Most innovative companies for 02/08/2022 (new inventions)
Exciting new inventions from 3m Innovative Properties Company, Hyundai Motor Company, Airbus Operations Gmbh, Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. And Seiko Epson Corporation
This is a weekly article summarizing a handful of inventions from the most innovative companies in the world. The summaries are created by an A.I. and proof-read by a human before publication. Attempts are made to ensure accuracy of the descriptions, but it is very much a work in progress. Each invention description is preceeded by a poem about the invention that is written by the A.I. I have found the limerick is actually quite good at explaining the invention in simple terms. Enjoy!
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
Filter Cartridges for Translational Insertion and Rotational Engagement of Manifold Valves
What is this invention?
Filter cartridge for translational insertion and rotational engagement of a manifold
There once was a filter cartridge
That had a body and some filter media.
It also had a stem,
With an inlet and an outlet, and a stem face.
This stem face had two surfaces:
One for driving a valve, and one for engaging the manifold cam.
We have all been there - trying to get a filter cartridge into a manifold, only to have it slip and fall off. With today's invention from 3M Innovative Properties Company, this problem is finally solved! The Filter Cartridge for Translational Insertion and Rotational Engagement of a Manifold (Patent #8,936,527) is designed specifically for translational insertion and rotational engagement of manifolds. Upon translation insertion, the valve engagement member of the filter cartridge engages a portion of a valve body of the manifold valve, allowing for smooth and easy operation. During first stage rotation, one or more retaining members of the filter cartridge engage the manifold cam - ensuring that your filter stays in place during rotation. And during second stage rotation, the valve engagement member imparts rotational movement to the valve body - ensuring that your job gets done right!
The filter cartridges described herein comprise a cartridge body and a filter media. The stem extending from the cartridge body has an inlet opening, an outlet opening, and a stem face that comprises a first valve driving surface and a second valve driving surface. At least one lug is attached to either the filter body or the stem, and has a leading engagement edge. When inserted into translational motion into a manifold, the valve engagement member of the filter cartridge engages a portion of a valve body of the manifold valve. During first stage rotation, one or more retaining members of the filter cartridge engage the manifold cam of the manifold. And during second stage rotation, imparts rotational movement to the valve body. Systems and methods incorporating these filters are disclosed.
US Patent 11241643
3M Innovative Properties Company
Computer-Implemented Systems and Methods for Estimating Air Filter Replacement Status
What is this invention?
Systems and methods for predicting HVAC filter change
This paper is quite a bore,
But it does describe one thing more:
A way to estimate
When you need a new air filter, based on
The weather and the HVAC's total runtime.
The heat and air conditioning industry is constantly evolving in order to meet the needs of today's consumers. One area that has seen a lot of change is HVAC filter usage - with more and more people living in urban areas, it's important that their air conditioning systems can handle the increased load. 3M Innovative Properties Company has developed a new system that can help predict when an HVAC filter will need to be replaced, so you can make sure you're always taking care of your equipment. By obtaining outdoor weather data and calculating the Total Runtime Value of the HVAC system, this system is able to provide a credible predictor of air filter usage. This information can then be used to estimate fan runtime based on easily-obtained outdoor weather data, which makes installation and use of this system very easy. With this technology installed in any existing HVAC system, you'll be able to keep your customers cool and comfortable no matter what the conditions outside are!
This paper describes computer-implemented systems and methods for estimating a replacement status of an HVAC air filter. Outdoor weather data (e.g., outdoor temperature information) is obtained, and a Total Runtime Value of the HVAC system is determined based upon the obtained outdoor weather data. Finally, a replacement status of the air filter is estimated as a function of a comparison of the Total Runtime Value with a Baseline Value. By correlating air filter replacement status with an estimated runtime of the HVAC system, a credible predictor of air filter usage is provided. By estimating fan runtime based on easily-obtained outdoor weather data, the methods are readily implemented with any existing HVAC system and do not require installation of sensors or other mechanical or electrical components to the HVAC system.
US Patent 11241646
Hyundai Motor Company
Precious Metal Catalyst Composite Made Easier With New Method
What is this invention?
