lit POSITIVE ELECTRODE ACTIVE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERIES, POSITIVE ELECTRODE FOR LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERIES, AND LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The object of the present invention is to provide a positive electrode active material usable for a lithium ion battery capable of high charge/discharge cycle performance and high discharge capacity. The positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery has a layered structure and comprises at least nickel, cobalt and manganese. Further, the positive electrode active material satisfies requirements (1) to (3) below: (1) a primary particle size of 0.1 μm to 1 μm, and a 50% cumulative particle size D50 of 1 μm to 10 μm, (2) a ratio (D90/D10) of volume-based 90% cumulative particle size D50 to volume-based 10% cumulative particle size D10 of 2 to 6, and (3) a lithium carbonate content in a residual alkali on particle surfaces of 0.1% by mass to 0.8% by mass as measured by neutralization titration. Full Article
lit FLOWING ELECTROLYTE FUEL CELL WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flowing electrolyte fuel cell system design (DHCFC-Flow) is provided. The use of a flowing oxygen-saturated electrolyte in a fuel cell offers a significant enhancement in the cell performance characteristics. The mass transfer and reaction kinetics of the superoxide/peroxide/oxide ion (mobile oxygen ion species) in the fuel cell are enhanced by recirculating an oxidizing gas-saturated electrolyte. Recirculating oxygen-saturated electrolyte through a liquid channel enhances the maximal current observed in a fuel cell. The use of a oxygen saturated electrolyte ensures that the reaction kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction are fast and the use of convection ameliorates concentration gradients and the diffusion-limited maximum current density. The superoxide ion is generated in situ by the reduction of the oxygen dissolved in the gaseous electrolyte. Also, a dual porosity membrane allows the uniform flow of fuel (e.g., methane) on the fuel side, without allowing phase mixing. The capillary pressure for liquid intrusion into the gas phase and vice versa is quite large, estimated to be 1-10 psi. This makes it easier to control the fluctuations in gas/liquid velocity which might otherwise lead to phase mixing and the loss of fuel cell performance. In one variation, a dual-porosity membrane structure is incorporated in the system to allow uniform flow of fuel and prevent mixing of fuel with a liquid electrolyte. Full Article
lit LITHIUM BATTERY ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION CONTAINING METHYL (2,2,3,3,-TETRAFLUOROPROPYL) CARBONATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A battery electrolyte solution contains a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent phase comprising at least 10% by weight of methyl (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl) carbonate. The solvent phase comprises optionally other solvent materials such as 4-fluoroethylene carbonate and other carbonate solvents. This battery electrolyte is highly stable even when used in batteries in which the cathode material has a high operating potential (such as 4.5V or more) relative to Li/Li+. Batteries containing this electrolyte solution therefore have excellent cycling stability. Full Article
lit CERAMIC-POLYMER COMPOSITE ELECTROLYTES FOR LITHIUM POLYMER BATTERIES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Composites of lithium-ion-conducting ceramic and polymeric materials make superior separators and electrolytes for use in lithium batteries. The ceramic material provides a high conductivity pathway for lithium-ions, enhancing the properties of the less conductive polymeric material. The polymeric material provides flexibility, binding, and space-filling properties, mitigating the tendency of rigid ceramic materials to break or delaminate. The interface between the polymer and ceramic can be made to have a low ionic resistance through the use of additives and coatings. Full Article
lit LITHIUM ION SECONDARY BATTERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A lithium ion secondary battery including: a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating a lithium ion; a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating a lithium ion; and a non-aqueous electrolytic solution, wherein the positive electrode active material includes a Mn-based spinel-type composite oxide and an additional active material, and the content of the Mn-based spinel-type composite oxide based on the whole of the positive electrode active material is 60% by mass or less, and the negative electrode active material includes a first graphite particle containing natural graphite and a second graphite particle containing artificial graphite, and the content of the second graphite particle based on the sum total of the first graphite particle and the second graphite particle is in the range of 1 to 30% by mass. Full Article
lit SOLID ELECTROLYTE AND LITHIUM BATTERY INCLUDING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A solid electrolyte for an all-solid secondary battery, the solid electrolyte including: Li, S, P, an M1 element, and an M2 element, wherein the M1 element is at least one element selected from Na, K, Rb, Sc, Fr, and the M2 element is at least one element selected from F, Cl, Br, I, molar amounts of lithium and the M1 element satisfy 0 Full Article
lit LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A lithium secondary battery includes: a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, wherein the negative electrode includes a silicon composite including silicon, a silicon oxide of the formula SiOx wherein 0 Full Article
