Document Document Title
US09023795B2 Angiogenesis-inhibiting peptide and application thereof
Provided is a polypeptide having angiogenesis inhibiting activity. The polypeptide is derived from Placenta Growth Factor-1. Also provided are a derivative polypeptide of the polypeptide, a preparation method for polypeptide, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the polypeptide.
US09023783B2 Encapsulates
The present application relates to encapsulated, solid, water soluble benefit agents and products comprising such encapsulates, as well as processes for making and using such encapsulates and products comprising such encapsulates. In one aspect, the present application relates to a melamine formaldehyde and/or urea formaldehyde encapsulation process that offers as solution to the dissolution of solid, water soluble benefit agents during the process's emulsification step.
US09023770B2 Increasing fracture complexity in ultra-low permeable subterranean formation using degradable particulate
A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%. Similar methods using stepwise fracturing fluids and remedial fracturing treatments are provided.
US09023768B2 Strategies for high throughput identification and detection of polymorphisms
The invention relates to a method for the high throughput identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms by performing a complexity reduction on two or more samples to yield two or more libraries, sequencing at least part of the libraries, aligning the identified sequences and determining any putative single nucleotide polymorphisms, confirming any putative single nucleotide polymorphism, generating detection probes for the confirmed single nucleotide polymorphisms, subjection a test sample to the same complexity reduction to provide a test library and screen the test library for the presence or absence of the single nucleotide polymorphisms using the detection probe.
US09023761B2 Compositions and methods for blocking ethylene response in plants using 3-cyclopropyl-1-enyl-propanoic acid salt
The present invention discloses a method of inhibiting an ethylene response in a plant, comprising step of applying to at least one portion of the plant an effective ethylene response-inhibiting amount of a H1-cyclopropene-1-propanoic acid salt (CPAS). A method of prolonging the life of a cut flower, comprising applying to the cut flower an effective life-prolonging amount of CPAS and a method for the production a CPAS, comprising steps of (i) preparing 4-bromo-4-pentenoic acid or derivatives thereof; (ii) producing 1-cyclopropene-1-propanoic acid; and (iii), converting this acid into its water soluble salt, especially its sodium salt are presented. Additionally, a new family of water soluble CPAS inhibitors for ethylene response in a plant is disclosed.
US09023760B2 1, 8-diazaspiro [4.5] decane-2, 4-dione derivatives useful as pesticides
A compound of the formula (1) wherein the substituents are as defined in claim 1, are useful as a pesticides.
US09023733B2 Method for block-copolymer lithography
The present disclosure relates to a method (10) for block-copolymer lithography. This method comprises the step of obtaining (12) a self-organizing block-copolymer layer comprising at least two polymer components having mutually different etching resistances, and the steps of applying at least once each of first plasma etching (14) of said self-organizing block-copolymer layer using a plasma formed from a substantially ashing gas, and second plasma etching (16) of said self-organizing block-copolymer layer using plasma formed from a pure inert gas or mixture of inert gases in order to selectively remove a first polymer phase. A corresponding intermediate product also is described.
US09023730B1 Methods for fabricating integrated circuits including generating e-beam patterns for directed self-assembly
Methods for fabricating integrated circuits are provided. In one example, a method for fabricating an integrated circuit includes generating an e-beam pattern for forming a DSA directing pattern on a semiconductor substrate. The DSA directing pattern is configured to guide a self-assembly material deposited thereon that undergoes directed self-assembly (DSA) to form a DSA pattern. Generating the e-beam pattern includes using a computing system, inputting a DSA target pattern. Using the computing system, the DSA target pattern, a DSA model, and an EBPC model, an output EBPCed pattern is produced for an e-beam writer to write on a resist layer that overlies the semiconductor substrate.
US09023728B2 Method of manufacturing metal silicide layer
According to one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a metal silicide layer, the method includes forming a metal layer including impurities on a silicon layer by a vapor deposition method using a gas of a metal and a gas of the impurities, and forming a metal silicide layer including the impurities by chemically reacting the metal layer with the silicon layer. A thickness and a composition of the metal silicide layer are controlled by an amount of the impurities in the metal layer.
US09023725B2 Filament free silicide formation
A device and methods for forming the device are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate. A gate having a gate electrode and sidewall spacers are formed adjacent to sidewalls of the gate. A height HG of the gate is lower than a height HS of the sidewall spacers. A metal or metal alloy layer is deposited over the spacers, gate and the substrate. The substrate is processed to form metal silicide contact at least over the gate electrode. A top surface of the metal silicide contact over the gate electrode is about coplanar with a top of the sidewall spacer, and the difference between the height of the gate and spacers prevent formation of metal silicide filaments on top of the sidewall spacers.
US09023723B2 Method of fabricating a gate-all-around word line for a vertical channel DRAM
A method of fabricating a self-aligned buried wordline in a structure which contains a self-aligned buried bit line, where the overall structure which makes up a portion of a vertical channel DRAM. The materials and processes used enable self-alignment of elements of the buried wordline during the fabrication process. In addition, the materials and processes used enable for formation of individual DRAM cells which have a buried bit line width which is 16 nm or less and a perpendicular buried wordline width which is 24 nm or less.
US09023711B2 Methods for forming a conductive material and methods for forming a conductive structure
A method of forming a conductive material comprises forming at least one opening extending through an organic material and an insulative material underlying the organic material to expose at least a portion of a substrate and a conductive contact in the substrate. The method further comprises lining exposed surfaces of the insulative material, the conductive contact, and the at least a portion of the substrate in the at least one opening with a conductive material without forming the conductive material on the organic material.
US09023707B1 Simultaneously forming a dielectric layer in MOS and ONO device regions
Methods of ONO integration into MOS flow are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises: (i) forming a pad dielectric layer above a MOS device region of a substrate; and (ii) forming a patterned dielectric stack above a non-volatile device region of the substrate, the patterned dielectric stack comprising a tunnel layer, a charge-trapping layer, and a sacrificial top layer, the charge-trapping layer comprising multiple layers including a first nitride layer formed on the tunnel layer and a second nitride layer, wherein the first nitride layer is oxygen rich relative to the second nitride layer. Other embodiments are also described.
US09023704B2 Method for fabricating a semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a pre-isolation layer covering a fin formed on a substrate, the pre-isolation layer including a lower pre-isolation layer making contact with the fin and an upper pre-isolation layer not making contact with the fin, removing a portion of the upper pre-isolation layer by performing a first polishing process, and planarizing the pre-isolation layer such that an upper surface of the fin and an upper surface of the pre-isolation layer are coplanar by performing a second polishing process for removing the remaining portion of the upper pre-isolation layer.
US09023701B1 Three-dimensional memory and method of forming the same
A method of forming a three-dimensional memory is provided. A stacked structure is patterned to form a comb structure including a bit line pad extending along a first direction and comb-teeth portions extending along a second direction. A charge storage layer is formed on top and sidewall of the comb structure. Bit lines and auxiliary gates are formed on the charge storage layer and extend along the first direction. Each bit line covers top and sidewall of partial comb-teeth portions. Auxiliary gates cover top and sidewall of edge regions of the bit line pad. The charge storage layer on top of the bit line pad is removed. The stacked structure of the bit line pad is patterned to form a stepped structure. An ion implantation is performed to the stepped structure, to form a doped region in the semiconductor layer below each step surface of the stepped structure.
US09023700B2 Method and apparatus for single step selective nitridation
Methods and apparatus for selective one-step nitridation of semiconductor substrates is provided. Nitrogen is selectively incorporated in silicon regions of a semiconductor substrate having silicon regions and silicon oxide regions by use of a selective nitridation process. Nitrogen containing radicals may be directed toward the substrate by forming a nitrogen containing plasma and filtering or removing ions from the plasma, or a thermal nitridation process using selective precursors may be performed. A remote plasma generator may be coupled to a processing chamber, optionally including one or more ion filters, showerheads, and radical distributors, or an in situ plasma may be generated and one or more ion filters or shields disposed in the chamber between the plasma generation zone and the substrate support.
US09023683B2 Organic semiconductor transistor with epoxy-based organic resin planarization layer
A method is provided for forming an epoxy-based planarization layer overlying an organic semiconductor (OSC) film. Generally, the method forms a fluoropolymer passivation layer overlying the OSC layer. A photopatternable adhesion layer is formed overlying the fluoropolymer passivation layer, and patterned. A photopatternable planarization layer, comprising an epoxy-based organic resin, is formed overlying the photopatternable adhesion layer and patterned to expose the fluoropolymer passivation layer. Then, the fluoropolymer passivation layer is plasma etched to expose the OSC layer. More explicitly, the method can be used to fabricate a bottom gate or top gate organic thin-film transistor (OTFT). Top gate and bottom gate OTFT devices are also provided.
US09023662B2 Efficiently injecting spin-polarized current into semiconductors by interfacing crystalline ferromagnetic oxides directly on the semiconductor material
A spintronic device and a method for making said spintronic device. The spintronic device includes an epitaxial crystalline ferromagnetic oxide formed directly on the semiconductor material thereby allowing spin-polarized current to be efficiently injected from the ferromagnetic oxide into the semiconductor material. A host crystal lattice includes multiple sets of stacked oxide layers of material A and B of a perovskite structure with a formula of ABO3. After an oxide layer of B is grown, magnetic ions are introduced to intermix with the B material, which may replace some of the ions of the B material. The process of growing additional stacked oxide layers of material A and B and introducing further magnetic ions after the deposition of the oxide layer of B continues until enough magnetic ions are sufficiently close to one another that they align in the same direction thereby forming a ferromagnetic oxide on the semiconductor material.
US09023647B2 Monocyte activation test better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogenic contaminants in medical products
An improved monocyte activation test is described that is better able to detect non-endotoxin pyrogens in medical products, in which a sample is incubated with a monocyte-containing reagent in an assay system comprising at least one surface comprising polypropylene. The invention also concerns assay systems for use in these tests that include at least one microtiter well having at least one interior surface comprising polypropylene and having a shape such that monocyte-containing reagent is concentrated in the well to provide greater cell to cell contact. The invention also relates to a diagnostic kit that can be used to test for the presence of non-endotoxin pyrogens in a sample.
US09023640B2 Device for rapid detection of infectious agents
A portable system for real time detection of the presence of an infectious agent in a biological sample employs a reagent which detects the presence of a specific infectious agent in the sample, and emits a detectable signal when the reagent reacts with the sample and detects the presence of the infectious agent. A test cartridge has a reaction chamber for receiving the sample and the reagent. The reaction chamber has a predetermined internal geometry and at least one inner surface. Introducing the sample and the reagent into the test cartridge mixes the sample and the reagent. A testing unit receives the test cartridge, and includes a sensor for detecting an emitted detectable signal. The detection of the emitted detectable signal is indicative of the presence of the infectious agent in the sample.
US09023639B2 Apparatus for amplifying nucleic acids
Provided is a nucleic acid amplifying apparatus having a uniform distribution of reaction temperature in a reaction space. The nucleic acid amplifying apparatus includes a substrate providing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) space, and a plurality of heating units disposed above or below the reaction space to transfer heat to the reaction space, wherein the heating unit includes a plurality of heating units arranged substantially in parallel with each other, and among the plurality of heating units, the heating units disposed adjacent outermost portions of the reaction space have the largest heat radiation quantity.
US09023634B2 High fidelity restriction endonucleases
Compositions and methods are provided for enzymes with altered properties that involve a systematic approach to mutagenesis and a screening assay that permits selection of the desired proteins. Embodiments of the method are particularly suited for modifying specific properties of restriction endonucleases such as star activity. The compositions includes restriction endonucleases with reduced star activity as defined by an overall fidelity index improvement factor.
US09023631B2 PON polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding same and compositions and methods utilizing same
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom are provided. These include mutated PON enzymes with increased, modified or substantially the same substrate specificity as compared to respective wild-type PON. Also provided are kits and methods using these enzymes.
US09023626B2 Methods for the synthesis of fatty diacids by the metathesis of unsaturated diacids obtained by fermentation of natural fatty acids
The invention relates to a method for the synthesis of diacids of general formula ROOC—(CH2)n—(CH═CH)a—(CH2)mCOOR1 in which n and m are identical or different and each represent an integer such that their sum is between 6 and 15, a is an index of 0 or 1, and R and R1 are H or an alkyl radical with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, from long-chain mono-unsaturated natural fatty acids or esters having at least 10 adjacent carbon atoms per molecule of the general formula CH3—(CH2)p—CH═CH—(CH2)q—COOR, p and q, being identical or different and representing indices between 2 and 11, wherein said method comprises the first step of oxidizing by fermentation said natural fatty acid or ester, using a microorganism, such as a bacterium, a yeast, or a fungus, into at least one unsaturated dicarboxylic acid or dicarboxylate, the second step of submitting the product from the first step to a metathesis crossed with a compound of formula R2OOC—(CH2)x—CH═CH—R3, in which R2 is H or an alkyl radical with 1 to 4 carbon atoms, x is 0 or 1 or 2, and R3 is H, CH3 or COOR2, in order to obtain the unsaturated compound of formula ROOC—(CH2)q—CH═CH—(CH2)x—COOR2, and the third optional step of converting the unsaturated compound into a saturated compound by hydrogenation of the double bond.
US09023623B2 Method for preparing of allicin injection and low-temperature continuous stirring ultrafiltration device thereof
The present invention provides a preparing method of an allicin injection and the low temperature continuous stirring ultrafiltration device thereof. Said preparing method consists of the following steps: extracting allicin; diluting the allicin with solvent precooled to 1-4 in a clean environment, adding nitrogen gas or argon gas, and then encapsulating the solution to obtain allicin injection with different specifications.
US09023620B2 Method of providing color clarification of laundry
The present invention relates to enzyme preparations consisting essentially of an enzyme which has cellulytic activity, which perform very well in industrial applications such as laundry compositions, for biopolishing of newly manufactured textiles, for providing an abraded look of cellulosic fabric or garment, and for treatment of paper pulp. Further, the invention relates to DNA constructs encoding such enzymes, a method for providing a gene encoding for such enzymes, a method of producing the enzymes, enzyme preparations containing such enzymes, and the use of these enzymes for a number of industrial applications.
US09023607B2 Method for early diagnosis of alzheimer'S disease using phototransistor
A method for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease by detecting the presence of beta-amyloid in cells using a phototransistor device. Cells that potentially contain beta-amyloid are provided and labeled with a multi-protein that selectively binds to beta-amyloid if present and that includes streptavidin, biotin and polyethylene glycol connected in sequence with the streptavidin being bound to a magnetic bead and the polyethylene glycol being bound to the beta-amyloid, to provide labeled cells. A phototransistor device including a channel layer is provided and a difference in photocurrent determined corresponding to incident light measured before and after selectively fixing the labeled cells on a surface of the channel layer by applying an external magnetic field effective to attract the magnetic bead to the phototransistor device through a permanent magnet positioned below the channel. Any difference between the first and second photocurrents indicates the presence of, and optionally amount of, labeled beta-amyloid in the cells.
US09023602B2 Method for detecting cyst nematodes
The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a cyst nematode in a sample comprising the steps of: providing a pair of bidirectional oligonucleotide primers or an oligonucleotide probe that hybridizes specifically, under stringent hybridization conditions, to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the SSU rRNA or LSU rRNA, or the complement or transcript thereof, of a sub genus-cluster of nematodes, said subgenus-cluster comprising cyst nematodes belonging to at least one species of nematode, and wherein said primers or probe do not hybridize to a nucleic acid sequence encoding the LSU rRNA, or the complement or transcript thereof, of cyst nematodes not part of said subgenus-cluster of cyst nematodes; providing a sample in which the presence of the cyst nematode is to be detected, and performing a nucleic acid detection assay on said sample using said pair of bidirectional oligonucleotide primers or said oligonucleotide probe.
US09023587B2 Negative resist composition and patterning process
A polymer comprising recurring units (a) of styrene having an HFA group and an ester group adjacent thereto and recurring units (b) having a hydroxyl group is used as base resin to formulate a negative resist composition. The negative resist composition has a high dissolution contrast in alkaline developer, high sensitivity, high resolution, good pattern profile after exposure, and a suppressed acid diffusion rate.
US09023582B2 Photosensitive polymer, resist composition including the photosensitive polymer and method of preparing resist pattern using the resist composition
A photosensitive polymer includes a repeating unit represented by Formula 1 and the photosensitive polymer has a weight average molecule weight of from about 3,000 to about 50,000:
US09023577B2 Resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A resist composition containing a base component (A) which exhibits changed solubility in a developing solution under the action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, dissolved in an organic solvent (S) which contains an alcohol-based solvent, wherein the base component (A) contains a copolymer (A1) that exhibits increased polarity under the action of acid, and the copolymer (A1) is a copolymer in which a structural unit (a2), which is derived from an acrylate ester in which the hydrogen atom bonded to the carbon atom on the α-position may be substituted with a substituent, and includes a lactone-containing cyclic group, is dispersed uniformly within the copolymer molecule.
US09023575B2 Toner and method for producing toner
A toner is provided that can maintain high transferability even in long-term image output, can maintain high chargeability even in a high temperature and high humidity environment, and rarely causes fogging due to charging failure. The toner contains toner particles produced by a suspension polymerization method or a dissolution suspension method. The volume-average particle diameter (Dv) of silica particles is 50 nm or more and 800 nm or less. The mass loss rate due to heating of the silica particles from 105° C. to 200° C. is 0.60% or less. The hydrophobicity of the silica particles is 5% or more and less than 40%.
US09023572B2 Method for producing toner for developing electrostatic image and apparatus for producing resin particles
A method for producing resin particles, including ejecting a liquid containing at least a resin in the form of droplets from a droplet ejecting unit having a plurality of holes provided in a part of a flow channel for feeding the liquid containing at least a resin, and drying and solidifying the ejected droplets so as to obtain the resin particles, while the ejected droplets are transported by a primary transport air flow flowing in the direction in which the droplets are ejected, wherein the ejected droplets are further transported by a secondary transport air flow which transports the ejected droplets in a different direction from a direction in which the primary transport air flow flows, and wherein a smaller angle of angles formed between a velocity vector of the primary transport air flow and a velocity vector of the secondary transport air flow is less than 120 degrees.
US09023567B2 Polymerized charge enhanced spacer particle
A toner particle has a core and a shell surrounding the core, wherein the shell contains a polymerized charge enhanced spacer particle, which is a copolymer of a charge control agent and a monomer. A method of making toner particles includes forming a slurry by mixing together a first emulsion containing a resin, optionally a wax, optionally a colorant, optionally a surfactant, optionally a coagulant, and one or more additional optional additive, heating the slurry to form aggregated particles in the slurry, forming a second emulsion containing a monomer and a charge control agent, polymerizing the second emulsion to form a copolymer of the monomer and the charge control agent, and incorporating the copolymer into the toner particles, wherein the aggregated particles form a core of the toner particles.
US09023563B2 Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge, and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor includes a cylindrical conductive substrate that has a thickness of from 0.4 mm to 0.6 mm and a Young's modulus of from 20 GPa to 80 GPa, and a photosensitive layer that is provided on the conductive substrate, wherein an elastic deformation ratio of a layer forming the outermost surface is from 0.35% to 0.47%.
US09023559B2 Positive photosensitive resin composition, photosensitive resin film prepared by using the same, and semiconductor device including the photosensitive resin film
Disclosed is a positive photosensitive resin composition that includes (A) an alkali soluble resin; (B) a novolac resin including a repeating unit represented by Chemical Formula 6; (C) a photosensitive diazoquinone compound; (D) a silane compound; and (E) a solvent, a photosensitive resin film prepared by using the positive photosensitive resin composition, and a semiconductor device including the photosensitive resin film.
US09023558B2 Photoresist composition and method of forming a color filter using the same
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a photoresist composition and method of forming a color filter using the same. A photoresist composition according to an exemplary embodiment includes about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of a binder resin, about 5% by weight to about 10% by weight of a monomer, about 1% by weight to about 15% by weight of a photo initiator configured to be activated a light having a peak wavelength from about 400 nm to about 410 nm, about 1% by weight to about 10% by weight of a pigment, about 0.01% by weight to about 1% by weight of a pigment dispersing agent, and a solvent.
US09023552B2 Membrane electrode assembly, manufacturing method thereof, and fuel cells
The membrane electrode assembly 100 has an electrolyte layer 10, a catalyst layer 20, and a member 15 impregnated with electrolyte which is arranged between the electrolyte layer 10 and the catalyst layer 20. At least part of the peripheral edge portion of the member 15 extends the outside the peripheral edge portions of the electrolyte layer and the catalyst layer 20. With this kind of constitution, it is possible to easily separate the electrolyte layer 10 or the catalyst layer 20 from the member 15 from the extended portion of the member 15. Consequently, it is possible to easily replace the electrolyte layer 10 and the catalyst layer 20.
US09023544B2 Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system (1A) comprises a casing (2) having a suction port (31) through which air is introduced from outside into an internal space thereof; a fuel cell (4) accommodated within the casing (2) and configured to generate electric power through an electrochemical reaction between a fuel gas and an oxidizing gas; an air supply unit (6) of a diaphragm type disposed within the casing (2) and configured to take in the air introduced through the suction port (31) and supply the air to the fuel cell (4); and a heating unit (30) disposed within the casing (2) and configured to heat the air in a space from the suction port (31) to the air supply unit (6).
US09023538B2 Electrolyte for electrochemical battery cell and battery cell containing the electrolyte
Electrolyte for an electrochemical battery cell, containing sulfur dioxide and a conductive salt. Improved characteristics of a cell filled with the electrolyte are achieved in that the molar concentration of hydroxide groups in the electrolyte is at most 50 mmol per liter and the molar concentration of chlorosulfonate groups in the electrolyte is at most 350 mmol per liter.
US09023532B2 Positive active material composition for rechargeable lithium battery, positive electrode for rechargeable lithium battery including the positive active material composition, and rechargeable lithium battery including the positive active material composition
A positive active material composition for a rechargeable lithium battery that includes a positive active composite material including a compound being reversibly capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium, WO3, and a binder; and an aqueous binder, a positive electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery including the positive active material composition, and a rechargeable lithium battery comprising the positive electrode including the positive active material composition.
US09023530B2 Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
To improve high temperature storage characteristic of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery suitable for high input/output application, the structure of a positive electrode active material is optimized. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material includes secondary particles, each formed of an aggregate of primary particles. A value (VPr) defined by the formula: VPr=(1−C/D)/(A2×B3) is not less than 0.0005 and not greater than 0.04, where an average particle size of the primary particles is A μm, an average particle size of the positive electrode active material is B μm, a tap density of the positive electrode active material is C g/ml, and a true specific gravity of the positive electrode active material is D g/ml.
US09023520B2 Lithium ion battery
A lithium ion battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a microporous polymer separator disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and a polymer having a chelating agent tethered thereto. The polymer is incorporated into the lithium ion battery such that the chelating agent complexes with metal cations in a manner sufficient to not affect movement of lithium ions across the microporous polymer separator during operation of the lithium ion battery.
US09023514B2 Battery pack
[Object] To prevent elements in a pack main body and an electronic apparatus from malfunctioning even if the pack main body having an outer shape line-symmetric in up and down directions and left- and right-hand directions is incorrectly attached.[Solving Means] There are provided a pack main body 11 installing the battery cell 29 and a terminal portion 12 constituted of a plus terminal 12a, a minus terminal 12b, and a control terminal 12c that are provided on a front surface 11c of the pack main body 11. The plus terminal 12a, the minus terminal 12b, and the control terminal 12c are provided so as to be deviated to one end portion 11f in a width direction of the front surface 11c and arranged in an order of the plus terminal 12a, the control terminal 12c, and the minus terminal 12b. The sizes of the control terminal 12c, the plus terminal 12a, and the minus terminal 12b are increased in an order of the control terminal 12c, the plus terminal 12a, and the minus terminal 12b such that the control terminal 12c is formed to be the smallest. While being attachable to various electronic apparatuses, the pack main body can ensure a sufficient mechanical strength.
US09023507B2 Battery assembly and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a battery assembly that is lightweight while ensuring sufficient bonding strength that is required between frames, as well as a method of manufacturing the same. The battery assembly includes a plurality of cell units that are integrated together, each of the plurality of cell units including: a cell having a metal case; and a plastic frame that is integrally formed with an outer surface of the case, wherein the cell units are integrated together by having the frames of adjacent ones of the cell units joined together through surfaces thereof.
US09023499B2 Battery module
A battery module includes: a plurality of connecting members electrically connecting electric terminals of adjacent electric cells; and a flexible flat cable formed by flatly encapsulating an outer circumference of a flat conductor with an insulating resin and joining the plurality of connecting members. Portions of the flexible flat cable to be disposed between adjacent connecting members are provided with folded portions formed by folding the flexible flat cable at folded lines. The folded lines extend in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the flexible flat cable.
US09023496B2 Durable fuel cell membrane electrode assembly with combined additives
A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.
US09023494B2 Rechargeable battery pack
A rechargeable battery pack includes a plurality of unit cells adjacent to each other along a first direction in a pouch, the pouch having a terrace portion at one side surface, and a vertical portion on and perpendicular to the terrace portion, a protection circuit module (PCM) electrically connected to the unit cells, the PCM including a concave groove, and the vertical portion of the pouch fitting into the concave groove, and an adhesion member connecting the PCM and the terrace portion of the pouch, the adhesion member including a separation portion configured to concavely separate and fit the vertical portion of the pouch.
US09023490B2 Extended pi-conjugated platinum (II) complexes
The invention provides organometallic complexes comprising an extended π-conjugated tridentate ligand having a platinum center in which chemical and/or physical properties of the complexes may be modified by changing the structure of the ligands. The complex finds use in devices incorporated into electroluminescent devices, flat panel displays, organic light emitting devices, polymer light emitting devices, transistors, serrors, and lasers.
US09023478B2 Micropatterning of conductive graphite particles using microcontact printing
Methods involve a combination of polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coating or silane self assembly on a substrate; microcontact printing; and conductive graphite particles, especially size controlled highly conductive exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets. The conductive graphite particles are coated with a charged polymer such as sulfonated polystyrene. The graphite particles are patterned using microcontact printing and intact pattern transfer on a substrate that has an oppositely-charged surface. The method allows for conductive organic patterning on both flat and curved surfaces and can be used in microelectronic device fabrication.
US09023475B2 Method and system for applying particulate solids on a substrate
The present invention relates to a method for spraying particulate solids onto a substrate, comprising the steps of: coating the substrate with a wet and/or adhesive synthetic resin layer, building up a gas pressure in a line, generating a pressure differential in the line, swirling and carrying along particulate solids in the line, ejecting swirled, particulate solids from the line onto the surface of the wet and/or adhesive synthetic resin layer of the substrate. The invention also relates to a substrate, in particular a wood-based panel or decorative paper, at least partially coated with a particulate solid, characterized in that the particulate solid is applied to the substrate with an accuracy of up to ±0.8 g/m2, preferably of up to ±0.5 g/m2, particularly preferably of up to ±0.3 g/m2, preferably of up to 0.1 g/m2.
US09023470B2 Polylactic acid resin expanded beads and molded article of polylactic acid resin expanded beads
Polylactic acid resin expanded beads exhibiting excellent fusion bonding at the time of in-mold molding have such a crystal structure that gives a first time DSC curve when heated according to heat flux differential scanning calorimetry referenced in JIS K7122(1987) and a second time DSC curve when thereafter cooled and then again heated, the second time DSC curve having a fusion peak having a reference peak temperature and the first time DSC curve having at least one fusion peak with a peak temperature higher than the reference peak temperature and another at least one fusion peak with a peak temperature not lower temperature than the reference peak temperature.
US09023456B2 Profiled wire screen for process flow and other applications
A screen has a plurality of rods arranged longitudinally around a central axis. The rods have first and second edges (e.g., inner and outer edges). Each of the first edges defines a profile that varies in lateral distances from the central axis along a longitudinal length of the rod. For example, the first edges can have an undulating profile of crests and troughs. With the plurality of rods disposed around the central axis, the profile produces a varied surface on the screen when a plurality of wraps from one or more wires is disposed laterally around rods. These one or more wires attach to the first edges of the rods and form a plurality of gaps.
US09023455B2 Method of making reinforced composite articles with reduced fiber content in local areas and articles made by the method
A composite part including a resin matrix and fibers reinforcing the resin matrix in a first portion of the matrix. A second portion of the resin matrix is substantially devoid of fibers. The fibers may be in the form of a woven mat that defines an opening. Alternatively, the fibers may be loose fibers that are deposited in a mold that includes predetermined areas that are shielded from the deposit of the loose fibers. A method of making the composite part is disclosed in which a woven mat having an opening is filled with resin. Another method is also disclosed in which loose fibers are shielded from being deposited in a portion of the mold that is subsequently filled with resin.
US09023452B2 Rigid structural and low back face signature ballistic UD/articles and method of making
Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having enhanced a dynamic storage modulus, which correlates to low composite backface signature.
US09023451B2 Rigid structure UHMWPE UD and composite and the process of making
Fabrication of ballistic resistant fibrous composites having improved ballistic resistance properties. More particularly, ballistic resistant fibrous composites having enhanced flexural properties, which correlates to low composite backface signature. The composites are useful for the production of hard armor articles, including helmet armor.
US09023447B2 Adhesive tape for cable bandaging
Adhesive tape consisting of a carrier having a top face and a bottom face, an adhesive layer and a liner, the carrier having a width BT based on the transverse direction, and also of an adhesive layer applied on the bottom face of the carrier, characterized in thatapplied on the open side of the adhesive layer is a sheetlike liner having a transverse-direction-based width BA, which is greater than or equal to the width BT,the liner having an offset relative to the carrier in transverse direction, with a width BVS.
US09023440B2 Liquid crystal alignment film, method for preparing same and liquid crystal display device comprising same
The invention provides a liquid crystal alignment film, a method for preparing the same and a liquid crystal display device comprising the same. The alignment film comprises a polyimide obtained by reacting a compound as shown in Formula 2 or Formula 3 with an aromatic diamine as shown in Formula 1, wherein the R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R1′, R2′, R3′, R4′, R5′, R6′, R7′, or R8′ is H, an alkyl, an aralkyl or a haloalkyl, and the Ar is an aryl. The liquid crystal alignment film has a tactic spatial configuration, decreases the π-π attractive interaction between the polyimide backbones, allows the directional and homogenous alignment of the liquid crystal molecules on the surface of the polyimide, and thereby increases the contrast of the liquid crystal display.
US09023437B2 Ceramic coating deposition
A ceramic material is applied to a part. The part is placed in a deposition chamber and a first electric potential is applied to the part. Components are evaporated for forming the material. The evaporated components are ionized. The first electric potential is modulated so as to draw the ionized component to the part. The modulation comprises maintaining at least an ion current density in a range of 2-1000 mA/cm2.