Method for preparing supported metal catalyst and supported metal catalyst prepared therefrom
There once was a method for preparing a metal catalyst composite,
Which included pre-treating a carbon support in a reactor.
A metal precursor was then deposited on the pre-treated carbon support,
Which improved the performance of the catalyst.
This invention from Hyundai Motor Company is a game-changer for metal catalyst preparation. By pre-treating a carbon support in a reactor and depositing a metal precursor on the pre-treated carbon support, you can create an incredibly powerful metal catalyst composite that is capable of performing amazing feats. This technology has the potential to revolutionize metal catalyst preparation, and we can't wait to see what incredible things it can do in the future.
The patent discloses a method for preparing a metal catalyst composite. The method includes pre-treating a carbon support in a reactor, and depositing a metal precursor on the pre-treated carbon support. The pre-treating the carbon support may include exposing the carbon support to a nucleating agent, for example, titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). This method can be used to create metal catalysts with improved performance.
US Patent 11241682
Airbus Operations GmbH
Lacquer Transfer Made Easier with New Device
What is this invention?
Device for lacquer transfer
There once was a device that sprayed
Lacquer on surfaces in a way
That hardened it with UV light
So it turned out just right
And now everyone's using this ray!
Lacquer is one of the most important materials used in the manufacturing process, and it's essential that it's transferred from a roller to a work surface without any mistakes. Airbus Operations GmbH has come up with a new device for lacquer transfer that makes this process much easier than ever before. The Device for Lacquer Transfer includes a frame, transfer roller with circumferential lateral wall, nozzle for dispensing lacquer, and hardening unit - all of which are housed within an interior space defined by the transfer roller. This setup allows UV-light to be emitted towards the work surface upon which the lateral wall of the transfer roller rolls, hardening the lacquer after it's transferred to the work surface. This innovative design ensures that lacquer is transferred more reliably and without any mistakes - making your manufacturing process more efficient overall!
The device includes a frame, transfer roller with circumferential lateral wall, nozzle for dispensing lacquer, and hardening unit. The hardening unit is formed as a UV-light unit for hardening the lacquer in a contactless way by emitting UV-light. The lateral wall of the transfer roller is transparent for UV-light and the light shield prevents outside contact surface with at least a portion of it from being exposed to UV-light emitted from the hardening unit. This allows for more reliable lacquer transfer from the transfer roller to the work surface.
US Patent 11241708
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
3-D Printing with Inks that Enhance Parts Durability
What is this invention?
3-dimensional printing
There once was a method of 3-D printing
Where inkjet dopant composition was sprayed
At selected locations
On a layer of build material
So that polymer particles could be fused
3-D printing has been rapidly growing in popularity over the past few years, and there are a number of reasons for this. First of all, it is an incredibly versatile technology - you can print just about anything you can imagine using 3-D printing technology. Second of all, 3-D printing is incredibly fast and efficient - making it perfect for high volume production applications. And finally, 3-D printing is relatively cheap - so even small businesses can afford to get into the market with this amazing technology.
The present disclosure relates a method of 3-dimensional printing a printed part. The method comprises printing an inkjet dopant composition at selected locations on a layer of build material comprising polymer particles. The inkjet dopant composition comprises a dopant dispersed or dissolved in a liquid carrier. Polymer particles at selected areas of the layer of build material are then fused to form a fused polymer layer comprising the dopant. The selected areas of the layer of build material include areas that have not been printed with the inkjet dopant composition.
US Patent 11241828
HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
Additive Manufacturing Control Instructions Generated for Segmented Virtual Build Volume
What is this invention?
Segments in virtual build volumes
There once was a method for creating
A virtual build volume, nested and seg-mented
With control instructions based on info
About the object to be generated
So that colors could be used to mask inner regions
Additive manufacturing is a process that uses 3D printing technology to create objects from physical materials. It's a growing field with many potential applications, and one of the most exciting recent developments has been the use of virtual build volumes (VBs). VBs allow you to virtually design and construct an object before actually printing it out - which can save time and money in both the short and long term.One of the benefits of using VBs is that you can easily segment them into nested segments, which makes it easy to control different aspects of the fabrication process. In this article we'll take a look at how HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P., has developed additive manufacturing control instructions for nested segments - something that will make creating VBs much easier and more efficient.
