With Means To Vibrate Or Jiggle Discharge Patents (Class 239/102.1)
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Patent number: 11975351Abstract: Applicators and methods for dispensing material are disclosed. The applicator includes a syringe defining an inlet, and outlet, a chamber extending from the inlet to the outlet, a plunger disposed within the chamber, and a piston attached to the plunger, where the piston is configured to move the plunger through the chamber. The applicator also includes an actuation mechanism configured to linearly translate the piston through the chamber so as to dispense material through the outlet, a sensor attached to the plunger, where the sensor is configured to sense a linear movement of the plunger, and a controller configured to adjust operation of the actuation mechanism based on the linear movement sensed by the sensor such that the piston repeatedly dispenses a predetermined amount of the material from the outlet of the syringe over a plurality of dispense cycles.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 7, 2024Assignee: Nordson CorporationInventors: Jeff Groene, Richard Murphy, Robert Carvahlo
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Patent number: 11952871Abstract: Methods and equipment are provided for stimulating recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation traversed by a wellbore, which employ at least one self-resonating nozzle. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the at least one self-resonating nozzle to create a channel in a surface of the subterranean formation facing the at least one self-resonating nozzle. In embodiments, the equipment can be a downhole tool or completion equipment (such as a liner) that is deployed in the wellbore.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2023Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Hussain Khalifah Al-Dakheel, Mustapha Abbad, Gallyam Aidagulov
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Patent number: 11882826Abstract: Peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other contaminants and impurities from industrial processing hard surfaces are disclosed. In particular, peroxyformic acid compositions may be dosed on site and/or generated in situ for the reduction and prevention of biofilms on the hard surfaces. Methods of employing the peroxyformic acid compositions for removal of biofilm growth and other impurities such as aldehydes and alcohols from industrial CO2 effluent are also disclosed which beneficially provide ambient biofilm control and break down more rapidly than other peracids, allowing for extended runs between CIP cleaning, including a reduction and/or elimination of cleaning of the scrubbers and other industrial surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2021Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: John Bolduc, Chris Nagel, Junzhong Li, Catherine Hanson, Peter Fernholz
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Patent number: 11883579Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes at least one housing, a nozzle, a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, a control component, and a transport element. The at least one housing may enclose a reservoir configured to retain an aerosol precursor composition. The nozzle may be coupled to the housing to discharge aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir. The control component may include a microprocessor coupled to and configured to drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to vibrate and cause a discharge of components of the aerosol precursor composition and thereby produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user. And the transport element may be configured to control an amount of aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2020Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc.Inventor: Rajesh Sur
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Patent number: 11865565Abstract: Methods of improving accuracy of droplet metering using at least one on-actuator reservoir as the fluid input. In some embodiments, the on-actuator reservoir that is used for metering droplets includes a loading port, a liquid storage zone, a droplet metering zone, and a droplet dispensing zone. The on-actuator reservoirs are designed to prevent liquid flow-back into the loading port and to prevent liquid from flooding into the droplet operations gap in the dispensing zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2022Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Uichong B. Yi, Vijay Srinivasan
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Patent number: 11793107Abstract: A gardening material dispensing apparatus configured for dispensing gardening material. The gardening material dispensing apparatus includes a convertible container assembly configured to contain a supply of the gardening material, a dispensing conduit configured to flow the gardening material from the container assembly continually based on gravity to a selected area, and at least one material agitator assembly operably coupled to the dispensing conduit and configured to controlled quantities of the gardening material by controlling a speed of rotation of an agitator impeller. The dispensing conduit dispenses a precise amount of the gardening material continuously onto the selected area.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Inventor: Uzi Talit
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Patent number: 11786922Abstract: A voltage application device includes a voltage application circuit. The voltage application circuit applies application voltage between discharge electrode and counter electrode which face each other with a clearance left from each other to generate a discharge. The voltage application device forms discharge path partially and dielectrically broken between discharge electrode and counter electrode when a discharge is generated. Discharge path includes first dielectric breakdown region formed around discharge electrode, and second dielectric breakdown region formed around counter electrode.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2019Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Tetsunori Aono, Jumpei Oe, Yohei Ishigami, Kana Shimizu, Takafumi Omori, Yukari Nakano, Takayuki Nakada