US09023433B2 Silsesquioxane resins and method of using them to form an antireflective coating
A silsesquioxane resins useful in antireflective coatings wherein the silsesquioxane resin has the formula (PhSiO(3-x)/2(OR′)x)m(HSiO(3-x)/2(OR′)x)n(MeSiO(3-x)/2(OR′)x)o(RSiO(3-x)/2(OR′)x)p and a method of forming an antireflective coating on an electronic device comprising applying to an electronic device an antireflective coating composition comprising the silsesquioxane resin and a solvent, and removing the solvent and curing the silsesquioxane resin to form an antireflective coating on the electronic device.
US09023427B2 Methods for forming multi-component thin films
Atomic layer deposition of multi-component, preferably multi-component oxide, thin films. Provide herein is a method for depositing a multi-component oxide film by, for example, an ALD or PEALD process, wherein the process comprises at least two individual metal oxide deposition cycles. The method provided herein has particular advantages in producing multi-component oxide films having superior uniformity. A method is presented, for example, including depositing multi-component oxide films comprising components A−B−O by ALD comprising mixing two individual metal oxides deposition cycles A+O and B+O, wherein the subcycle order is selected in such way that as few as possible consecutive deposition subcycles for A+O or B+O are performed.
US09023426B2 Method for producing crack-free polycrystalline silicon rods
A method for producing polycrystalline silicon rods by deposition from the gas phase on a thin rod, wherein one or a plurality of disks consisting of a material having a lower electrical resistivity than the polycrystalline silicon under deposition conditions are introduced above the electrodes and/or below the bridge of the rod pair.
US09023420B2 Composite organic/inorganic layer for organic light-emitting devices
Organic electronic devices comprising a covalently bonded organic/inorganic composite layer. The composite layer may be formed by the reaction of a metal alkoxide with a charge transport compound having one or more hydroxyl groups. Examples of metal alkoxides that can be used include vanadium alkoxides, molybdenum alkoxides, titanium alkoxides, or silicon alkoxides. This composite layer can be used for any of the various charge conducting layers in an organic electronic device, including the hole injection layer.
US09023417B2 Use of a polyamine-poor composition for the production of a medical human food
The disclosure relates to a novel use of a food composition for human use, having fewer than 1600 picomoles of polyamines, for the production of a medical food which is intended to combat a syndrome or pathology involving N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit NR2-B.
US09023414B2 Rapidly dissolving comestible solid
A rapidly dissolving comestible solid is disclosed that includes a fondant formed from a super saturated solution having a bulk sweetener, a hydrocolloid, a texturizing agent, and water. Other ingredients may also be added, and in embodiments in which the solid is provided as a breath freshener, flavoring agents, cooling agents and/or other ingredients useful in conventional breath freshening products may be used. A method for making the comestible solid is also disclosed.
US09023411B2 Package for ready-prepared foods
A package for ready-prepared foods which comprises a dish adapted to contain food, said dish containing a rim flange, and a lid, heat-sealed to the rim flange, wherein the rim flange is provided with a plurality of ridges which extend around substantially the entire periphery of the dish defining a space between said ridges, said space being divided into a plurality of transverse ridges which extend across the space forming a plurality of sealing compartments which substantially eliminate sealing leakage.
US09023409B2 Low calorie, non-grain, vegan treats for companion animals
The invention provides methods of using hay, vegetable and/or fruit pulp, and a hydrocolloid for making animal food; and the food products produced using such methods; and the products then being dried through low-temperature dehydration. The animal food products are free of gluten, grains, legumes, nuts, animal-products, sweeteners, and fats.
US09023402B2 Method for treating a mammal by administration of a compound having the ability to release CO
Several classes of in vivo carbon monoxide-releasing compounds are useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases, such as chronic inflammatory, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, and of diseases with a strong inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, stroke, coronary disease, and Alzheimers disease. The in vivo carbon monoxide-releasing compounds can be attached to known drug vectors and/or known anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.
US09023398B2 Method for improving the aqueous solubility of poorly-soluble substances
Provided is a method for increasing the solubility of a poorly-soluble substance used in pharmaceutical products, veterinary pharmaceutical products, quasi-drugs, cosmetic products, food products, agricultural chemicals, and the like, without using large amounts of additives. This is a method for improving aqueous solubility, which comprises coating the surface of the particle of a poorly-soluble substance used in pharmaceutical products, veterinary pharmaceutical products, quasi-drugs, cosmetic products, food products, agricultural chemicals, and the like, with microparticles of a calcium compound such as calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate.
US09023397B2 Capsule and powder formulations containing lanthanum compounds
The present invention includes an oral pharmaceutical capsule comprising a shell, lanthanum carbonate or lanthanum carbonate hydrate, and a lubricant such as talc, wherein the shell encapsulates the lanthanum carbonate or its hydrate and the lubricant. Capsule shells comprise, for example, gelatin. The present invention also includes an oral pharmaceutical powder comprising lanthanum carbonate or lanthanum carbonate hydrate and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The oral pharmaceutical capsules and powders of the present invention can be administered to treat a patient at risk of or suffering from hyperphosphatemia, at risk of or suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD), at risk of or suffering from soft tissue calcification associated with CKD, or at risk of or suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism.
US09023396B2 Compositions based on polysaccharides grafted by polyamine or polysulphurised compounds
New pharmaceutical compositions based on grafted polysaccharides and methods of preparing such compositions are provided. Methods of using the compositions in medical imaging—for example in scintigraphy and in internal radiotherapy—are also provided.
US09023392B2 Methods of administering a dermatological agent to a subject
Methods for administering a dermatological agent to a subject are provided. In the subject methods an effective amount of a topical formulation of the dermatological agent is topically applied to a host. The topically applied formulation of dermatological agent is then occluded with a hydrogel patch, where a feature of the hydrogel patch is that it lacks a pharmaceutically active agent. Also provided are methods of treating a subject for a disease condition by administering a dermatological agent to the subject. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods and compositions find use in a variety of different applications.
US09023388B2 Formulation of silibinin with high efficacy and prolonged action and the preparation method thereof
A high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of silibinin, comprising silibinin solid dispersion, silibinin-loaded silica nanoparticles, slow-release matrix material and release enhancer, wherein the mass ratio of these components is silibinin solid dispersion:silibinin-loaded silica nanoparticles:slow-release matrix material:release enhancer=1:0.5˜1.25:0.1˜0.3:0.1˜0.3; the drug loading rate of the said silibinin-loaded silica nanoparticles is 51.29˜51.77%; the said silibinin solid dispersion contains povidone K30, soybean lecithin, acrylic resin IV, wherein the mass ratio between silibinin and other medical accessories is silibinin:povidone K30:soybean lecithin:acrylic resin IV=1:1˜3:0.3˜0.8:0.2˜0.5. Compared with the existing formulations, the half life of the high-efficacy, long-acting formulation of silibinin disclosed in this invention is 14.8 times longer while the mean residence time (MRT) of which is 4.52 times longer; when tested in vivo in Beagle dogs, this new formulation of silibinin presents a smoother concentration-time curve and reaches the continuous release for 72 hours. This invention discloses its preparation method.
US09023385B2 Pharmaceutical use of 2-(4-morpholinoaniline)-6-cyclohexyl aminopurine and/or salt thereof for improving liver functioning
A method of treating a patient to improve liver functioning includes providing a drug composed of at least one of pharmaceutical 2-(4-morpholinoaniline)-6-cyclohexyl aminopurine and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and administering the drug to the patient in a manner and dosage effective to improve liver functioning. The 2-(4-morpholinoaniline)-6-cyclohexyl aminopurine can inhibit the activated hepatic stellate cells from synthesizing and expressing collagens and other extracellular matrix proteins including MMPs and TIMPs, and so it can inhibit liver fibrosis. In the liver, it can inhibit collagen synthesis and expression, and therefore reverse and treat hepatitis and liver cirrhosis effectively. Also discloses is a method for preparing drugs for treating infective hepatitis, non-infectious hepatitis, liver injury, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer and liver fibrosis, and improving t liver functioning, in which the compound and/or salt thereof is used optionally or in combination with a target molecule or carrier comprising a vitamin A-coupled liposome.
US09023378B2 Implant with surface with calcium, and methods for modifying the surface of an implant to provide said surface with calcium
The invention relates to an implant for the human or animal body, which on its outer surface comprises at least one calcium salt that is soluble in a polar liquid. The invention also refers to various methods for the preparation of the preceding implant. The calcium ions contained on the surface of the implant provide said surface with four chemically and biologically advantageous properties: hydrophilicity, protection against atmospheric contamination, a pro-coagulant property and a pro-mineralizing property.
US09023376B2 Nanofiber-reinforced composition for application to surgical wounds
A nanofiber-reinforced composition suited to applying to a wound site in a human body includes a carrier liquid and nanofibers dispersed therein in the carrier liquid. The viscosity of the composition is such that it is able to be applied through a tube yet adhere proximate the wound site to provide a barrier layer which assists in healing of the wound by spacing it from neighboring organs.
US09023375B2 Liquid animal repellant containing oils of black pepper and capsicum
The present invention provides a novel liquid animal repellant composition which is environmentally safe, non-toxic, long-lasting and efficacious against a wide variety of animals such as dogs, cats, raccoons, skunks, mice, rates, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, etc.
US09023374B2 Sanitizing compositions
Provided are novel compositions exhibiting highly effective antiviral, antimicrobial and/or antifungal activity. The compositions of the invention can be used for sanitizing and/or disinfecting surfaces, e.g., inanimate and/or animate surfaces. Preferred compositions include a synergistic combination of an alcohol, docusate, geraniol and, optionally, menthol. The invention provides compositions that have high antimicrobial activity, yet are mild, non-irritating, quick drying, non-sticky and not drying to the skin. Processes for manufacturing and using the compositions and products containing such compositions are also disclosed.
US09023372B2 Metal-enhanced fluorescence nanoparticles
The present invention relates to nanoparticles comprising a metallic core with a surface coating, wherein the coating comprises at least an excitable radiative molecule attached thereto or impregnated therein, and wherein the excitable molecule is positioned at a sufficient distance from metallic core to enhance emissions when excited. The nanoparticles are included in compositions that may be used for surface coatings, cosmetics, assays, flow velocity measurements and targeting of tissue.
US09023369B2 Freeze-dried composition of active substances
The invention relates to freeze-dried molded articles, containing ≧50% by wt. of one or more active substances, and ≦15% by wt. of one or more scaffold-forming agents, with proteins being excepted, as well as optionally one or more auxiliary substances, in each case based on the total composition of the freeze-dried molded article, whose 1% by wt. solution or suspension in water, at 20° C., has a pH value <7. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for manufacturing these freeze-dried molded articles, the combination of such freeze-dried molded articles in kit-of-parts arrangements together with aqueous solutions, as well as the use of the freeze-dried molded articles and the kit-of-parts combinations for pharmaceutical and cosmetic application.
US09023365B2 Recombinant baculovirus vaccine
A recombinant transfer vector capable of expressing a foreign gene fused to a viral gene under the control of dual promoters and a recombinant baculovirus, and methods for production thereof, as well as pharmaceuticals comprising the recombinant baculovirus as an active ingredient.
US09023361B2 Methods for treating transplant rejection by administering anti-CD40 antibody
A mutant of a potentially therapeutic anti-CD40 antibody is provided which mutant has reduced ADCC and CDC activities designed to be optimized as a pharmaceutical agent. A mutant of an agonistic anti-CD40 antibody, comprising mutation and/or substitution of at least one amino acid in the constant region to reduce the ADCC and/or CDC activities therein, and a mutant of an antagonistic anti-CD40 antibody, comprising at least one mutation or substitution in the constant region to reduce the ADCC and/or CDC activities therein, both mutants having at least a hinge region derived from a human IgG2.
US09023357B2 Anti-prolactin receptor antibody formulations
Provided are a wide concentration range, especially high concentration anti-prolactin receptor antibody formulations that are substantially isosmotic and of low viscosity.
US09023352B2 Methods, compositions and kits for treating a subject using a recombinant heteromultimeric neutralizing binding protein
Methods, compositions and kits are provided for treating a subject exposed to or at risk for exposure to a disease agent using a pharmaceutical composition including at least one recombinant heteromultimeric neutralizing binding protein including two or multiple binding regions, such that the binding regions are not identical, and each binding region specifically binds a non-overlapping portion of the disease agent, thereby treating the subject for exposure to the disease agent. In a related embodiment, the heteromultimeric neutralizing binding protein includes two or multiple binding regions that neutralize a plurality of disease agents. In certain embodiments, the disease agent includes a bacterium, a bacterial protein, a virus, a viral protein, a cancer cell, and a protein or molecule produced therefrom. In certain embodiments, the disease agent is a plurality of different disease agents.
US09023346B2 Method of treating stroke with tenecteplase
A method for treating acute ischemic stroke in a human comprises administering tenecteplase to the human in a total dose of about 0.05 to 0.5 mg/kg, given as (a) an initial bolus dose of about 0.015 to 0.15 mg/kg, followed by infusion of an amount equaling the total dose minus the initial dose over a period of about 50-90 minutes, or (b) a bolus. Also described are kits for carrying out this method.
US09023345B2 Methods for improving gut health
The present invention provides methods for improving gut health. In particular, the invention provides methods for improving gut health by improving the digestibility of dietary proteins, decreasing the flow of protein to the lower gastrointestinal tract, and/or decreasing the levels of Clostridium bacteria the upper intestinal tract of a subject. The methods comprise administering to the subject a supplement consisting essentially of at least one protease.
US09023341B2 Amphiphilic chitosan nanogel as an injectable delivery system for stem cell therapy
The present invention relates to a novel injectable delivery system for stem cell therapy, which comprises a thermo-sensitive amphiphlic chitosan nanogel. Therefore, the invention provides a method for repairing a tissue damage of a subject using the amphiphlic chitosan nanogel served as a carrier for delivering the stem cells to the damaged tissue. This invention also provides a method for sustaining the growth of stem cells using the amphiphlic chitosan nanogel served as a niche or scaffold.
US09023338B2 Cancer stem cell antigen vaccines and methods
Method of stimulating an immune response (e.g., to treat cancer) include administering to a patient a composition including dendritic cells that present cancer stem cell antigens. Compositions including cancer stem cell antigens are also provided herein.
US09023332B2 Hair styling composition
A hair treatment composition comprising: i) a polyacrylate cross polymer; and ii) an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive comprising: a) an acrylic group having a side-chain with at least 4 carbons (eg n-butyl acrylate or 2-ethylhexyl acrylate) and; b) a short side-chain acrylic such as methyl acrylate.
US09023329B2 Structurants for oil phases
Polyester oil structurants are obtainable by the reaction of a C4 to C10 Q dicarboxylic acid, a polyol and a C16 to C30, particularly a C20 to C24, monocarboxylic fatty acid. The structurants can be used to provide structure, particularly thickening and/or gelling, in oils of a wide range of polarity. Thickened oils can find application in a range of personal care and other applications.
US09023328B2 W/O emulsion with emulsifying silicone elastomer and volatile linear alkane
Composition particularly useful for caring for and/or making up keratin materials, in particular the skin, in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion containing water and: (i) at least one or more, in particular C7-C14, volatile linear alkane(s), and (ii) at least one emulsifying silicone elastomer.
US09023324B2 Cosmetic composition for skin care
The invention relates to the use of siloxanes for emulsifiers for cosmetic compositions for skin care as well as cosmetic emulsions comprising such emulsifiers. The composition comprises an aminofunctional organopolysiloxane for W/O emulsions, O/W emulsions and multiple emulsions. The emulsions are formed easily, are very stable and needs not to add electrolytes.
US09023312B2 Process and apparatus for slaking lime and dissolving scale
Process and apparatus is disclosed for providing a chemical reaction between calcium oxide containing grit particles to produce calcium hydroxide and heat, capturing the heat of hydration and using it to preheat water initially at ambient temperature, to rise to an elevated temperature to increase the amount of lime present in the water to a supersaturated lime suspension level, with the chemical reaction running to completion, followed by cooling. Heat from a water jacket may be used to raise the temperature in the lime slaker. A process and apparatus is also provided for dissolving scale on internal surfaces of a lime slaker, a lime aging tank, grit separation device and piping and dosing sub-systems, by adding acid into the system with rinse water. A pressurized delivery system that is substantially closed to atmosphere delivers treating dosing under sufficient pressure conditions to maintain a relatively constant back pressure, by means of valving.
US09023311B2 Ceramic powder and multi-layer ceramic capacitor
A ceramic powder that contains, as a main composition, barium titanate powder having a perovskite structure with an average particle size (median size) of 200 nm or smaller as measured by SEM observation, wherein the barium titanate powder is such that the percentage of barium titanate particles having twin defects in the barium titanate powder is 13% or more as measured by TEM observation and that its crystal lattice c/a is 1.0080 or more. The ceramic powder has a wide range of optimum sintering temperatures and thus offers excellent productivity and is particularly useful in the formation of thin dielectric layers of 1 μm or less.
US09023305B2 Strontium-82/rubidium-82 generator, method for producing a rubidium-82 comprising diagnostic agent, said diagnostic agent and its use in medicine
The invention relates to a strontium-82/rubidium-82 generator, comprising a column filled with a cationic exchanger loaded with strontium-82, and having an inlet and an outlet, and a liquid medium, wherein parts of the column, inlet and outlet coming into contact with the liquid medium are iron-free, preferably metal-free, to a method for producing rubidium-82, and to the obtained diagnostic agent.
US09023303B2 Extended or multiple reaction zones in scrubbing apparatus
Some industrial or fabrication processes generate effluent gas streams that require scrubbing. Scrubbing may include the use of one or more gases to abate the effluents for safer release into the environment. Systems and methods described herein provide a liquid-enclosed reaction chamber where an extended reaction zone or more than one reaction zone is formed. By having an extended reaction zone or more than one reaction zone, the effluent gas stream and the products of upstream reaction zones can be more completely abated. The reaction zones are formed by adding one or more gas ports into the reaction chamber downstream of a main burner nozzle.
US09023298B2 High temperature platformer
An apparatus for reforming a hydrocarbon stream is presented. The apparatus involves changing the design of reformers and associated equipment to allow for increasing the processing temperatures in the reformers and heaters. The reformers are operated under different conditions to utilize advantages in the equilibriums, but require modifications to prevent increasing thermal cracking and to prevent increases in coking.
US09023293B2 Device for separation of essential oils and method of use
A light-oil separator device includes a collector funnel having a downwardly directed stem portion having an outside diameter. The stem portion adapts to insert in an upward extending neck portion of a collection vessel. The neck portion includes an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the funnel stem. The neck also includes an oil port at a first height. The vessel includes a body having a hydrosol port at a lower portion of a body sidewall. This port connects to an evacuation tube having a proximal end and an S-shape. This conduit includes an air vent at a top portion at a second height lower than the first height, the air vent extends upward to a height higher than the first height. The S-shape conduit terminates with a downward facing end portion at its distal end.
US09023290B2 Container for a contact lens storage solution and cleaning and/or sterilizing device for contact lenses in a contact lens storage solution
The invention relates to a container for a contact lens storage solution, in particular having contact lenses in said contact lens storage solution. The container has a vessel (14), which has a filling opening (20), and a first closing element (24), which can be attached to the vessel (14) and which closes the filling opening (20). The first closing element (24) has a gas supply channel (42) for a cleaning and/or sterilizing gas, which extends from at least one inlet (40) on an outer face of the first closing element (24) to at least one outlet (48) on an inner face of the first closing element (24) facing the interior of the vessel (14). On the outer face of the first closing element, said first closing element (24) has at least one venting opening (50) for the escape of gas from the vessel (14). The invention further relates to a container for a contact lens storage solution, which has a second closing element (26) which is arranged on the first closing element (24) and which closes the at least one inlet (40) of the gas supply channel (42) and the at least one venting opening (50) of the first closing element (24).
US09023281B2 Submersible chemical indicator apparatuses for use in aquatic-environment monitoring/measuring systems
Chemical indicator apparatuses containing one or more chemical indicators for use in monitoring the quality of water in an aquatic environment. The apparatuses are designed and configured to be submersible in the water that is being monitored. In some embodiments, each apparatus includes a plurality of immobilized-dye-based chemical indicators that undergo a physical change as levels of one or more constituents of the water change. Such indicators can be read by one or more suitable optical readers. These and other embodiments are designed and configured to be movable by a corresponding monitoring/measuring apparatus, for example, via a magnetically coupled drive. Also disclosed are a variety of features that can be used to provide a chemical indicator apparatus with additional functionalities.
US09023269B2 Manufacturing method of resin molding mold, resin molding mold, resin molding mold set, manufacturing method of microchip substrate, and manufacturing method of microchip using said mold
A method for producing a resin molding die (13) for molding a first substrate (2) having a flow path (2b) and a through-hole (2a), wherein a base die (10) having a concave part (10b) corresponding to the flow path (2b) and a through-hole (10a) corresponding to through-hole (2a) and deeper than the concave part (10b) is prepared, the base die (10) is subjected to electroforming with a first material and is then subjected to electroforming with a second material which is different from the first material, and a protruding part for forming through-hole (10a) by removing the first material that was electrodeposited on through-hole (10a) is formed. The first material has a smaller electroforming stress than the second material, the first material exerts a higher adhesiveness with regard to the base die than the second material, and the second material is harder than the first material.
US09023268B2 Imprinting method and apparatus therefor
An imprinting method includes the steps of setting a room-temperature imprint resist-coated substrate and a mold having a transfer surface having a pattern of projections and recesses therein in an assembling jig, pressing the patterned surface of the mold against the resist surface of the substrate, and releasing the mold from the substrate to separate the substrate, the mold and the assembling jig from one another. The steps are performed in plural independent units in each of which one step is executed, and the mold and the substrate are paired with each other by the assembling jig and conveyed between the units in a range of from the alignment step to the separation step. An imprinting apparatus includes an alignment unit which performs the alignment step, a press unit performing the press step, and a separation unit performing the separation step, wherein conveyance devices are provided to convey the mold and substrate between units.
US09023257B2 Hydrophilicity alteration system and method
A system/method allowing hydrophilicity alteration of a polymeric material (PM) is disclosed. The PM hydrophilicity alteration changes the PM characteristics by decreasing the PM refractive index, increasing the PM electrical conductivity, and increasing the PM weight. The system/method incorporates a laser radiation source that generates tightly focused laser pulses within a three-dimensional portion of the PM to affect these changes in PM properties. The system/method may be applied to the formation of customized intraocular lenses comprising material (PLM) wherein the lens created using the system/method is surgically positioned within the eye of the patient. The implanted lens refractive index may then be optionally altered in situ with laser pulses to change the optical properties of the implanted lens and thus achieve optimal corrected patient vision. This system/method permits numerous in situ modifications of an implanted lens as the patient's vision changes with age.
US09023242B2 Green-emitting, garnet-based phosphors in general and backlighting applications
Disclosed herein are green-emitting, garnet-based phosphors having the formula (Lu1-a-b-cYaTbbAc)3(Al1-dBd)5(O1-eCe)12:Ce,Eu, where A is selected from the group consisting of Mg, Sr, Ca, and Ba; B is selected from the group consisting of Ga and In; C is selected from the group consisting of F, Cl, and Br; and 0≦a≦1; 0≦b≦1; 0
US09023239B2 Ink for organic light-emitting element and a method for producing the same
An ink for an organic light-emitting element includes a first solvent, a second solvent, and a functional material. The first and second solvents have equal or similar boiling points. The first solvent is such that an imitatively formed functional layer formed by replacing the second solvent with the first solvent, in a light-emitting region of an organic light-emitting element, is thicker at both end portions than at a central portion and the top surfaces of the end portions are positioned higher than the top surface of the central portion. The second solvent is such that an imitatively formed functional layer formed by replacing the first solvent with the second solvent, in a light-emitting region of an organic light-emitting element, is thicker at a central portion than at both end portions and the top surface of the central portion is positioned higher than the top surfaces of the end portions.
US09023235B2 Heat transfer fluid additive composition
Disclosed herein is a heat transfer fluid additive composition comprising: greater than or equal to 10 weight percent (wt %) of a carboxylic acid, based on the total weight of the composition; an azole compound; and a base, wherein the base is present in an amount sufficient to obtain a pH 8-10.5 when diluted by 50 volume % with water. The heat transfer fluid additive composition can be combined with other components to form a heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid can be used in a heat transfer system.
US09023233B2 Azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition, and method for producing 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene or chloromethane
To provide a method for efficiently separating 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf) and chloromethane (R40) from a composition comprising HFO-1234yf and R40. An azeotrope-like composition comprising from 58 to 78 mol % of HFO-1234yf and from 22 to 42 mol % of R40, and a method for producing HFO-1234yf, which comprises steps of distilling an initial mixture containing HFO-1234yf in a content exceeding 63 mol % in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40, thereby to separate the initial mixture into a first fraction in which the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 is lower than the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 in the initial mixture, and a second fraction in which the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 is higher than the content of HFO-1234yf in the total amount of HFO-1234yf and R40 in the initial mixture, and then obtaining HFO-1234yf having a reduced R40 concentration, from the second fraction.
US09023226B2 Particle sources and methods for manufacturing the same
The present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a particle source comprising: placing a metal wire in vacuum, introducing active gas, adjusting a temperature of the metal wire and applying a positive high voltage V to the metal wire to generate at a side of the head of the metal wire an etching zone in which field induced chemical etching (FICE) is performed; increasing by the FICE a surface electric field at the top of the metal wire head to be greater than a field evaporation electric field of material for the metal wire, so that metal atoms at the top of the metal wire are evaporated off; after the field evaporation is activated by the FICE, causing mutual adjustment between the FICE and the field evaporation, until the head of the metal wire has a shape of combination of a base and a tip on the base; and stopping the FICE and the field evaporation when the head of the metal wire takes a predetermine shape.
US09023208B2 Disc filter
A filter device having a vent device for inhibiting formation of a vacuum in the filter device. The filter device includes a drum for receiving the liquid wherein the drum includes a drum headspace. The filter device also includes filter sets for filtering the liquid. The drum is rotated to enable cleaning of filter media. The filter device also includes a frame having spaced apart supports for supporting each of the filter sets. A fluid passageway extends between the supports, wherein the fluid passageway provides fluid communication between the tank headspace and a filter set to vent a filter set.
US09023207B2 Spiral wound carbon membrane and preparation method thereof
Disclosed is a spiral wound carbon membrane and preparation method thereof. The spiral wound carbon membrane is composed of one or more integral and windable membrane layers composed of a porous support and carbon materials containing fillers filled in the surface, pores and gaps thereof. The spiral wound carbon membrane has a developed ultramicropore porous structure with superior mechanical strength and toughness, and can be directly used to separate a gas mixture with different molecular sizes or liquid mixture.
US09023203B2 Liquid filter
A liquid filter including a filter housing, a ring filter insert and a cover. The housing bottom contains an outlet for emptying the housing when the filter insert is removed. The filter insert includes a filter material body surrounded by front panels. A blocking element for the outlet is arranged on one front panel, and positioning elements are provided on the filter insert and on the housing. The positioning elements include an inclined plane and an engaging radially protruding nose. The inclined plane is arranged on one and the nose is arranged on the other of the filter housing part and the ring filter insert. When the ring filter insert is rotated relative to the filter housing, the inclined plane and the nose are moved in relation to each other such that they slide along each other and engage the blocking element with the outlet.
US09023198B2 Self-cleaning screen assembly for filtering irrigation water
A self-cleaning screen includes a rotatable drum made of mesh material and an inlet pipe extending through a front end of the drum. A flotation structure supports the drum with the inlet pipe and the lower part of the drum submerged during use. A cleaning spray system located within the drum receives cleaning water through a hollow shaft supporting a rear end of the drum. Spray nozzles located within an upper part of the drum above the water level direct the cleaning water radially outward to dislodge debris from the screen. The front end of the drum includes an annular ring and a rubber seal extending radially inwardly from the annular ring to engage the inlet pipe. A drive belt extends around the annular ring to rotate the drum. A plurality of rollers engage a surface of the annular ring to support the drum for rotation about a horizontal axis.
US09023197B2 Methods for obtaining bitumen from bituminous materials
A method of extracting bitumen from bituminous material. In some embodiments, the method may include loading a bitumen material in a column, followed by feeding a first quantity of solvent into the column. The method may also include collecting the bitumen-enriched solvent exiting the column. A quantity of the bitumen-enriched solvent may then be fed into the column. In some embodiments, the method may include simultaneously loading bitumen material and a solvent in a column, followed by feeding additional solvent into the column. The method may also include collecting bitumen-enriched solvent exiting the column, and feeding a quantity of the bitumen-enriched solvent into the column.
US09023190B2 Lubricant composition for an internal combustion engine and method for lubricating an internal combustion engine
A lubricating oil composition for an internal combustion engine contains: a base oil including a component (A) of a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees C. of 5.5 mm2/s or less, a CCS viscosity at −35 degrees C. of 3000 mPa·s or less and a NOACK of 12 mass % or less and a component (B) of a mineral oil having a viscosity index of 120 or more; and polyisobutylene having a mass average molecular weight of 500,000 or more. A content of the composition (A) is 25 mass % or more of a total amount of a lubricating oil.
US09023183B2 Processing biomass and petroleum containing materials
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.
US09023181B2 Fast pyrolysis catalytic cracking pipe for producing bio-oils
A pyrolyzer apparatus (i.e. a “cracking pipe”) comprises a first screen, a second screen, and a catalyst material positioned between the first and second screens. The pyrolyzer is structured so that feedstock is pyrolyzed and pyrolyzer-generated gas is drawn through the first screen, through the catalyst material, and then through the second screen in series. The gas may then be directed to other processing equipment so that bio-oil is extracted from the gas.
US09023172B2 Method of manufacturing laminate
A method of manufacturing a laminate including a substrate, a support, and a release layer, the method including a preliminary treatment process of increasing temperatures of the support carried into a reaction chamber and the inside of the reaction chamber by a plasma treatment, and a release layer forming process of supplying a source gas serving as the release layer into the reaction chamber after the preliminary treatment process to form the release layer on the support.
US09023168B2 Method and apparatus for continuously producing optical panel assemblies
A method of producing an optical panel assembly including the polarizing film in a continuous manner by laminating a polarizing film to a surface of a rectangular-shaped optical panel, is disclosed. The polarizing film is formed by performing a step of subjecting a laminate including a continuous web of a thermoplastic resin substrate and a PVA type resin layer formed on the substrate, to a 2-stage stretching consisting of a preliminary in-air stretching and an in-boric-acid-solution stretching, to reduce a thickness of the PVA type resin layer to 10 μm or less, and a step of causing a dichroic material to be absorbed in the PVA type resin layer.
US09023151B2 Set-accelerating admixture having improved stability
The present invention is mainly aimed at a set-accelerating admixture for hydraulic compositions comprising, in an aqueous solution, the reaction product of an alkanolamine with a concentrated strong acid; sulfate anions; and alkali or alkaline earth cations; having a pH comprised between 5 and 12. Moreover it is directed to a method for its preparation as well as to a method for preparing hydraulic compositions comprising the step for adding such an admixture to the hydraulic binder, before, during or after the grinding.
