VALVE FOR METERING A FLUID By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A valve is used to meter a fluid. The valve can be fashioned in particular as a fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines. The valve has a housing part that is surrounded on its outer side by an extrusion coating. On the outer side of the housing part there is fashioned at least one recess into which the extrusion coating is at least partly introduced. Full Article
met HURRICANE DISSIPATION SYSTEM AND METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A storm dissipation system having: means for moving water from a body of water located in the proximity of said storm, and means for mixing said water with the air for the purpose of changing the energy of said storm. Full Article
met 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
met EJECTOR DEVICES, METHODS, DRIVERS, AND CIRCUITS THEREFOR By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT In a piezoelectric ejector assembly, a piezoelectric actuator is attached to an ejector mechanism, while a drive signal generator and a controller are coupled to the actuator. The drive signal generator is configured to generate a drive signal for driving the actuator to oscillate the ejector assembly. The controller is configured to control the drive signal generator to drive the actuator at a resonant frequency of the ejector assembly, and an auto-tuning circuit is provided to define the optimum drive signal frequency. Full Article
met AIR AND FLUID CLEANING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CLEANING VEHICLE VISION DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention provides an air and fluid cleaning system for propelling a cleaning fluid and air onto a vehicle vision device such as a vehicle camera system. The cleaning system comprises at least one fluid nozzle aimed at the camera; at least one cleaning fluid pump fluidly connected to both a fluid supply conduit and a cleaning fluid source; at least one air nozzle aimed at the vehicle camera; and at least one telescopic air jet fluidly connected to the air nozzle, hydraulically connected to the fluid supply conduit, and operated by the fluid pressure provided by the cleaning fluid pump; such that during a first operation time interval only cleaning fluid is propelled onto the vehicle camera and during a second operation time interval only an air jet burst is propelled onto the vehicle camera. The invention further includes a method for cleaning a vehicle camera exposed to ambient. Full Article
met Method of enhancing thermal conductivity in hydrogen storage systems By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A method of forming a material for reversible hydrogen storage within a storage tank includes charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank, and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition within the storage tank to form a thermally conducting composite material situated in the storage tank and for reversibly storing hydrogen. The composite material includes a three-dimensional and interconnected framework including a conductive metal. A method for reversibly storing hydrogen includes providing a storage tank and in situ chemically forming a composite material by charging a mixture of a metal amide and a metal hydride to the storage tank and chemically reacting the mixture at a reaction condition to form a thermally conducting composite material including a metal hydride and a substantially unreactive elemental metal framework. Hydrogen is absorbed into the composite material and is desorbed from the composite material. Full Article
met Multipurpose handheld tool and associated method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 18 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST A multifunctional hand-operable beverage service tool includes a casing having a cavity defined therein, the casing having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A plurality of tools are pivotally coupled to said casing, the tools each being independently pivotable relative to the casing along an arcuate path defined between retracted and deployed positions; wherein one of said plurality of tools comprises a wine key lever. A first opening is positioned through the distal end region of the casing, the first opening being constructed and arranged to engage and remove a bottle cap. A second opening comprising a finger hole is positioned through the proximal end region of the casing. Full Article
met Hand-operated striking tool enabling vibrations to be reduced, and method for manufacturing By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 08:00:00 EST This tool, which is in particular a hammer, comprises a gripping handle, a striking head, and an intermediate shaft extending the handle and supporting the head, whereas the handle comprises a tube in which the shaft partially extends, this tube and this shaft being made from a rigid material presenting a first hardness. This shaft has a radial area bearing against the tube, with interposition of a link part, for absorbing vibrations, made from flexible material presenting a second hardness that is much lower than the first hardness, and a free terminal area, not covered by the link part, radially separated from the walls of the tube so as to be able to vibrate freely in an internal volume of the tube. Full Article