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Patent number: 11771137Abstract: A frequency tracking method for an ultrasonic electronic cigarette is provided. The method includes enabling start of working of an ultrasonic atomizer and selecting an oscillation frequency range of the ultrasonic atomizer as a frequency scan range according to the natural frequency characteristics of the ultrasonic atomizer. The method further includes selecting N frequency points within the frequency scan range and controlling the ultrasonic atomizer to work at the N frequency points. The method further includes finding out a maximum current value Imax and a minimum current value Imin of the ultrasonic atomizer when working at the N frequency points, and finding out a working frequency fimax corresponding to the maximum current value Imax. The method further includes controlling the ultrasonic atomizer to work at a frequency ftracking=fimax+?f; and detecting the working current I of the ultrasonic atomizer.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2019Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: CHINA TOBACCO HUNAN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventors: Jianfu Liu, Kejun Zhong, Xiaoyi Guo, Wei Huang, Xinqiang Yin, Jianhua Yi, Zuoxiong Zou, Yongquan Zhou
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Patent number: 11772029Abstract: A gas detection and purification device can be placed in an in-car space and includes a housing, a purification module, a gas-guiding unit, and a gas detection module. The housing has a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A gas channel is between the gas inlet and the gas outlet. The purification module is disposed in the gas channel to filter the gas guided into the gas channel. The gas-guiding unit is disposed in the gas channel and at one side of the purification module. The gas-guiding unit guides the gas into the device from the gas inlet, guides the gas to pass through the purification module for performing filtering and purifying, and discharges the gas out from the gas outlet. The gas detection module is disposed in the gas channel to detect the gas guided into the housing to obtain gas detection data.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2020Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Hao-Jan Mou, Ching-Sung Lin, Chin-Chuan Wu, Yung-Lung Han, Chi-Feng Huang, Chun-Yi Kuo, Chin-Wen Hsieh
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Patent number: 11752283Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods to generate an inhalable vapor in an electronic vaporization device. The vaporization device may generate a vapor with one or more defined characteristics. In some cases, the vapor may have a predetermined aerosol number density and/or a predetermined average aerosol diameter. The vaporization device may generate a vapor from a vaporizable material. In some cases, the vaporizable material may be a liquid material housed in a cartridge. The vaporization device may comprise a rechargeable power storage device.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Ariel Atkins, Adam Bowen, Steven Christensen, Nicholas Jay Hatton, Christopher Nicholas HibmaCronan, James Monsees, Joshua Morenstein
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Patent number: 11654448Abstract: An aperture plate (1) is attached at its rim (203) to a support washer (3) by adhesive. Anchor grooves (204) having a zig-zag pattern in plan are machined in the lower surface of the rim (203 of the aperture plate before application of the adhesive. The grooves (204) extend out to the edge of the aperture plate (1). The anchor grooves have a depth in the range of 10 ?m to 40 ?m, and a width in the range of 20 ?m to 150 ?m, and an angular pitch in the range of 2.5° to 12.5°. Excellent bonding strength is achieved for long term reliable attachment in an environment of high frequency vibration and moisture and chemical corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2018Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Stamford Devices LimitedInventors: Michael Aherne, Colga Coye, Philip Scanlon
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Patent number: 11639714Abstract: A pump device includes a first piezoelectric pump, a second piezoelectric pump connected in series to the first piezoelectric pump on an upstream side of the first piezoelectric pump, a driver unit that supplies alternating-current input power to the first piezoelectric pump and the second piezoelectric pump, and a distribution setting unit that sets a distribution ratio of the input power to be supplied from the driver unit to each of the first piezoelectric pump and the second piezoelectric pump, wherein the distribution setting unit sets a ratio of the input power for the second piezoelectric pump to the input power for the first piezoelectric pump to a value greater than 1 and equal to or less than 1.57.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2020Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Nobuhira Tanaka
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Patent number: 11577268Abstract: An atomizer is provided for dispensing liquids into the air. In some implementations, a device is provided for generating atomized fluid specifically, but not exclusively, for production of small droplets of scented oil and other fluid-based fragrances, among other types of liquids. In some embodiments, the device comprises a tube-shaped element having a proximal opening and a distal opening, wherein media positioned inside the tube is forced out of the proximal opening via an aperture plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: February 14, 2023Assignee: OVR Tech, LLCInventors: Matthew Flego, Yehuda Ivri, Erik Cooper, Aaron Wisniewski, Samuel Wisniewski