US09023149B1 Fly ash-based cementitious mixture
A cementitious mixture for high-volume production of masonry products comprises a hydraulic binder accounting for 20 wt % or more of the cementitious mixture, the hydraulic binder comprising 75 to 100 wt % Class C fly ash with a CaO equivalent content of at least 15% by weight. The cementitious mixture also comprises one or more aggregates, and a set control system.
US09023141B2 Method of preparing aqueous pigment dispersions
A process for preparing an aqueous pigment dispersion is provided in which a pigment, a coating agent, a grinding agent and a vehicle are subjected to grinding, followed by removal of the grinding agent and the vehicle to form a press cake, and dispersing the press cake to form a pigment dispersion. Also disclosed is an ink-jet ink containing an aqueous vehicle and the aqueous pigment dispersion thus made.
US09023124B2 Conversion of C—O—H compounds into hydrogen for power or heat generation
Methods are disclosed for generating electrical power from a compound comprising carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. Water is combined with the compound to produce a wet form of the compound. The wet form of the compound is transferred into a reaction processing chamber. The wet form of the compound is heated within the reaction chamber such that elements of the compound dissociate and react, with one reaction product comprising hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is processed to generate electrical power.
US09023118B2 Azo dyes
The present invention relates to new azo dyes, a process for their preparation, and their use for dyeing or printing fibrous materials, to produce materials with brownish shades.
US09023111B2 Total knee replacement substituting function of anterior cruciate ligament
A total knee replacement prosthesis comprising condylar and intercondylar bearing surfaces configured to manage anterior/posterior displacement between the articulating femoral and tibial components.
US09023107B2 Vertebral body replacement
This invention concerns a vertebral body replacement element to be inserted into an intervertebral space, thus supporting the spinal column of a patient. The vertebral body replacement element has a hollow upper member and a hollow lower member, with the upper member and lower member engaging in a telescopic manner and establishing a cavity between the two members when assembled. Spacers may be inserted in the cavity to lengthen the vertebral body replacement element. The present invention further concerns a system and method for expanding and distracting a vertebral body replacement element into and within the spinal column of a patient.
US09023105B2 Ear molding device for correcting misshaped ears
A system and method for correcting misshaped ears using a molding device having one or more braces supporting a scaphal mold. The one or more braces and the scaphal mold are adapted to retain the helix and the helical rim of a misshaped ear within a space defined between the one or more braces and the scaphal mold, and to maintain a substantially correct anatomical shape of the helix and the helical rim.
US09023103B2 Accommodative intraocular lens
Accommodative intraocular lens comprising an optic part (1), which in turn comprises at least one incurving notch (3) and a peripheral edge of the optic (2); a haptic part (8), which in turn comprises at least one central branch (9), one lateral branch (10) and one angular branch of the haptic (11); an incomplete incurving ring (6) that in turn comprises at least one angled branch of the ring (17); an incurving tab (5); and means for sliding and/or stopping and/or amplifying the moving parts. The new accommodative intraocular lens accommodates in near vision by a posteroanterior displacement of the optic, changes in its curvature and changes in its thickness. The design of the incomplete incurving ring allows keeping the capsular bag open and tense to allow a greater displacement of the optic, and the incurving tabs (5) provide a greater accommodation power by curving the optic and increasing its thickness.
US09023101B2 Device for delivery of medical devices to a cardiac valve
A catheter device for transvascular delivery of a medical device to a cardiac valve region of a patient comprises an elongate sheath with a first lumen, a distal end for positioning at a heart valve, a second lumen that extends parallel to or in the sheath, and an expandable embolic protection filter. The filter is arranged to extend from an orifice of the second lumen and, in the expanded state, covers ostia of the side branch vessels in the aortic arch.
US09023095B2 Stent delivery system with pusher assembly
A pusher assembly for a stent delivery device includes a distal end of an elongate member and a stent-engaging member having proximal and distal ends. The proximal end of the stent-engaging member is mechanically coupled to the distal end of the inner member by a connector, or the proximal end of the stent-engaging member is at least partially inside the distal end of the elongate inner member. The stent-engaging member includes a portion that radially outwardly extends towards the distal end of the stent-engaging member, or the stent-engaging member includes a portion that radially outwardly extends towards the distal end of the stent-engaging member. The stent-engaging member is configured to move a stent when distally advanced and configured to not move a stent when proximally retracted. A stent delivery device includes an elongate outer member, an elongate inner member coaxially positioned within the outer member, and the pusher assembly.
US09023091B2 Treating cancer using electromagnetic fields in combination with photodynamic therapy
A light generating circuit is implanted in a subject's body and aimed at a target region such as a tumor. A photosensitizer is introduced into the target region, and an AC electric field is induced in the region. The field causes the light generating circuit to generate light, which activates the photosensitizer; and at certain field strengths and frequencies, the field itself has a beneficial effect. The beneficial effects of the field and the activated photosensitizer are thereby obtained simultaneously.
US09023090B2 Treating cancer using electromagnetic fields in combination with photodynamic therapy
A light generating circuit is implanted in a subject's body and aimed at a target region such as a tumor. A photosensitizer is introduced into the target region, and an AC electric field is induced in the region. The field causes the light generating circuit to generate light, which activates the photosensitizer; and at certain field strengths and frequencies, the field itself has a beneficial effect. The beneficial effects of the field and the activated photosensitizer are thereby obtained simultaneously.
US09023086B2 Receiving part for receiving a rod for coupling the rod to a bone anchoring element and a bone anchoring device with such a receiving part
A receiving part for coupling a rod to a bone anchoring element includes a receiving part body including a rod receiving portion having a channel for receiving a rod, and a head receiving portion for accommodating a head of a bone anchoring element, the head receiving portion having an open end and being flexible for inserting and clamping of the head; and a locking ring around the head receiving portion, wherein in a pre-locking position, a spring portion on one of the locking ring or the receiving part body engages a corresponding portion on the other one of the locking ring or the receiving part body, and the locking ring exerts a first force onto the head receiving portion, and wherein in a locking position, the locking ring exerts a second force greater than the first force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head therein.
US09023083B2 Method for soft tissue repair with free floating suture locking member
A suture anchor device and method for attaching soft tissue to bone includes an anchor body and a suture locking wedge movably disposed within the anchor body. The suture locking wedge includes lateral portions which engage slots or windows in the anchor body. Tension applied to one limb of a suture causes the suture locking wedge to translate and rotate to a position which compresses the suture, thereby locking the suture in the anchor.
US09023082B2 Suture anchor assembly with compressible distal tip
Methods and devices for fixation of soft tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having an elongate cylindrical body with proximal and distal ends and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The elongate body can be configured so that upon partial insertion into a bone hole, it is securely anchored within the bone hole and a suture extending through the inner lumen is freely slidable. It can also configured so that, upon further insertion into the bone hole, at least a portion of the elongate body compresses to lock the suture within the inner lumen such that the suture is prevented from sliding. In another embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having arms that have an open position for receiving a suture therebetween, and a closed position in which the suture is retained but allowed to slide freely.
US09023080B2 Flow obstructor and transapical closure device
Medical devices and methods for closing an anatomical aperture in a tissue are disclosed. The medical devices can include distal and proximal support structures, which can include a plurality of anchor members. A connection element can connect the distal and proximal support structures, and be configured to twist to create a seal within the medical device. In certain embodiments, a sheath about the medical device can be retracted to expose the distal support structure, which can allow it to revert to an anchoring configuration from a delivery configuration, such that the anchor members can engage an interior surface of the tissue. After twisting the connection element to form a seal, the sheath can be further retracted to expose the proximal support structure, which can allow it to revert to an anchoring configuration from a delivery configuration, such that the anchor members can engage an exterior surface of the tissue.
US09023076B2 Embolic filter frame having looped support strut elements
An embolic frame having looped support struts. The frame configuration provides enhanced longitudinal compliance, improved sealing against a vessel wall, low profile delivery, and a short deployed length. The looped support struts have a high degree of “radial” stiffness with a low degree of “longitudinal” stiffness. In the deployed state, the frame exerts a relatively high stress onto a vessel wall to maintain an effective seal, yet remains compliant in the longitudinal direction. The looped support struts elongate when tensioned and assume a compressed and essentially linear form. While constrained in this linear state by a delivery catheter, the support struts exert minimal stress onto the delivery system. The overall delivery profile and stiffness are therefore reduced. When the delivery catheter constraint is removed during deployment, the struts “snap open” and assume a looped configuration which exert a high degree of force onto the vessel wall.
US09023070B2 Rotational thrombectomy wire coupler
An assembly for breaking up vascular thrombus or other obstructive material including a motor housing having a motor, a motor shaft extending from the motor, a first housing positioned at a distal end of the motor shaft, a rotational thrombectomy wire and a second housing positioned at a proximal end of the wire. The first housing has a first magnet positioned therein and recessed from the distal edge of the first housing which has a first plurality of teeth. The second housing has a second magnet positioned therein and recessed from a proximal edge of the second housing which has a second plurality of teeth intermeshing with the first plurality of teeth when the wire is coupled to the motor shaft. The first and second plurality of teeth slip when a torque of the motor shaft exceeds a predetermined value.
US09023069B2 Attachable clamp for use with surgical instruments
An attachable clamp for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The attachable clamp comprises a body portion, a first jaw member, a second jaw member and an actuation mechanism. The body portion defines a longitudinal axis and has attachment members configured to attach to an elongate portion of a surgical instrument. Each of the first jaw member and second jaw member extends distally from the body portion. The actuation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with at least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member. Actuation of the actuation mechanism moves at least one of the first and second jaw members between an approximated position and an open position with respect to the other jaw member.
US09023067B2 Surgical system for stoma closure in biological duct
A surgical system for small-pit closure in hollow organs is provided. The surgical system is provided with a surgical device for small-pit closure in hollow organs, with the surgical device including the following components: a suture-member cartridge in which a pair of parallel tubular members that accommodate respective suture members are feedably connected to the rear ends of a pair of arrow-shaped members that latch into tissue in a hollow organ; an auxiliary shooting unit having plungers respectively provided in a pair of cylinders open at both ends; a hollow-organ-insertable unit configured of a pair of flexible air tubes; and a gas shooter that sequentially discharges compressed air or high-pressure gas into the open-ended cylinders in response to operations of a trigger, for sequentially ejecting the arrow-shaped members and driving the same into tissue in the hollow organ on both sides of a small pit site.
US09023066B2 Medical treatment device for suturing or ligating tissue
A treatment device for endoscopic therapy of the present invention includes a suturing-ligating member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, that carries out at least one of suturing and ligation of biological tissue, a stopper provided to be movable forward or backward on an proximal end side of the suturing or ligating member, and stoppable by friction on the suturing-ligating member to maintain the biological tissue in a sutured or ligated state by the suturing-ligating member, and a suturing-ligation releasing member provided movable with relative to the suturing-ligating member to release the suturing-ligation state maintained by firctional stopping between the suturing-ligating member and the stopper by moving the releasing member to the proximal end portion side of the suturing-ligating member.
US09023065B2 Devices, systems, and methods for supporting tissue and/or structures within a hollow body organ
Devices, systems and methods support tissue in a body organ for the purpose of restoring or maintaining native function of the organ. The devices, systems, and methods do not require invasive, open surgical approaches to be implemented, but, instead, lend themselves to catheter-based, intra-vascular and/or percutaneous techniques.
US09023064B2 Ligator and method of operating and manufacturing same
A device for discharging at least one band onto a tissue is provided. The device includes a housing; a suction assembly coupled to said housing; a dispensing assembly coupled in flow communication to said suction assembly; a discharge assembly coupled in flow communication to said dispensing assembly; and a first manual actuator coupled to said suction assembly and configured to move said suction assembly between a retracted position and an extended position wherein said suction assembly, in said retracted position, is configured to draw the tissue into said discharge assembly.
US09023058B2 Surgical instrument and method for tensioning and securing a flexible suture
A surgical instrument may be used to apply tension to a flexible suture to close and secure a broken or cut bone (e.g. a sternum following a sternotomy). The device preferably applies an adjustable tension to the flexible suture in order to secure the bone together. Multiple instruments may be used together to ensure the desired tension is applied to the entire bone structure being secured with the flexible sutures. Once the desired tension is achieved, the device preferably provides a mechanism to apply a uniform twist to the flexible suture to lock the flexible suture in place and maintain the tension previously achieved. The device may automatically cut the flexible suture, or the flexible suture may be cut by the surgeon once the twisting action has been performed.
US09023057B2 Impacting device and method
An impacting device for inserting, positioning and/or removing an implant and/or performing other impacting applications. The impacting device may have a head having at least one recess. The recess may have a insertion channel and a locking chamber. In one embodiment, the insertion channel and the locking chamber may be connected by an axial channel. The recess may pass through a lateral surface of the head so that the base surface may remain cohesive or unobstructed. A guide means, such as a guide rod, may be positioned though the recess so that the head may be moveable on the guide means and not disengage the guide means. A shaft having a handle may be attached to the head to assist a surgeon in moving the head on the guide means.
US09023053B2 Instrumentation for knee resection
A system for performing a resection of a selected portion of an anatomy with a resection instrument. The system includes a first member, a first movement defining portion defined by the first member, a second member, and a second movement defining portion of the second member. The first member is fixable to the selected portion of the anatomy. The second member is configured to cooperate with the first member. The first movement defining portion and the second movement defining portion are operable to allow the second member to be moveable relative to the first member from a first position to a second position. The resection instrument is positionable relative to the second member in the first position and in the second position to form a selected resection of the selected portion of the anatomy.
US09023046B2 Implant for fracture treatment
An implant is described for fracture treatment, comprising an elongate and in particular substantially rotationally symmetrical base body (20), in particular an implant shaft, and an anchoring section (10), wherein the anchorage section has an outer surface of a porous biocompatible material at least in part, and wherein the anchorage section is arranged in an axial end region of the implant and is releasably connectable to the base body.
US09023043B2 Insulating mechanically-interfaced boot and jaws for electrosurgical forceps
An electrosurgical forceps includes a shaft having a pair of jaw members at a distal end movable about a pivot from a first position disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members are closer to one another for grasping tissue. A movable handle actuates a drive assembly to move the jaw members relative to one another. One (or both) of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting electrical energy to tissue held therebetween. A flexible insulating boot is disposed on an exterior surface of one or both jaw members and about the pivot and at least one retention element is configured to operably couple to both a proximal end of the jaw members and a distal end of the flexible insulating boot.
US09023036B2 Lasso catheter with tip electrode
Medical apparatus includes a sheath having a lumen with a distal opening. A flexible probe, which is adapted for insertion through the sheath, includes an insertion shaft, an end section, which is connected to the distal end of the insertion shaft, a tip electrode extending over the tip of the end section, and proximal electrodes distributed along the end section. The probe is manipulable, within the sheath, between a retracted configuration in which the end section is contained within the lumen so that only the tip electrode protrudes through the distal opening, and an extended configuration in which the entire end section protrudes from the distal opening and assumes an arcuate shape. An energy generator applies electrical energy only to the tip electrode while the probe is in the retracted configuration and to at least the proximal electrodes while the probe is in the extended configuration.
US09023029B2 Treatment system
A treatment system includes a holding section that has a heat generation section, a signal output section that supplies a drive signal to the heat generation section, a setting section that sets a target temperature of the heat generation section, a signal detection section that detects the drive signal, a signal extraction section that extracts an extracted signal of a predetermined frequency band from the drive signal detected by the signal detection section, a fault detection section that detects a precursory phenomenon of a fault of the heat generation section when the extracted signal reaches a predetermined threshold, and a control section that controls the drive signal to the heat generation section in a treatment mode for treating the living tissue at the target temperature or in a test mode for detecting the precursory phenomenon.
US09023024B2 Reflective power monitoring for microwave applications
A system and method for supplying microwave energy to tissue for microwave therapy includes an electrosurgical generator having an output for coupling to a surgical instrument. The electrosurgical generator includes a microwave energy source and a controller for controlling the operation of the electrosurgical generator. The surgical instrument, coupled to the electrosurgical generator, includes a microwave antenna for delivering microwave energy from the microwave energy source. The controller of the electrosurgical generator is operable for causing the electrosurgical generator to apply at least two pulses of microwave energy.
US09023022B2 Nerve and soft tissue ablation device having release instrument
Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A release instrument is provided comprising a sheath that comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe. The probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball and the release instrument is configured to release the probe tip from the ice ball. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.
US09023012B2 Systems and methods for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure involving a reduced-pressure interface having a multi-lumen conduit for contacting a manifold
Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a multi-lumen conduit to a distribution manifold. The interface includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion. The cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. The interface further includes an attachment device, a conduit port, and a multi-lumen conduit. The attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion for coupling the housing to a sealing member. The conduit includes a distal end and a proximal whereby the distal end extends through a conduit aperture and past the cavity wall portion into the cavity. The conduit further includes a primary lumen and a plurality of sensing lumens. The primary lumen and the plurality of sensing lumens extend from the proximal end of the conduit to the distal end. The conduit is adapted to contact the distribution manifold.
US09023008B2 Absorbent articles with elastics in multiple layers
Absorbent articles that include elastics in multiple layers are disclosed herein.
US09023005B2 Disposable absorbent article having a barrier
A disposable absorbent article having at least one barrier at least one barrier extending along at least a longitudinal side of the crotch portion having a proximal end being connected to the remains of the article and a distal end forming a longitudinally extending free edge. At least one of the front and rear portion have a side portion extending transversely outwardly of the proximal end of the barrier to a side portion end for fastening to the other of the front and rear portion, so as to form a closed position of the article defining a leg opening. A connecting member connects the barrier with the side portion, and extends between a first connection where the connection member is connected to the barrier and a second connection where the connection member is connected to the side portion, such that when the side portion is subject to a traction force, the traction force will be at least partially transferred to the barrier via the connecting member.
US09023004B2 Absorptive article
In an absorptive article, fitting performance is improved by following the shape and movement of a body, and wrinkles in a blood discharge opening corresponding portion are eliminated and wearing comfort is improved by separating movement of each part from each other so that the blood discharge opening corresponding portion is not affected.
US09022999B2 Fluid spraying apparatuses, and related systems and methods
Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to fluid spraying apparatuses, and related systems and methods. The disclosed fluid spraying apparatuses may be used, for example, to spray a medically suitable fluid on a target region of a living subject such as for treating or removing tissue. In an embodiment, a fluid spraying apparatus includes a target designation unit having a target sensor configured to sense a target region of a living subject, a spray mechanism, and a controller. The spray mechanism includes at least one reservoir configured to hold fluid, and a spraying device operably coupled to the at least one reservoir, the spraying device configured to spray the fluid in the at least one reservoir onto the target region. The controller includes control electrical circuitry operably coupled to the spray mechanism and the target designation unit, and configured to control the spray mechanism responsive to the target sensor sensing the target region.
US09022998B2 Blower instrument, apparatus and methods of using
A surgical blower for providing a directed stream to clear a surgical site, that can be used in multiple different use modes. In one use mode, the surgical blower is handheld by a user during operation. In another mode, a distal end portion of the blower is fixed to a foot of a stabilizer instrument and the handle of the blower is handheld. In another mode, a distal end portion of the blower is fixed to a foot of a stabilizer instrument and the handle of the blower is fixed to a stationary object such as a sternal retractor. In another mode, the distal end of the blower is free and the handle of the blower is fixed to a stationary object. An apparatus including a blower and a stabilizer is provided. Methods of using the blower as well as the apparatus are also provided.
US09022993B2 Drive assembly for a drug delivery device and drug delivery device
A drive assembly for a drug delivery device is presented having a housing with a proximal end and a distal end, a drive member, and a piston rod. A longitudinal axis extends between the proximal end and the distal end and the piston rod is axially moveable relative to the housing. The piston rod has a guide track and the drive member has a guide piece disposed and movable in the guide track. The guide track is configured with at least one section which is oblique relative to the longitudinal axis and defines a displacement for dispensing a single pre-set dose of medication during a relative movement between the guide piece and the piston rod when the guide piece cooperates with the oblique section between a distal final area of the oblique section and a proximal final area of the oblique section.
US09022988B1 System and method for controlling a self-injector device
A cartridge-based computer controlled self-injection device automatically regulates time and dosage administered to a patient. Cartridges can be electronically tagged so the injection device can determine the content, volume, expiration date, and physician prescribed dosage timetable. Authentication verifies the device and ensures the proper patient is using the device with the appropriate therapeutic injectant. Authentication further provides information controlling device operation including expiration dates and clock synchronization. Therapeutic injectant administration statistics, such as date and time of administration of a therapeutic injectant are stored and provide to a health care provider for monitoring. Patients can be notified of nearing or missed administrations.
US09022986B2 Surgical portal with gel and fabric seal assembly
A surgical portal assembly provides access to underlying tissue. The surgical portal has a seal which includes a gel layer and a fabric layer. The seal includes internal surfaces defining a passage for reception and passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith.
US09022981B2 Clamp mounting for a syringe of a dosing apparatus, dosing apparatus and blood treatment apparatus
The present invention relates to a clamp mounting for accommodating at least one section of a drug delivery device or for restricting it in at least one direction of motion. The drug delivery device features an accommodation chamber for the drug solution or substance to be delivered. The clamp mounting features at least one clamping device. The clamping device features at least one recess which is provided for accommodating or restricting at least one part of the section of the drug delivery device. The recess or at least a section hereof has an arched or curved demarcation between itself and sections of the clamping device that are not recessed. Alternatively or additionally, the recess or at least a section hereof is arched or curved in at least one section hereof. The present invention further relates to a dosing apparatus and a blood treatment apparatus.
US09022980B2 Medical injector simulation device
An apparatus includes a simulated medicament delivery device and an electronic circuit system coupled to the simulated medicament delivery device. The electronic circuit system is configured to output an electronic output associated with a use of the simulated medicament delivery device.
US09022972B2 Medicine delivery device having detachable pressure sensing unit
A fluid medicament delivery device includes a patient attachment unit and a separate indicator unit. The patient attachment unit includes a housing and a fluid channel located therein, wherein at least a portion of the fluid channel includes a flexible member substantially coterminous with the housing. The separate indicator unit is adapted to be detachably coupled to the housing of the patient attachment unit and includes a first sensing element for contacting the flexible member when the indicator unit is coupled to the housing to sense a flexure of the flexible member.
US09022970B2 Ophthalmic injection device including dosage control device
An injection device includes a dispensing chamber, a plunger, a controller, a temperature control device, and a memory device. The dispensing chamber has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a cavity for receiving a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber, is capable of sliding in the cavity of the dispensing chamber, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber. The controller controls the operation of the injection device. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber. The memory device has a parameter stored on it. The controller uses the parameter from the memory device to operate the injection device.
US09022966B2 Regional citrate anticoagulation
A system or method automates and optimizes citrate anticoagulant supplementation in a blood filtration circuit during CRRT. A processor-based control system interfaces with a blood filtration circuit to detect patient blood flow into the circuit, detect fluid loss through a hemofilter, and sense vital electrolyte concentrations in the blood flow, and in response, control the addition of citrate, substitution fluid, and electrolyte supplements to ensure stability of plasma concentrations in post-dilution flow returned to the patient. The controller executes the method embodied as process control algorithms for calculating an optimal citrate flow rate as a function of selected, detected, and calculated system parameters. Citrate may be added to the circuit separately, or as part of a substitution solution or a dialysate.
US09022965B2 Knee orthosis, and method for controlling a knee orthosis
A knee orthosis and a method for controlling a knee orthosis including a thigh structure having a fastening structure to be fixed to a thigh, a lower leg structure which is pivotally coupled to the thigh rail using a joint mechanism and has a fastening structure to be fixed to a lower leg as well as a foot piece for supporting a foot, and an actuator device between the thigh structure and the lower leg structure. The fastening points of the actuator on the thigh structure and lower leg structure and the center of rotation of the joint mechanism form a triangle. The fastening points are arranged on the structures such that the connecting line between a fastening point and the center of rotation in an angular position of the knee in which the lower leg is bent at an angle ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the thigh.
US09022959B2 Oral care systems
An oral care system that provides a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal by using a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect, where the system includes means for directing the liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing the liquid to the means for directing the liquid onto the surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect; and a reservoir for containing the liquid.
US09022953B2 Lancet analyte sensors and methods of manufacturing
In some aspects, an analyte sensor is provided for obtaining and detecting an analyte concentration level in a bio-fluid sample. The analyte sensor has a sensor body including a semiconductor material, an active region coupled to the sensor body, and a lancet provided on the analyte sensor. The conductor may include a fiber having a core of a conductive material and a semiconductor cladding surrounding the core. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US09022940B2 Handheld imaging devices and related methods
A monitoring device can be configured to facilitate intra-tissue inspection of a probe at a target region, the monitoring device comprising a housing, a transducer coupled to the housing, and a display coupled to the transducer and to the housing. The transducer can comprise a first transducer array aligned to scan a longitudinal plane of the target region, and a second transducer array aligned to scan a transverse plane of the target region. The display can be configured to receive information derived from the first and second transducers to present an image of at least one of the longitudinal plane or the transverse plane, and to present at the image a probe point highlight of a probe point of the probe. Other examples, embodiments, and related methods are described herein.
US09022926B2 Reinforced flexible access assembly
A reinforced access assembly is provided. The access assembly includes a compressible body having proximal and distal ends and a substantially hourglass-shaped central portion extending therebetween. The compressible body defining at least a first lumen configured to receive an instrument in a sealing manner. The access assembly further includes a reinforcing mechanism extending between the proximal and distal ends of the compressible body. The reinforcing mechanism includes a plurality of rib members configured to permit compression of the compressible body during insertion into an incision and return the compressible body to an uncompressed condition following insertion.
US09022919B2 Vaginal insert device having a support portion with plurality of struts
A vaginal insert device including a support portion, a stabilizing portion, a removal device, and at least one fluid passageway extending though the support portion is disclosed. The vaginal insert relaxes in the vagina to deliver outward compression force against the bladder neck via the anterior vaginal wall to assist prevention of urinary stress incontinence. The substantially cylindrical support portion has a distal end, a proximal end, and a hollow interior section with a plurality of struts extending from the distal end to the proximal end. Desirably, the plurality of struts helically curve as the plurality of struts extend from the distal end to the proximal end. The largest circumference of the support portion has an insertion diameter when the plurality of struts are twisted together and an in-use diameter wherein the plurality of struts are extended outward into a convex position larger than the insertion diameter.
US09022915B2 Dosimetrically customizable brachytherapy carriers and methods thereof in the treatment of tumors
Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.
US09022901B2 Coast stop vehicle and control method thereof
A coast stop vehicle which stops an engine during the travel of the vehicle is provided with a variator including a pair of pulleys and a belt mounted between the pulleys and capable of continuously changing a speed ratio. A controller judges whether or not coast stop conditions to stop the engine during the travel of the vehicle hold, stops the engine when the coast stop conditions hold, and prevents the speed ratio from being upshifted to a higher side than a speed ratio at the time of starting the coast stop control during the coast stop control.
US09022894B2 Automatic transmission assembly
A transmission includes gearsets each including rotating members, a support held against rotation, brake servos located in the support, brakes each actuated by one of the brake servos for producing a connection between the support and a respective gearset member, a housing, clutch servos located in the housing, and clutches each actuated by one of the clutch servos for producing a drive connection between the housing and a respective gearset member.
US09022893B2 Hypoid gear set for drive axle
A hypoid gear set for a vehicle drivetrain includes a pinion gear in meshing engagement with a ring gear. The hypoid gear set has a negative pinion offset. The hypoid pinion and ring gears provide a predetermined gear ratio that can be varied up to a fifty percent faster ratio within a single carrier packaging envelope defined by a maximum ring gear diameter.
US09022891B2 Triple clutch multi-speed transmission
A transmission is disclosed having a planetary gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set, an input clutch assembly having three input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear set and includes: at least three co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.
US09022885B2 Portable collapsible sports goal and carrying case
The present invention discloses a device, comprising a collapsible sports goal that is housed and anchored by a backpack.
US09022882B2 Multi-piece solid golf ball
The invention provides a multi-piece solid golf ball having a solid core encased by a cover of one, two or more layers, which ball has specific hardness relationships among various areas on a core cross-section obtained by cutting the solid core in half. The golf ball has a reduced spin rate on shots with a driver (W#1) and thus is able to achieve an increased distance. A good feel on impact can also be obtained.
US09022875B2 Golf putter with clear alignment aid insert
A golf putter with a clear insert in the clubhead is provided. One or more alignment lines are present on the top and bottom surfaces of the insert and lie directly vertically above one another. The alignment lines assist the player in ensuring that the clubhead is parallel to the ground. If the clubhead is not parallel to the ground, the alignment lines on the top and bottom surfaces will appear offset. The player can then reposition the clubhead until the alignment lines are aligned.
US09022874B2 Putter heads and putters having adjustable, multi-sided ball striking face insert
Golf clubs and golf club heads, such as putter heads (102), may include a putter body and an adjustable ball striking face insert (116) forming at least a portion of the ball striking face (104) and contained within the putter body. The insert (116) may have a plurality of sides (118a, 118b, 118c, 118d), each of the sides having different performance characteristics to permit customization of the putter (100). In some examples, the adjustable ball striking face insert (116) may be rotatably mounted within the putter head. Additionally or alternatively, the insert (116) may be removably mounted within the putter head (102). In some arrangements, the insert (116) may be finely adjustable to alter the loft angle of the putter head (102).
US09022871B2 Gaming machine
A gaming machine has sticker pasting portions onto which stickers with decorative images are pasted, around each of a plurality of displays thereof. Each sticker pasting portion has a sticker pasting surface and a raised portion. Owing to stickers pasted onto sticker pasting portions, the gaming machine harmonizes with an atmosphere of a game arcade.
US09022869B1 System and method for merging user accounts
Disclosed herein is technology for merging a two separate user accounts. The virtual content in the accounts can be designated at mergeable content and managed content. The user chooses one account to the primary account and the mergeable content from the second user account is merged with the content—of the same type—of the first user account. The managed content is not simply merged into the designated account. Instead, certain components of the virtual content are selected to be migrated to the target account until a maximum number of components are reached.
US09022861B2 Device health monitoring for gaming machines
A gaming peripheral for a gaming machine is described. The gaming peripheral can be configured to emulate the functions of a lighting device, such as a candle. The gaming peripheral can be configured to provide enhanced gaming features such as 1) enhanced networking capabilities, 2) enhanced peripheral device monitoring and upgrade capabilities, 3) enhanced player monitoring and security capabilities 4) enhanced gaming function capabilities and 5) enhanced player reward capabilities. The enhanced gaming features can be provided in a non-intrusive manner such that regulated software executed on a gaming machine does not have to be altered.
US09022853B2 Gaming device having bonus game dependent upon variable wager component selection
A primary and secondary game for a wagering gaming machine. In one embodiment, the number of lines wagered or a slot machine makes the player eligible for a bonus game, and a wager made per payline effects how many moves or positions on a meter the player advances upon achieving the bonus triggering symbol or combination of symbols. When the player advances the meter to the end, the gaming device displays a payout event. The payout event can be any type of bonus gaming event that potentially provides an award to the player.