lit LITHIUM BATTERY ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION CONTAINING ETHYL (2,2,3,3-TETRAFLUOROPROPYL) CARBONATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A battery electrolyte solution contains a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent phase comprising at least 10% by weight of ethyl (2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl) carbonate. The solvent phase comprises optionally other solvent materials such as 4-fluoroethylene carbonate and either or both of diethyl carbonate and ethyl methyl carbonate. This battery electrolyte is highly stable even when used in batteries in which the cathode material has a high operating potential (such as 4.5V or more) relative to Li/Li+. Batteries containing this electrolyte solution therefore have excellent cycling stability. Full Article
lit LITHIUM BATTERY ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION CONTAINING (2,2-DIFLUOROETHYL) ETHYL CARBONATE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A battery electrolyte solution contains a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent phase comprising at least 10% by weight N of (2,2-difluoroethyl) ethyl carbonate. The solvent phase comprises optionally other solvent materials such as 4-fluoroethylene carbonate and other carbonate solvents. This battery electrolyte is highly stable even when used in batteries in which the cathode material has a high operating potential (such as 4.5V or more) relative to Li/Li+. Batteries containing this electrolyte solution therefore have excellent cycling stability. Full Article
lit LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A lithium secondary battery includes a case, a jelly roll housed in the case, the jelly roll including a plurality of electrode plates and a separation film disposed between the plurality of electrode plates, and a heat conduction plate disposed on both sides of the jelly roll and housed in the case together with the jelly roll. Full Article
lit PROTECTIVE LAYER SYSTEM FOR A METALLIC LITHIUM ANODE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A protective layer system for a metallic lithium-containing anode of a lithium cell, for example a lithium-sulfur cell and/or lithium-oxygen cell. To increase the service life and reliability of the cell, the protective layer system includes a lithium ion-conducting layer, in particular an inorganic layer, on the anode side. The anode-side layer has an anode contact side which rests against or which may be placed against the anode. At least one lithium ion-conducting layer, in particular a polymer layer, which contains at least one agent which is reactable with metallic lithium to form an electrically insulating solid is situated on a side of the anode-side layer opposite from the anode contact side. Moreover, the invention relates to an anode which is equipped with such a protective layer system, a lithium cell, and a lithium battery. Full Article
lit ADDITIVE FORMULATION AND COMPOSITION FOR LITHIUM ION BATTERY AND LITHIUM ION BATTERY COMPRISING THE SAME By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An additive formulation for a lithium ion battery is provided, which includes an ionic conductor and a compound having a maleimide structure. An electrode slurry composition is also provided, which includes an active material, a conductive additive, an adhesive, and an additive formulation containing an ionic conductor and a compound having a maleimide structure modified by a compound having a barbituric acid structure. Full Article
lit HOUSING FOR ACCOMMODATION OF A PLURALITY OF BATTERY CELLS HAVING A COOLING DEVICE INTEGRATED IN THE HOUSING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a housing (10) for accommodating a plurality of battery cells (20), in particular lithium-ion battery cells, wherein the housing (10), in particular a plastic housing, comprises a cooling device with an inlet point (30) and an outlet point (40) for an air stream (22) for cooling the battery cells (20). In addition, the housing (10) is designed as a single piece together with the cooling device integrated in the housing (10), and the cooling device additionally has spacers (34; 34a, 34b) for arranging all accommodated battery cells (20) with an intermediate space (23) for guiding air between the battery cells (20), by which means an air channel (25) is provided for the air stream (22) between the battery cells (20). The invention further relates to a battery pack (50) and to a motor vehicle comprising such a battery pack (50). Full Article
lit MONOLITHIC THERMOPLASTIC P-CLAMP WITH CUSHION AND LOCKING MECHANISM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A securing device for mechanical components that is comprised of the securing device is designed as a longitudinal plastic strip comprised of a first complementary tab and a second complementary tab. The first complementary tab and the second complementary tab interlock together and rest flush against one another in a manner that lines up the hole of the first complementary tab with the hole of the second complementary tab. The securing device may be surrounded by a cushion to improve the securing functionality of the device. Full Article
lit L-BRACKETS FOR MOUNTING WITH EXTENDED MOBILITY RANGE By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments are disclosed that relate to mounting brackets for speakers. In some embodiments, a mounting bracket includes a first plate portion; a second plate portion, the second plate portion perpendicular to the first plate portion; and a slot extending continuously from the first plate portion to the second plate portion. Full Article