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Patent number: 11511293Abstract: The present invention discloses a water mist nano gasification conversion device, including a main body (1), an electronic high-voltage generator (5), a water inlet (3), a water supply tank (4), an electronic water mist spraying device (6) arranged in the water supply tank (4), and an atomization tube (2) arranged above the water supply tank (4). Water droplets and water mist sprayed by the electronic water mist spraying device (6) by using a negative electric field are blown into an electric field region which is arranged in the atomization tube (2) for ionization and decomposition. The nanoscale water mist generated by the device has the advantages of sterilizing and humidifying the air, improving air cleanliness and achieving skin moisturization.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2020Date of Patent: November 29, 2022Inventor: Zhiqiang Zhou
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Patent number: 11407000Abstract: A volatile material dispenser includes a base that houses a printed circuit board, a stand assembly that is coupled with the base, the stand assembly including a platform, a stand that extends from the platform, and a manifold that extends from the stand, the manifold containing a circular piezoelectric element. The dispenser further includes a shroud that is coupled with the stand assembly and defines a chimney, and a refill comprising a wick, the refill being removably coupled with the manifold. The manifold includes a cylindrical wall that extends upward from the manifold, a spring is disposed within the manifold and is coaxial with the cylindrical wall, and a top end of the spring is wrapped around the cylindrical wall and a bottom end of the spring applies a force against the piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.Inventors: Sebastian D. Hasik, Gregory G. Pieper, Katherine Cusatis, James T. Walker, Brian T. Davis, Timothy R. Ordiway
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Patent number: 11275317Abstract: A photolithographic apparatus includes a droplet generator, a droplet generator maintenance system, and a controller communicating with the droplet generator maintenance system. The droplet generator maintenance system operatively communicates with the droplet generator, a coolant distribution unit, a gas supply unit, and a supporting member. The gas supply unit includes a heat exchange assembly and an air heating assembly. The coolant distribution unit is configured to control the temperature of the droplet generator within the acceptable droplet generator range.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2021Date of Patent: March 15, 2022Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yu-Huan Chen, Cheng-Hsuan Wu, Ming-Hsun Tsai, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen
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Patent number: 11253885Abstract: A handheld misting device includes a sonic generator, a power source coupled to the sonic generator, at least one reservoir containing a first liquid, and a conduit from the at least one reservoir. The sonic generator includes a converter and an elongate horn comprising a first horn section coupled to the converter and a second horn section physically connected to and removable from the first horn section. Sonic energy delivered to the first horn section is conducted to the second horn section. The conduit transports liquid from the at least one reservoir to the second horn section to a delivery opening distal the first horn section.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2019Date of Patent: February 22, 2022Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.Inventor: Alexandru Paunescu
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Patent number: 11171344Abstract: A fuel cell nozzle includes a fuel circuit receiver configured to receive a fuel circuit and an air circuit. At least a portion of the air circuit is integrally formed with the fuel circuit receiver. The nozzle can further include a base portion that is configured to interface with a fuel cell. The fuel circuit receiver and the air circuit can extend from the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2019Date of Patent: November 9, 2021Assignee: Delavan Inc.Inventor: Gregory A. Zink
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Patent number: 11110232Abstract: An aerosol generating apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a liquid container, an adaptor detachably engaged with the liquid container, and a driving element accommodated by the adaptor. A perforated membrane, through which a liquid can pass through, is disposed at an exit of the liquid container. Moreover, the perforated membrane faces the driving element. The driving element includes a substrate coupled with a piezoelectric element. The substrate includes an aperture that corresponds to the perforated membrane when the liquid container and the adaptor are engaged so as to receive liquid. Moreover, when the liquid container and the adaptor are engaged, the perforated membrane is in contact with the substrate at the proximity of the aperture, which is about the substrate's center. The adaptor is configured to contact the substrate's periphery only. The resulting apparatus generates aerosol at a desired efficiency with less energy needed.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2017Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: MicroBase Technology Corp.Inventors: Shu-Pin Hsieh, Yi-Tong Chen, Ting-Kai Tsai, Po-Chuan Chen, Chih-Wei Lu