US09022849B2 Method of gaming, a gaming system, and a game controller
There is disclosed a method of gaming. The method comprises selecting a plurality of symbols for display on a display at a plurality of display positions, modifying the displayed symbols by applying a symbol characteristic to at least one of the symbols displayed within a designated area on the display, the designated area encompassing a subset of the plurality of display positions, and determining whether or not to make an award based on the plurality of symbols as modified.
US09022846B1 110 CFM bath fan with and without light
Apparatus, systems and methods of 110 (one hundred ten) CFM (cubic feet per minute) generating ventilation fans for bathrooms with grill covers and with or without lights in the grill covers. Spring clip type washers can attach the grill covers to the housings. Suspension brackets directly attached to outer side walls of the housing can support the housings. One suspension bracket can be mounted on a bottom wall of the housing and another suspension bracket of equal length can be mounted on a side wall of the housing that is oriented perpendicular to the bottom wall. Bent flanges on the suspension brackets can be on opposite ends of the respective brackets. A lens cover can cover a light box that holds light sources centrally located in the grill cover. The grill cover can include vent openings that allow incoming air to bypass the light sources that can be located inside of the light box.
US09022842B2 Elevator apparatus
An elevator apparatus includes an elevator car; an air blower including an air inlet and an air outlet; ducts each having one end individually connected to the elevator car, the air inlet and the air outlet; intake and exhaust air volume adjusting means having the other end of each of the ducts connected thereto, which adjusts an intake and exhaust volume of air in the elevator car by varying a volume of air that bypasses the car to flow from the air outlet to the air inlet of the air blower; and control means that controls the intake and exhaust air volume adjusting means, to adjust air pressure within the car to set air pressure. The elevator apparatus adjusts air pressure within the elevator car, even when there is a small differential pressure between the set air pressure within the car and an air pressure outside the car.
US09022841B2 Coin counting and/or sorting machines and associated systems and methods
Coin processing apparatuses, such as consumer or commercial coin processing apparatuses for counting and/or sorting coins, are described herein. The apparatuses can include coin conveyors having a plurality of individual coin carriers linked together to form a chain. In some embodiments, each of the coin carriers includes a corresponding pocket that is configured to receive a coin from a coin hopper as the carrier chain passes through the coin hopper during its cycle. The coin carriers can carry the coins past one or more sensors for identification or “discrimination” of the coin denomination. After discrimination, the coins can be knocked from the carrier pockets and into, e.g., a selected coin chute for transfer to a collection bin.
US09022836B2 Dressing device for a grinding wheel and its use in a centreless nuclear fuel pellet grinder
The invention relates to a device for dressing a grinding wheel, comprising a sleeve to hold a corundum rod laterally and to guide it along its longitudinal axis, a ram to apply constant thrust force onto the corundum rod held in place and guided in the sleeve, to bring it into contact with the grinding wheel, means of rigidly connecting the ram shaft to the end of the corundum rod, and linear guide means for the sleeve for translating the corundum rod parallel to the axis of the grinding wheel while keeping the rod pressed against the grinding wheel with a constant force.Application to a centerless grinder in which the grinding wheel is used to grind nuclear fuel pellets.
US09022830B2 Toy construction system having a rotatable connector/spinner device
A toy construction system is provided that includes, in a toy construction system having a multiplicity of interconnecting members adapted for constructing a variety of projects, a rotator head device including a device housing having a conical-shaped cavity formed therein. The housing includes a plurality of female twist-lock connectors formed on the outer surface thereof, and the female connectors are adapted for attaching a first member of the toy construction system to the rotator head device housing. A rotating member, which is conical in shape and slightly smaller in size than the cavity formed in the device housing is included. The rotating member is rotatably disposed within the cavity and has a male twist-lock connector stem extending from an end thereof for connecting a second member of the toy construction system to the rotating member, whereby the first member is rotatable with respect to the second member.
US09022825B1 Self-inflating device
A pressure-activated flotation device for use with an electronic device includes an attachment feature, chemicals, a container, a removable cap, an inflatable tube, and a pressure-activated valve. The inflatable tube is fluidly connected to the container and is configured to inflate with the expanding gas when the chemicals are exposed to a liquid. The pressure-activated valve leads from the outer surface of the container to the inner volume of the container and includes a one-way valve that opens to allow liquid to flow to the inner volume of the container when the pressure-activated flotation device is submerged in the liquid to a depth where the pressure applied against the pressure-activated valve by the liquid is greater than an actuation pressure. The one-way valve also closes when the expanding gas generates a gas pressure inside the inflatable tube that exceeds a threshold.
US09022815B2 Connecting terminal for storage battery
The storage battery connection terminal comprising: an insertion unit formed in a shape of a curved; a clamping unit formed by extending end portions of the insertion; and a power withdrawal unit formed to be extended from the other end portion of the insertion unit, in which the insertion unit, the clamping unit and the power withdrawal unit are manufactured by molding a single panel. The clamping unit includes a lower plate formed to be inclined by extending one end portion of the insertion unit so as to support the clamping bolt, and an upper plate formed to be inclined by extending the other end portion of the insertion unit so as to be disposed in parallel to the lower plate, on which the clamping nut is rested.
US09022806B2 Printed circuit board for RF connector mounting
An RF connector module and associated printed circuit board providing high isolation and controlled impedance at RF frequencies. The connector module may be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, such as stamping, insert molding, multi-shot molding and interference fit between components, to provide low cost. A connector module constructed with these techniques may implement a co-planar waveguide structure, with conductive shields for isolation and lossy material to enforce co-planar propagation modes. The printed circuit board may similarly be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, including drilling to form vias. As a result, an interconnection system may be manufactured with low cost. These techniques may be applied to provide performance, including in the form of isolation between RF signals, comparable to that provided by more expensive components.
US09022798B2 Connector
A connector comprises: a connector housing that has a lock arm that locks a mated corresponding housing in a corresponding housing mating chamber, an arm operation part that can displace the lock arm to a position that releases the lock by an operation, a wire extraction part that is positioned in the release operation direction of the arm operation part and guides wires that are guided to the outside, a cover attachment part provided on the wire extraction part; and a wire cover that has a housing attachment part that is inserted into the peripheral side of the wire extraction part of the connector housing and mated to the cover attachment part and an arm excessive displacement prevention part that restricts excessive displacement of the lock arm.
US09022797B2 Connector and connector assembly
A detector (70) movable from an initial position to a detection position is mounted on a housing main body (11). The detector (70) includes a resilient arm (72) resiliently deformable in a height direction. The resilient arm (72) contacts a lock arm (12) from behind before the housing main body (11) is connected to a mating housing (50) to prevent a forward movement at an initial position. When the housing main body (11) is properly connected to the mating housing (50), the detector (70) reaches a detection position where the resilient arm (72) enters a deformation space (25) by being pushed forward from the initial position. At the initial position, the resilient arm (72) applies a pre-load to the lock arm (12) in the height direction.
US09022793B2 Lever type connector
There is provided a lever type connector. In the lever type connector in which an electric wire cover is attached to a connector housing to which a lever is already fitted, a false fitting preventing projection that protrudes from the electric wire cover and prevents the false fitting of the electric wire cover when this projection comes into contact with the lever is provided, and the false fitting preventing projection protrudes outward rather than the connector housing and an outer surface of the lever. The false fitting preventing projection absorbs an impact applied from the outside, and serves as a cushioning member against at least the connector housing.
US09022787B2 Educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers
An educational game for teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers includes a carpet/game board including ten positively numbered spaces from +1 to +10 inclusive a 0 space and negatively numbered spaces from −1 to −10 inclusive and wherein said positive numbered spaces proceed upwardly in a generally zigzag direction from 0 to plus 10 and the negatively numbered spaces proceed downwardly from 0 to minus 10 and an extra space above the plus 10 and an extra space below the minus 10 wherein the extra space above the plus 10 is a win space and the space below the minus 10 is a lose space. The game also includes a single cube shaped die having six faces with an indication of plus 2, minus 2 and no movement on three of the faces and a plus 1, minus 1 and plus 1 plus and additional turn on the sixth face. Further, the game includes six game pieces of separate distinct colors.
US09022786B2 Flight crew training system
A method is present for flight crew training. Flight crew interactions are recorded during a lesson to form recorded flight crew interactions. Flight deck displays occurring during the lesson are recorded to form recorded flight deck displays. A flight training video is formed from the recorded flight crew interactions and the recorded flight deck displays.
US09022784B2 Dental bridges and superstructures, and methods for manufacturing thereof
The present disclosure provides a dental bridge intermediary structure (20) comprising a superstructure (200) and a connection piece (210), as well as connection piece for a dental bridge intermediary structure (20). A method for producing a dental bridge superstructure (200) is also provided.
US09022779B2 Multi-gas burner head with sucked or blown air
The finding concerns a multi-gas burner head with sucked or blown air, from which the mixture of fuel gas and comburent air comes out and the combustion occurs. Such a head is made from a metallic sheet in which there is at least one row of aligned slits (2), substantially rectangular-shaped; such a sheet is folded so as to have a series of flat flaps (3) in succession, each of the slits being arranged so as to be closed like a “sandwich” between two flat portions of the sheet, once the flaps of the structure are mutually compressed. The gas mixture is intended to pass from the bottom (5) of the flaps and then through the slits and finally to come out at two side by side crests (6) of the structure where the combustion occurs.
US09022778B2 Signal conditioner for use in a burner control system
A signal conditioner for use with a controller and a burner receives an input signal from the controller. A conversion circuit generates a primary output signal corresponding to the input signal to control the burner. The signal conditioner also includes a delay circuit. The delay circuit overrides the primary output signal generated by the conversion circuit and substitutes a delay signal to the burner at a predetermined level for a predetermined time. The signal conditioner may also include a temperature override circuit, which receives a temperature of air from the burner. If the temperature is above or below established limits, the temperature override circuit substitutes a temperature override signal to the burner.
US09022771B2 Liquefier assembly for use in extrusion-based additive manufacturing systems
A liquefier assembly for use in an extrusion-based additive manufacturing system, the liquefier assembly comprising a downstream portion having a first average inner cross-sectional area, and an upstream having a second average inner cross-sectional area that is less than the first inner cross-sectional area, the upstream portion defining a shoulder configured to restrict movement of a melt meniscus of a consumable material.
US09022767B2 Mold thickness adjusting apparatus of injection molding machine
An injection molding machine is provided with an automatic mold thickness adjusting apparatus. The amount of compensation of the position of a rear platen that is adjusted at the time of installation of a mold is determined by calculating the thermal expansion of the mold that is expected to occur at the completion of a rise in temperature based on the difference in temperature between the mold temperature at the time of mold thickness adjustment and the mold temperature at the time of injection molding. Then, the rear platen is moved to the compensated position thus determined.
US09022765B2 Vibrating machine for producing molded bodies by means of compacting
A vibrating machine for producing a molded body by compacting a granular raw mixture includes an oscillatable vibrating table configured to receive a molding box. A clamping device is produced by at least two clamping closures, each including: a pivot bracket having a lower end being pivotally mounted on the vibrating table and an upper end including a cranking which is directed outward; a double-acting hydraulic pivot cylinder pivotally mounted on the vibrating table; a two-armed rocker arm pivotally connected to the pivot bracket and including an inner part that cooperates with the molding box and an outer part that cooperates with the hydraulic pivot cylinder; and a compression spring disposed between the cranking and the outer part of the rocker arm such that the rocker arm releases from a position closing the respective clamping closure upon a pressure in the hydraulic pivot cylinder being relieved.
US09022764B2 System for manufacturing an irrigation pipe and a device and method for detecting holes in the wall of an irrigation pipe
A system for manufacturing an irrigation pipe comprises an extrusion unit, a calibrator unit, a cooling unit for cooling the irrigation pipe in a cooling liquid, and a traction unit for drawing the irrigation pipe in the cooling unit. The cooling unit comprises a device for detecting holes in the wall of the irrigation pipe and arranged for being immersed in the cooling liquid. The device for detecting holes comprises at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical receiver which define an optical barrier. The device is arranged so that the holes in the irrigation pipe located below the device produce gas bubbles which modify the optical barrier.
US09022761B2 Elliptical gear pump fluid driving apparatus
Elliptical or oval shaped gears of a positive displacement gear pump are disclosed. The gears have specially designed teeth at the ends of the gears' major and minor diameter axes. For example the teeth at the ends regions of the major diameter axes include radially extending wipers or vanes that extend and run against the circular gear case bore walls to seal liquid slip paths at radial running clearance areas between the tips of the gear teeth and the case bores. The pump may also have moveable wearplates on one or both sides of the gears that may be loaded laterally to seal liquid slip paths at lateral running clearance areas between the side faces of the gears and the pump faceplate and backplate.
US09022754B2 Fan impeller structure
A fan impeller structure includes an annular body. The annular body has a top section and a receiving space. At least one first bending section is formed between the top section and the annular body. At least one recess is formed at the first bending section. At least one flow guide hole is formed between the first bending section and the recess in communication with the receiving space. In operation, the airflow conducted into the receiving space is increased. Moreover, no matter whether the fan impeller structure is clockwise rotated or counterclockwise rotated, the airflow can be conducted into the receiving space through the flow guide hole. Accordingly, the heat dissipation effect will not be affected by the rotational direction of the fan impeller structure.
US09022752B2 Low-pressure pump
The invention relates to a low pressure pump/vacuum pump for gaseous media, comprising two interacting combs the teeth of which are configured as cycloidal components, the duplicate compressor stages being interconnected. A power unit of the pumps/compressors is driven and the power unit of the other pump/compressor, which is arranged coaxially, is entrained via a rotational connection.
US09022747B2 Gas compression
A method of compressing a gas, which uses a compressor train having a plurality of discrete portions and including at least an upstream portion, a mid-stream portion and a downstream portion arranged successively in flow series. The method includes: (i) performing a first compression step by directing a flow of said gas into the upstream compressor portion and driving the upstream compressor portion to compress the gas; (ii) performing a second compression step by directing the compressed flow from the upstream compressor portion into the mid-stream compressor portion and driving the mid-stream compressor portion to further compress the gas; and (iii) performing a third compression step by directing the compressed flow from the mid-stream compressor portion into the downstream compressor portion and driving the downstream compressor portion to further compress the gas.
US09022743B2 Segmented thermally insulating coating
A gas turbine article includes a substrate and a thermally insulating topcoat disposed on a surface of the substrate. The surface of the substrate includes a surface pattern defining first surface regions and second surface regions. The first surface regions include incubation sites that are favorable for deposition of the thermally insulating topcoat and the second surface regions are less favorable for deposition of the topcoat. The topcoat includes segmented portions that are separated by faults extending through the topcoat from the second regions.
US09022738B1 Marine propulsion-and-control system implementing articulated variable-pitch propellers
According to typical inventive practice, a cylindrical or prolate spheroidal marine hull has two congruent contra-rotative propellers coaxially situated at or near its axial ends. Each propeller has plural blades mechanically and/or flexibly attributed with changeability of blade pitch angles and blade flap angles. A blade-pitch control system adjusts the individual blade pitch angles of both propellers. The blade-pitch control system may be electronically and/or mechanically actuated, and is capable of: (i) cyclically adjusting the blade pitch angles of the two propellers so as to select two respective blade-tip-path planes, each characterized by a direction of thrust that is associated with the blade flap angles and is generally perpendicular to the blade-tip-path plane; (ii) collectively adjusting the blade pitch angles of the two propellers so as to select two respective magnitudes of thrust. The cyclic and collective blade commands, algorithmically coordinated, determine the direction, orientation, and speed of the hull.
US09022720B2 Electrically operated turf stacking system for sod harvesting machine
The present invention extends to a stacking mechanism having electrical actuators for stacking slabs of sod on a sod harvesting machine. The electrical actuators allow the stacking head to be driven in three axes. The stacking mechanism also includes position feedback sensors for reporting the position of the stacking head to enable precision when operating the stacking head at a fast rate. The stacking mechanism of the present invention also provides temporary pallet support wings to enable the continued stacking of slabs of sod on one pallet even while another pallet is being dropped from the sod harvesting machine.
US09022719B2 Conveyer magazine-type empty bag supplying apparatus
A conveyer magazine-type empty bag supplying apparatus including an empty bag separator for separating the topmost empty bag from a set of empty bags and feeding it forward, a positioning stopper for the front end of the fed-out empty bag coming into touch therewith, ratchet wheels coming into contact with the empty bag fed by the empty bag separator and feeding the bag forward, causing the bag to come into touch with the positioning stopper, and an empty bag suction members for adhering to and picking up the bag positioned by the positioning stopper. The ratchet wheels are provided on pivoting arms so as to be oscillatingly moved between its delivery position and its retracted position. The delivery position is between the positioning stopper and the empty bag suction members and the retracted position is on the front side which is beyond the stop surface of the positioning stopper.
US09022708B2 Seat fixing device
A seat fixing device for fixing an air passenger seat to a floor of an aircraft includes at least one fastening rail (10) in the form or a hollow profile, which is provided with a longitudinal channel (14) delimiting the free flanks (16) of the profile on the top part thereof (12) oriented to the seat. The channel includes through openings (18) located in a predetermined modular dimension, which enlarge the free input section and are used for inserting at least one snap-locking part (24) of a locking body (26). The looking body (26) is movable to a clamping position with the profile (16) of the hollow profile (14) by the relative displacement of each snap-locking part (24) in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal axis (28) of the fastening rail (10). The fixing device provides an eccentric drive (30) of the locking body (26) for carrying out relative displacement, which reduces assembly costs.
US09022707B2 Offshore cargo rack for use in transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore platform
A cargo rack for transferring loads between a marine vessel and an offshore marine platform provides a frame having a front, a rear, and upper and lower end portions. The lower end of the frame has a perimeter beam base, a raised floor and a pair of open-ended parallel fork tine tubes that communicate with the perimeter beam at the front and rear of the frame. The frame includes a plurality of fixed side walls extending upwardly from the perimeter beam. A plurality of gates are movably mounted on the frame, each gate being movable between open and closed positions, the gates enabling a forklift to place loads on the floor. The frame has vertically extending positioning beams that segment the floor into a plurality of load-holding positions. Each load holding position has positioning beams that laterally hold a load module in position on the floor.
US09022706B2 Energy absorbing fastening system
A fastening system includes an energy absorbing or impact indicator and at least one or more of the following: (1) a fastening base for mounting in an emergency vehicle, (2) a patient support engageable with a base, (3) a patient securement mechanism for securing a patient on a patient support, (4) a patient securement mechanism for securing a patient to a vehicle, (5) a patient support securement mechanism operable to secure a patient support in an emergency vehicle, or (6) a patient support securement mechanism operable to secure a patient support to a base, wherein the energy absorbing or impact indicator is located (1) at the patient securement mechanism, or (2) at the patient support securement mechanism, or wherein the energy absorbing or impact indicator is between (1) the base and the vehicle, (2) the patient support and the base, (3) the patient securement mechanism and the patient support, (4) the patient support and the emergency vehicle, (5) the patient and the emergency vehicle, or (6) the patient securement mechanism and the emergency vehicle, wherein the energy absorbing device or impact indicator has at least an energy absorbing state and a rigid state or indicates a level of impact at or between any of the respective component or components.
US09022700B2 Cutting insert and cutting tool
A cutting insert is provided with a plurality of cutting portions formed at the intersection portion of each end surface and a peripheral surface. Each cutting portion includes first and second cutting edges. First corners and second corners which differ in their internal angles are alternately formed in each end surface. An internal angle of the first corner is smaller than an internal angle of the second corner. Each first cutting edge has a portion extending to approach the median plane as a distance from a corresponding first corner increases. A first side surface portion extending on the peripheral surface from each first cutting edge forms an insert internal obtuse angle, and a second side surface portion extending on the peripheral surface from each second cutting edge forms an insert internal acute angle.
US09022696B2 Device and method for introducing a filling material
A device for introducing a filling material into a hole in the ground, with a channel-like filling section which can be introduced into the hole and has an upper feed opening for feeding in the filling material and a lower discharge opening for discharging the filling material in a lower area of the hole. The filling section includes an upper feed section and a flexible hose section arranged below. During the filling of the hole with the filling material the flexible hose section can be moved upwards along the feed section. During upward movement of the flexible hose section a severing device severs an upper area of the hose section in a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for introducing a filling material into a hole.
US09022689B2 Pumpable mine ventilation structure
A pumpable mine ventilation stopping wall structure comprised of a pumpable bag having spaced walls of generally parallel nonporous and flexible sheets with the sheets retained in spaced relationship with spaced flexible cross ties. The perimeter of the spaced walls are closed off with a permeable mesh having a mesh size which will permit restricted flow of cementitious grout therethrough for sealing the wall structure to surrounding rough mine faces. The bag is provided with at least one grout fill port for filling the bag by pumping cementitious grout into the bag.
US09022680B1 Refillable toothbrush and toothpaste cartridge
Disclosed herein is a refillable toothbrush with a refillable toothpaste chamber also adapted to contain a toothpaste cartridge. Thus the toothpaste chamber can be filled directly by toothpaste from different types of toothpaste tubes, or the consumer can use a toothpaste cartridge. An essential distinctive feature of the present invention is realization of two functions by means of the protective cap: its direct function—protecting the bristles in stowed position, and an additional function, namely—feeding toothpaste to the bristle section. The toothbrush is made of a small number of simple parts, is easy to manufacture, has the opportunity to be simply assembled-disassembled, and is easily cleaned. To facilitate cleaning of the toothbrush head conduit from the remnants of toothpaste before the next recharge of the toothbrush, it can be complete with a special removable rod having an ability to be let-in the conduit. A distinctive feature of the removable rod is that it fulfills additional useful functions: prevents paste hardening in conduit at long non-use of a brush; can serve as a toothpick; can serve as means for piercing membrane of a cartridge. The toothbrush can also be complete with a special clip for fixing it in the user's pocket. A special design of the clip provides it with an additional function that allows for the user to dose out more precisely supplied toothpaste to the bristles. A new kind of cartridge is also disclosed herein.
US09022679B2 Touch-free applicator
A unitary hand-held, single-use liquid dispenser and applicator is disclosed. A squeezable handle also serves as a reservoir for liquid. A non-forming thermoplastic film seals liquid within the reservoir. Novel weaknesses in the film can be broken on demand to create an opening for liquid to freely flow onto an absorbent pad. A user can thus dispense and apply the liquid without ever touching the liquid or the surface with his hands.
US09022676B2 Writing utensil with two handles for writing with both hands simultaneously
A symmetric rigid writing device comprises two arms and a writing utensil. The writing utensil is permanently attached to the arms. The arms and the writing utensil are made of rigid materials. The arms are symmetric and the writing utensil is positioned at the center between the arms. Each of the arms is shaped like a curved pole. At least one end of each arm is attached to the writing utensil. The user may grasp the writing device by the arms with both hands and execute a writing action.
US09022675B2 Image forming apparatus having a member for forming an image
An image forming apparatus includes a drive source configured to drive a member for forming an image on a recording material, a frame of the image forming apparatus including a planar portion on which the drive source is mounted, wherein a plurality of through holes is formed on the entire planar portion of the frame, and a sheet member configured to cover at least a portion of the plurality of through holes.
US09022670B2 Ferrule holding member and optical connector
A ferrule holding member has a tube-shaped receiving portion including a receiving space therein, the receiving space receiving at least partially a ferrule mounted to a terminal of an optical fiber; and an engaging portion engaged to the ferrule received in the receiving portion, to thereby regulate movement of the ferrule relative to the receiving portion. The receiving portion includes a communicating hole to allow the receiving space to communicate externally. The engaging portion includes an engaging protrusion configured to be inserted in the communicating hole from an outer periphery side of the receiving portion, to engage the ferrule.
US09022649B2 Fluorescence based thermometry
A temperature sensor includes a photon source, a fluorescent element and a photodetector. The fluorescent element includes a temperature-insensitive first fluorophore and a temperature-sensitive second fluorophore. The photodetector includes a first photosensor exhibiting a first spectral responsivity and a second photosensor exhibiting a second spectral responsivity. To measure a temperature of a surface, the fluorescent element may be placed adjacent to the surface and irradiated with a photon beam. First photons emitted from the first fluorophore and second photons emitted from the second fluorophore are collected. The first and second photons may be transmitted as a single dichromatic beam to the photodetector. The photosensors generate two different photodetector output signals, the ratio of which may be correlated to temperature.
US09022635B2 Light guide plate and backlight unit
Disclosed are a light guide plate and a backlight unit. The backlight unit according to the present invention includes: a light guide plate; a light source disposed on one side of the light guide plate; and a reflective plate disposed under the light guide plate, wherein, in the cross section of one side of the light guide plate, the light guide plate includes a plurality of unit slits including a first slit and a second slit, wherein the first slit and the second slit are inclined from a top surface toward the inside of the light guide plate with respect to a vertical direction of the top surface, and wherein the first slit and the second slit are symmetrical to each other with respect to the middle portion of the unit slit.
US09022634B2 Backlight and display device
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a backlight and a display device, to reduce the number of LEDs in a backlight, save costs, while avoiding dark areas appearing on the screen, so as to ensure display effect. The backlight comprises a first light guide plate and at least one light-emitting diode assembly, and the light-emitting diode assembly is located on one side of the first light guide plate. The light-emitting diode assembly comprises a second light guide plate, at least one light-emitting diode and a reflective film, wherein the at least one light-emitting diode is located on at least one side of the second light guide plate, and the reflective film is located on at least one side of the second light guide plate.
US09022626B2 Signal assemblies providing uniform illumination through light source location and spacing control
A signal assembly is provided that includes a chamber defined by isotropically luminant back and side surfaces, and a front surface having a lens and a diffuser. The signal assembly also includes LED light sources having a beam angle ≧70° coupled to the back surface. The back and front surfaces are separated by a depth, and each source is located at a spacing from the other sources ≦the depth divided by a predetermined factor. The predetermined factor may be set to approximately 2.5 or 2.0 when the divergence angle of the diffuser is ≧20° or ≧30°, respectively. The signal assembly and its components can be configured to operate as a vehicular signal lamp.
US09022625B2 Vehicle headlamp
A vehicle headlamp that is capable of optically distributing a spot portion of a light distribution pattern having a cutoff line to a cruising lane side is provided. The present invention includes semiconductor-type light sources 2L and 2R and lenses 3L and 3R. On emission surfaces 31L and 31R of the lenses 3L and 3R, peak portions 32L and 32R that form a spot portion SP of a light distribution pattern for low beam LP are respectively provided in given locations that are close to a cruising lane side with respect to optical axes ZL and ZR of the lenses 3L and 3R. As a result, the present invention can provide the vehicle headlamp that is capable of optically distributing the spot portion SP of the light distribution pattern for low beam LP having a cutoff line CL.
US09022622B2 Lighting and ventilating apparatus and method
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a combination lighting and ventilating apparatus for installation in a structure. The apparatus can include a main housing having a first aperture that defines a ventilating inlet and a lighting outlet, a lamp housing recessed within the main housing, having first and second apertures spaced a distance from one another, and having a portion that extends outside of the main housing, and a lamp recessed within the lamp housing and the main housing. In some embodiments, the apparatus further includes a fan positioned to draw air into and through the first aperture of the lamp housing, around the lamp, and through the second aperture of the lamp housing. In another aspect of the invention, a method of lighting and ventilating a room using a combination lighting and ventilating apparatus is provided.
US09022618B2 Aspherical LED lens and light emitting device including the same
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an aspherical light emitting diode (LED) lens and a light emitting device including the same. The aspherical LED lens includes a light exit plane concavely depressed near a central axis, a light entrance plane including a conical plane having a vertex located on the central axis, and a plurality of protrusions arranged on a portion of a side surface of the light exit plane. The aspherical LED lens has a radially symmetrical structure with respect to the central axis.
US09022608B2 Unlit LED circuit bypass element with system and method therefor
A lighting system and protection means are disclosed. In particular, a Zener diode with pre-selected characteristics is used in parallel with an LED such that current will continue to flow through the circuit in case of LED failure. This adaptation in turn may be used in a series string combination.
US09022601B2 Optical element including texturing to control beam width and color mixing
A method for providing an optical element may include providing an optical feature in the optical element that spreads or distributes light passing through the optical element. The method may also include providing a texturing in at least a portion of the optical feature of the optical element.
US09022590B2 Luminous keyboard device
A luminous keyboard device includes plural keys, a light-emitting element, and a light guide plate. By the light guide plate, a light beam emitted by the light-emitting element is guided to the plural keys. The light guide plate includes plural elongated slots and a light-absorbing part. The plural elongated slots are located near a lateral edge of the light guide plate. After the light beam transferred within the light guide plate is transmitted through the elongated slots and departed from the light guide plate, the fraction of the light beam introduced into the lateral edge of the light guide plate is reduced. The light-absorbing part is located at the lateral edge of the light guide plate for absorbing the portion of the light beam which is introduced into the lateral edge of the light guide plate. Consequently, the lateral light leakage of the light guide plate can be avoided.
US09022584B2 Protecting an optical surface
According to one embodiment, a method includes receiving a light beam at an anti-reflective layer of optically transmissive material. The anti-reflective layer has an outer surface disposed within a recess of a protective layer of optically transmissive material, such that the outer surface is protected by the recess and the protective layer from being contacted. The outer surface is further disposed along an optical path of an optical device disposed inwardly from the outer surface. The anti-reflective layer has an average cross-sectional thickness that is less than an average cross-sectional thickness of the protective layer. The method further includes modulating the light beam using the anti-reflective layer.
US09022579B2 Circuit and method for lighting high pressure discharge lamp
It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting circuit for and a lighting method of a high-pressure discharge lamp whereby remarkable reduction in illuminance maintaining rate can be avoided by reducing variation in inter-electrode distance in the beginning of usage without modulating a lighting frequency. The object can be achieved by a lighting circuit configured to light a high-pressure discharge lamp by supplying an alternating lamp current, which includes at least one pulse current superimposed on the former half of each half period of a base lamp current and at least two pulse currents and superimposed on the latter half of each half period, to the high-pressure discharge lamp.
US09022576B2 Image correction apparatus, method and medium
An image correction apparatus, method and medium which can perform color component correction and geometric correction using the property of a projector projecting light of a plurality of color components of an input image at different times is provided. The image correction method includes sequentially projecting light of a plurality of color components of an input image onto a projection surface at different times, acquiring color components of the projected light, and correcting the input image by comparing the acquired color components with the color components of the input image.
US09022574B2 Display device
Provided is a projection type display device that has dust-proof and coolable optical components. According to an aspect of the present invention, the display device includes a case, a dust-proof structure that has a plurality of walls surrounding a plurality of optical components to prevent dust, and which is located in the case, and suction ports (7b and 7b′) formed in the case and configured to suck cooling air along one wall of the dust-proof structure to cool the optical components. The suction ports are separated into first suction port (7b) and second suction port (7b′) with a position of one wall set as a reference. First suction port (7b) is located to blow the cooling air to the dust-proof structure, while second suction port (7b′) is located to prevent direct blowing of the cooling air to the dust-proof structure. An area of first suction port (7b) is smaller than that of second suction port (7b′).