lit Hippa privacy infectious control screen for gurneys and other mobile transportable beds for emergency and other inter and intra healthcare facility transfers By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A movable privacy screen includes a plurality of privacy screen segments that are attachable to a bed or gurney. The plurality of screen segments include at least first and second screen segments. Each of the first and second screen segments include a first support pole, a second support pole and a coupler. The first support pole has a variable length to permit the first support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second support pole has a variable length to permit the second support pole to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The coupler movably couples the first and second support poles to the bed in a spaced relation to permit the first and second support poles to move between an upstanding use position and a lowered storage position. A fabric-like screen member is coupled to each of the first and second support poles. The fabric-like screen member is sized to extend between the first and second support poles, and is movable between a raised use position and a lowered storage position. Full Article
lit CEILING MOUNT INTRUSION DETECTOR WITH ARBITRARY DIRECTION DETECTION CAPABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A ceiling mount intrusion detector with arbitrary direction detection capability is provided. The detector can include a pyroelectric sensor and a unitary Fresnel lens such that the unitary Fresnel lens includes a first piece of a first full Fresnel lens and a second piece of a second full Fresnel lens and such that the first piece and the second piece are spliced together. Due to the dimensions and location of the unitary Fresnel lens relative to the sensor, the sensor can output a signal indicative of an alarm condition when an object passes in front of the lens at any angle relative to the sensor. Full Article
lit Transition to Accessibility Mode By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An approach is disclosed that provides assistance to disabled individuals when utilizing public spaces. In the approach, a wireless message is received at a detector of the system with the wireless message being from a device worn by a disabled individual. The wireless message includes impairment data pertaining to the disabled individual. In addition, reception of the wireless message indicates that the disabled individual has entered a physical area that provides accommodations to disabled individuals. The approach identifies an impairment pertaining to the disabled individual and adjusts a device setting of a device in the physical area based on the identified impairment of the disabled individual. Full Article
lit TRACK QUALITY CLASSIFIER By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT An apparatus includes a storage medium operable to store a number of data tracks, a read channel circuit operable to process the data tracks read from the storage medium, and a track quality classifier circuit operable to determine a track quality metric for the data tracks read from the storage medium. The track quality metric indicates whether a corresponding one of the data tracks that has failed to successfully process in the read channel circuit can be reprocessed within a track gap period. Full Article
lit Modifiable slider glass assemblies for utility cabs and vehicles, and/or methods of making the same By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Certain example embodiments relate to a sliding window assembly (e.g., of the type found in utility cabs or other vehicles), and methods of making the same. A slidable window panel includes at least one top pin and at least one bottom pin attached thereto. A single fixed window panel includes a hole being defined therein for receiving the slidable panel. Elongated upper and lower rails connected to the fixed panel include upper and lower rail channels defined therein for slidingly receiving the at least one top and bottom pin attached to the slidable panel. Forward and rear end details are provided to each of the upper and lower rails proximate to the hole for slidingly receiving, in respective channels formed therein, the at least one top and bottom pins. The slidable panel is laterally movable when being opened via the respective rail channels provided to the upper and lower rails. The channels in the forward and rear end details are formed so that the slidable panel is movable slightly outwardly towards the hole when the slidable window is being closed and slightly inwardly away from the hole when the slidable window is being opened. Full Article
lit METHOD OF MANUFACTURING LITHIUM-ION SECONDARY BATTERY ELECTRODE SHEET By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of manufacturing a lithium-ion secondary battery electrode sheet disclosed herein includes the step of preparing powder 220 of granulated particles. In this step, the powder (220) of granulated particles (240) including active material particles (241) and a hinder (242) is prepared. The powder (220) is deposited on a strip-shaped collector foil (201) that is being conveyed. Then, the powder (220) is removed from widthwise center portions (202) and (203) of the collector foil (201), and a squeegee (106) is brought into contact with the powder (220) remaining on the opposite sides of the center portions (202) and (203) of the collector foil (201), thus adjusting the thickness of the powder (220). Subsequently, the powder (220) remaining on the opposite sides of the center portions (202) and (203) of the collector foil (201) is pressed. Full Article
lit PAINTING METHOD AND PAINTING FACILITY FOR PRODUCING A DECORATIVE COATING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method for painting a component, in particular for painting a motor vehicle body component, with a decorative layer is provided. The decorative layer may be a decorative strip, a graphic element, a contrast surface or a pattern. The method includes applying a base coat layer, applying a decorative layer, which is within a decorative region with a limited surface area, to the component, and drying a limited drying region of the component, which drying region comprises at least part of the decorative region. Full Article