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Patent number: 11097538Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a supply manifold, a plurality of supply throttle channels, a plurality of pressure chambers, and a plurality of nozzles. The supply manifold includes a supply opening through which liquid is supplied from an exterior. The supply manifold extends in a first direction. Each of the supply throttle channels is connected, at one end thereof, to the supply manifold, and extends in a second direction. Each of the pressure chambers is connected to the other end of a corresponding one of the supply throttle channels, and extends in a third direction different from the first direction. Each of the nozzles communicates with a corresponding one of the pressure chambers. The second direction in which each of the supply throttle channels extends has a component of the first direction and a component of the third direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Keita Hirai, Shohei Koide, Keita Sugiura, Hiroshi Katayama
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Patent number: 11089915Abstract: Dispensers of the present technology are configured to receive a replaceable refill cartridge, and may include a back housing, a front cover, a control unit, a refill housing configured to receive a refill cartridge, and a switch board positioned between the refill housing and the back housing. Dispensers may also include at least one refill guide removably connected to the refill housing. The switch board may include at least one switch operatively connected to the control unit. The at least one switch may be a refill recognition switch configured to send at least a refill recognition signal to the control unit indicating that a refill cartridge is present in the refill housing, or a refill size switch configured to send a refill size signal to the control unit indicating a size of the refill cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2019Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: XELA Innovations, LLCInventor: Todd J. Muderlak
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Patent number: 11090404Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid materials includes: a plurality of fluid storage chambers with each of the plurality containing a stored fluid; at least one MEMS dispensing element disposed in fluid communication with at least one of the plurality of fluid storage chambers; a control element disposed in electrical communication with the at least one MEMS dispensing element and comprising a memory component; a power supply disposed in electrical communication with the at least one MEMS dispensing element and the control element; and a user interface disposed in electrical communication with the control element. The memory component contains programmed instructions which, when executed by the control element cause the system to randomly dispense a first fluid from a first fluid storage chamber, and randomly disperse a second fluid from a second fluid storage chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2016Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Stephan Gary Bush, Faiz Feisal Sherman
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Patent number: 11041486Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a self-pumping structure, methods of self-pumping, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2018Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: John Mark Meacham, Andrei G. Fedorov, F. Levent Degertekin
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Patent number: 10859918Abstract: A method for operating a semiconductor apparatus includes generating a plurality of target droplets, deforming the target droplets into a plurality of target plumes respectively, changing an orientation of at least one of the target plumes, and generating a plurality of EUV radiations from the target plumes respectively. At least one of the EUV radiations irradiates an area on the light collector different from other EUV radiations in response to the orientation of the at least one of the target plumes.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2019Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kuan-Hung Chen, Chieh Hsieh, Shang-Chieh Chien, Li-Jui Chen, Po-Chung Cheng
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Patent number: 10809812Abstract: A device for inputting data into an information processing apparatus using a communication cable. The device includes a sensing field including signal lines. The sensing field generates one or more signals when an object is proximate thereto. The device further includes at least one processor connected to the signal lines. The processor receives the signals and generates data based on the signals. The device additionally includes a port in communication with the processor for data output. The port is configured to connect to the cable and communicate the data over the cable to the information processing apparatus. The device includes a light source configured to illuminate keyboard symbols corresponding to areas of the sensing field. The device also includes an exterior surface covering the sensing field and obscuring the keyboard symbols from visibility unless the light source is providing illumination.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2018Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: PANASONIC AVIONICS CORPORATIONInventors: Feng Jiang, Shrenik Shah
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Patent number: 10681936Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a power supply device, an atomizer, a liquid storage structure, a fluid transportation device and a sensing unit. The atomizer includes an electric heater. The liquid storage structure includes a passageway and a liquid container for storing cigarette liquid. The fluid transportation device is in communication with the liquid container and the atomizer for transferring the cigarette liquid to the atomizer at a certain amount. Consequently, an atomized vapor is generated. The sensing unit includes an airflow sensor and an air pressure sensor. The power supply device is selectively enabled or disabled according to a result of detecting the airflow by the airflow sensor, and the air pressure sensor issues a detection signal to the control module according to a result of detecting a pressure of the airflow so as to adjust a speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2018Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: MICROJET TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Jia-Yu Liao, Li-Pang Mo, Shih-Chang Chen, Chi-Feng Huang, Yung-Lung Han, Chang-Yen Tsai