The patent describes a method of creating a virtual build volume (VBU) that includes segments representing different parts of an object to be generated in additive manufacturing. The VBU is segmented into nested segments, with each segment including a core segment and at least one outer peripheral segment. Additive manufacturing control instructions are generated for the nested segments, based on information about the object represented by the respective segments. The control instructions for the core segment may provide a first region of the object corresponding to the core segment and having a first color. The control instructions for the outer peripheral segment may provide a second color for a second region of the object corresponding to the outer peripheral segment. The control instructions for the inner peripheral segment may provide a third color for a third region of the object corresponding to the inner peripheral segment, wherein a color of the third region is determined so as to at least partially visually mask (or "hide") one or more regions within the first region.
US Patent 11241837
Seiko Epson Corporation
A Quality Determination Method for Shaped Objects - Ensures Quality Standards with Discharge Inspection
What is this invention?
Quality determination method for three-dimensional shaped object and three-dimensional shaping device
There once was a method for three-D
Shaped objects were made with great glee
A liquid was discharged from a nozzle hole
While changing the relative position of the discharge unit and stage
Inspection step ensured that all was well
If an abnormality in discharge state was detected
Then low-quality object would be rejected
When it comes to quality control, there is no room for error - especially when it comes to producing high-quality products. That's why the Seiko Epson Corporation has come up with a new method for determining the quality of three-dimensional shaped objects - and it doesn't involve any guesswork at all.Their Quality determination method for three-dimensional shaped object and three-dimensional shaping device uses a discharge inspection step to check the discharge state of liquid from nozzle holes on a discharge unit (which is positioned between the stage and the object beingshaped) after or during shaping. If an abnormality is detected, then that means that a low-quality object was produced in this step, and it must be rejected as part of the final product. This process ensures that only high-quality objects make their way into your final product batch, which will lead to improved overall quality assurance.
The patent describes a quality determination method for three-dimensional shaped objects. The method includes a shaping step of shaping the objects by discharging a liquid from a nozzle hole toward the stage while changing the relative position between the discharge unit and the stage in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The discharge inspection step is used to inspect the discharge state of the liquid from the nozzle hole after or during shaping. If an abnormality is detected in the discharge state from at least one nozzle hole, then a low-quality object is determined to be included in the plurality of shaped objects.
US Patent 11241840
Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Sealed Reservoir Print Agent Storage Apparatus with Float-Weighted Valve
What is this invention?
Vented reservoirs with floats for print agents
There once was a sealed reservoir
That was partially filled with print agent.
A float was submerged in it,
With a weight attached to the bottom.
A vent was coupled to the float,
Allowing air to enter the reservoir.
We've all been there - you're printing a document and suddenly realize that you need more ink. But where do you go to get more? If it's an office printer, you have to hope that someone has left some extra in the supply - or if it's a home printer, chances are you're out of ink altogether. With Vented Reservoirs with Floats for Print Agents, however, this problem is solved! This ingenious storage apparatus includes a sealed reservoir filled with print agent - so when you run low on ink, just pop open the valve and add some weight to the float to bring up the level. Then re-seal the reservoir for future use!
The storage apparatus includes a sealed reservoir partially filled with a print agent. A float is partially submerged in the print agent. A weight is coupled to a submerged portion of the float. A vent is coupled to the float and an opening in the sealed reservoir. The valve is coupled to an unsubmerged portion of the float.
US Patent 11241875
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
New housing case allows for easy tape discharge
What is this invention?
Housing case and tape ribbon set
There once was a housing case for a Tape,
With a roll housing section to keep it in shape.
The discharge side removal portion
Was removably provided, so with ease one could open it,
And the cartridge housing section held the ribbon cartridge tight.