lit SILICON-BASED ACTIVE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM SECONDARY BATTERY AND PREPARATION METHOD THEREOF By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a silicon-based anode active material for a lithium secondary battery. The silicon-based anode active material imparts high capacity and high power to the lithium secondary battery, can be used for a long time, and has good thermal stability. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the silicon-based anode active material. The method includes (A) binding metal oxide particles to the entire surface of silicon particles or portions thereof to form a silicon-metal oxide composite, (B) coating the surface of the silicon-metal oxide composite with a polymeric material to form a silicon-metal oxide-polymeric material composite, and (C) heat treating the silicon-metal oxide-polymeric material composite under an inert gas atmosphere to convert the coated polymeric material layer into a carbon coating layer. Full Article
lit METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING SIMILAR DOCUMENT SET TO TARGET DOCUMENT FROM A PLURALITY OF DOCUMENTS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and an apparatus for determining a similar document set to a target document from a plurality of documents. Each of the multiple documents and the target document may include a plurality of words, and each of words corresponds to a different integer. The method comprises: for each document among the plurality of documents and the target document, obtaining a set of integers associated with a document based on a set of words associated with the document, converting the set of integers associated with the document into a vector with a same dimension based on a predefined conversion rule; and determining the similar document set based on differences between the corresponding vectors for the multiple documents and the vector for the target document. Full Article
lit Computerized Identification of App Search Functionality for Search Engine Access By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A search system includes a device controller that provisions a device to execute a copy of a selected mobile application. A crawler extracts content and metadata from states of the selected mobile application. A search input state classifier identifies search input states within the states based on a first set of heuristics, including recognition of user-visible search indicia and recognition of metadata that correlates with search functionality. A parameter identifier identifies, for each of the search input states, necessary input parameters. A search function data store stores a record for each identified search function. Each record includes a path to reach a corresponding search input state, an indication of required input parameters, and a mapping of the input parameters to user interface widgets. A query processing system uses the stored search functions to scrape content from the selected mobile application in response to a query. Full Article
lit Computerized Identification Of App Search Functionality For Search Engine Access By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A search system includes a device controller that provisions a device to execute a copy of a selected mobile application. A crawler extracts content and metadata from states of the selected mobile application. A search input state classifier identifies search input states within the states based on a first set of heuristics, including recognition of user-visible search indicia and recognition of metadata that correlates with search functionality. A parameter identifier identifies, for each of the search input states, necessary input parameters. A search function data store stores a record for each identified search function. Each record includes a path to reach a corresponding search input state, an indication of required input parameters, and a mapping of the input parameters to user interface widgets. A query processing system uses the stored search functions to scrape content from the selected mobile application in response to a query. Full Article
lit FACILITY AND METHOD FOR PURIFICATION BY ADSORPTION OF A GASEOUS FLOW COMPRISING A CORROSIVE IMPURITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to a facility for purification by adsorption of gaseous flow comprising at least one impurity which has a corrosive effect on carbons steel, comprising a radial adsorber comprising a housing with an outer envelope made of carbon steel; a vertical perforated inner grating consisting of a corrosion-resistant material, a vertical perforated outer grating, an adsorbent which is held vertically by the outer grating and the inner grating, and allows at least partial blockage of the corrosive impurity, and a means for allowing a centrifugal circulation of the gaseous flow. Full Article
lit Machine with ground working elements providing improved stability By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT A grass cutting machine with two cutting units mounted on opposite sides of the chassis has an inclinometer monitoring the left/right inclination of the chassis. If the inclination value exceeds a defined threshold, the higher of the two cutting units is lifted to improve stability. Full Article