US09022573B2 Image display device and light source cooling method
An image display device includes a light source; a power supply section that supplies power to light source; a cooling fan that cools the light source; an input section; a drive section that supplies a voltage to cooling fan; a control section that controls drive section and power supply section. The control section sets a first power value for the output of the power supply section and also a first voltage value for the output of the drive section. The control section measures a time at which the light source has been lighted. If the measured value exceeds a threshold, the control section gradually increases the output of the power supply section up to a second power value that is greater than the first voltage value over a predetermined time.
US09022562B2 Optical element for correcting color blindness
Described herein are devices, compositions, and methods for improving color discernment.
US09022558B2 Eyeglass support
A device for enhancing support of eyeglasses on the head of a person. The device is in the form of an independent support member or an adjustable strap having a support member to enhance support of eyeglasses. The strap may include a cushion to provide comfort. The support member includes a hook for supporting the eyeglasses. The device is useful for supporting eyeglasses from the bridge of the nose of a person who has undergone rhinoplasty surgery or for supporting heavy equipment associated with eyeglasses used for surgical applications. The independent support member is easily attached to a head-engaging device and eyeglasses to enhance support of the eyeglasses.
US09022554B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and medium transport apparatus with an inter-axis adjustment mechanism
A liquid ejecting apparatus, including: a liquid ejecting section that ejects a liquid at a medium; a transport mechanism that is disposed downstream of the liquid ejecting section in a transport direction of the medium and transports the medium, the transport mechanism having a driving roller that makes driving rotation, and a pair of driven rollers that are pressed against the driving roller via the medium and make driven rotation, the driven rollers being disposed with a space in a direction to cross the transport direction; and an inter-axis adjustment mechanism that is capable of adjusting an inter-axis distance between a rotation axis of the driving roller and a rotation axis of each roller of the driven rollers separately.
US09022549B2 Printing apparatus and printing method therefor
A printing apparatus includes: a transporting unit that transports a printing medium; a printing unit that performs a printing process on the printing medium, which is transported forward from an upstream side to a downstream side by the transporting unit, at a print position in a transport path; a cutting unit that cuts the printing medium at a cutting position on the downstream side of the print position so as to divide a part of the printing medium, on which the printing process is performed, from a non-printed part thereof on the upstream side of the part; and a removing unit that removes cutting dust. The printing unit performs the printing process on the non-printed part thereof from which the cutting dust is removed through the removing unit by transporting the printing medium backward to the print position.
US09022547B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a recording head that ejects liquid onto a recording medium, a transporting device that transports the recording medium along a supporting surface of a supporting member, and a preheating device that preheats the recording medium to the upstream side of the recording head in a transporting direction of the recording medium. The preheating device includes a preheating unit that increases the amount of heat per unit time which is applied to the recording medium as the recording medium is moved toward the downstream side in the transporting direction. The supporting member includes the supporting surface and bending portions.
US09022535B2 Inkjet printers, ink stream modulators, and methods to generate droplets from an ink stream
Ink jet printers, ink stream modulators, and methods to generate droplets from an ink stream are disclosed. An example method to generate droplets from an ink stream includes generating a stream of ink with an inkjet nozzle and modulating the stream of ink into a plurality of droplets by generating an alternating electrical field having a frequency based on a permittivity of the ink to cause a dielectrophoretic effect.
US09022534B2 Piezoelectric material, piezoelectric element, liquid discharge head, ultrasonic motor, and dust removing device
Provided is a piezoelectric material having high Curie temperature, high insulation property, and high piezoelectric performance, the piezoelectric material including a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the general formula (1): xBaTiO3-yBiFeO3-zBi(M0.5Ti0.5)O3, where M represents at least one kind of element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ni, and Zn, x represents a value satisfying 0.25≦x≦0.75, y represents a value satisfying 0.15≦y≦0.73, and z represents a value satisfying 0.02≦z≦0.60, provided that x+y+z=1 is satisfied in which the perovskite-type metal oxide contains V, and content of the V is 0.0005 mol or larger and 0.0050 mol or smaller with respect to 1 mol of the perovskite-type metal oxide. In addition, provided are a piezoelectric element, a liquid discharge head, an ultrasonic motor, and a dust removing device, which use the piezoelectric material.
US09022532B1 Piezoelectric element, piezoelectric actuator, piezoelectric sensor, hard disk drive, and ink-jet printer device
The displacement as an actuator or the sensitivity as a sensor of a piezoelectric element can be increased and, in addition, the electric power consumption can be reduced by providing a thin film of potassium-sodium niobate, which is a perovskite type compound represented by a general formula ABO3, as a piezoelectric layer, wherein a crystal orientation of a crystal structure of potassium-sodium niobate has in-plane fourfold symmetry as a whole piezoelectric layer, where a first axis of rotational symmetry is a thickness direction of the piezoelectric layer.
US09022531B2 Piezoelectric element, liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
The piezoelectric element includes, on a substrate: a piezoelectric film; and a pair of electrodes provided in contact with the piezoelectric film; in which the piezoelectric film contains a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by the general formula (1) as a main component: Ax(ZnjTi(1-j))l(MgkTi(1-k))mMnO3  General Formula (1) wherein the perovskite-type metal oxide is uniaxially (111)-oriented in pseudo-cubic notation in a thickness direction, of the pair of electrodes, a lower electrode provided on the substrate side is a multilayer electrode including at least a first electrode layer in contact with the substrate and a second electrode layer in contact with the piezoelectric film, and the second electrode layer is a perovskite-type metal oxide electrode which is uniaxially (111)-oriented in pseudo-cubic notation in a thickness direction.
US09022528B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes a head chip that ejects ink from a liquid ejecting surface. An inlet is disposed on the side opposite to the liquid ejecting surface. The liquid ejecting head includes an upstream flow path member, a downstream flow path member with an accommodating space that accommodates the head chip, a wiring member that is connected to a piezoelectric actuator in the head chip, and a wiring substrate. A first insertion hole, into which the wiring member is inserted, is disposed in the wiring substrate, a second insertion hole that is open to the accommodating space and the wiring substrate side for the wiring member to be inserted is formed in the downstream flow path member, and the wiring member is inserted into the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole to be bonded to the upstream flow path member side of the wiring substrate.
US09022526B2 Liquid ejecting head and liquid ejecting apparatus
A liquid ejecting head includes: a nozzle plate in which a first nozzle row of nozzle openings aligned along a first direction X and a second nozzle row of nozzle openings aligned along the X direction are disposed side by side along a second direction Y, perpendicular to the X direction; and a channel member including pressure generating chambers aligned along the X direction and nozzle communication holes that allow the pressure generating chambers and the nozzle openings to communicate with each other. The nozzle communication holes include first openings communicating with the pressure generating chambers and second openings open to the nozzle plate. The second openings have a width in the X direction larger than a width of the pressure generating chambers, alternatively communicate with the first nozzle row and the second nozzle row, and are alternatively arranged on different sides when viewed in the Y direction.
US09022522B2 Liquid ejecting apparatus and method for detecting foreign matter
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a transportation section that transports a medium in a transportation direction; a head that ejects the liquid on the medium; a support member that supports the medium which is in a position facing the head while abutting a surface of one side of the medium; a heat source that is disposed in a position facing the support member; an abutting member that abuts the surface of the one side of the medium on an upstream side from the support member in the transportation direction; and a detection section that detects presence or absence of the foreign matter on a surface of the other side of the medium in an area of the medium which abuts the abutting member.
US09022499B2 Printing apparatus
The nozzle failure determination result of discharge failure detection does not consider the heater state of a nozzle, so even a nozzle failure caused by nozzle clogging or the like is determined as a failure. The heater state of an abnormal nozzle can be determined only after driving once, causing a nozzle to be damaged unwantedly. This invention has been made to solve this problem. Whether a nozzle failure has occurred is determined based on the results of both a discharge failure detection operation and heater resistance measurement operation. Detection can be achieved quickly by performing heater resistance measurement during the quiescent period in the discharge failure detection operation. When the discharge failure detection operation is executed after heater resistance measurement, driving of an abnormal nozzle and an unwanted damage to a nozzle can be prevented.
US09022495B1 Refrigerator with rotatable shelves
A refrigerator is provided with rotatable shelves for easy food/item access and cleaning. In one embodiment a stationary or fixed shelf includes a rotatable disk mounted on a bearing retainer having bearings therein for manual, three hundred sixty degree (360°) rotation as desired. In another embodiment a quarter-round pivotable shelf is attached to a stanchion to enable the shelf to be manually pivoted ninety degrees (90°) for withdrawing and returning the shelf to the refrigerator food storage compartment as needed.
US09022490B2 Enclosed television with improved enclosure sealing arrangement
An enclosure for enclosing a flat panel display for viewing that is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress. The enclosure comprises a bezel, a substantially transparent front cover, and an enclosure housing. The bezel has a peripheral surface defining an enclosure area, an inner edge defining a display opening, and a rear surface. The substantially transparent front cover is operatively connected to the bezel and covers the display opening. The enclosure housing has a front opening and a flange disposed about and extending from the front opening. The bezel and the enclosure housing are joined together at a joining region that is substantially sealed and resistant to liquid ingress. The bezel, the front cover, and the enclosure housing define the enclosure, which is configured to receive a flat panel display therein.
US09022485B2 Wheel bearing assembly having a centering device for vehicles
A wheel bearing assembly with a centering device that includes a wheel hub arranged rotatably on an axle body about an axis of rotation. The assembly further includes a centering unit fixed to the wheel hub, wherein the centering unit has a centering portion, and wherein the distance of the centering portion to the axis of rotation is smaller than the distance of the outer periphery of the wheel hub to the axis of rotation.
US09022481B2 Cushion member and seat structure
A cushion member includes an intermediate layer, and an upper layer and lower layer stacked and fixed thereto. The cushion member is fixed to a frame by bending an end part of the cushion member so that the upper layer comes to the front side and the lower layer comes to the back side. The intermediate layer is subjected to shear force and the upper layer and the lower layer are subjected to compressive and tensile stress. With the spring characteristic of the intermediate layer, residual stress of the tension and compression is applied to the upper and lower layers from the intermediate layer. Thus, the cushion member can have a restoring property, generation of creases during no load application can be reduced, permanent setting is made less likely, and a compression characteristic in the thickness direction is increased.
US09022465B2 Child seat accessory to catch fallen items
A device is provided for use below a child's seat to collect solid and liquid items dropped by a child in the seat when in use, where the device forms a pad or platform with a top layer of substantially fluid-resistant material, a border rim configured as a raised surface around a portion of the periphery of the pad to provide a barrier against the runoff of any collected fluids or the roll off of any collected items, and where the device also includes a connector for securing a cantilevered portion of the platform to a structure in front of the child's seat.
US09022456B2 Pinch-relief hinged assemblies and children's products including pinch-relief hinged assemblies
Hinged assemblies, and children's products including at least one hinged assembly, include a base member and a hinged member operatively and pivotally coupled to the base member to define a hinge. The hinge is configured to release if an obstruction is positioned between the hinged member and the base member while the hinged member is being closed and if a closing torque is greater than or equal to a release torque. The hinge also may be configured to not release when an opening torque is applied when the hinged member is in its open position even when the opening torque is greater than the release torque.
US09022448B2 Inner lining part
An inner lining part for the interior of a motor vehicle, wherein the inner lining part has a carrier part, which comprises a curvature section, with a curvature running along a longitudinal direction of the carrier part. The curvature section includes a carrier part groove running in the longitudinal direction. A decorative layer overlies a first surface of the carrier part and forms a visible face of the inner lining part. The decorative layer covers the carrier part groove, thereby forming a decorative layer groove on the visible face of the inner lining part. Recesses in one or more portions of the carrier part at the carrier part groove receive folds or thickenings of the decorative layer to thereby permit the visible face of the decorative layer at the decorative layer groove to match the curvature of the curvature section at carrier side regions located adjacent the groove.
US09022444B1 Vacuum nozzle having back-pressure release hole
A pick-and-place vacuum nozzle including a a nozzle body, a vacuum chamber within the nozzle body, a cavity formed in a lower surface of the nozzle body below the vacuum chamber, wherein the cavity is shaped to hold a head gimbal assembly, a back pressure relief hole passing through the nozzle body and connected to the vacuum chamber, the back pressure relief hole communicating with an exterior of the nozzle body, wherein a diameter of the back pressure relief hole is between 0.5 mm and 1 mm. The backpressure relief hole prevents light parts from sticking to the nozzle tip after vacuum is no longer applied.
US09022437B2 Fitting for windows or doors
A window or door fitting for actuation of a mechanism integrated in a window or a door has a stop body that can be attached to the window or the door, a handle, that is rotatably mounted on the stop body in an axially fixed manner, a polygonal element for the mechanical coupling of the fitting to the mechanism integrated in the window of the door, and a coupling configuration formed between the handle and the polygonal element, with which a torque transference from the handle to the polygonal element can be effected, but can be blocked in the direction from the polygonal element to the handle. The coupling configuration has two driving elements for this, wherein a first diving element is connected to the handle in a rotationally locked manner, while a second driving element accommodates the polygon in a rotationally fixed manner.
US09022436B2 Actuator arrangement for a vehicle door latch
An actuator arrangement is disclosed herein for an electronically actuatable door latch that controls a door of a vehicle. The actuator arrangement includes, but is not limited to, an actuating member that is connected to the door and that is operatively coupled to the electronically actuatable door latch. The actuating member is configured to actuate the electronically actuatable door latch when the actuating member is pushed in an outboard direction. The actuator arrangement further includes a bracing member that is mounted to the door proximate the actuating member at a position that is inboard of the actuating member. The bracing member permits a user to brace against the bracing member when pushing the actuating member in an outboard direction.
US09022433B2 Quick connector adapted for a male adapter to connect thereto
A quick connector includes a female adapter and two retainers. The female adapter has a joint portion and an axial hole being adapted for a male adapter inserting therein. The joint portion has two openings and two pairs of engaging portions. Each retainer includes a pair of pivot members positioned in one of two pairs of engaging portions, so that the retainers can pivot between a clamping position and a spreading position. The retainers are positioned in the engaging portions.
US09022430B2 Temporary utility service apparatus
A utility service apparatus having at least one utility segment with a conduit system having an elongated body. A coupling structure is positioned at both ends. The coupling structure at one end is attachable to the coupling structure at the other end. A plurality of utility service components extend through the elongated body. Coupling a first end of a first utility segment with the second end of another utility segment assembly operably connects each of the plurality of utility service components to another utility segment assembly. Some of the segment assemblies include a unit head positioned along the elongated body. The unit head has a plurality of utility service ports coupled to the utility service components. Service implements can be attached thereto.
US09022425B1 Inverted pendulum control type moving body
An inverted pendulum control type moving body includes: a first driving portion capable of driving in all directions on a movement plane; a frame portion rotatably supporting the first driving portion; a second driving portion rotatable about the rotation center of the first driving portion via a link portion; a first restriction portion restricting rotation of the link portion in a first direction about the rotation center; a second restriction portion restricting rotation of the link portion in a second direction about the rotation center; and a supporting portion supporting the frame portion in an uncontrolled state. An operation portion operates: a first operation which separates the supporting portion from the movement plane and increases a distance between the first and second restriction portions; and a second operation which brings the supporting portion into contact with the movement plane and reduces the distance between the first and second restriction portions.
US09022423B2 Airbag device
An airbag device for stably controlling gas discharge and restraining an occupant in a vehicle. A first vent hole, for discharging gas from the airbag, is formed in a portion of the airbag, and one end of a tubular discharge restricting member is connected to the first vent hole. Once the airbag is inflated and deployed to a predetermined extent or more, the first vent hole is closed by the discharge restricting member. Prior to deployment, at least a portion of the airbag is folded in a bellows shape to form a folded portion. The connecting portion between the discharge restricting member and the first vent hole is positioned in a trough portion of the folded portion. The other end of the discharge restricting member is stored so as to face the outer side and not to protrude beyond an outer edge of the folded portion.
US09022405B2 Retractable stair assembly for a truck or trailer
A retractable step assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and a pivot assembly that engages the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly is selectively movable between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. First and second supports are provided for the step assembly to rest upon when in either of the storage position and the operational position.
US09022404B2 Method and device for adjusting the supporting load of a central axle trailer
For adjusting the supporting load of a central axle trailer equipped with at least two axles having pneumatic suspensions and a pneumatic suspension system that includes separate pneumatic suspension circuits on the axles with pneumatic suspensions, a method and electronic control device are provided by which the respective quantities of air are separately adjustable. When the current supporting load exceeds a permitted supporting load range, the current supporting load is reduced by separate alteration of the quantity of air in at least one of the pneumatic suspension circuits; and, when the current supporting load is below the permitted supporting load range, the current supporting load is increased by separate alteration of the quantity of air in at least one of the pneumatic suspension circuits.
US09022397B1 Adapter system for walker
An adapter system can be used on a walker having a walker tube attached to a walker telescoping tube. The adapter system has an attachment assembly that is configured to connect the adapter system to the walker telescoping tube. A bracket assembly is connected to the attachment assembly. The bracket assembly is configured in a first mode of operation to provide an armrest support above the walker telescoping tube and in a second mode of operation to be located away from the walker telescoping tube. A brake assembly is attached to a bracket assembly. The brake assembly is configured to enable movement of a brake adjustment screw to stop or slow movement of the walker and also act as a means of controlling the distance between the brake handle and the vertical hand handle.
US09022380B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet feeding roller 101 which feeds a sheet S stacked on a sheet supporting plate 110 capable of being lifted and lowered is swingably supported at a swing end of a sheet feeding roller supporting arm 104 which is arranged swingably in an up-and-down direction and a roller biasing member applies a force to the sheet feeding roller supporting arm in a direction that the sheet feeding roller is pressed to sheets S stacked on a sheet stack tray. A swing fulcrum 104a is arranged in a range between a tangential line of the sheet feeding roller at the upstreammost pressing position against the sheet feeding direction and a tangential line of the sheet feeding roller at the downstreammost pressing position out of pressing positions where the sheet feeding roller is pressed to the sheets as being varied in accordance with a sheet stacking state of the sheets.
US09022377B2 Sheet processing apparatus
A sheet processing apparatus includes a sheet conveying path; a sheet entrance unit provided in the sheet conveying path; a sheet discharge unit provided in a location separated from the sheet entrance unit by a predetermined distance; a driving unit that drives the sheet entrance unit and the sheet discharge unit; a sheet guide unit that guides sheets and is provided between the sheet entrance unit and the sheet discharge unit to allow the sheets passing through the sheet entrance unit to be sequentially stacked; and a sheet buffer device that is configured such that the stacked sheets pass through the sheet discharge unit while the stacked sheets are loaded on a step with each leading end of the stacked sheets being separated with a predetermined interval.
US09022374B1 Rocking jaw gripper for restraining tubulars
A rocking jaw gripper for restraining tubulars including an arm with a rocking jaw gripper rocker jaw, a rocking jaw gripper frame connected with the arm, a locking pin connecting the rocking jaw gripper frame to the chain cylinder, a hinge pin connecting the rocking jaw gripper frame to the arm and a plate jaw fastener retaining the rocker jaw body between the top plate and the bottom plate by engaging the tail hole of the rocker jaw body. When the rocking jaw gripper is engaged, it acts to restrain the movement of a tubular during make-up and break-out.
US09022347B2 Disc component for gas control valves
A disc for use in a pneumatic valve includes a stiffening insert encased in a flexible body. The stiffening insert acts to protect a central actuation region of the disc against radial compression, which may arise if the disc is used to seal against a bore hole, and against material flow towards the actuation region away from a clamped periphery. The behavior of the disc in a valve assembly is therefore more predictable and reproducible. The flexible body may further be tensioned across the stiffening insert.
US09022345B2 Valve
A valve provided for the blocking or controlled establishment of a volume flow of a working fluid in a flow path of a technical device that transmits and/or stores energy, in particular in a control device for a hydraulic drive, an associated method of manufacture of the valve, and an apparatus with the valve. The valve includes first, second, and third valve openings, a moveable shut-off body moveable between an open-position and a close-position, a guide which guides the shut-off body between the open-position and the close position, and a retainer which exerts a retaining force on the shut-off body in the close-position. The guide has three guide parts. The first and third guide parts enclose the shut-off body and the second guide part includes a plurality of pins in a parallel orientation to the direction of movement of the shut-off body.
US09022344B2 Clamping systems and apparatus
A clamping apparatus is provided for use with a fluid flow device, such as a blood separation system. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp head at least partially defining first and second tube openings each to receive tubing. The clamping apparatus also includes a first actuator coupled to a first flow control member. The first flow control member is configured to be movable via the first actuator relative to the first tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the first tube opening. The clamping apparatus further includes a second actuator coupled to a second flow control member. The second flow control member is movable via the second actuator relative to the second tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the second tube opening.
US09022341B2 Apparatus to support portable electronic devices and other devices or objects
An apparatus to support a device includes a first base; a first support; a first base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the first base and the first support along a first axis of rotation; a first swivel slidably connected to the first support and having a first cut-out adapted to receive a first portion of the device; a second base; a second support; a second base-support hinge adapted to rotatably couple the second base and the second support along a second axis of rotation; and a second swivel slidably connected to the second support and having a second cut-out adapted to receive a second portion of the device spaced apart from the first portion of the device.
US09022336B2 Switch plate adapter
Switch plate adapters comprising a body, at least one aperture and at least one hook for permanent or temporary attachment to existing switch plate covers are provided.
US09022329B2 Cable tray and organizer
A cable organizing device which mounts to an underside of a desk or to a wall, such that cables from computers and other equipment can be quickly and easily wrapped around the device, thus taking up the slack in each of the cables and keeping them off of the floor. The cable organizing device includes a plurality of loop hooks on each side, spaced apart such that individual cables can be wrapped around and between the loop hooks in a variety of ways. The device is designed to be easy and inexpensive to manufacture, yet sturdy and versatile in use. The cable organizing device can handle any type of wire or cable material, and the cables can be connected at both ends before being wrapped onto the cable organizing device. A mounting aid is included with the cable organizing device, thus making it easy for a person to install.
US09022325B2 Train control system
A train control system includes: an on-board device 3 mounted on each of trains 2; a vehicle radio set 4; wayside radio sets 5 disposed on a ground; and a ground device 6 connected to the wayside radio sets 5. The ground device 6 obtains a location information of a train 2 and a location information of a following train 2 based on results of distance measurement based on communication between the wayside radio sets 5 and the vehicle radio sets 4, and the ground device 6 transmits them to an on-board device 3 of the train 2. The on-board device 3 calculates a stop limit position of the following train 2 based on the location information of the train 2 and the location information of the following train 2, and the on-board device 3 transmits the calculated stop limit position to the following train 2.
US09022321B2 Decompression arrangement for an aircraft including a bi-directional flap
A decompression arrangement includes first and second cabin lining elements each with an edge region, the edge region of the second being arranged at a smaller distance from an aircraft outer skin than the edge region of the first, an air discharge opening arranged between the first edge region and second edge region and which is adapted to discharge air from an inner region of the cabin delimited by the cabin lining elements into a region of the aircraft lying between the cabin lining elements and the aircraft outer skin, and a decompression element integrated in the second cabin lining element having a flap pivotable about an axis from a closed position, in which it closes a pressure equalizing opening formed in the decompression element, into a first open position, in which it opens the pressure equalizing opening if a first predetermined differential pressure acts on the decompression element.
US09022314B1 Torsionally stiff rotorcraft control apparatus and method
A rotor system of a reactive drive rotary wing maintains rigidity and stiffness and resists slack and backlash by mounting swashplate actuators to a flange rigidly secured to the mast, and may be monolithic therewith. A mast tilt actuator and a mast pivot may secure to the mast flange, with vibration suppressors. A shroud may provide a sealed fluid path for airflow therethrough encircling portions of the rotor hub and restricting airflow between the rotor hub and shroud. A rotor cavity, in fluid communication with blade ducts (hollow portions of the blade spars), and either or both contoured to reduce pressure losses, may assist in temperature control, and may feed into tip jets on the blades.
US09022312B2 Fly-in landing pad for lift-fan aircraft
A lift-fan airplane lands vertically on dirt, kicking up debris but bringing a landing pad for use by others. The landing pad comprises many long slats hinged to each other at the sides. The slats are of generally increasing widths for rolling up into a tight spiral. This compact state allows low-drag air transport. After landing, the spiral is unrolled. A central slat has two stub axles sticking out the ends. Two men place a large wheel onto each stub axle, then push on the wheels to unroll the landing pad on the ground. An upturned wall at the end of the pad deflects upward the downwash from landing lift-fan VTOL airplanes, creating a shadow zone free of flying debris. This creates safe parking for massed operations. Inflated balloons, wedge-shaped to streamline necessary protuberances, detach and fill any large potholes under the landing pad.
US09022307B2 Pulverizer
The pulverizer including a pulverization chamber, a jet nozzle, a pulverization nozzle, and a collision member is provided. The pulverization nozzle includes an acceleration tube. The acceleration tube includes an acceleration part A and an acceleration part B. A center (a) of the supply aperture is positioned within the acceleration part A. A point of intersection (b) where central axes of the acceleration tube and the supply aperture intersect is positioned within the acceleration part B. An angle θ formed between the central axes of the acceleration tube and the supply aperture satisfies an inequation 30°≦θ<60°.
US09022305B2 Self-propelled mechanized irrigation system with a tire pressure monitoring system
The present disclosure is directed to a mechanized irrigation system that includes an electronic controller equipped with a telemetry means configured to read wireless tire pressure monitors and transmit this information up to 2900 feet from the tires being monitored. Based on the ability to remotely monitor the tire pressure of a mechanized irrigation system, the operator can remotely determine when tire pressures are low and take the necessary corrective action to avoid costly down-time.
US09022303B2 Fuel injection valve and method for co-injecting a liquid and a gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine
A fuel injection valve co-injects a liquid and a gaseous fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A solid needle regulates the injection of liquid and gaseous fuels from a cavity in the fuel injection valve into the combustion chamber when the needle is lifted to its open position. In preferred embodiments, liquid fuel is metered and pressurized in an intensifier's cylinder provided within the valve body and the liquid fuel is delivered through a restricted flow passage into the cavity where it mixes with the gaseous fuel. The restricted flow passage can be formed by a small passage formed in the valve body or an annular passage between the needle and the valve body.
US09022300B2 Vertical rising sprinkler apparatus with stabilized base unit
A watering device for watering bushes, grass, etc., which has a base unit connected to a substantially vertical riser which is connected to a sprinkler head, wherein the base unit can also have a receiving unit which holds a substantially vertical riser and a plurality stabilizing units, wherein the plurality of stabilizing units are adapted to be inserted in the ground, and wherein the stabilizing units are removable from the receiving unit.
US09022299B2 Radiators
A radiator having a sealed flow path through which electrically heated fluid is arranged to pass. A control unit is provided in the radiator which is arranged to control operation of the radiator. The radiator also has a receiving unit arranged to receive at least one operation instruction from a remote control unit in use. The receiving unit is arranged to pass the at least one operation instruction to the control unit so that, in use, the radiator is controllable by the remote control unit. Also, an inlet pipe supplies water to a heater by a pump. The water then passes through a pipe comprising an inverted U-bend which controls air at the top of the bend. The radiator comprises a sealed system that plugs into the mains. Different radiators are able to communicate with each other.
US09022298B2 Radiant heat reflector and heat converter
A system may include a tube through which hot fluid is transported from one end to another, wherein the tube radiates heat energy and transfers heat energy to surrounding air by convection. The system may also include a reflector that reflects the radiated heat and a hood that captures the heat energy from the surrounding air through convection, wherein the hood radiates the captured heat energy. The reflector may include a bi-involute curved surface.
US09022294B2 Portable electronic device and method for alternate data conveyance operations responsive to an invariable activation command
The portable electronic device includes an electronic circuit, a control device operatively linked to the electronic circuit, first and second data transceivers operatively linked to the electronic circuit, a cue receiver operatively linked to the electronic circuit, a data conveyance switching element operatively linked to the electronic circuit and capable of being in either one of a first and a second state, and power means for providing power to the portable electronic device. The method of data conveyance includes awaiting for an activation cue to be received at the cue receiver; if an activation cue is received at the cue receiver, assigning its first state to the switching element, while if no activation cue is received at the cue receiver, assigning its second state to the switching element; and selectively triggering the control device to issue an invariable activation command. Upon the control device being triggered, if the switching element is in its first state, first data will be forwarded to the first data transceiver for initiating a data exchange operation with a first external data exchange device; while if the switching element is in its second state, second data will be forwarded to the second data transceiver for initiating a data exchange operation with a second external data exchange device.
US09022293B2 Semiconductor device and power receiving device
An object is to provide a semiconductor device that is capable of wireless communication, such as an RFID tag, which can transmit and receive individual information without checking remaining capacity of a battery or changing batteries due to deterioration with time in the battery for a drive power supply voltage, and maintain a favorable a transmission/reception state even when electric power of an electromagnetic wave from a reader/writer is not sufficient. The semiconductor device includes a signal processing circuit, a first antenna circuit connected to the signal processing circuit, an antenna circuit group, a rectifier circuit group and a battery connected to the signal processing circuit. The first antenna circuit transmits and receives a signal for transmitting data stored in the signal processing circuit and drives a power supply circuit, and each antenna circuit of the antenna circuit group receives a signal for charging the battery and includes an antenna which has a different corresponding frequency.
US09022290B2 Illumination apparatus and method for generating an illuminated region
An illumination apparatus (10) for the generation of an illuminated region for a camera-based code reader (100) is provided which comprises at least one light transmitter (12), an optical transmission system (14), a holder (24) for the optical transmission system (14) and a setting device (28), by means of which the holder (24) can be moved whereby the illuminated region can be focused at a working distance and/or be adapted in its dimensions. In this connection the holder (24) is fixed at at least one point of fixation (26) so that the holder (24) is moved relative to the light transmitter (12) in a compulsory guided manner on actuation of the setting device (28), however, maintains its relative position with respect to the light transmitter (12) at the point of fixation.
US09022282B2 Systems and methods for implementing virtual customer replaceable unit monitors for solid ink customer replaceable units in managed print service environments
A system and method are provided for implementing virtual customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) for solid ink customer replaceable units (CRUs) that are used in image forming devices, particularly in managed print service environments. Molded products, including solid ink elements, are marked to aid in generally effecting identification and/or authenticity verification, and/or in specifically effecting compatibility matching in an image forming device in which the solid ink CRUs are used. One or more ultraviolet (UV) ink based two dimensional 2D barcodes are provided on a solid ink CRU for identification of the solid ink CRU by a reading mechanism in an image forming device. The use of a UV ink that is not easily visually discernible provides a level of protection against easily detecting, and attempting to copy the identifying information. The image forming process would essentially consume the virtual CRUM on the solid ink CRU in image processing.
US09022272B2 Device and method for delivering shape-memory staples
An apparatus comprising a plurality of chambers for receiving an associated plurality of staples, each formed with a shape memory that allows the staple to adopt a straightened configuration, when placed in a stapler, and a deployed configuration for suturing when released from the stapler; and a sleeve moveable relative to the chambers between a first position, in which the staples are trapped by the sleeve within the chambers in the straightened configuration, and a second position, whereby the staples are freed to adopt the deployed configuration, wherein the sleeve is adapted to move between the first and second positions by rotating relative to the chambers.