A housing case for a tape printing device has been invented by SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION. This case includes a tape roll housing section that is configured to house a tape roll of a wound tape, a tape discharge side removal portion that is removably provided in a first wall section, and a cartridge housing section that is configured to house a ribbon cartridge. The cartridge housing section is configured to hold the taped fed from the tape roll and be mounted into the tape printing device. This case makes it easier than ever before to print high-quality tapes with your printer.
The housing case includes a tape roll housing section configured to house a tape roll of a wound tape to be fed to a tape printing device, a tape discharge side removal portion removably provided in a first wall section, the tape discharge side removal portion to be removed to form a tape discharge in the first wall section through which the taped fed from the tape roll is fed, and a cartridge housing section configured to house ribbon cartridge having an ink ribbon. The ribbon cartridge is mounted into the Tape printing device and is configured to hold the taped fed from the Tape roll.
US Patent 11241896
Seiko Epson Corporation
Adjusting Printing Apparatus with Strip-Shaped Jig
What is this invention?
Method for adjusting printing apparatus and printing apparatus
There once was a printing apparatus
That needed to be adjusted, so
They attached a strip-shaped jig
With graduations on it, and then
Locked it to the platen. Next,
With so many printing options available these days, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. But don't worry - our team here at Printing Industry News has got your back. In this article, we are going to introduce you to the Seiko Epson Corporation Method for adjusting printing apparatus and printing apparatus, A method for adjusting a printing apparatus, which the printing apparatus includes: a platen for supporting the medium, an imaging unit, a winding shaft for winding the medium, a shaft adjusting mechanism configured to adjust the position of the winding shaft, and a notifying unit configured to perform notification. This method is designed specifically for adjusting printers in order to ensure that their print quality remains consistent across different media types and sizes. By attaching a strip-shaped jig to the winding shaft and locking it in place along the transporting path on both ends in width direction of media (in other words - all around), graduations can be easily imaged by the imaging unit at two locations different from each other. Not only will this help you determine where adjustments need to be made on the shaft adjustment mechanism itself, but it will also notify you via notification step about any changes that have been made. So whether you're looking for an easy way to keep your printer running smoothly or just want some peace of mind when making large print jobs - this method is perfect for you!
The method for adjusting a printing apparatus includes attaching one end of a strip-shaped jig, on which graduations are formed, to the winding shaft, and locking the jig to the platen. The method then performs imaging by the imaging unit at two locations different from each other in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction of the medium on the platen. Finally, notifying a result based on an image imaged by the imaging unit is performed.
US Patent 11241897
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Sun visor storage system keeps your sunglasses safe and handy
What is this invention?
Sun visor stored in a vehicle roof
This sun visor is designed to be stored,
Inside a vehicle's roof, to be used when the windshield's not in use.
The sun visor includes a housing with a storage recess,
And a sun visor unit that's configured to be disposed along the storage recess.
The sun visor unit has a sun visor that corresponds to the windshield glass,
With multi-stage rails located at opposite sides of the sun visor.
When it's desired to use the sun visor, it can be withdrawn out of the storage recess along these multi-stage rails.
Do you ever find yourself wishing you had a sun visor for when it's sunny out but don't want to go the extra mile and buy one? Well, Hyundai has come up with a nifty solution - a roof-storage-type sun visor that stores inside your vehicle's roof! This visor includes a housing that has a storage recess, and there's even space for a windshield so you can use it right away. Plus, the multi-stage rails on either side make retracting it easy - no more struggling to get it back in place while driving!
This sun visor is designed to be stored inside a vehicle's roof and used when the windshield is not in use. The sun visor includes a housing that has a storage recess and a sun visor unit that is configured to be disposed along the storage recess. The sun visor unit includes a sun visor that corresponds to the windshield glass and includes multi-stage rails located at opposite sides of the sun visor. When it is desired to use the sun visor, it can be withdrawn out of the storage recess along these multi-stage rails.
US Patent 11241943
Hyundai Motor Company
Keep your ride looking good with a weather strip!
What is this invention?
Weather strip for vehicle
There once was a car door frame,
Whose exterior weather strip had great aim.
It kept out the cold air,
And made for a fair ride,
By pivotally connecting to the interior weather strip.