lit Polycrystalline diamond compact including a polycrystalline diamond table with a thermally-stable region having at least one low-carbon-solubility material and applications therefor By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 28 Apr 2015 08:00:00 EDT Embodiments of the invention relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) comprising a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table including a thermally-stable region having at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed interstitially between bonded diamond grains thereof, and methods of fabricating such PDCs. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a substrate, and a PCD table bonded to the substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween and defining a plurality of interstitial regions. The PCD table further includes at least one low-carbon-solubility material disposed in at least a portion of the plurality of interstitial regions. The at least one low-carbon-solubility material exhibits a melting temperature of about 1300° C. or less and a bulk modulus at 20° C. of less than about 150 GPa. Full Article
lit Methods for improving thermal stability of silicon-bonded polycrystalline diamond By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT Methods for preparing a silicon bonded PCD material involving a one step, double sweep process and drilling cutters made by such processes are disclosed. The PCD material includes thermally stable phases in the interstitial spaces between the sintered diamond grains. The method sweeps a diamond powder with a binder to form sintered PCD, reacts said molten binder with a temporary barrier separating said binder and said diamond from a silicon (Si) source, and sweeps said sintered PCD with said Si source to form SiC bonded PCD. Full Article
lit MIXED LEFT/RIGHT CHIRAL LIQUID CRYSTAL FOR IMPROVED SWITCHING SPEED AND TUNABILITY FOR RF DEVICES By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method and apparatus is disclosed herein for improved switching speed and/or tunability for radio-frequency (RF) devices are described. In one embodiment, a liquid crystal (LC) component comprises an LC structure in a mixture with right-handed (R) and left-handed (S) chiral dopants. Full Article
lit SNOW QUALITY MEASURING APPARATUS AND SNOW QUALITY MEASURING METHOD By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A snow quality measuring apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of reflectors, at least one transmitter, at least one receiver, and a measuring device. The plurality of reflectors are respectively arranged at a plurality of prescribed heights above the ground. The transmitter emits radio waves towards the plurality of reflectors, and the receiver receives the reflected waves of the radio waves from the plurality of reflectors. The measuring device measures snow quality of snow on the ground at the prescribed plurality of heights based on the respective reflected waves to from the plurality of reflectors as received by the receiver. Full Article
lit Multifunction tool for demolition By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 23 Dec 2014 08:00:00 EST A multi-function tool having a handle portion and a plurality of structures operable therewith for the performance of a plurality of functions. The multi-function tool allows fast and convenient transition between any of the plurality of functions in order to enable completion of jobs or tasks requiring such functions without acquisition, storage, and/or maintenance of a plurality of specialized tools. Full Article
lit HIGH-STRENGTH COLD-ROLLED STEEL SHEET, HIGH-STRENGTH HOT-DIP GALVANIZED STEEL SHEET, AND HIGH-STRENGTH HOT-DIP GALVANNEALED STEEL SHEET HAVING EXCELLENT DUCTILITY, STRETCH-FLANGEABILITY, AND WELDABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Provided is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having excellent ductility and stretch-flangeability as well as weldability in a range in which a tensile strength is 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength is less than 700 MPa (preferably 500 MPa or higher). In the high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet of the present invention, the chemical composition is adjusted as appropriate, and the area ratio of below-mentioned metal structures at a position of ¼ sheet thickness in the steel sheet satisfies following requirements: tempered martensite: 10 area % to less than 30 area %, bainite: more than 70 area %, total of tempered martensite and bainite: 90 area % or more, ferrite: 0 area % to 5 area %, and retained austenite: 0 area % to 4 area %. The high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet has excellent ductility, stretch-flangeability, and weldability, and has a tensile strength of 980 MPa or higher and a 0.2% yield strength of less than 700 MPa. Full Article
lit DART GAME APPARATUS HAVING PLURALITY OF CAMERAS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM STORED IN COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 15 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Disclosed is a dart game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in order to implement the aforementioned object. The dart game apparatus includes: a dart target having a plurality of score areas; a sensing module configured to sense an electrical signal changed as a dart pin hits the dart target; a controller configured to control an overall operation of the dart game apparatus; and a camera module configured to include a plurality of camera units, wherein the camera module includes a first camera unit configured to photograph a throw line which is a location where a player throws a dart and a whole body of the player, a second camera unit configured to photograph at least a part of a body for identifying the player, a third camera unit configured to photograph the entirety of the dart target, and a fourth camera unit configured to photograph at least a partial area in an area formed between the throw line and the dart game apparatus in order to photograph a blind zone which is not photographed by the first camera unit, the second camera unit, and the third camera unit. Full Article