US09022268B2 Ladder clamp and method thereof
A ladder clamp including an anchor part and a ladder retaining part, wherein the anchor part includes an anchor able to be arranged to cooperate with a fixing on a vehicle, and the ladder retaining part includes a body and a securing means, the securing means being co-operable with the anchor part to clamp the ladder retaining part to the anchor part in a releasable manner, wherein the securing means includes a locking element that pivots with respect to the body between clamped and unclamped orientations.
US09022265B2 Bicycle rack installable in a pickup truck bed or trailer
An improved, simple rack for the secure transport of bicycles and small motorcycles in the bed of a pickup truck or trailer without clamping, strapping or dissasembly of the cycle, and with minimal obstruction of the load-carrying bed floor, has individual cycle wheel receptacles with both fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets, that are secured to at least one rack rail assembly that is secured to opposite sides of the truck or trailer bed. In order to secure a cycle in the rack, a front or rear wheel of the cycle is lifted up and pushed into the wheel receptacle between the fixed and spring-loaded wheel clamping brackets. In order to unload the cycle, the wheel is pushed against the spring-loaded wheel clamping bracket, thereby releasing the wheel from the fixed wheel clamping bracket, and is, then, pulled upwardly from the wheel receptacle.
US09022263B1 Patient transport pod and method of use
A medical pod for a vehicle may include a pallet configured to be loaded and unloaded into a cargo area or other area. The pallet may include an upper surface defining a floor structure. A plurality of side walls may extend upwardly from the pallet and may be connected to a roof section to form a container. The medical pod may include a transport system located on the floor structure. A patient restraint system may be positioned within the container and may have a patient support structure that may be coupled to the transport system such that the patient restraint system is movable relative to the floor structure.
US09022260B2 Baby carrier
A lightweight child carrier that can be mounted upon the front or the back of a wearer's torso with little or no need to adjust the carrier's harness. The carrier includes a main panel having generally a rectangular shape. The bottom edge of the main panel is joined to the top edge of a padded waist band and the bottom edge of a head restraining panel is joined to the top edge of the main panel. Shoulder straps are connected to the main panel and are cojoined by a chest strap that is slidably mounted upon each shoulder strap. Adjustable restraining straps are connected to the chest strap and to the head restraining panel. An auxiliary waist belt is provided that considerably expands the length of the waist band to allow the carrier to be worn by a woman during pregnancy.
US09022253B2 Carry handle for a container
The invention relates to a carry basket, preferably a cardboard carry basket, having a carry basin for receiving a product to be transported, and having a carry handle connected to the carry basin, wherein the carry handle is designed as a grip handle, wherein the carry handle is designed as a handle strap connected to at least two side walls of the carry basin and shortened by at least one fold prior to being used, and wherein the handle strap overlaps the products present in the carry basin and/or engages as a spacer between the products, and thereby secures the products during transport, for example.
US09022241B2 Stackable container
A container for storing welding electrodes includes a container body and a container cap constructed via thermoplastic injection molding. The container is constructed with walls that define an interior region and complementary upper and lower surfaces. When multiple containers are stacked together, the upper surface of one container engages the lower surface of an adjacent container thereby restraining lateral movement between the containers. However, the configuration of the upper and lower surfaces allows for longitudinal movement between the containers.
US09022238B2 Railway vehicle having front coupling cover
A railway vehicle has a cover for a front coupling of the railway vehicle. The cover is formed of at least one displaceable front hatch that can be displaced by a drive between an opened and a closed end position. A displacement of the at least one front hatch is guided such that the displacement takes place along a circular segment path about a rotary axis.
US09022236B1 Rotary carousel apparatus and system
A rotary carousel apparatus includes a stationary base and a central column fixed relative to the base. Rotatable first and second drive plates are positioned to rotate about a central axis of the column. At least one torque tube assembly extends between the first drive plate and at least one second drive plate and is operative for rotational movement with a rotation of the drive plates. At least one shelf is connected to the at least one torque tube assembly. A drive assembly is operatively directly or indirectly coupled to one of the first drive plate and the at least one second drive plate, such that rotation of the drive assembly causes a corresponding rotation of one of the first and second drive plates connected thereto and a rotation of the other of the first and second drive plates through the at least one torque tube assembly.
US09022224B2 Fluid control manifold for membrane filtration system
Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for filtering a fluid including a filter module assembly coupled to a manifold. The manifold may include a manifold inlet in fluid communication with a source of feed liquid, an outlet in fluid communication with header of the filter module assembly, a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the manifold inlet, a source of gas, and the outlet, a second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the header and the first fluid passageway and a second manifold outlet vertically displaced from the first manifold outlet and in fluid communication between the first fluid passageway and the second fluid passageway.
US09022222B2 Device for the selective granulometric separation of solid powdery materials using centrifugal action, and method for using such a device
A device for the selective granulometric separation of solid powdery materials using centrifugal action, capable of separating materials into a fine material fraction and a coarse material fraction, includes: a housing, a cylindrical rotor rotatable, relative to the housing, about a vertical axis inside the housing and provided with blades evenly distributed on the periphery of an upper outlet opening through which a stream of gas, laden with particles having a size lower than a predetermined particle size, is drawn, a set of vertical adjustable vanes evenly distributed about the rotor along the generatrices of a virtual cylinder and directing the gas stream towards the rotor, elements for feeding the particles between the vanes and the rotor, collecting unit lower than the rotor for collecting the unfed particles having fallen and having a size larger than the predetermined particle size. The collecting unit includes a peripheral system with a fluidized bed extending about the rotor axis, at least underneath the vanes and the gap between the vanes and the rotor.
US09022221B1 Gold dry washer
A gold dry washer comprised of a stand assembly and a trough assembly. The trough assembly is angled from an upper end with a hopper for raw soil to a lower end where denser gold is collected. Along the declining path of the trough are a series of graduating apertures that successively isolate the denser materials in the soil and allow waste to fall overboard. The stand assembly includes a motor or other gentle agitation means to encourage the dry soil to move with the aid of gravity towards the lower end of the trough where the heavier gold may be collected.
US09022218B2 Battery holder and dispensing package
A battery holding and dispensing device can hold a plurality of batteries, in an assortment of battery sizes. The battery holding and dispensing device includes a frame having a plurality of compartments sized and shaped to each receive a battery of a particular battery size and each having a detent for releasably retaining the battery in the compartment. Each compartment has at least one opening in the bottom and lower side to expose a corner of the battery to allow finger ejection of the battery from the compartment past the detent, and to allow the user to touch the batteries to ascertain battery size by feel. The assortment of batteries held in the frame is preferably pre-selected to correspond to the batteries needed by a particular profession. An arrangement for illuminating the frame is provided.
US09022210B2 Conveyor system lifter assembly
A lifter assembly includes first and second lifter segments movably attached to one another and defining a lifting channel having an expandable bladder contained therein. Each lifter segment has an arm extending away from a base of the lifter segment and a travel stop at a distal end of the arm. Each lifter segment further has a keyway opening. The keyway opening of the first lifter segment receives the arm of the second lifter segment and the keyway opening of the second lifter segment receives the arm the first lifter segment.
US09022195B2 Bi-directional overrunning clutch having split roll cage and drag mechanism
A bi-directional overrunning clutch includes a housing and a pair of hubs substantially coaxially aligned within the housing. A pair of roll cages position a plurality of rollers between each hub and an inner cam surface of the housing. The rollers are positioned to wedge between the hub and the inner cam surface when one of the hub and the housing is rotated with respect to the other. End caps are attached to the housing adjacent to the hubs. A friction disk mechanism includes a friction plate rotating in combination with each the roll cage and a spring compressed between the end cap and the roll cage for biasing the friction member into frictional contact with the hub. An intermittent coupler is located between each roll cage and configured to engage the roll cages so as to permit indexing of one roll cage relative to the other.
US09022193B2 Recirculating ball screw assembly
Ball screws are described that may be incorporated into other devices such as a pulley assembly or a differential device. The ball screws include a threaded shaft defining a central longitudinal axis with a threaded nut threadedly coupled thereto to define at least one track in between them. Each track forms a continuous loop around an infield protrusion and is filled with a plurality of rolling elements filling. Each rolling element has the same radius from the central longitudinal axis such that the nut can rotate at higher speeds without the rolling elements locking up as a result of centripetal force.
US09022179B2 Rotary lever disc brake caliper with rack and pinion mechanism
A rotary lever disc brake actuating mechanism and a method for operating the rotary lever disc brake mechanism is provided. The mechanism includes a rotary lever which rotates a pinion to further rotate brake pad application racks. The racks are arranged to rotate toward an inboard brake pad to advance the brake pad toward a brake disc. The racks may further cooperate with lateral pins fixed to an outboard portion of the brake such that the outboard portion simultaneously advances an outboard brake pad toward the brake disc when the racks rotate. The brake mechanism may be assembled into a cartridge to be placed within an inboard portion of a brake caliper. The brake caliper may be located on a caliper mount via adjustment pins, whereby during new brake pad installation the caliper is self-centered by application of the brake, followed by securing the caliper to the adjustment pins.
US09022177B2 Pump having stepper motor and overdrive control
Apparatus and method for supplying lubricant to a plurality of lubrication sites. Embodiments include a pump with venting and non-venting piston return, a pump with stirrer and direct feed mechanism, a pump with CAN system and self-diagnostics, a pump with heated housing and reservoir and a pump with stepper motor and overdrive control.
US09022175B2 Machine tool, working fluid supply apparatus, and working fluid
A machine tool (1) for processing a workpiece (2) by relative movement of a tool (18) with respect to the workpiece (2), including a homogenizer (15) into which water and oil are taken to disperse oil homogeneously in water, a working fluid produced in homogenizer (15) being supplied to a work area for processing of the workpiece.
US09022173B2 Grease guide
A trough for use on wiping bar assembly of a rail lubrication system, wherein the wiping bar assembly includes a Manifold body and a flow passageway having an exit end at least partially defined in the manifold body. The trough includes a body having a first section and a second section extending away from the first section, wherein the first section of the body is positioned adjacent the exit end, and wherein a mat is provided within the trough.
US09022167B2 Hybrid power steering system
In a hybrid power steering system, two steering assisters for supporting a steering force when the driver operates the steering wheel. The steering supporting force can be divisionally used according to the increase of speed and weight of a vehicle, thereby reducing the load applied to any of the steering assisters such that operating noise can be reduced and the endurance can be increased. Further, a motor of a lower power specification may be used even in the case of a truck or a bus that requires a relatively high steering force as compared to a passenger vehicle. Accordingly, production costs can be reduced and a sufficient steering supporting force can be obtained, thereby improving the driver's convenience, and enhancing fuel efficiency while increasing energy efficiency. Further, the steering can be safely maintained even when one of the steering assisters is not operating normally while the vehicle is being driven.
US09022163B2 Gear shift control device of saddle ride type vehicle
A gear shift control device of a saddle ride type vehicle includes an operation pedal; a movable part which includes a movable member interlocking with and connected to the operation pedal and which has at least one of a click mechanism configured to give click feeling to an operation of the operation pedal, a stopper mechanism configured to restrict a turning operation range of the operation pedal, and a return mechanism configured to apply a spring force in a return direction to the operation pedal; and a detector which detects a gear shift operation performed by using the operation pedal, the gear shift control device configured to make a transmission perform a gear shift on the basis of a detection result of the detector.
US09022143B2 Wear indicators for drilling equipment
Described herein is a wear indicator (100) for use in a drill bit or a core head. The wear indicator (100) comprises an elongate element that forms part of the drill bit. The elongate element has a plurality of numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) formed along its length, each number (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180) being formed as a void and corresponds to a level of wear in accordance with the IADC dull grading system. As the drill becomes worn, the wear indicator (100) wears at the same rate to reveal one of the numbers (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180). The numbers range from “1” to “8” where the number “1” illustrates the least wear and the number “8” indicates the most wear. When unworn, none of the numbers are visible.
US09022141B2 Directional drilling attitude hold controller
An attitude hold controller method includes receiving at a navigable apparatus a demand inclination and a demand azimuth with respect to a global coordinate system and determining at the navigable apparatus a demand attitude vector according to the received demand inclination and the demand azimuth. Determining at the navigable apparatus a current navigable apparatus attitude vector. Evaluating a control law using the current navigable apparatus vector and the navigable apparatus demand attitude to derive a control law tool face, converting the control law tool face to an equivalent tool face, and applying the equivalent tool face with the navigable apparatus to control the navigable apparatus attitude.
US09022131B2 Hydrodynamic journal bearing flow control bushing for a rotating control device
A rotating control device comprises an outer housing having a bore for receiving a tubular member. An inner housing and a piston assembly are rotatably disposed within the outer housing. An annular sealing assembly is disposed between the piston assembly and the inner housing so that axial movement of the piston assembly moves the annular sealing assembly into sealing engagement with the inner housing and the tubular member. A plurality of bearings is disposed between the inner housing and the outer housing. At least one of the plurality of bearings is a hydrodynamic journal bearing.
US09022130B2 Downhole valve tool and method of use
A downhole isolation valve for testing the integrity of a tubular within a wellbore includes a tubular body with an axial through bore having a reduced diameter portion defining a valve seat and a ledge; an inner sleeve, with a closed end configured to seal within the valve seat, a shoulder spaced from that closed end, and a radial outlet positioned between the shoulder and the closed end; wherein in use the inner sleeve is selectively moveable within the bore at a predetermined pressure between a closed position, in which there is no flowpath through the bore, and an open position, in which the closed end is positioned beyond the valve seat to expose the radial outlet to the through bore beyond the valve seat and provide a flowpath through the bore of the outer tubular body.
US09022128B2 Water intake riser assembly for an off-shore structure, and method of producing a liquefied hydrocarbon stream and method of producing a vaporous hydrocarbon stream
A water intake assembly (105) is suspendable from an off-shore structure (102) is proposed. It has a bundle (106) of at least a first tubular conduit (106A) and a second tubular conduit (106B) generally stretching side by side along a length direction. At least a part of the distal portion (109) of the first tubular conduit extends further in the length direction than the second tubular conduit when in fully suspended condition. Described used of such a water intake riser assembly include: a method of producing a liquefied hydrocarbon stream and a method of producing a vaporous hydrocarbon steam.
US09022127B2 Riser system comprising pressure control means
The present invention regards a riser system comprising at least one riser extending from a subsea wellhead to a surface vessel, tension means for keeping the at least one riser tensioned, which tension means are connected to the vessel, a upper workover riser package (UWRP) located at the upper section of the riser and arranged to seal off the riser passage.According to the invention the UWRP is located below the connection point of the tension means to the vessel, giving the UWRP a position stationary relative a seabed, and that the UWRP comprises an interface adapted for the connection of different kinds of workover equipment. The invention also regards a method for inserting tools into a riser.
US09022121B1 Back-up ring for a liner top test tool
A back-up ring for use in a liner top test tool for testing casing integrity in a wellbore is disclosed. The back-up ring is comprised of first and second ring elements that are biased apart by a compression springs. The first ring element has a plurality of radially extending flanges that cover a plurality of channels in the second ring element when the back-up ring is compressed against a seal element on the liner top test tool to seal the wellbore casing.
US09022120B2 Dry polymer mixing process for forming gelled fluids
Apparatus, methods and systems for preparing a polymer concentrate for treating a formation with slick water systems viscous fluid or a gelled viscous fluid are disclosed. The method includes directing a powdered gel into a vortex mixing chamber, while directing a first portion of a base fluid into the vortex mixing chamber to form partially hydrated fluid concentrate. The partially hydrated fluid concentrate is then sucked or sweep into a main portion of base fluid for form the slick water systems viscous fluid or gelled viscous fluid.
US09022111B2 Method of well treatment using synthetic polymers
A method for treating a subterranean formation, including estimating the solubility parameter of a monomer; selecting a solvent based on the parameter; forming a fluid comprising the monomer and solvent; and introducing the fluid to the formation, wherein the formation is about 350° F. or warmer. A method for treating a subterranean formation, including forming a fluid comprising the monomer and solvent, wherein the monomer comprises poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and/or poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, and wherein the solvent comprises zinc bromide or calcium bromide or both; and introducing the fluid to the formation, wherein the formation is about 350° F. or warmer.
US09022108B2 Device for intervention in a well comprising a pyrotechnic system, installation and method associated therewith
A device including a lower assembly (30) and a cable (32) for deploying the lower assembly (30) in the well (12). The lower assembly (30) includes a pyrotechnic system (72), and a firing assembly further including a module (86) for controlling a power battery (88) and a power module (150). The control module (86) includes arming means (112; 158) of the power module (150) capable of connecting the power battery (88) to the power module (150) upon receiving an electrical arming signal transmitted through the cable (32). It includes means (114; 160) for triggering the pyrotechnic system (72) capable of connecting the power module (150) to the pyrotechnic system (72), upon receiving a distinct electrical triggering signal posterior to the arming signal.
US09022095B2 Method for the manufacture of casting molds and a device for realizing the same
A method of pulsed-air compacting of mold-sand in combination with compacting by compression supplements the pulsed-air compacting of the mold-sand by an operation of re-compacting the mold-sand by pressing which is performed with the pattern plate containing the patterns by the plate moving inside the cavity of the filling frame in the direction of the latticed pressing element which is subjected to a counter-pressure force corresponding in its value to the prescribed level of the half mold compaction. The method is realized with a device in which the pattern plate containing the patterns is mounted with the possibility of a reciprocal motion inside the cavity of the filling frame, and the pressing cylinder is mounted with the possibility to apply a force against the movable pattern plate.
US09022093B2 Method of casting semi-liquid or semi-solid iron-based alloy and die for casting
A method of casting a semi-liquid or semi-solid iron-based alloy, the method including: applying, to a part or to the whole of an uppermost surface of an inner surface of a die, a lubricating die-release agent in which particles including at least one selected from molybdenum disulfide, graphite, tungsten disulfide, boron nitride, chrome oxide and boric oxide are dispersed in a solvent; and thereafter casting by using the die.
US09022092B2 Two-stage interlocked sliding door for machining tank of electric discharge machine
A door for attachment on the front of a machining tank of an electric discharge machine includes a door frame and first and second lifting doors that move up and down with respect to the door frame. When the first lifting door is lifted, pulleys attached on the first lifting door also move up, causing a belt wound around the pulleys and fixed to the door frame via a first belt-attaching member to rotate. As a result, the second lifting door, fixed to the belt via a second belt-attaching member, moves up with respect to the first lifting door.
US09022088B2 Method and apparatus for reinforcing a pipeline
Systems and methods for reinforcing an existing pipeline. In some embodiments, the methods include positioning a pipeline wrapping apparatus on the existing pipeline, wherein the pipeline wrapping apparatus comprises a winding head, feeding a strip of material through the winding head, attaching an end of the strip of material to the existing pipeline, and helically wrapping the strip around the existing pipeline by rotating the winding head and axially translating the winding head relative to the existing pipeline.
US09022079B2 Container closure with overlying needle penetrable and resealable portion and underlying portion compatible with fat containing liquid product, and related method
A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body.
US09022077B2 Composite tube for fluid delivery system
The composite tube comprises a tubular arrangement of knitted fiber characterized by a plurality of interlocking loops. Selected knitted patterns provide desired density or spacing between fibers. Selected fibers may include materials such as Kevlar®, carbon fiber, and combinations thereof. The tubular knitted pattern allows for variable electrical, mechanical and geometrical options. A matrix material is applied over the knitted fiber pattern and is allowed to cure. The matrix material may include a combination of resin and epoxy constituents. The matrix material may be applied by a vacuum bag molding process. Electrical and mechanical properties can also be controlled by selecting desired resin and epoxy constituents. The flexible knitted reinforcing layer allows use of an inflatable bladder to hold the reinforcing layer in the desired shape, thereby facilitating tube constructions of varying shapes and diameters. Continuous application of the matrix material avoids overlapping seams that are prone to delamination.
US09022070B2 Bolted valve control element
A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess.
US09022068B2 Compressor arrangement with bypass means for preventing freezing of the cooling unit
Compressor arrangement for generating compressed air using a motor-operator compressor unit, downstream of which at least one cooler unit is connected for cooling the generated compressed air, which enters the cooler unit via at least one inlet, flows there through a cooling structure, from a plurality of cooling passages connected in parallel and leaves the cooler unit via at least one outlet, wherein a permanently open bypass pipe is provided between the region of the inlet and the region of the outlet, the inner cross section of which bypass pipe is matched to the delivery capacity of the compressor unit and to the pressure difference between inlet and outlet such that the bypass pipe, at normal ambient temperatures, causes a higher flow resistance than the cooling structure, whereas, as freezing of the cooling structure progresses, the compressed air flows increasingly via the bypass pipe.
US09022061B2 Displacement control valve for variable displacement compressor
The invention provides a displacement control valve for a variable displacement compressor comprising: a valve housing having a discharge chamber connecting space and a crank chamber connecting space; an electronic solenoid; and a valve body configured to reciprocate within the valve housing the electronic solenoid. The displacement control valve is opened and closed when the valve body moves from the discharge chamber connecting space toward the crank chamber connecting space, making it possible to enlarge a cross-sectional area of the valve body and improving productivity.
US09022060B2 Tubing squeeze-off apparatus having two crimping jaws
A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using a pair of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the crimping jaws of the apparatus.
US09022052B2 Standpipe emergency bypass method and kit for firefighters
Disclosed are methods and premade and/or prepositioned kits for bypassing damaged or blocked standpipes during fire or other emergencies to quickly restore water supply near the location of the fire. More specifically, an illustrative embodiment includes a method for bypassing a damaged standpipe during a fire emergency, comprising: identifying (a) the approximate location of said damage, (b) a first valve on said standpipe below said location, and (c) a second valve on said standpipe above said location; shutting the water supply to said standpipe; cutting a first section out of the standpipe immediately above said first valve, thereby leaving a first open section of standpipe above said first valve; cutting a second section out of the standpipe immediately below said second valve, thereby leaving a second open section of standpipe below said second valve; capping said first and second open sections; connecting flexible tubing from said first valve to said second valve; and restarting the water supply to said standpipe.
US09022048B2 Device for cleaning photovoltaic panels and solar thermal panels
Device for cleaning solar modules, of both the photovoltaic and solar thermal type, by projection of a cleaning liquid onto the surface of said modules in the form of spray, is described. The device is of the towed type, for mounting on a tractor vehicle or similar, and is implemented based on an articulated unit which comprises a coupled parallelogram structure, having the possibility of pivoting around a support structure solidarily joined to the carrier vehicle, joined by the opposite end to a telescopic arm which articulately includes a projection bar on its distal end, with variable positioning, integrating a multiplicity of nozzles for projecting cleaning liquid. The projection bar includes mechanical sensors for positioning thereof on the surface. The different movements are carried out in a controlled manner by actuation of hydraulic cylinders and the articulated joint between the projection bar and the telescopic bar includes a means for adjusting the maximum inclination angle of the projection bar.
US09022044B1 Portable vehicle wash system and associated method
A portable vehicle wash system for use during pre-wash and post-wash procedures preferably includes a portable and collapsible free-standing frame capable of may be positioned over an existing vehicle. Such a free-standing frame preferably includes first and second support sections. Each of the first and second support section preferably includes a fluid discharge section, and a plurality of legs integrally formed with the fluid discharge section. Notably, the fluid discharge section of the first support section is isolated from the fluid discharge section of the second support section. A hose is also provided in fluid communication with the free-standing frame. In this manner, the hose may be coupled to an existing water supply source such that water is simultaneously channeled through the free-standing frame and simultaneously dispersed out from the fluid discharge section of each of the first and second support sections.
US09022037B2 Laser ablation method and apparatus having a feedback loop and control unit
A laser ablation method and apparatus uses a laser device to generate a pulsed laser using a laser device and to project the pulsed laser onto an ablation target to be ablated. A probe is then used to measure an indicative property of the ablation target or of the pulsed laser projected on the ablation target. A control loop is used to optimize ablation effect by generating a feedback signal according to the measured indicative property, sending the feedback signal to a control unit, and adjusting an output parameter of the pulsed laser according to the feedback signal. The measured indicative property may be a size of the laser beam spot or a material composition. The ablation, the feedback and the adjustment may be performed dynamically.
US09022034B2 Respiratory treatment delivery system
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for delivery of oxygen or other treatment gases to a patient without requiring physical contact or enclosure of the patient. Embodiments can include a delivery hood, sensing components, and a gas distribution system including one or more gas delivery ports. Gas delivery ports may be individually controlled based on input from the sensing components to alter the volume and orientation of treatment gas flow directed at a patient. Sensing components can include cameras or other sensors that detect the position of a patient's head, and gas delivery ports may then be controlled to direct treatment gas flow in the direction of the patient's head. Embodiments and methods described thereby allow for efficient oxygen or other gas delivery to a patient without requiring contact or enclosure of the patient.
US09022027B2 Nebulizer with intra-oral vibrating mesh
A nebulizer includes a main body that has a nebulizer outlet and an air channel in communication with the nebulizer outlet. The main body supports a medicine reservoir and a mesh that engages the medicine reservoir and air channel and vibrates to atomize medicine from the medicine reservoir into the air channel for discharge through the nebulizer outlet. The nebulizer outlet and mesh are configured to be received within the oral cavity of the patient when the nebulizer is in use.
US09022022B2 Medicament delivery device for administration of opioid antagonists including formulations for naloxone
Medicament delivery devices for administration of opioid antagonists are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container disposed within the housing and an energy storage member disposed within the housing. The medicament container is filled with a naloxone composition that includes naloxone or salts thereof, a tonicity-adjusting agent, and a pH adjusting agent, whereby the osmolality of the naloxone composition ranges from about 250-350 mOsm and the pH ranges from about 3-5. The energy storage member is configured to produce a force to deliver the naloxone composition.
US09022020B2 Linear Fresnel solar arrays and drives therefor
Described herein are solar energy collector systems, components for solar energy collector systems, and methods for installing solar energy collector systems. The components for solar energy collector systems include but are not limited to solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, and various support structures. The solar energy collection systems, solar radiation absorbers, receivers, drives, drive systems, reflectors, support structures, and/or methods may be used, for example, in LFR solar arrays. Drives and drive systems are described herein that may provide improved rotational positioning, movement, and/or rotational positional sensing. For example, drives and drive systems are provided which allow operation through a variable frequency drive. The components and methods described herein may be used together in any combination in a solar collector system, or they may be used separately in different solar collector systems.
US09022014B2 Electric toy gun
An electric toy gun with a plurality of firing modes includes a trigger, a power break holder, a power contact holder, a block member slidably coupled to the power break holder and having a first tooth and a second tooth at one lateral side thereof, a swing bar having an actuation portion and a push block connected to the actuation portion. A control mechanism enables the push block of the swing bar to be shifted to the rear side of the first tooth, the rear or front side of the second tooth. Lowering of the power break holder with the block member drives the push block to move the first or second tooth forward and then to push the first tooth forward. The block member is displaced relative to the stop portion of the link which moves the power break holder.
US09022006B2 Method and devices for process intensified wall integrated operations for IC engines
Many IC engine inefficiencies are linked to the relatively low mixture formation rates of current injection methods. Process intensification (PI) is excellent at high mixture formation rates, high mass transfer rates, and short residence times, therefore a wall integrated injection method and device featuring PI has been provided. It allows increased number of injection sites and interfacial surface area between fluid jets and the volume of the squash area, hence high mixture formation rates shorter Liquid Lengths and the use of micro nozzles to further intensify the mixing process by locally mixing fuel and oxidant. This allows high EGR and low compression ratios and better control of HCCI start of ignition. PI effectively achieves thermo and species stratification for extending the load range of the HCCI engine while permitting effective water addition for reciprocating and turbine for lower exhaust heat and less fuel burned hence less CO2 emissions.
US09022004B2 Four-stroke engine
A four-stroke engine is provided to lubricate driving parts including a crankshaft and valve operating members while circulating oil, using pressure fluctuation in a crank chamber, the pressure fluctuation being caused by reciprocating motion of a piston. A cam driving parts move with rotation of the crankshaft; a driving chamber and a rocker chamber are connected to one another; the rocker chamber is connected to the crank chamber and a gas-liquid separator; the oil accumulated in a tank is sucked up into the crank chamber and circulated through each part of the four-stroke engine; the crank chamber and the driving chamber are connected to one another via a communicating passage and a return passage; and the crank chamber and the driving chamber connected to one another via the return passage communicate with one another only when the piston is located in a vicinity of the top dead center.
US09021991B2 Windowed muzzle system
A windowed muzzle has left and right side sections, a lower section, an upper section and a rear section. A left window is in the left side section and a similarly configured right window is in the right side section. A left flap is configured and sized to cover the left window and a similarly configured right flap is configured and sided to cover the right window. A securement assembly selectively retains each flap in a raised orientation above the window or in a lowered orientation covering the window.
US09021988B2 Aquarium with a self-contained cleaning apparatus
The present invention relates to an aquarium cleaning apparatus, systems and methods for removing debris from the aquarium, and in particular, a self-contained cleaning apparatus that utilizes a siphon effect created by pouring water in an aquarium tank and/or pulling water out of an aquarium tank, such as via a vacuum. In a preferred embodiment, the siphon operation occurs because of the difference between the water level of the aquarium tank and the vertical height of a spout attached to the top of a vertical tube. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to immerse their hands in the aquarium water to operate the cleaning device.
US09021984B2 Plasma processing apparatus and semiconductor device manufacturing method
A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber; a lower electrode provided in the processing chamber and having a base made of a conductive metal to which a high frequency power is applied, the lower electrode also serving as a mounting table for mounting thereon a target substrate; an upper electrode provided in the processing chamber to face the lower electrode; and a focus ring disposed above the lower electrode to surround the target substrate. An electrical connection mechanism is provided between the base of the lower electrode and the focus ring to electrically connect the base of the lower electrode to the focus ring through a current control element, and generates a DC current in accordance with a potential difference.
US09021983B2 Stage apparatus and process apparatus
According to one embodiment, a stage apparatus includes a height control unit includes height control elements each which is drove in an upward/downward direction independently, a measuring unit which divides an upper surface of the substrate into areas, and measures a height of each of the areas. The control unit is configured to set the height of each of the areas independently by controlling a height of each of the height control elements based on a data value, determine using the measuring unit whether the height of each of the areas in the upper surface of the substrate is in a allowable range, and set the height of the area out of the allowable range again by the height control elements.
US09021979B2 Automobile instrument
An automobile instrument (1) includes: a dial (4); an indicator (11) configured to rotate on the dial (4); a facing member (14) configured to surround a circumference of the dial (4) and comprising a plurality of transparent light guide portions (35) radially arranged respectively from an end of the circumference of the dial (4) at intervals in a circumferential direction of the dial (4); a first light source (17) configured to irradiate the dial (4) with light; and a second light source (19) configured to emit light to the transparent light guide portions (35).