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Patent number: 10434535Abstract: A fluid ejection device is a fluid ejection device adapted to eject a fluent material, including a fluent material chamber supplied with the fluent material, a moving object, which can reciprocate in the fluent material chamber, a nozzle part having a discharge port communicating with the fluent material chamber, and an inner wall on a periphery of the discharge port on which a tip part of the moving object can contact from the fluent material chamber side, and an actuator having contact with a back end part of the moving object to reciprocate the moving object to thereby discharge the fluent material from the discharge port. The actuator has a plurality of solid-state displacement elements connected in series to each other, and one end of one of the plurality of solid-state displacement elements has contact with the back end part of the moving object.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Keigo Sugai, Eiji Okamoto, Shinichi Nakamura
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Patent number: 10426863Abstract: A liquid spray device with concealed electric conductive structure is used for atomizing the liquid stored therein and then spraying the atomized liquid. The device comprises a base, a controller on a front side of the base, a liquid storage container that can be separately arranged above or below the controller, a sprayer including a bracket movably pivoted on the controller, a vibrator arranged on the bracket, a liquid sucking outlet that allows the vibrator to abut against the liquid storage container, and a housing covering the base. A conductive pivoting structure is provided between the controller and the bracket, the bracket is provided with a wire recess, and a wire is provided within the wire recess, which allows one end of the wire to be electrically connected to the conductive pivoting structure, while the other end thereof is electrically connected to the vibrator.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2017Date of Patent: October 1, 2019Assignee: Vida International Inc.Inventors: Zhi-Kai Xu, Bing-Xin Zhu
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Patent number: 10352283Abstract: Internal combustion engine fuel, preferably diesel fuel, feed pump assembly, the pump assembly (1) comprising a pump body (2); at least one cylinder (6) formed in the pump body (2) and extending along an axis (A2); a seat (12) formed in the pump body (2), at one end of the cylinder (6); an intake valve (18) for selectively controlling fuel feed into the cylinder (6), which is housed inside the seat (12) and in turn comprises a valve body (25); and an annular seal (26) extending around the axis (A2) and fitted inside the seat (12) between the valve body (25) and the pump body (2); the pump assembly (1) being characterized in that the valve body (25) is positioned contacting the annular seal (26) along a contact surface (45) of the valve body (25) and close to a surface portion adjacent to a radially inner peripheral edge (46) of the seal (26); the valve body (25) having an annular step (48) along another surface portion adjacent to a radially outer peripheral edge (52) of the seal (26).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2014Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Manuel Tavani, Rocco Guarino, Fabio Damiani
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Patent number: 10328218Abstract: A nebulizer system includes a body having a fluid chamber and an aerosol chamber, and a vibrator assembly positioned at an interface between the fluid chamber and the aerosol chamber. The vibrator assembly may include a diaphragm, having a fluid side and an aerosol side, defining a plurality of perforations between the fluid side and the aerosol side, and one or more vibrator elements operatively associated with the diaphragm to vibrate the diaphragm to produce aerosolized medicament projected into the aerosol chamber from the plurality of perforations. Each perforation of the plurality of perforations projects the aerosolized medicament along a respective projection path relative to a plane defined by the aerosol side of the perforation, the one or more vibrator elements or the diaphragm support substrate further being configured to angularly displace the aerosol side of the diaphragm to sweep the direction of at least one projection path.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2016Date of Patent: June 25, 2019Assignee: ENGINEERED MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: George Ashford Reed, Jeffrey John Quinn, Brad Hayden Quinn, Patrick Finn Boileau
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Patent number: 10322258Abstract: An anion perfume machine in which a throttling and shock absorption water blocking sheet and oscillator generating inclined vibration waves are configured, wherein the water blocking sheet is made of soft silicone material and assuming a cross body with four claws, a round petal is adapted to connect the two adjacent claws to each other, a center of the cross body configured with a barbed hook is exactly in engagement with a through hole of a cross rib configured on a center of a throttle cover; an inclined vibration guide unit is lodged in a oscillator accommodation room configured on a bottom of a vibration wave conduction cup; the oscillation unit is constituted by a silicone seat, thereby generating inclined vibration waves, allowing a large number of upward inclined atomized spouts to be sprayed on the essence oil water cup and flow upward along a wall of a cup.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2017Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: KEEPYOUNG TECHNOLOGY TAIWAN LIMITED COMPANYInventor: Fu-Zong Shin