lit DELIVERY SHOE WITH MASKING CAPABILITY FOR CARD BACKS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes: a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards. Full Article
lit DELIVERY SHOE WITH MASKING CAPABILITY FOR CARD BACKS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A method of using a dealer shoe that is configured to provide access to and removal of playing cards from within the dealer shoe includes: a base, a front plate forming a lower gap with the plate through which individual playing cards can pass, a top, and opposed sides joining the base, top, two sides and the front plate to form a card-carrying cavity. The front plate further is associated with a light producing element configured to shine light (e.g., in patterns, in colors, and the like) over a back of a first playing card extending out of the lower gap; and the wavelength and intensity and qualities of the shone light being sufficient to reduce optical contrast of different colors and/or shades on the back of the first playing card or otherwise disrupt optical viewing of printed images on the backs of playing cards. Full Article
lit HEAT-INSULATING SHROUD FOR FACILITATING TEMPERATURE CONTROL OF A HEATED DEVICE OR PRODUCT By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A heat-insulating shroud for facilitating temperature control of a heated article includes a flexible cover, made from a heat-insulating material, for covering a surface of the heated article, at least one air inlet defined in a first section of the flexible cover, and at least one air outlet defined in a second section of the flexible cover. In a cooling mode of operation, the flexible cover defines an air channel over the surface of the heated article for channeling an air stream from the air inlet(s) over the surface of the heated article towards the air outlet(s). The channeling of the air stream facilitates cooling the heated article. In a heat-conservation mode of operation, the flexible cover of heat-insulating material insulates the heated article from heat loss. Each air outlet may have a closure that opens during the cooling mode of operation and closes during the heat-conservation mode of operation. Full Article
lit SPLIT GAIN SHAPE VECTOR CODING By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 25 May 2017 08:00:00 EDT The invention relates to an encoder and a decoder and methods therein for supporting split gain shape vector encoding and decoding. The method performed by an encoder, where the encoding of each vector segment is subjected to a constraint related to a maximum number of bits, BMAX, allowed for encoding a vector segment. The method comprises, determining an initial number, Np—init, of segments for a target vector x; and further determining an average number of bits per segment, BAVG, based on a vector bit budget and Np—init. The method further comprises determining a final number of segments to be used, for the vector x, in the gain shape vector encoding, based on energies of the Np—init segments and a difference between BMAX and BAVG. The performing of the method enables an efficient allocation of the bits of the bit budget over the target vector. Full Article
lit Methods of producing a titanium dioxide pigment and improving the processability of titanium dioxide pigment particles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 08:00:00 EST A method of producing a titanium dioxide pigment is provided. Also provided is a method of improving the processability of titanium dioxide particles without adversely affecting the rheological properties of the titanium dioxide particles. Full Article
lit ACOUSTIC WAVE DEVICES HAVING IMPROVED CONNECTION RELIABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT An elastic wave device including a substrate, an interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode provided on an upper surface of the substrate, a first wiring electrode provided on the upper surface of the substrate and connected to the IDT electrode, a dielectric film that does not cover a first region of the first wiring electrode but covers a second region of the first wiring electrode above the substrate, the first wiring electrode including a cutout in the second region, and a second wiring electrode that covers an upper surface of the first wiring electrode in the first region and an upper surface of the dielectric film in the second region above the substrate. Full Article
lit Article of manufacture for stretchable night visibility bands for people and animals By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 12 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An article of manufacture for stretchable night visibility bands for people and animals with a inner band consisting of a primarily stretchable material, an outer band consisting of a night visibility material, a way to attach the inner band to the outer band, a means to interchange said inner bands and said outer bands and a way to close the inner band around an object. A preferred embodiment includes further an outer band made of a night visibility material fabricated of least one of the following: a reflective, a florescent or a glow in the dark material and backed with a material such as VELCRO that attaches to the inner band, A preferred embodiment includes the element of inner band consisting of a stretchable material with a looped surface such as Velstretch™. Full Article
lit Lighting control system for utility helmet By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 19 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A control system for automatically switching power between two separate light sources integrated with a welding shield pivotally mounted to an adjustable headband includes at least one magnetic positional switch attached to the headband having electrical communication with at least one battery and the light sources, and two magnetic positional sensors strategically mounted on the interior surface of the welding shield along a defined arcurate path of rotation of the shield about the headband. Full Article