US09021978B2 Indicator displaying device
A combination meter has an indicator for radiating light having entered from an entrance portion thereof and a display panel having a displaying portion illuminated by light passing through such portion. A cylindrical body is inserted into a panel-side opening of the display panel. The cylindrical body has a body-side supporting portion so as to hold the display panel between the body-side supporting portion and a housing-side supporting portion. An outer peripheral reflecting portion formed in the cylindrical body reflects light toward a housing-side reflecting portion of a housing. Light emitted from a light source not only illuminates the indicator but also is reflected by the respective reflecting portions to illuminate the displaying portion.
US09021977B2 Lifeboat suspension system
A suspension system for a lifeboat comprises a pair of hook assemblies adapted for connection at spaced locations to a lifeboat and for coupling respectively to a pair of suspension cables, each hook assembly comprising a hook member pivoted for movement about a pivotal axis between a closed setting where the line of action of a load on the hook member when in use passes substantially through the pivotal axis thereof and an open setting where an associated suspension cable is released from the hook member, each hook assembly further comprising an internal safety system that prevents the hook member from opening inadvertently; and a control mechanism for the pair of hook assemblies.
US09021974B1 Cleat deck
A cleat deck includes a body for attachment to a tubular body and a platform attached to the body and having a face for supporting a cleat. A fairlead extends upward and rearward from the face such that the fairlead extends rearward of an adjacent portion of the body to extend into an interior of the tubular body, through a slot in the tubular body. The fairlead has a surface configured for guiding a line between an interior and an exterior of the tubular body.
US09021965B1 Laser defense gun ports
Gun ports fitted to a wall of a building or vehicle each comprise an expandable aperture that accommodates penetration from within by a gun barrel having irregularly shaped attachments. The gun ports can provide protection against laser pointers used in training exercises, where lasers are used outside the gun ports by attackers against those protected behind the gun ports. Each implementation of a gun port can accommodate guns of different sizes and shapes. The gun ports can be configured as exchangeable cartridges or subassemblies that can readily replace regular non-expandable apertures otherwise used for defense against real ballistic weapons and explosives. Each expandable aperture expands and contracts as necessary to fit sizes and shapes of a gun barrel portion inserted through it. Of special importance is accommodation of a laser sensor module attached near the firing end of a gun. A window for sighting the gun is provided.
US09021964B2 Folding table
A folding table may include a table top and a supporting frame. The supporting frame may have a leg portion, an interconnecting portion and a central supporting structure; and the table top that is detachable from the supporting frame may have a plurality of connected table pieces. The leg portion includes a plurality of legs and the interconnecting portion is used to connect the legs of the leg portion, and the central supporting structure is located at center portion of the supporting frame to provide additional support to the supporting frame and is configured to start a table folding process.
US09021958B1 Broadhead-bullet with sabot
The Broadhead-Bullet and Sabot is a new type of sub-sonic hunting projectile combining capabilities of an expandable broad head arrowhead with that of a firearm-fired projectile. The Broadhead-Bullet and Sabot is for use in shorter ranges akin to shotgun slug ranges but is able to utilize the cost effectiveness, utility, and ease of use of existing firearms.
US09021939B2 Tea maker
A tea maker provides a simple structural configuration, stable and rigid structure, and low manufacturing cost, and is adapted to effectively separate the tea leaves from the brewed tea for adjustably controlling the concentration of the brewed tea. The tea maker includes a supporting frame, a tea infusing container with a container lid, a tea basket disposed in the tea infusing container, and a control circuit. A sliding arrangement includes a vertical support, a sliding frame slidably coupled at the vertical support, and a resilient element. The sliding frame includes a hanger, an actuator, and a first permanent magnet. The hanger is supported above and aligned with an electromagnet. A second permanent magnet is provided at the outer side of the surrounding wall of the tea basket and is magnetically attracted with the first permanent magnet.
US09021938B2 System and method for brewing beverages
A system and method for brewing beverages utilizing inertial separation and an adjustable-volume brewing chamber to selectively retain or release particulate matter, oils, and/or other components of the brewed beverage, whereby mechanical filtration may be avoided and smaller particulates may be separated from the beverage. Thus, less material is needed to achieve similar levels of infusion and brewing time may be reduced.
US09021936B2 Ventless actuator lock
An actuator includes a cylinder and a piston disposed in the cylinder. The piston has a head and a rod. The actuator further includes a collapsible locking member disposed in the head of the piston, and a gas-filled capsule disposed in the cylinder. The gas-filled capsule is in an expanded position when fluid in the cylinder is below a threshold pressure, and the gas-filled capsule is in a collapsed position when fluid in the cylinder is above the threshold pressure. The actuator also includes a lock piston operably connected to the gas-filled capsule. The lock piston engages the collapsible locking member and biases the collapsible locking member radially outward to a locked position when the gas-filled capsule is in the expanded position.
US09021934B1 Remote weapon mounted viewing and sighting system
A system is provided for deployment of sensors for surveillance and operational security which allows transmission of real time video (as well as high data rate sensor data) in a secure manner from remote locations. The system provides data linkage in a manner that resists interception and blockade without revealing either the origin or the destination of the data. Ultra wideband transmissions are used to transmit video data in a difficult to detect or intercept manner. A preferred use of the system is to wirelessly transmit images from a weapon site video camera to a wearable unit which displays the image directly to an operator. The system provides low latency video manipulation that enables a computer implemented sighting reticle that can be zeroed in a manner analogous to a traditional optical weapon sight.
US09021932B2 Aircraft store ejector system
An aircraft store ejector systems and subsystems thereof. Embodiments can include a two-reservoir re-pressurization system wherein a remote reservoir is used to maintain desired pressure in a local ejector reservoir. The system can include a release valve having a vent valve and valve piston. The release valve can control release of pressurized gas to a pitch control valve. The pitch control valve can be configured to distribute the pressurized gas between two or more ejector piston assemblies. One or more of the ejector piston assemblies can include multiple concentric piston stages and piston chambers, the piston chambers configured to contain a volume of gas. The ejector piston assemblies can be configured to compress the volume of gas within the piston chambers as the piston stages are extended out from the aircraft. Such compression can provide a return force to the piston stages.
US09021926B2 Multiple tool device for preparing tubular elements to be welded by electrofusion
A multiple tool device, particularly adapted to prepare tubular elements to be welded by electrofusion, comprising a cup member which is associable with the end portion of a tubular element and is provided with motion transmission means adapted to turn the multiple tool device. The particularity of the present invention resides in that it comprises scraper means adapted to remove the outer surface layer of the end portion and facing means which have a working motion that is opposite with respect to the preceding means and are adapted to face the edge of the end portion so as to make it perpendicular to the axis of the tubular element.
US09021925B2 Screwing device
The invention relates to a screwing device for mounting and alignment of sub-constructions, in particular in dry construction, consisting of a bit holder (2) with a shank (2.1) for connection with a screwing tool and a bit receiver (3). Especially advantageously the bit receiver (2) is surrounded circumferentially at least to a partial extent along its longitudinal axis (LA) by a sleeve element (4) and a measuring gradation is affixed to the outer side of the sleeve element (4).
US09021902B2 Central transmission device for a four-wheel steering system
A four-wheel steering central transmission device includes an input shaft extending through a front wall of a housing and having an input rotary disc formed with a first slide groove. A turning output unit includes an output shaft extending through a rear wall of the housing and having an output rotary disc formed with a second slide groove. A transmission unit disposed between the input and output shafts includes a hollow adjustment block disposed adjustably within the housing and movable leftward or rightward, and a transmission member movable within the adjustment block and having slide pieces inserted respectively and slidably into the first and second slide grooves.
US09021897B2 Versatile, flexible, and robust MEMS/NEMS sensor for decoupled measuring of three-dimensional forces in air or liquids
A force measuring device. The device comprises an x-axis sensor beam for measuring x-direction forces, a y-axis sensor beam for measuring y-direction forces, a z-axis sensor beam for measuring z-direction forces, and wherein the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis sensor beams are decoupled such that forces exerted by a specimen in one direction do not exert substantial forces on the other two sensor beams.
US09021890B2 Magnetic flowmeter with multiple coils
A magnetic flowmeter for measuring a flow of a process fluid includes a flowtube arranged to receive the flow of the process fluid. First, second and third coils are arranged adjacent the flowtube. First and second electrodes are arranged to sense an electrical potential of the process fluid related to an applied magnetic field and a flow rate of the process fluid. The sensed electrical potential is used to calculate the flow rate of the process fluid through the flow tube.
US09021880B2 Micromachined piezoelectric three-axis gyroscope and stacked lateral overlap transducer (slot) based three-axis accelerometer
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for making and using x-axis gyroscopes, y-axis gyroscopes, z-axis gyroscopes, two-axis accelerometers and three-axis accelerometers. Combining fabrication processes for such devices can enable the monolithic integration of six inertial sensing axes on a single substrate, such as a single glass substrate. Such devices may be included in a mobile device, such as a mobile display device.
US09021879B2 Oscillation type inertia force sensor
An inertia force sensor that shortens a time from power activation until inertia force can be detected includes an oscillator, an oscillation circuit unit, and a detection circuit unit. The oscillation circuit unit functions as a closed loop self oscillation circuit with the oscillator as a resonant element, and includes a CV conversion circuit converting a monitor signal based on electrostatic capacitance according to an oscillating state of oscillator into a monitor signal based on a voltage corresponding to an amount in change of the electrostatic capacitance, and an automatic gain control circuit controlling gain based on the monitor signal converted at the CV conversion circuit to generate a driving signal, and supplying the driving signal to the oscillator. The CV conversion circuit includes an amplifier that amplifies a monitor signal with an amplification factor for a predetermined period after power activation.
US09021873B2 Brake abnormality diagnosis method and brake abnormality diagnosis device
A brake abnormality diagnosis device which diagnoses an abnormality in a brake of a brake-equipped motor provided in a robot or a machine tool, includes: an abnormality diagnosis unit which performs a diagnosis as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the brake, while the motor is excited and the brake is activated; and an output unit which, if it is diagnosed that there is an abnormality in the brake, notifies the abnormality in the brake without interrupting the excitation of the motor and without releasing the brake.
US09021870B2 Method and device for monitoring a servovalve actuation system
A method for monitoring a system for actuating variable geometries of a turbojet engine, the actuation system including a control device, a servovalve, and an actuator controlled by the servovalve, the control device configured to determine a control current according to a set position value and to a measured position of the actuator and to provide the control current to the servovalve. The monitoring method includes: detecting a stabilized condition; determining an average value of the control current during the detecting the stabilized condition; and comparing the average value with a predetermined threshold.
US09021869B2 Method for managing the operation of a fuel metering unit
The principal object of the invention is a method for managing the operation of a metering unit of a turbomachine fuel injection system, characterized in that a channel of the metering unit is selected according to the reliability of the injection system's flowmeter, determined by reliability conditions of the flowmeter providing information as to whether or not there is confidence in the flowmeter.
US09021868B2 Sensor controller and exhaust gas treatment system using the same
A sensor controller is for a particulate matter detection sensor that includes a pair of opposed electrodes spaced from each other and disposed on an attachment portion. The sensor controller includes a calculation portion configured to calculate an amount of particulate matter attached to the particulate matter detection sensor based on a detection value from the particulate matter detection sensor, and a determination portion configured to determine whether water exists in the exhaust passage based on the detection value. Thus, it is possible to accurately determine whether water exists in the exhaust passage.
US09021866B2 Gas leak detector
A gas-leak detector includes a suction pump that sucks sample gas and reference gas, two gas detection sensors, and a cell block having a cell therein. The cell receives the gasses and has two suction-gas introduction channels and a single gas discharge channel opening thereinto. The gas-leak detector detects a gas leak on the basis of outputs from the sensors. The introduction channels and the discharge channel open into the cell at a first one of opposing surfaces of the cell, the opening of the discharge channel being arranged between the openings of the two introduction channels. The sensors are on the same plane as a second one of the opposing surfaces and are arranged between the opening of the discharge channel and the openings of the introduction channels. The suction pump is arranged on the cell block and communicates with the opening of the discharge channel.
US09021854B2 Method and a device for real time monitoring of a system for measuring a fuel flow rate
A device and method of monitoring the measurement of a fuel flow rate fed to an airplane engine includes delivering the measurement from a mass flowmeter. The monitoring also includes evaluating whether at least the following conditions are satisfied: a signal delivered by the flowmeter is less than a given value; and the engine is running on its own. The measurement is invalidated if these conditions are satisfied simultaneously.
US09021853B1 Dimensionally stable long, calibration device
A calibration device provides a lightweight rigid support for a long arm. The rigid support includes thin flat sheets separated by a light weight filler. The filler prevents wrinkling or rippling of the flat sheets. Three ball trihedral nest kinematic mounts may be attached to opposite ends of the long arm for precise mounting of retro-reflectors for optical calibration, or precision spheres may be attached to the opposite ends of the long tube to obtain a mechanical calibration standard.
US09021843B2 Hybrid lock cylinder
An exemplary lock assembly includes a plurality of discs, one or more wafer housings housing one or more wafers, a spindle, a locking bar, and a lock assembly housing. Each wafer housing is provided with one or more wafers that are spring biased in a first direction. The discs, wafer housing, and wafers may include recesses. When no key is inserted, the lock assembly is locked by both the wafers and the locking bar. When a proper key is utilized, the locking bar is free to move into the recesses to release the spindle.
US09021842B2 Lockable utility box lid
A lockable utility box lid includes at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a fastener. The locking mechanism preferably includes a utility box engagement member coupled to the underside of the utility box lid. The locking mechanism is movable between a locked and unlocked position. A fastener extends through the opening in the utility box lid and engages the locking mechanism. Rotating the fastener in a first direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a first, locked position. Rotating the fastener in a second direction causes the locking mechanism to assume a second, unlocked position. In the locked position the utility box engagement member is engaged with an interior surface of the utility box lid.
US09021837B2 Method of cleaving and separating a glass sheet and apparatus for cleaving and separating a glass sheet
A method of cleaving and separating a glass sheet includes a cleaving step of cleaving a glass sheet along preset cleaving lines by a laser cleaving method, and a separation step of separating adjacent pieces of the cleaved glass sheet from each other. The cleaving step is performed under a state in which the glass sheet is placed on support members provided respectively in segment regions, which are segmented by the preset cleaving lines. The separation step is performed by separating the support members from each other in adjacent segment regions.
US09021827B2 Ice maker and refrigerator including the same
An ice maker including a heating type ice-making tray capable of securing ice ejecting and a refrigerator including the ice maker are disclosed. According to a refrigerator including the ice maker, the ice may be securely ejected from the ice-making tray. As a result, reliability of ice ejecting may be improved. The water generated when the ice is ejected in the ice maker may be prevented from falling to an ice container efficiently.
US09021826B1 Water energy conversion system
A water energy conversion system includes a control unit, a first gas-water energy conversion device, a second gas-water energy conversion device, a water supply device, a storage tank and a heat source unit. Water for different purposes is supplied by the water supply device that collects and transmits various kinds of water resources. Operations of the storage tank as well as the first and second gas-water energy conversion devices are based on water as the basis and a carrier of energy conversion to provide effective energy conversion and recycling. By further employing the heat source unit, high-efficiency cooling, heat dissipation or heat absorption can be achieved with minimal power and water consumption. Thus, the water energy conversion system is applicable for energy conversion, energy regulation and supply for air of indoors and outdoors of a building to realize effects of water storage and supply, anti-flooding, and energy saving and storage.
US09021823B2 Compressor assembly having electronics cooling system and method
A system, compressor, and method that cools an electronics module with a low-pressure refrigerant. The system, compressor, and method utilize a temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the low pressure refrigerant and communicates with the electronics module. Based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor, the electronics module controls a liquid dry out point of the refrigerant that is used to cool the electronics module.
US09021822B2 Air conditioner having a variable speed indoor side blower and flaps being control based on outside air temperature and indoor heat exchanger temperature
There is disclosed an air conditioner which can realize appropriate air conditioning control in a situation closer to a feeling temperature even in a case where a floor surface of a room to be conditioned is low. The air conditioner which blows air subjected to heat exchange between the air and a user side heat exchanger into a room to be conditioned by an indoor side blower comprises a user side controller which controls a revolution speed of the indoor side blower based on the present temperature in the room and a set temperature, and this controller raises the revolution speed of the indoor side blower in a case where an outside air temperature is not higher than a predetermined revolution speed rise temperature during a heating operation.
US09021815B2 Gas turbine combustion device
The combustion device (1) of a gas turbine includes burners (2) connected to a front plate (5) of a combustion chamber (3). The front plate (5) has, spaced apart from one another, a front sheet (8) and an impingement sheet (7) with aligned holes (11, 12) housing the burners (2). A piston ring (15) is provided between the front sheet (8) and impingement sheet (7) to seal the holes (11, 12). The axial length of the border of the hole (11, 12) of the front sheet (8) and/or impingement sheet (7) is longer than the thickness of the corresponding front sheet (8) and/or impingement sheet (7).
US09021813B2 Cable-actuated variable area fan nozzle with elastomeric seals
An apparatus installed on an aircraft, comprising: a sleeve or duct having a trailing lip area; a plurality of petals arranged side by side with gaps therebetween, one end of each petal being attached or pivotably coupled to the lip area; and a plurality of elastomeric seals configured and disposed to close the gaps between adjacent petals. Each elastomeric seal comprises a first portion that moves with a portion of a first petal that is in contact therewith, a second portion that moves with a portion of a second petal that is in contact there, and a third portion which is stretched as the first and second petals move further apart from each other. Petal deflection is actuated by a system comprising a flexible member, a motor, a shaft driven by the motor, and an arm projecting from the shaft. One end of the flexible member is attached to the arm, the flexible member being movable to deflect the petals inward in response to a shaft rotation.
US09021802B2 Turbine housing assembly with wastegate
An assembly includes a cast cartridge component that includes a base plate having an opening configured for receipt of a turbine wheel, a cylindrical wall that comprises a shroud portion, one or more supports disposed between the cylindrical wall and the base plate, an exhaust conduit that has an inlet, an outlet and a wastegate opening positioned intermediate the inlet and the outlet, and a substantially planar surface integral to the exhaust conduit, the wastegate opening located on the planar surface; and a wastegate outlet component that includes a cylindrical portion that extends between and defines an inlet and an outlet, and a cover portion configured to cover the substantially planar surface of the cast cartridge component to form a wastegate chamber where one or more openings provide for flow of exhaust from the wastegate chamber to the cylindrical portion. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
US09021800B2 Heat exchanger and associated method employing a stirling engine
A heat exchanger and associated method are provided that may eliminate or reduce the need for an external mechanical or electrical power source to drive the fan by utilization, instead, of a Stirling engine. A heat exchanger includes a plurality of coils configured to carry a primary fluid. The heat exchanger also includes a fan including a plurality of fan blades configured to force a secondary fluid across the plurality of coils to facilitate heat transfer between the primary and secondary fluids. The heat exchanger also includes a Stirling engine operably connected to the fan and configured to cause rotation of the fan blades. A corresponding method is also provided.
US09021795B2 Heat transfer device and manufacturing method
The present invention relates to a heat transfer device, more preferably for an exhaust system of a combustion engine, preferentially of a motor vehicle, with at least one warm tube for conducting a fluid emitting heat, with at least one cold tube for conducting a fluid absorbing heat and with at least one thermoelectric generator for generating electric energy from a temperature difference, wherein a thermoelectric generator each is arranged between a warm tube and a cold tube.The efficiency of the heat transfer device is improved if the respective thermoelectric generator is in contact with the respective tube via a heat conducting material and if the respective heat conducting material is configured as shaped body.
US09021793B2 Method for converting constituent gases in an internal combustion engine exhaust gas mixture and a vehicle incorporating the same
A vehicle includes an internal combustion engine operatively disposed therein. The engine generates exhaust gases. The vehicle further includes an alternator operatively connected to the engine. The alternator produces DC power. An ultracapacitor is operatively connected to the alternator to receive electrical energy therefrom. The vehicle still further includes an exhaust gas treatment system operatively connected to the engine to receive exhaust gases therefrom. The exhaust gas treatment system includes an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) device electrically connected to the ultracapacitor to selectively heat a catalytic exhaust system component. The ultracapacitor stores energy converted by the alternator from vehicle kinetic energy and releases the stored energy to heat the EHC.
US09021789B2 Degradation diagnostic apparatus for NOx catalyst
A NOx amount capable of being absorbed by a criteria catalyst as a boundary between degradation and normality is supplied to a NOx storage reduction catalyst and thereafter, a reducer amount corresponding to the NOx amount is supplied by a rich spike operation. Degradation of the NOx catalyst is determined based upon the output of the NOx sensor at this time. Since the degradation of the NOx catalyst is determined only by a magnitude of the NOx sensor output, the degradation diagnosis can be performed with high precision. While the catalyst is normal, the excessive reducers are not supplied and therefore, deterioration of the fuel consumption can be prevented.
US09021786B2 Method for initiating and maintaining a substoichiometric operating mode of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine for carrying out a method of this kind
The present disclosure describes systems and methods for recharging a storage catalyst of an internal combustion engine. A method is described, comprising: while operating an engine in a substoichiometric operating mode when the engine is under medium load and responsive to an LNT condition, assisting the engine with an electric machine connected to an engine crankshaft. The electric machine provides an auxiliary drive to assist the engine in maintaining the substantially steady state substoichiometric operating mode which may be used to reduce NOx or SOx build up in a storage catalytic convertor or to assay the condition of a storage catalytic convertor.
US09021779B2 Systems and methods for combustor emissions control
The present application thus provides a gas turbine engine system. The gas turbine engine system may include a gas turbine engine, a nitrogen oxides reduction system in communication with a flow of combustion gases downstream from the gas turbine engine, and a nitrogen oxides controller to control the ratio of nitrogen dioxide to nitrogen oxides in the flow of combustion gases entering the nitrogen oxides reduction system.
US09021778B2 Differential gear system with carrier drive
A differential gear system for a gas turbine engine includes an assembly of a ring gear, a sun gear, and a plurality of planet gears, and a planet carrier. The plurality of planet gears are enmeshed between the ring gear and the sun gear. The planet carrier acts as an input to rotatably drive the planet gears, the sun gear, and ring gear of the gas turbine engine.
US09021776B2 Height of cut system for lawn mower
A deck lifting and height of cut assembly for a lawn mower, in which the deck lifting assembly includes at least one movable component and the height of cut assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism having a plurality of stop surfaces. A prop extends between the movable component of the deck lifting assembly and a first stop surface of the height adjustment mechanism to prevent the cutting deck assembly from lowering below a first height. The height adjustment mechanism is adjustable to place a second stop surface in engagement with the prop so that the cutting deck assembly is prevented from lowering below a second height different from the first height. The prop may also be used to maintain the cutting deck assembly in the full-up position during travel of the lawn mower between work areas.
US09021771B2 Heat sealer with algorithm for regulating sealing temperature
A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.
US09021768B2 Apparatus for conveying of articles and product slicing and packaging line using the conveying apparatus
The invention relates to a method for conveying articles, in particular product slices produced by simultaneous slicing of a plurality of food products or respective portions including a plurality of product slices, wherein the articles are conveyed in a conveying direction on a main conveying path in multitracks in desired arrangements formed by articles from different tracks, in particular in rows extending transverse to the conveying direction, incomplete arrangements of articles having at least one deficient point are expelled onto a secondary conveying path and desired arrangements are formed from the articles forming the incomplete arrangements.
US09021765B2 Molded polymeric spacing devices
Substrates such as sheet metal components may be kept spaced apart from each other using a molded polymeric spacing device. The spacing device has a main body with a thickness corresponding to the desired minimum spacing between the substrates and, extending from the main body or a base connected to said main body, an attachment member capable of being inserted into an opening in one of the substrates, but resistant to being easily withdrawn from such opening. Noise and vibration that might otherwise be generated or propagated by closely proximate substrates are reduced through the use of such molded polymeric spacing devices, which may be integrally fashioned from a rubber.
US09021764B2 Apparatus for fixing the rear glass of an operator cab on construction machinery
An apparatus for fixing the rear glass of a cab on construction machinery is provided. The apparatus includes a window frame forming a cab window frame; a weather strip coupled to the window frame to seal a gap between the window frame and the rear glass of the cab; a glass interior fixing portion including an engagement portion inserted and engaged between the window frame and the weather strip, a body portion extending from the engagement portion at right angles and having a groove and a glass support portion supporting the rear glass of the cab; a glass exterior fixing portion engaged with the glass support portion of the glass interior fixing portion to support the rear glass of the cab; and a stopper having one side fixed to the window frame to support the rear glass of the cab.
US09021763B2 Reinforcement bar positioning system
A reinforcement bar positioning device may comprise an elongated main member having a longitudinal axis, with the main member defining a pair of apertures spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis. The positioning device may also comprise at least one securing member mounted on the main member and configured to secure a reinforcement bar in one of the apertures of the main member.
US09021757B2 Tower construction and a method for erecting the tower construction
A concrete tower construction has a foundation and a plurality of prefabricated concrete tower elements, each having an outside, an inside, a material thickness provided there between, and top and bottom surfaces. The tower elements have hollow centers and are arranged one tower element on top of another, forming a column on top of the foundation. Plural tendons arranged in the hollow center apply tension force to the column. An upper force distribution element is arranged on top of the column, and a lower force distribution element is arranged in the foundation. Each tendon is connected to the upper force distribution element and the lower force distribution element by cooperating attachments. Methods of erecting the tower construction, tower elements and a foundation are described.
US09021756B2 Facilities for hybrid tissue banks
A system, workflow and facilities for hybrid tissue banks are provided with a central access way having spaces on both sides for public and private diagnostic areas, public and private clean room areas for processing, culturing and other manufacturing steps, public and private storage areas, wherein air flow is into said clean rooms and out of said diagnostic areas and said storage areas, and wherein all public facilities are on one side of the central access-way and private facilities are on the other side, and wherein there are sample pass-throughs between each area, and at least the sample pass-through into and out of the clean room processing areas comprise small enclosed chambers having two access panels (one leading to each space), wherein only one panel can open at a time. Preferably, these areas are preceded by receiving spaces and terminated by shipping spaces, which also have pass-through chambers. The rooms may be vertically separated on different floors with vertical sample transportation mechanism.
US09021755B2 Method of making use of surface nanocrystallization for building reinforced construction structure
A method of building a reinforced construction structure. The method comprises a step of treating an attachment member with surface nanocrystallization whereby when the construction structure is under stress at least a first portion blocks or reduces spreading of strain along the attachment.
US09021750B1 Portable modular tornado and hurricane survival shelter kit
The portable modular tornado and hurricane survival shelter kit can be quickly constructed, even by a single individual, or left assembled. The shelter provides for shielding people and animals from flying debris, the most frequently injurious danger in severe storms. The shelter's construction is understandable quickly, even to the novice, therein further providing for quick construction. The base slots that hold the flexed arcs differ one to the next so that no confusion between arc A members and overlapping arc B members exists in assembly. Modularity is key element, as various sizes are needed to accommodate varying numbers of occupants. Only differing bases need be used to alter overall human capacity as arc A members and arc B members can continue innumerably by varying only the base length. The shelter is inexpensive in order to be deployed to a plurality of imaginable application sites. Schools are but one example.
US09021749B2 Temporary roof anchor having shock absorbing means
Described is a temporary roof anchor for fitment to a roof support structure, the roof anchor comprising: first attachment means for temporary fitment to the roof support structure; second attachment means remote from the first attachment means for attaching safety equipment; and shock-absorbing means having a deformable region extending between the first and second attachment means in a first length when not subject to a deformation force corresponding to a critical sudden load, the shock-absorbing means lying substantially in a single plane and comprising a substantially rigid structure that, when subject to the critical sudden load, deforms, elongating to a greater length than the first length.
US09021746B1 Bleacher system
A bleacher system has a support structure that includes multiple cross members at spaced intervals, but includes no longitudinal rails. The support structure further includes an axle carrier sub-frame mounted between two of the cross members. One or more tiers are mounted on the support structure. Each tier includes multiple girders at spaced intervals, each girder supporting a plurality of seat supports and a plurality of foot board supports, with seat planks or seats then secured to the seat supports and foot planks secured to the foot board supports in each tier. The bleacher system may be provided with front and/or rear jacks for use when the bleacher system is in a deployed position. The bleacher system may also include a hitch tube to facilitate attachment to a vehicle when the bleacher system is in a transport position.
US09021741B2 Path-controlled adjustment device with a multipart carrier assembly
The invention relates to a path-controlled adjustment device for a window pane of a motor vehicle, with a carrier assembly, with at least two guideways provided at the carrier assembly, which define an adjustment path for an adjustable window pane and which are spaced from each other transversely to the adjustment path, and with a driver which on the one hand includes means for connection of the window pane to be adjusted and which on the other hand is in engagement with the guideways so as to be longitudinally movable. The carrier assembly consists of at least two carrier elements which are connected with each other at a plurality of fixing points. On at least one carrier element fixing points, via which that carrier element is to be fixed at a further carrier element of the carrier assembly, are connected with each other by reinforcement paths.
US09021736B2 Fishing line float and spool device
A fishing line float and spool device is provided having a rounded, buoyant structure, and an arraignment that allows a length of fishing line to be independently supported from the water surface. The device comprises a first and second side having a perimeter flange and an inset channel therebetween for supporting the fishing line about the perimeter of the device. A plurality of notches is disposed through the flanges of each of the float sides. The fishing line attaches around the float and is extended therefrom, whereby the notches allow the line to be tied off such that when the line is struck by a fish the float flips over for notification purposes. The center of the float includes an aperture therethrough for assisting the user when tying off the fishing line, while also providing a support for an external hand crank reel or a lighted pole.
US09021729B2 Recoil damping device for portable firearms
A recoil damping device for portable firearms, including a casing in which a recoil damping means is inserted; the damping means includes a fixed part, which is integral with the casing, and a movable part able to slide along a substantially axial direction inside the casing; the damping means is made of a material having a certain elastic hysteresis and includes a set of flexible members connecting the fixed part to the movable part; the flexible members have different stiffnesses.
US09021726B2 Sliding panel gift card holder
A sliding panel gift card holder includes a panel mounted within a sleeve, pouch or bag, the panel being hingedly connected to a draw flap and then to a cover flap. Upon opening the cover flap, the draw flap draws the panel out of the sleeve to reveal a gift card secured upon the panel, thereby presenting the gift card to a recipient.
US09021725B2 Boom sheave with tubular reinforcing members
A sheave includes a hub defining an axis, a rim defining at least one circumferentially extending groove, and two plates oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis. Each plate is connected to the hub and to the rim, and a plurality of reinforcing tubular members extend between the plates.
US09021720B2 Fluid-filled chamber with a tensile member
A fluid-filled chamber, which may be incorporated into articles of footwear and other products, may include an outer barrier and a tensile member. The outer barrier may have an upper portion, an opposite lower portion, and a peripheral edge. The upper portion and lower portion may be bonded together in a bonded region spaced inward from the peripheral edge. The bonded region may have a convex shape. The tensile member may be located within the outer barrier, and may be formed to have at least one gap. The bonded region may extend at least partially into the gap.