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Patent number: 10312692Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for configuring and managing solar panels to form strings of photovoltaic energy generators with improved performance and reduced cost. The photovoltaic energy generators are connected via one or more combined local management units (CLMUs), each having a plurality of direct current converters connected to and configured to receive direct current power from a respective solar panel. A controller unit shared by the CLMU's direct current converters is utilized to separately control the operation of each converter such that the power extracted from the solar panels is maximized. A communications unit coupled with the controller unit is utilized to facilitate communications between the controller unit and a system unit remote from the CLMU to report measurements and receive control signals.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Tigo Energy, Inc.Inventors: Shmuel Arditi, Ron Hadar, Jeff Krisa, James Bickford
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Patent number: 10280507Abstract: Systems and methods for forming films on the surface of a substrate are described. The systems possess aerosol generators which form droplets from a liquid solution made from a solvent and a deposition precursor. A carrier gas may be flowed through the liquid solution and push the droplets toward a substrate placed in a substrate processing region. The droplets pass into the substrate processing region and chemically react with the substrate to form films. The temperature of the substrate may be maintained below the boiling temperature of the solvent during film formation. The solvent imparts a flowability to the forming film and enable the depositing film to flow along the surface of a patterned substrate during formation prior to solidifying. The flowable film results in bottom-up gapfill inside narrow high-aspect ratio gaps in the patterned substrate.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2018Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Ranga Rao Arnepalli, Darshan Thakare, Abhijit Basu Mallick, Pramit Manna, Robert Jan Visser, Prerna Sonthalia Goradia, Nilesh Chimanrao Bagul
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Patent number: 10278422Abstract: A cartomizer of an electronic cigarette is configured to couple to a power source thereof that provides power for the electronic cigarette. The cartomizer comprises an insulated heating chamber that includes a controlled valve, a heating element, and an e-Liquid portion. The controlled valve can supply e-Liquid from the e-Liquid portion to the insulated heating chamber, wherein the e-Liquid is heated within the insulated heating chamber by the heating element to produce an aerosol. The insulated heating chamber reduces heat dissipation to the remainder of the cartomizer.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2014Date of Patent: May 7, 2019Assignee: Altria Client Services LLCInventors: Dorron Levy, Yaron Levy, Robert Levitz, David Cohen
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Patent number: 10273577Abstract: Systems and methods for processing films on the surface of a substrate are described. The systems possess aerosol generators which form droplets from a condensed matter (liquid or solid) of one or more precursors. A carrier gas is flowed through the condensed matter and push the droplets toward a substrate placed in a substrate processing region. An inline pump connected with the aerosol generator can also be used to push the droplets towards the substrate. A direct current (DC) electric field is applied between two conducting plates configured to pass the droplets in-between. The size of the droplets is desirably reduced by application of the DC electric field. After passing through the DC electric field, the droplets pass into the substrate processing region and chemically react with the substrate to deposit or etch films.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Ranga Rao Arnepalli, Nilesh Chimanrao Bagul, Prerna Sonthalia Goradia, Robert Jan Visser
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Patent number: 10240579Abstract: A virtual aerodynamic component for a wind turbine including at least one rotor blade connected to a hub. The at least one rotor blade defines an inner portion and a profiled outer portion. The virtual aerodynamic component includes one or more air-blowing units configured to provide a flow of air substantially opposed to an incoming wind. The flow of air defines the virtual aerodynamic component in front of the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade and provides for redirection of the incoming wind toward the profiled outer portion of the at least one rotor blade in an operational state and allows the incoming wind to flow toward the inner portion of the at least one rotor blade in a non-operational state. Further described is a wind turbine including the above-described virtual aerodynamic component and method for aerodynamic performance enhancement of an existing wind turbine.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2016Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Seyed Gholamali Saddoughi, Matthew Patrick Boespflug, Michael Solomon Idelchik, Grover Andrew Bennett
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Patent number: 10211472Abstract: A fuel cell nozzle includes a fuel circuit receiver configured to receive a fuel circuit and an air circuit. At least a portion of the air circuit is integrally formed with the fuel circuit receiver. The nozzle can further include a base portion that is configured to interface with a fuel cell. The fuel circuit receiver and the air circuit can extend from the base portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Delavan Inc.Inventor: Gregory A. Zink