lit DRUM ASSEMBLY HAVING INTERNAL LIGHTNING DISCHARGE CAPABILITY By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A drum assembly includes a drum, a stimulus processor assembly and a Tesla coil. The stimulus processor assembly receives a stimulus, generates an input signal, and converts the input signal to an output signal. The Tesla coil receives the output signal from the stimulus processor assembly. The Tesla coil emits an electrical discharge in response to the output signal. The electrical discharge occurs at least partially within the drum interior. The stimulus processor assembly uses a conversion algorithm to convert the input signal to an output signal. The Tesla coil can be positioned inside or outside of a drum interior of the drum. A discharge router can send the electrical discharge from the Tesla coil to the drum interior. The electrical discharge can have an intensity that is correlative to the decibel level of the stimulus. The stimulus can be generated by the drum or by a source remote from the drum. Full Article
lit Marching Drum which Enables Forwards and Downwards Visibility By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT [Problem] To provide a marching drum which ensures forwards and downwards visibility and ensures the field of view during marching. [Solution] [Effect] By eliminating all or some members of the body of the drum, or by adopting transparent members, this marching drum which enables forwards and downwards visibility ensures the performer's field of view during marching. Full Article
lit Light weight molded roof tile with integrated solar capabilities By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT An improved building roof tile for a sloping roof including a polyurethane foam tile that includes outer coating layers that are made of a uniquely fire resistant or retardant layered system that includes a first outer fire resistant layer of 100% solid aliphatic polyurea material and a second inner layer of an 100% solid intumescent non-halogenated phosphate material, said inner layer forming a fire blocking partition and said outer layer offering UV protection, featherweight, category 5 hurricane proof, yields a high R-value, offer low thermal transference into attic space, will retrofit any sloped roof without structural build-up, can be molded into single or triple units, cannot break under foot or when extreme pressures are applied, can produce upgradable solar energy, is easy to transport and install and can molded to look like slate, wood, flat roll tile or most other historical tiles. Full Article
lit Systems and methods for repairing utility poles By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Tue, 26 May 2015 08:00:00 EDT A pole splint, generally for use with a broken wooden utility pole, which can provide for a strong repair at a pole breakpoint and which uses relatively little manpower and equipment to install, even under difficult conditions. The splint generally comprises two panels which are designed to be interconnected with elongated connectors. The connectors will generally interact with one of the panels through the use of a nut and washer, and may connect with the other panel through a nut and washer or via a chain formed of chain links. Full Article
lit GLASS INTERPOSER INTEGRATED HIGH QUALITY ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Various integrated high quality electronic components and systems, and methods of their manufacture, are presented. In one example, a device includes a glass substrate or interposer including one or more metalized through-glass vias (TGVs). The one or more metalized TGVs can be used to form a substrate integrated waveguide, a complementary split ring resonator, a disc loaded monopole antenna or other device. An array of metalized TGVs can define side walls of the integrated waveguide. A disc coupled to a tip of a metalized TGV can provide capacitive disc loading of the monopole antenna. Full Article
lit DEVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MOBILE SATELLITE COMMUNICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT Techniques and mechanisms to provide a motor vehicle with connectivity for satellite communications. In an embodiment, a communication device is disposed between an exterior surface of the motor vehicle and an interior surface of the motor vehicle. An antenna panel, disposed in a housing of the communication device, may be configured to participate in satellite communication via a first side of the communication device. A configuration of the antenna panel, the housing or one or more hardware interfaces of the communication device may facilitate low profile solution for such communication with the satellite. In another embodiment, the one or more hardware interfaces are each disposed on a respective side of the housing other than the first side, the one or more hardware interfaces to couple the communication device to a power supply of a motor vehicle. Full Article
lit FLAT ANTENNA FOR SATELLITE COMMUNICATION By www.freepatentsonline.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Jun 2017 08:00:00 EDT A flat antenna for satellite communication includes a radiating board. The radiating board includes at least one radiating line, and an adapter configured to modify the delay of the fields transmitted or received by the radiating line. The adapter includes a horn mobile in rotation between the two metal plates containing a sensor array. The horn is also mobile in rotation between at least one coaxial cable connected between at least one sensor of the network and the radiating line. The length of the coaxial cable is suitable for introducing a delay required to focus the wave radiated by the radiating line. Full Article