met Digital angle meter By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST An angle measuring device or system can include a wrench and a digital angle meter. The wrench can include a head for engaging a fastening device, a central axis about which the wrench or bracket rotates during use, and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the central axis. The digital angle meter can be attached to the wrench or bracket and include a housing, a processor, and at least one gyrometer. The at least one gyrometer including a first axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis for determining the rotational orientation of the wrench or bracket relative to a reference position. A sensor of the digital angle meter allows for an automated and accurate calculation of a total angle of rotation of the nut or bolt about the central axis using a ratcheting wrench. Full Article
met Retractable bottle opener and method of use By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A retractable bottle opener with a wearable wrist band coupled to a wrist-arm area of a user, a first end positioned proximal to the wrist area of the user, and a second end positioned on a forearm of the user, and a bottle opener coupled to the wearable wrist band. The opener has a first end, a second end, an opener length separating the first and second ends of the bottle opener, a working surface shaped to engage with a bottle, and a handle portion. Further, the retractable bottle has a storage position along an opener translation path with both the working surface and the handle portion disposed at least one of along the forearm of the user and proximal to the wrist area of the user and an operational position along the opener translation path with both the working surface and the handle portion disposed in a user's hand. Full Article
met Method and device for controlling effective heat transfer in a solid gas storage system By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 13 Jan 2015 08:00:00 EST A method for controlling the effective heat transfer from a storage unit (1). During gas release from storage material (3) in the storage unit the storage material is heated by a heater (2). During re-saturation of the storage material (3) with gas the heater is off. Controlling of the effective heat transfer from the storage unit (1) is performed, during gas release, by ceasing convection of a convection gas and, during re-saturation, by performing or enabling convection of a convection gas to cool the storage unit (1). Full Article
met Hydrogen storage tank having metal hydrides By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Mar 2015 08:00:00 EDT A hydrogen storage tank by absorption into a hydrogen storage material, the tank having a longitudinal axis and including an enclosure and an inner structure provided within the enclosure. The inner structure includes a plurality of stages and a heat exchange system within the inner structure, each stage including a plurality of compartments distributed into a plurality of rows directed along the longitudinal direction, each compartment having a semi-cylindrical shape, and each compartment containing a hydrogen storage material, wherein the material has been introduced through the opening. Full Article
met Combination five gallon bucket opener and method By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A combination five gallon bucket opener, includes a handle portion and a head portion, a first opener feature located in the head portion, the first opener feature having a plurality of engaging members and a bearing surface, at least one of the engaging members configured to receive a tab of a lid, at least one of the engaging members configured to engage a top surface of the lid, and a second opener feature located in the head portion, the second opener feature having at least one extended member configured to receive a cap, the at least one extended member having at least one feature defined therein to engage a corresponding feature on the cap. Full Article
met Snow removal apparatus and related methods By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An exemplary aspect comprises an apparatus comprising: a brush component comprising a handle on a first end of a shaft and a brush on a second end of the shaft; and a shovel component removably connected to the brush component; wherein the brush is at least partially enclosed within the shovel component when the shovel component is connected to the brush component, and wherein the brush is exposed when the shovel component is disconnected from the brush component. Full Article
met AMINO-CONTAINING SILICA PARTICLE, COMPOSITION FOR FORMING POLYIMIDE AEROGEL, POLYIMIDE AEROGEL AND METHOD OF FABRICATING THE SAME, POLYIMIDE AEROGEL-CONTAINING COMPOSITE MATERIAL By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An amino-containing silica particle is provided. The amino-containing silica particle is obtained by hydrolysis-condensation reaction of an alkoxy silane represented by formula (I), an alkoxy silane represented by formula (II) and a catalyst: Si(OR1)4 formula (I) (NH2—Y)m—Si(OR2)4-m formula (II) wherein in formula (I), R1 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and in formula (II), Y is a C1-C10 alkyl group or a C2-C10 alkenyl group, R2 is a C1-C10 alkyl group, and m is an integer of 1 to 3. Full Article
met PROPYLENE HOMOPOLYMER COMPOSITION FOR CAPACITOR FILM, METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME, AND CAPACITOR FILM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided are a propylene homopolymer composition for a capacitor film, which can provide a film with excellent high-temperature voltage resistance and excellent thin-film stretchability, a method for producing the same, and a capacitor film. The propylene homopolymer composition for a capacitor film contains 50 to 99% by mass of a propylene homopolymer (A1) having predetermined characteristics and 1 to 50% by mass of a propylene homopolymer (B1) having predetermined characteristics, and has (i) a melt flow rate (MFR) of 1.0 to 10.0 g/10 min and (ii) a chlorine content of 2 ppm by mass or less. Full Article