There's nothing worse than a door that sticks in the wind and rain, ruining your car's paint job in the process. That's where weather stripping comes in - it helps keep doors closed against the elements, keeping your car looking good as new.The Hyundai Weather Strip for Vehicle is designed to fit most exterior door frames, and includes both an exterior weather strip and a pivotally-connected interior strip. The exterior weather strip has an exterior lip portion and a core that includes a tube portion with a cavity that receives a portion of the interior weather strip. This combination gives you superior protection against the elements - whether it's snow, sleet, or rain - while still allowing easy access to your car inside.
The patent describes a weather strip for a vehicle. The exterior weather strip is mounted on an exterior edge of a door frame, and the interior weather strip is pivotally connected to the exterior weather strip. The exterior weather strip includes an exterior lip portion and a core, and the core includes a tube portion having a cavity in which a portion of the interior weather strip is received.
US Patent 11241946
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
A Method of Charging Your Electric Vehicle's High Voltage Battery
What is this invention?
On-board charger, vehicle including the same, and method of operating the on-board charger
There once was a way to charge high voltage batteries
By supplying them with DC voltage from an AC source
But measuring the internal voltage of a DC EMI filter
Gave a better estimate of the leakage current
So the charging operation could be controlled more accurately
With more and more electrically-charged vehicles hitting the market, it is important that on-board chargers are available to keep these batteries powered up. The HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY On-board Charger system is designed to do just that - supplying a DC voltage obtained by converting an AC voltage to the high voltage battery to perform a charging operation. This system not only charges your battery quickly, but it also eliminates any noise generated by the charging process. In addition, the HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY On-board Charger system can be used to charge multiple types of batteries - making it a versatile option for almost any electrically-charged vehicle out there.
The patent describes a method of operating an on-board charger for charging a high voltage battery of an electrically-charged vehicle. The method includes supplying a DC voltage obtained by converting an AC voltage to the high voltage battery, measuring an internal voltage of a DC EMI filter for removing noise of the DC voltage, generating a leakage current estimate based on the internal voltage, and controlling the charging operation in accordance with the leakage current estimate.
US Patent 11241971
Hyundai Motor Company
Side Table Assembly for Vehicle Seat - Allows Table to be Rotated with Respect to Body
What is this invention?
Side table assembly for vehicle seat
There once was a side table made for a car,
With a cup holder that could be rotated far.
The joint hinge device had a spring inside,
Which allowed the cups to be held with pride.
Looking for a way to add some style and function to your vehicle's interior? Check out the Side Table Assembly for Vehicle Seat from Hyundai Motor Company! This handy piece of equipment lets you place a table on one side of your seat, perfect for holding your drinks or snacks while you're driving. Plus, with its rotating capabilities, it can be used in a variety of positions - making it versatile no matter what you need it for.
The side table assembly for a vehicle seat includes a table on which a cup holder inserting part is formed, a body arranged on a side face of the vehicle seat, and a joint hinge device coupled between the body and the table to allow the table to be rotated with respect to the body. The joint hinge device includes a joint hinge connected to the table at one side and connected to the body at another side, a hinge spring inserted into the joint hinge to elastically support the joint hinge, and a hinge cylinder having one side inserted into the joint hinge and being in contact with the hinge spring and another side inserted into by the body. This allows for easy rotation of the cup holder inserting part relative to both the table and the body.
US Patent 11241990
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
New Vehicle Feature: Terrace Space for Seating
What is this invention?
Vehicle with expandable space
There once was a car with a door,
That pivoted to open and close.
It had a bottom surface,
That connected to the floor,
And a terrace space that slid out for passengers to use.
If you're ever in the market for a new car, you'll want to take a look at the Hyundai Vehicle with Expandable Space. This innovative vehicle features a door that can be opened or closed - thereby creating an opening on one side of the car. This allows passengers to access a seating area in the terrace space (which is connected to an internal compartment). When not needed, this seating area can be slid outwards and provide more room inside the car. Plus, it's easy to open and close - so you'll never have trouble getting your passengers into or out of the car!