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Patent number: 10208744Abstract: A fluid sending apparatus includes a signal generator that generates a signal including a signal component that has a one-sided waveform and is composed of a rising component in a positive voltage direction, a falling component in the positive voltage direction, and a vortex ring formation time component T, and a damping component for driving for a predetermined time with a voltage less than or equal to one-half of a voltage in the positive voltage direction, the waveform of each of the signal component and the damping component corresponding to a single wave.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2018Date of Patent: February 19, 2019Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Susumu Fujiwara, Naho Misumi, Shiro Takeuchi, Junichiro Hoshizaki
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Patent number: 10144031Abstract: A fluid ejection device is a fluid ejection device adapted to eject a fluent material including an actuator, and a drive signal supply section adapted to output a signal used to drive the actuator, wherein the actuator includes a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element connected in series to each other. The drive signal supply section is capable of outputting a first drive waveform and a second drive waveform having a voltage change part steeper than that of the first drive waveform to the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element, outputs the second drive waveform to the second piezoelectric element in a case of outputting the first drive waveform to the first piezoelectric element, and outputs the first drive waveform to the second piezoelectric element in a case of outputting the second drive waveform to the first piezoelectric element.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Keigo Sugai
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Patent number: 10144030Abstract: Disclosed is a nebulization device with a spray orifice plate including an energy transfer element, a spray orifice plate and a driving element. The energy transfer element has at least one first penetrating hole for inputting a liquid from a side and the spray orifice plate is installed on at least one side of the energy transfer element for sealing the first penetrating hole, and the energy transfer element supports the spray orifice plate, and the spray orifice plate has at least one stepped orifice formed at a position corresponding to the first penetrating hole and serves as a transportation channel of the liquid, so that the liquid can be temporarily stored in the stepped orifice and sprayed out through the through hole after vibration and nebulization in order to improve the nebulization effect significantly.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: MicroBase Technology Corp.Inventors: Tun-Ying Fang, Yao-Fang Ku, Yu-Ta Chen, Mei-Hui Huang, Yi-Hui Peng
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Patent number: 10130968Abstract: A system and method for reducing or increasing the mechanical structure resonance of a synthetic jet device is disclosed. A synthetic jet device includes a first plate, a second plate spaced apart from the first plate, a spacing component coupled to and positioned between the first and second plates to form a chamber and including an orifice therein, and an actuator element coupled to at least one of the first and second plates to selectively cause deflection thereof, thereby changing a volume within the chamber so that a series of fluid vortices is generated and projected out from the orifice of the spacing component. At least one of the first and second plates includes a modified section that alters a mechanical resonance of the synthetic jet device, so as to control a level of acoustic noise generated by the synthetic jet device.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Hendrik Pieter Jacobus de Bock, Bryan Patrick Whalen, Stanton Earl Weaver, Charles Erklin Seeley
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Patent number: 10124351Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving accuracy of droplet metering using at least one on-actuator reservoir as the fluid input. In some embodiments, the on-actuator reservoir that is used for metering droplets includes a loading port, a liquid storage zone, a droplet metering zone, and a droplet dispensing zone. The on-actuator reservoirs are designed to prevent liquid flow-back into the loading port and to prevent liquid from flooding into the droplet operations gap in the dispensing zone.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2014Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: ADVANCED LIQUID LOGIC, INC.Inventors: Uichong B. Yi, Vijay Srinivasan
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Patent number: 10128017Abstract: Disclosed is an EUV system in which a source control loop is established to maintain and optimize debris flux while not unduly affecting optimum EUV generation conditions. One or more temperature sensors, e.g., thermocouples may be installed in the vessel to measure respective local gas temperatures. The respective local temperature as measured by the one or more thermocouples can be used as one or more inputs to the source control loop. The source control loop may then adjust the laser targeting to permit optimization of debris generation and deposition while not affecting EUV production, thus extending the lifetime of the source and its collector.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2017Date of Patent: November 13, 2018Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Alexander I. Ershov, John Tom Stewart, IV, Igor V. Fomenkov, Christianus W. J. Berendsen
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Patent number: 10047713Abstract: A metal valve body having a fuel injection port includes a nozzle plate accommodation part accommodating a nozzle plate of synthetic resin and aligning a center of the nozzle plate with a central axis of the valve body. A front end surface abutting against the nozzle plate is accommodated in the nozzle plate accommodation part. A swage projection fixes the nozzle plate to the front end side on which the fuel injection port is formed. The nozzle plate is swage-fixed in the state in which a spring action part is elastically deformed on the front end side of the valve body by the swage projection, and a nozzle hole formation part is constantly pushed against the front end surface of the valve body by the elastic force of the spring action part.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2014Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Enplas CorporationInventor: Koji Noguchi
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Patent number: 10010800Abstract: A mutually opposite generally horizontal gravity-driven flow water toy including at least first and second water inlets, at least first and second generally vertical water conduits coupled to respective ones of the at least first and second water inlets for directing a gravity flow of water therethrough from the respective ones of the first and second water inlets, at least first and second generally horizontal water conduits coupled to respective ones of the at least first and second generally vertical water conduits for directing a gravity flow of water therethrough from the respective ones of the first and second water inlets and via respective ones of the at least first and second generally vertical water conduits, the at least first and second generally horizontal water conduits being arranged such that the gravity flow of water therethrough is in generally opposite directions.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Global Marketing Enterprise (GME) Ltd.Inventors: Zafrira Weisman, Israel Zanger
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Patent number: 9987854Abstract: A liquid discharge head may reduce possibility that pressure from a discharge unit reaches a third channel and a fourth channel. The liquid discharge head includes a plurality of discharge units each including a discharge hole, a pressurization chamber communicating with the discharge hole, a first channel for liquid supply to the pressurization chamber, and a second channel for liquid collection from the pressurization chamber, a pressurizing part configured to pressurize the pressurization chamber, a third channel connected commonly to the first channels of the plurality of discharge units, the third channel for liquid supply to the discharge units, a fourth channel connected commonly to the second channels of the plurality of discharge units, the fourth channel for liquid collection from the discharge units, and a fifth channel connecting the discharge units and having channel resistance larger than channel resistance of the first channel and the second channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: KYOCERA CORPORATIONInventor: Naoki Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9968557Abstract: A dual channel spray gun, and method of use thereof, for fabricating nanostructures including a pharmaceutical/therapeutic agent having enhanced oral bioavailability. The nanostructures are a mixture of at least two (2) solutions/media substantially equally distributed as desired. The spray gun device uses gas pressure and/or two ultrasonicators to simultaneously prepare two solution systems for subsequent mixture and atomization. The gas pressure and frequencies of the ultrasonicators are adjustable for each channel of the spray gun. In operation, the spray gun is used to prepare microstructures that, for example, contain at least one active pharmaceutical agent in one solution system and excipients, such as coating or bioadhesives, in the other solution system. Any combination of solution systems is contemplated, such as both systems containing a pharmaceutical agent or both systems containing excipients.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2016Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Florida A&M UniversityInventors: Mandip Sachdeva, Apurva Patel
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Patent number: 9970422Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a self-pumping structure, methods of self-pumping, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 15, 2018Assignee: Georgia Tech Research CorporationInventors: John Mark Meacham, Andrei G. Fedorov, F. Levent Degertekin
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Patent number: 9937302Abstract: A nebulizing device includes a medicament storage module, a nebulizing unit, and a first waterproof gasket. In the medicament storage module, a coupling part is connected with an outer surface of a tubular sidewall and aligned with an outlet of the tubular sidewall, and includes an extension wall and a first recess where the nebulizing unit is disposed. The first waterproof gasket is disposed within the first recess and located on a side of the nebulizing unit farther from the outlet. In the first waterproof gasket, a first opening is disposed adjacent to the nebulizing unit, a second opening is disposed opposite to the first opening and located on a side of the first opening farther from the nebulizing unit, the size of the second opening is greater than that of the first opening, and the annular wall structure is connected to the first opening and the second opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Kuo-Liang Lee, Chun-Kai Chuang
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Patent number: 9867398Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented for an e-cigarette device that atomizes the liquid through ultrasonic vibrations, thereby generating micro-droplets that can be absorbed through breathing, similar to breathing in a mist or vapor. No heating elements are involved, thereby leading to no burnt elements and reducing second-hand smoke effects.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2016Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Inventors: David Guo, Hong Xi Guo