The patent describes a vehicle that includes a door pivotally mounted to the vehicle body at a lower end portion. The door can open or close an opening formed at a portion of one surface of the vehicle, while being configured to form a bottom surface connected to the floor of the vehicle in a state of completely pivoting toward an outside of the vehicle in accordance with an opening operation of the door. The terrace space can be connected to an internal compartment of the vehicle and can also be slidable outwards toward the opening of the vehicle, providing a seating compartment for passengers when it is used in conjunction with the opening operation of the door.
US Patent 11241993
Hyundai Motor Company
Warning Message Delivery Apparatus Keeps You Safe in an Emergency
What is this invention?
Warning message delivery apparatus of vehicle
There once was a car with a warning
That deployed an emergency tripod
To prevent accidents from occurring
By making the drivers behind it stop
Now that's one smart and safety-conscious vehicle!
With emergency situations becoming increasingly common, it is important that we have a way to deliver warning messages to cars entering the rear. Hyundai Motor Company has come up with a great solution in the form of their Warning message delivery apparatus of vehicle. This device uses a tripod to secure visibility of the emergency situation, and opens the trunk lid to deliver the warning message safely and quickly. By reducing the accident occurrence possibility, this invention will help keep you and your passengers safe during critical moments.
The warning message delivery apparatus of a vehicle may deploy an emergency tripod by opening a trunk lid to deliver a warning message to a vehicle entering the rear upon the occurrence of an emergency situation. The emergency tripod may be secured visibility of the emergency tripod to reduce the accident occurrence possibility.
US Patent 11242000
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
Introducing the One-Way Plug - The New Way to Keep Your Home Secured
What is this invention?
One-way plug
The one-way plug is quite a sight,
With its housing and plate so tight.
The upper stopper has an overlap part,
And the lower body has a sealing surface art.
The valve body covers the hollow with might,
And the wing part elastically deforms to open the sight.
With the increasing amount of electronic devices in our lives, it is no surprise that there is a growing need for safe and secure methods of connecting them. One such solution is the one-way plug - a device that allows you to securely connect devices without having to worry about them being easily accessible or stolen.The HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY one-way plug features an innovative design that includes a housing with a plate, an upper stopper with an overlap part extending downward from the side of the plate, and a lower body with a sealing surface part formed to extend in a cylindrical shape with a hollow downward from the plate. The valve body is provided in the hollow of the lower body and is configured to cover the hollow, allowing it to be opened only by elastically deforming the wing part. This ensures that your devices are safely connected but inaccessible if someone tries to remove them without your permission.
The one-way plug includes a housing including a plate, an upper stopper having an overlap part extending downward from a side of the plate, and a lower body having a sealing surface part formed to extend in a cylindrical shape with a hollow downward from the plate. The valve body is provided in the hollow of the lower body and configured to cover the hollow. The wing part is elastically deformed and configured to open the hollow.
US Patent 11242094
AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
Keep your airfoil in the sky with this new assembly!
What is this invention?
Aerofoil structure and method of assembly
There once was an airfoil structure
That needed a leading edge or trailing edge protection.
So they designed a connection member
To be attached to the structure,
And then added a support for extra security.
Aerodynamics are a big part of aircraft design, and one of the most important aspects is how well an airfoil structure can resist torsional forces. In recent years, Airbus has developed a new structural assembly for airfoils that uses a connection member to keep the leading edge and trailing edge from moving relative to each other - this prevents the airfoil from becoming unstable in flight.This innovative assembly not only makes aircraft construction much easier, but it also helps reduce drag and improve performance. By attaching corresponding supports to the connection member, you can easily attach the assembly to any system element without having to worry about damage or distortion. So whether you're building your next airplane or just looking for a better way to resist torsion forces, Aerofoil Structures & Methods of Assembly is sure to have what you're looking for!
This structural assembly for an airfoil structure is designed to keep the leading edge or trailing edge of the airfoil structure from moving away from its intended position. The connection member is attached to either a leading-edge or trailing-edge member of the airfoil structure, and then a corresponding support is attached to the connection member. This allows for easy attachment to other system elements, such as aircraft wings or engines.
US Patent 11242129