US09021718B2 Boot assembly
A boot assembly for use with a dry suit includes an external puncture resistant boot and a dual-layered insert. The dual-layered insert comprises a thermal sock worn over the foot of a diver and a water-proof, non-stretch over-sized outer sock worn over the thermal sock. The outer sock is over-sized so that it accommodates a wide spectrum of diver foot sizes but fits comfortably within the volume of the external boot.
US09021716B2 Devices for air-drying sludge
An air-drying device for sludge comprises at least one air-drying mechanism, a dosing mechanism, and a dehumidifying and heating mechanism. There two air-drying mechanisms. The dosing mechanism connects with the beginning end of the first air-drying mechanism (5) whose terminal end communicates with the beginning end of the second air-drying mechanism (8), with a discharge port (21) is arranged above the communicating position. The terminal end of the second air-drying mechanism communicates with the beginning end of the first air-drying mechanism to form a loop configuration. The device has high efficiency and low energy consumption. The detention time of the sludge in the drying device is adjustable so that the water content of the discharging material is adjustable.
US09021705B2 Method of making a sandwich panel
A fully or partly edged panel (10; 200) of wood or wood fiber. The panel (10; 200) includes a sandwich blank (10*; 200*) having outer layers (11) of solid consistency, and at least one supple inner layer (12) with a lightweight, possibly “honeycomb” or supple foam material, structure. The panel (10; 200) is characterized by having at least one spacer (13; 213) inserted between the two outer layers (11) of the blank (10*; 200*) at at least one corner thereof. The peripheral outer faces (15) of the blank (10*; 200*) may be edged with an adhesive edging strip (16). Also described are methods (100; 1000) for manufacturing the panel (10; 200).
US09021701B1 Ferrule, hose coupling, and methods of making same
A lower cost method of manufacturing a ferrule. The method includes cold heading a transition sleeve that includes an annular indented seat therein, providing a penetration sleeve comprising a plurality of inwardly directed and axially spaced apart attachment means for penetrating into a hose when said ferrule is radially inwardly deformed; and brazing the penetration sleeve to the annular indented seat in the transition sleeve. The resulting assembly is visually and functionally blended to become one-piece.
US09021700B2 Method of manufacturing liquid jet head, liquid jet head, and liquid jet apparatus
A method of manufacturing a liquid jet head comprises forming a terminal region on a top surface of an actuator substrate in the vicinity of a rear end thereof, and forming on the top surface a plurality of alternately arrayed ejection grooves and dummy grooves arranged in parallel to each other from a front end toward the terminal region. Shallow grooves are formed in the terminal region, and a conductive film is formed on the top surface, side surface and bottom surface of each of the ejection grooves, and on the side surface and bottom surface of the shallow grooves. The conductive film is removed from the top surface by grinding, and a cover plate is bonded to the actuator substrate so as to expose the terminal region and cover the ejection grooves. A nozzle plate is adhered to a side surface of the actuator substrate at which the ejection grooves are opened.
US09021699B2 Removing piezoelectric material using electromagnetic radiation
Electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through a piezoelectric material and is absorbed in at least an adhesive that bonds the piezoelectric material to another material. Absorbing the electromagnetic radiation in the adhesive ablates the adhesive and the ablation of the adhesive acts to remove the piezoelectric material.
US09021697B2 Housing member for clutch mechanism
A housing member for a friction clutch and a method for making it. The housing member is made for use with two differently sized fan members. Two annular raised mounting pilot surfaces are provided, one of which is machine finished for mounting one of the two fan members. Two sets of fan member mounting holes are also provided, one set of which is used to mount one of the two fan members thereon.
US09021695B2 Method for the production of a piston for an internal combustion engine
A method for producing a piston from an upper piston part and a lower piston part. A strip- or plate-shaped semifinished product made of a metal material is provided, from which an annular upper piston part or an annular blank is stamped out, which blank is finished to form an upper piston part, wherein the upper piston part is connected to a lower piston part to form a piston.
US09021693B2 Method of manufacturing printed circuit board with metal bump
A method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, including: applying a dry film on a carrier and then patterning the dry film to form holes for forming metal bumps; forming an upper circuit layer including metal bumps charged in the holes and connection pads on the dry film; forming an insulation layer on the dry film; forming a build-up layer including a lower circuit layer on the insulation layer; removing the carrier; and removing the dry film.
US09021691B2 Method for introducing electrical insulations in printed circuit boards
A method for introducing electrical insulations in a printed circuit board includes selectively introducing groove-shaped recesses between different regions of an electrically conductive layer on a substrate along a machining path using a thermal energy input such that end portions of each of the recesses or different ones of the recesses are joined to one another. The end portions are introduced parallel to one another without overlap such that a strip-shaped region of the conductive layer is initially retained between the end portions so as to insulate the different regions.
US09021683B2 Rotor housing for easy and safe assembling and method for assembling motor set using the rotor housing
The present invention relates to a method for assembling a motor set that includes: coupling a rotor housing having a plurality of operating holes to a stator having shaft bushings with holes formed therein through the operating holes, thereby making the holes to be seen through the operating holes; coupling the holes of the stator associated with the rotor housing to stator assembly holes of a motor set assembly, the holes of the stator being aligned with the stator assembly holes of the motor set assembly; and inserting rivets into the holes through the operating holes and coupling the rivets to the stator assembly holes.
US09021679B2 Material reducing machine convertible between a grinding configuration and a chipping configuration
The present disclosure relates to a material reducing machine convertible between a grinding configuration and a chipping configuration. The material reducing machine includes a rotary component that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, the rotary component defining a grinding configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation. The material reducing machine also includes a plurality of hammers secured to the rotary component, the hammers including end portions that project outwardly beyond the grinding configuration boundary of the rotary component. Furthermore, the material reducing machine includes a boundary enlarging structure that mounts over the rotary component, the boundary enlarging structure defining a chipping configuration boundary that extends at least partially around the axis of rotation when the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component, the chipping configuration boundary being positioned outside the grinding configuration boundary. The boundary enlarging structure is not mounted over the rotary component when the material reducing machine is in the grinding configuration and the boundary enlarging structure is mounted over the rotary component when the material reducing machine is in the chipping configuration.
US09021675B2 Method for repairing fuel nozzle guides for gas turbine engine combustors using cold metal transfer weld technology
A fuel nozzle guide for a combustor of a turbine engine includes an annular base with a hub section, the hub section at least partially formed of a Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) weld and a method and system therefor.
US09021674B2 System for loading a collapsible heart valve
An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device.
US09021670B2 Device for collapsing and loading a heart valve into a minimally invasive delivery system
A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.
US09021668B2 Paper coffin
A paper coffin is an architecture made of corrugated cardboards, including a main body, a lid and two flat-panels. The structure of main body and lid are both identical, formed by folding a large cardboard and placing with two each long and short paperboards. Without the use of a nail or screw, a paper coffin can be erected. Moreover, laying two flat-panels of different direction honeycomb arrangement inside the main body increases the capability of the main body to carry. Because when shipped from the factory, the paper coffin is in a flattened condition and vacuum packaging, it can save a lots stocking space. The users do not need to use any glue or tape to assemble, so the assembly is not only simple, fast, and also has a cost-saving and environmental protection concept.
US09021666B2 Flash grip systems
Flash grip system is used to securely retain a USB flash drive or thumb drive and provide a comfortable, gripping surface. Further, the flash grip system may use an article-fastener such that the USB flash drive may be removably attached to a variety of articles (such as a keychain, a belt loop, a bag strap, etc). The holding surface may further include decorative indicia for decorating the USB flash drive.
US09021664B2 Method and device for storing and carrying a portion of rope
An apparatus and method for carrying and storing a portion of rope is claimed. A portion of rope is braided and wound about two complementary loops. Attached to one complementary loop is a flexible fastener. The flexible fastener can be passed through the second complementary loop and attached to itself. The apparatus can then be worn as a bracelet. When the rope is needed, the person can unwind the rope. After using the rope, the rope can be rewound and then bound with the flexible fastener.
US09021656B2 Furniture damper
A furniture damper damps a movement of a movably mounted part of a piece of furniture or a movably mounted component of a furniture fitting. The damper includes a piston arranged in a fluid chamber, a damping action being carried out by a relative movement between the fluid chamber and the piston. A sealing device seals the fluid chamber, and the sealing device includes a first abutment element and a second abutment element that is movably mounted in relation to the first abutment element and designed to seal the fluid chamber. A spring is arranged between the first abutment element and the second abutment element, and the spring is compressible by the relative movement of the first abutment element and the second abutment element essentially up to the thickness of the cross-section of the spring.
US09021649B2 Cleaning tool assembly with a disposable cleaning implement
A cleaning assembly including a disposable cleaning implement having a cleaning element mounted to a fitment having an elongated post. The cleaning assembly includes an elongated maneuvering wand having a handle portion and a distal implement attachment end thereof. A gripping mechanism is coupled to the wand attachment end, and is configured to releasably grip the fitment post to mount the cleaning implement. The gripping mechanism and the maneuvering wand cooperate to substantially limited pivotal movement of a longitudinal axis of the fitment post, relative a longitudinal axis of the gripping mechanism to not more than about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees when the fitment post is subjected to forces radial to the longitudinal axis of the fitment post. In another aspect, the frictional drag between the sliding components is significantly reduced, enabling a tool assembly with a high axial holding force for the cleaning implement, but with a significantly lower, consumer friendly release force for the Implement during release operation of the tool assembly.
US09021639B1 Mattress structure
A mattress structure contains: an elastic mattress. The elastic mattress includes a main body, two elongated extensions extending along two peripheral sides of the main body, and an outer segment formed on one end thereof to correspond to user's feet. The elastic mattress is made of plural first plastic wires which are solid and are irregularly winded together, a connection portion of at least two of the plural first plastic wires is melted, and a disconnection portion of the at least two of the plural first plastic wires includes plural gaps formed therein. The elastic mattress also includes two support areas arranged below the two elongated extensions, and each support areas has plural second plastic wires winded therein, wherein a density of the plural second plastic wires is greater than those of the other positions of the elastic mattress besides the two support areas.
US09021629B2 Baby crib
A baby crib includes an upright segment having a lower end portion and an upper end portion, a base connected with the lower end portion of the upright segment, an elongated support structure extending along a horizontal plane above the base and connected with the upper end portion, and a bassinet assembled with the support structure and having an inner space adapted to receive the placement of a baby therein. The bassinet has a sidewall provided with a side opening communicating with the inner space. The support structure is operable to displace the bassinet horizontally to modify a distance between the bassinet and the upright segment.
US09021627B2 Tension rod with threaded end cap
We provide a tension adjustment assembly including an externally threaded support member and an at least partially hollow cylinder that is threaded internally. The threads of the cylinder and the threads of the support member are mated, allowing the cylinder to rotate about and travel along the threaded portion of the support member. The cylinder further comprises a ridge about an outer diameter of the cylinder. The tension adjustment assembly also includes an end cap retained on the cylinder by said ridge and able to rotate freely about said cylinder independently of any rotation of the cylinder about the support member. Finally, the tension adjustment assembly includes a foot attached to the end cap. When placed on the end of a tension rod this assembly allows the fit of the rod to a wall to be adjusted by turning the cylinder.
US09021612B1 Asymmetric body armor
Body armor includes a panel having a front, an opposed back, left and right sides, top and bottom, and a vertical axis extending through the panel at a location intermediate between the right and left sides. Opposed right and left shoulder cuts are formed in the panel between the right side and the top and between the left side and the top, and the right and left shoulder cuts are asymmetric to each other about the vertical axis. The right and left shoulder cuts are linear edges formed diagonally between the left and right sides and the top, and the right shoulder cut extends further inboard into the panel toward the vertical axis than the left shoulder cut.
US09027156B2 Transmission apparatus, transmission method, and recording medium
A transmission apparatus capable of transmitting a first content stored in a first storage area to a receiving apparatus includes a determination unit configured to determine whether the receiving apparatus has authority to access a second storage area storing a second content associated with the first content, a storage unit configured to store the second content in a third storage area different from the second storage area in a case where the receiving apparatus does not have authority to access the second storage area, and a transmission unit configured to transmit to the receiving apparatus access information for accessing the third storage area storing the second content by the storage unit.
US09027152B2 Device for right managing web data, recording medium for performing method for right managing web data on computer, and device and method for providing right management information
Disclosed are a device for right managing web data, a recording medium for performing a method for right managing web data on a computer, and a device and a method for providing right management information. In the device for right managing web data, a message processing unit adds agent information, which shows support for right management, to the header of a web data request message that is sent to a web server from a web browser, and sends same to the web server, parses and outputs the right information included in the header of a web data reply message that is sent to the web browser from the web server, and sends web data that is included in the web data reply message to the web browser. Also, a right managing unit controls the output of web data, which is included in the web data reply message, through a web browser based on the parsed right information which is input from the message processing unit.
US09027151B2 Inhibiting denial-of-service attacks using group controls
A sandbox tool can cooperate with components of a secure operating system (OS) to create an isolated execution environment for accessing content without exposing other processes and resources of the computing system to the untrusted content. The sandbox tool can utilize task control groups (cgroups) of the secure OS with the isolated execution environment. A cgroup defines the hardware resources that can be accessed and utilized by the isolated execution environment. The cgroups can define accessible hardware resources by particular hardware resources, amount of hardware resources, and/or components of the hardware resources. Once a cgroup is applied to the isolated execution environment, any processes running in the isolated execution environment will be confined to the hardware resources defined by the applied cgroup. If a process running in the isolated execution environment attempts to utilize hardware resources outside the definition of the cgroup, the secure OS can block the usage.
US09027149B2 Secret sharing system, apparatus, and storage medium
According to one embodiment, a secret sharing system of an embodiment includes a secret sharing apparatus, a plurality of first storage server apparatuses, and at least one second storage server apparatus. Upon reception of a delete request transmitted from the secret sharing apparatus, each first storage server apparatus reads out, based on name information in the received delete request, storage position information associated with the name information from storage position information storing unit. Each first storage server apparatus deletes all of share information and copy information indicated by name information in the received delete request based on the readout storage position information.
US09027142B1 Dynamic field re-rendering
A computer-implemented method involves identifying an initial element for serving by a web server system to a client device and recoding the element by creating a plurality of different elements that each represent a portion of the initial element. The different elements are then served in place of the initial element. A response is received form the client device and has portions that correspond to the different elements, and a combined response is created by combining the received portions in a manner that corresponds to a manner in which the initial element was recoded to create the plurality of different elements.
US09027141B2 Method and system for improving security and reliability in a networked application environment
A security application manages security and reliability of networked applications executing collection of interacting computing elements within a distributed computing architecture. The security application monitors various classes of resources utilized by the collection of nodes within the distributed computing architecture and determine whether utilization of a class of resources is approaching a pre-determined maximum limit. The security application performs a vulnerability scan of a networked application to determine whether the networked application is prone to a risk of intentional or inadvertent breach by an external application. The security application scans a distributed computing architecture for the existence of access control lists (ACLs), and stores ACL configurations and configuration changes in a database. The security application scans a distributed computing architecture for the existence of security certificates, places newly discovered security certificates in a database, and deletes outdated security certificates. Advantageously, security and reliability are improved in a distributed computing architecture.
US09027136B2 Automatic generation of attribute values for rules of a web application layer attack detector
According to one embodiment, a web application layer attack detector (AD) is coupled between an HTTP client and a web application server. Responsive to receipt of a set of packets from the HTTP client carrying a web application layer message that violates a condition of a security rule, the AD transmits an alert package to an automatic attribute value generation and rule feedback module (AVGRFM). The AVGRFM uses the alert package, and optionally other alert packages from the same AD or other ADs, to automatically generate a new set of attribute values for each of a set of attribute identifiers for use, by the AD or other ADs, in a different security rule than the violated security rule. The new set of attribute values may be used in an attack specific rule to detect a previously unknown web application layer attack.
US09027132B2 System, method and computer program product for monitoring and/or analyzing at least one aspect of an invocation of an interface
A system, method and computer program product are provided. In use, execution of a portion of internal code of an interface is identified. Further, in response to the execution of the portion of internal code, at least one aspect of an invocation of the interface is monitored and/or analyzed.
US09027125B2 Systems and methods for network flow remediation based on risk correlation
Instrumented networks and platforms having target subjects (devices, transactions, services, users, organizations) are disclosed. A security orchestration service generates runtime operational integrity profiles representing and identifying a level of threat or contextual trustworthiness, at near real time, of subjects and applications on the instrumented target platform. Methods and systems are disclosed for network flow and device/platform remediation in response to reconnaissance-based intelligence correlation based on network monitoring, to accomplish network flow remediation and device/platform remediation. In an embodiment, a system receives system warnings and endpoint threat intelligence. The system correlates risk based on inputs from sensory inputs that monitor network activity, system configuration, resource utilization, and device integrity. The system then performs a calculus of risk on a global security context including endpoint assessment reports and sends system warnings based upon the endpoint threat intelligence. The system includes a remediation engine for receiving real time directives to control the device.
US09027120B1 Hierarchical architecture in a network security system
A network security system having a hierarchical configuration is provided. In one embodiment the present invention includes a plurality of subsystems, where each subsystem includes a plurality of distributed software agents configured to collect base security events from monitor devices, and a local manager module coupled to the plurality of distributed software agents to generate correlated events by correlating the base security events. Each subsystem can also include a filter coupled to the manager module to select which base security events are to be processed further. The selected base security events are passed to a global manager module coupled to the plurality of subsystems that generates global correlated events by correlating the base security events selected for further processing by each filter of each subsystem.
US09027118B2 Image processing apparatus, control method, and computer-readable storage medium for computer program
An image processing apparatus performs specific processing on images read out of a document having pages as follows. Each of the pages is a member assigned to at least any one of groups. The apparatus determines a second security level of each group based on a first security level of each page of the corresponding group; before the specific processing on the N-th group, determines whether or not password entry is necessary based on the second security level of the N-th group and any of the second security levels of the first group through the (N−1)-th group; and performs the specific processing on the N-th group if it is determined that password entry is unnecessary for the N-th group, or, alternatively, if it is determined that password entry is necessary for the N-th group and if a password is appropriately entered.
US09027117B2 Multiple-access-level lock screen
A multiple-access-level lock screen system allows different levels of functionality to be accessed on a computing device. For example, when a device is in a locked state, a user can select (e.g., by making one or more gestures on a touchscreen) a full-access lock screen pane and provide input that causes the device to be fully unlocked, or a user can select a partial-access lock screen pane and provide input that causes only certain resources (e.g., particular applications, attached devices, documents, etc.) to be accessible. Lock screen panes also can be selected (e.g., automatically) in response to events. For example, when a device is in a locked state, a messaging access lock screen pane can be selected automatically in response to an incoming message, and a user can provide input at the messaging access lock screen pane that causes only a messaging application to be accessible.
US09027111B2 Relay node authentication method, apparatus, and system
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a relay node authentication method, apparatus, and system. The method provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes: sending, by a relay node, an authentication request message to a peer node, where the authentication request message includes a certificate of the relay node, so that the peer node authenticates the relay node according to the certificate of the relay node, where the peer node is a network side node or a security gateway in a security domain where the network side node is located; and receiving, by the relay node, an authentication response message sent by the peer node, where the authentication response message includes a certificate of the peer node, and authenticating the peer node according to the certificate of the peer node.
US09027098B2 Systems, methods, and computer program products for recording service status of applications
A method for use in a system with multiple processor-based devices, the method including: running a first application on a first processor-based device; maintaining a second application in a standby mode on the first processor-based device; and providing a service to each of the first and second applications on the first processor-based device by a service-providing application on the first processor-based device, wherein providing the service includes maintaining a record regarding service statuses of the first application and the second application in which the record stores a respective entry for each of the first and second applications to reflect an active service status for the first application and a standby service status of the second application.
US09027093B2 Business process enablement for identity management
A method, system and computer program for business process automation facilitates transforming a user's identity/credentials as part of the enablement of transaction fulfillment, e.g., within a SOA environment. In one embodiment, identity and attribute information is added to one or more business process models that each represents a sub-transaction within an overall transaction fulfillment business process flow. As the business model is mapped to an execution environment, the identity and attribute information in the model is used to configure appropriate tooling to define the identity/attribute transformation required to complete the particular portion of the transaction represented by the model. In a representative implementation, the business process models conform to BPEL4WS, and one or more of these models are extended with identity mapping information such that, during transaction fulfillment, local identity mapping transformations provide the identity/credential propagation required to support the business process.
US09027091B2 Role-based attribute based access control (RABAC)
Systems and methods are disclosed for receiving an access request from a user device, the access request including an identity claim for a user; evaluating a risk of access based on matching an attribute of the user device with attributes stored in a user information database; authenticating the access request based on the identity claim and the risk evaluation to determine an authentication confidence level; generating a token based on the confidence level and the attribute matched; producing an authorization response based on inputs from the token, a risk based access control, a role based access control, and an attribute based access control, in which the authorization response determines whether to allow access to a system, deny access to the system, or request additional input from the user device.
US09027080B2 Proxy access to a dispersed storage network
A method begins with a processing module selecting one of a plurality of dispersed storage (DS) processing modules for facilitating access to a dispersed storage network (DSN) memory. The method continues with the processing module sending a DSN memory access request to the one of the plurality of DS processing modules. The method continues with the processing module selecting another one of the plurality of DS processing modules when no response is received within a given time frame or when the response to the access request does not include an access indication. The method continues with the processing module sending the DSN memory access request to the another one of the plurality of DS processing modules.
US09027077B1 Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates
Deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates is disclosed. In some embodiments, deploying policy configuration across multiple security devices through hierarchical configuration templates for configuring a plurality of security devices includes receiving at a first security device a hierarchy of templates from a central management server, in which the hierarchy of templates includes configuration information for a group of security devices, and in which the first security device is included in the group of security devices; and reconciling on the first security device's configuration information included in the hierarchy of templates and device specific configuration based on local configuration information, in which the first security device performs an object level reconciliation to maintain device configuration consistency.
US09027068B2 Method and system for allocating broadcast carrier resources
A system instructs that a first carrier signal that is modulated with a first digital media stream be sent to a first receiver, where the first digital media stream uses a first bandwidth. The system receives a second request from a second receiver to send a second digital media stream, where second digital media stream uses a second bandwidth that is greater than the first bandwidth, and determines that transmitting the second digital media stream will require use of the first bandwidth. The system instructs that a second carrier signal be modulated with the first digital media stream and sent to the first television receiver, and sends to the first television receiver an identifier of the second carrier signal as carrying the first digital media stream. The system also instructs that the first carrier signal be modulated with the second digital media stream and sent to the second television receiver, and sends to the second television receiver an identifier of the first carrier signal as carrying the second digital media stream.
US09027067B2 System and method for interactive spatio-temporal streaming data
System and method for providing a probabilistic order of tiles relative to a current section of a video that a user is viewing. A cache implementation uses this ordering to decide what tiles to evict from the cache, i.e. which tiles will probably not be accessed within a particular timeframe, but not when to evict (this is up to the cache implementation). A cache implementation can also use the prioritized list of the present embodiment to pre-fetch tiles.
US09027062B2 Gateway apparatus and methods for digital content delivery in a network
Methods and apparatus for the delivery of digital content in a network. In one embodiment, the digital content comprises internet content received from an Internet host server in a first container format, and converted to a second container format at a headend entity of a cable television or satellite network. The headend entity transmits the re-containerized content to one or more consumer devices, and acts as a gateway device between the consumer devices and various internet content sources. Delivery of internet content from the gateway device can be via broadcast, nPVR, DVR and/or VOD delivery mechanisms. The internet content gateway device is adapted to request, receive and process the internet content. Requests for internet content may be made from either a CPE or the gateway device itself according to one or more rules. The content may also be selectively transcoded before re-encapsulation based on the consumer device capabilities.
US09027058B2 Information system
A system and method for displaying an electronic program schedule guide is provided. The system has areas for displaying program schedule information. In addition, the system also has areas that may be used for advertising programs, products or services. In another embodiment, the system has areas for displaying messages to the user.
US09027054B2 Method and system to process television program summary
Provided is a method and system for displaying video streams, including receiving video data from a plurality of video stream by a frame controller in communication with a television display including a first picture and a second picture, and also receiving a television program summary list. The television program summary list includes television program data corresponding to the received video streams, and displaying the television program summary list in the second picture, and allowing the selection of a program from the television program summary list by a consumer, and displaying the selected video stream in the first picture.
US09027053B2 Method and apparatus for customized rendering of commercials
An entertainment system receives entertainment programming interposed with commercials. The entertainment system selectively renders the commercial in accordance with characteristics associated with a user of the entertainment programming. In one embodiment, the entertainment system selectively renders a selected one among multiple received versions of a commercial. In another embodiment, the entertainment system selectively renders a selected one among multiple received commercials.
US09027045B2 Consumption likelihood of linear content streams
The likelihood of consumption of a linear content stream may be determined. Information that includes data indicative of user interaction with a client device may be received. The information may correspond to a period during which the client device received linear content. The likelihood of consumption may be determined for that period based on the received information.
US09027041B2 Turn table for spindle motor
A turn table of a spindle motor is provided, wherein an outer diameter of a vertical portion at the disk insertion unit facing an inner periphery of a small-diameter disk is smaller by 0.01% to 0.15% than the inner periphery of the small-diameter disk to enable a chucking of the small-diameter disk having an inner diameter of an inner periphery smaller than 15 mm.
US09027040B2 Optical disc drive configured to discharge static electricity
Provided is an optical disc drive that may discharge static electricity externally. The optical disc drive may include a step motor that is configured to move an optical pickup back and forth and a cover disposed below the optical pickup. In one aspect, the cover includes an electrostatic discharge mechanism for moving static electricity generated on the step motor through the cover.
US09027031B2 Allowing inter-process communication via file system filter
In one embodiment, a method allows an application running in a first process to communicate with a second process. A file system filter driver receives a command from the application for a file. The file system filter driver is configured to process file system commands. The file system filter driver determines that the command is for an inter-process communication with a service running in the second process based on the command being for the file. Then, the file system filter driver sends the command to the service running in the second process where the command is processed by the service. A response from the service is received based on the command being processed by the service and the file system filter driver sends the response to the application.
US09027030B2 Commit-one-phase distributed transactions with multiple starting participants
A commit query is sent from a coordinator of a two-phase commit distributed transaction to each participant of the distributed transaction, wherein each participant can respond with one of a commit message, an abort message, or a read-only message. A read-only message is received from all but one participant of the distributed transaction. A one-phase commit distributed transaction is initiated for the one participant that did not respond with a read-only message.
US09027022B2 Software virtual machine for acceleration of transactional data processing
In general, this disclosure is directed to a software virtual machine that provides high-performance transactional data acceleration optimized for multi-core computing platforms. The virtual machine utilizes an underlying parallelization engine that seeks to maximize the efficiencies of multi-core computing platforms to provide a highly scalable, high performance (lowest latency), virtual machine. In some embodiments, the virtual machine may be viewed as an in-memory virtual machine with an ability in its operational state to self organize and self seek, in real time, available memory work boundaries to automatically optimize maximum available throughput for data processing acceleration and content delivery of massive amounts of data.
US09027016B1 Installation testing in automated application distribution
A system and method of deploying applications to networked computing environments is disclosed. Application packages and installation instructions are received by a deployment manager. The installation instructions include test instructions. Application packages are distributed in response to requests by developers and installation instructions executed on a target computing environment. Failure of an installation test provides an indication of issues with the application in the target environment. Records of failures received are stored for use by application developers.
US09027013B2 Control program updating device and storage medium for storing a control-program updating program
A control program updating device includes: a divider that divides each control program into one or more split control programs, based on a program capacity that each of a high-volume paper feeding unit and a multiple post-processing unit can update in one updating operation; and a transmit controller that allows a communication interface to transmit a set of split control programs for each unit produced by the divider to the respective units in a predetermined order and, during updating of a split control program for one unit, transmit a split control program to the other unit in the following order.
US09027009B2 Protecting the integrity of binary translated code
The technologies provided herein relate to protecting the integrity of original code that has been optimized. For example, a processor may perform a fetch operation to obtain specified code from a memory. During execution, the code may be optimized and stored in a portion of the memory. The processor may obtain the optimized code from the portion of the memory. An entry of a first table may be modified to indicate a relationship between the particular code and the optimized code. One or more entries of a second table may be modified to specify the one or more physical memory locations. Each of the one or more entries of the second table may correspond to the entry of the first table. The processor may execute the optimized code when each of the one or more entries of the second table are valid.
US09027001B2 Systems and methods for verifying expression folding
A system for verifying that a comparison model having folded expressions matches a reference model includes at least one memory device that stores a reference model and a comparison model, wherein the comparison model was previously generated based on the reference model. The reference model adheres to a first set of syntax and semantics, wherein the reference model includes a plurality of first expressions, each of the first expressions including a first operator and a first operand. The comparison model adheres to a second set of syntax and semantics, wherein the comparison model includes a second expression, the second expression including a second operator and a second operand. The system further includes a processing unit configured to match the second expression with the plurality of first expressions.
US09026996B2 Providing assistance in making change decisions in a configurable managed environment
In a configurable managed system having an associated configuration management database (CMDB), a Change Manager makes changes affecting configuration items (CIs), wherein different types of changes require different levels of confidence in the integrity of data in the CMDB. In response to a proposed change, weights assigned to system CIs affected by the change are used to compute a confidence level regarding accuracy of CMDB data pertinent to the change. The weight for a given CI is derived from the most recent synchronization thereof, and the numbers of reads, writes, and relationships the given CI has with other CIs. The confidence level is then used by the Change Manager in deciding whether or not to make the change. The proposed change is then allowed if the confidence level is no less than a pre-specified minimum value.
US09026992B2 Folded views in development environment
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to folded views for a development environment. In aspects, a software development environment may display a code segment that includes references to other code segments or other data. A developer may select a reference and indicate that a folded view is to be shown for the data corresponding to the reference. In response, the software development environment may obtain the data corresponding to the folded view and display the data inline with the code segment.
US09026991B2 Customizable financial institution application interface
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, or computer program product for a customizable financial application. This invention allows a user to customize an application, such as an application for a mobile smart phone, to display information or perform actions using data stored by a financial institution, including data about the customer and more general financial data.
US09026988B2 Code conversion method, apparatus, storage medium and request remaining time response method
To which method on each method call order pattern included in a series of application codes executed in response to a request a method included in an application code executed in response to a request corresponds is detected; a code is generated based on identification information corresponding to the detected method on the call order pattern; and the generated code is inserted to the application code.
US09026985B2 Dynamically configurable model-to-model transformation engine
A method, system and apparatus for processing a model-to-model transformation. The method can include dynamically accepting a transformation to apply to a source model in order to produce a target model. More specifically, the method can include traversing a hierarchy for the source model and applying rules in the transformation to objects in the hierarchy to produce the target model. For instance, the traversing step can include sequentially processing a list of transform elements in the transformation. In one aspect of the invention, the processing step can include loading content extractors among the transform elements. Subsequently, other transform elements can be identified through the loaded content extractors in order to traverse the hierarchy.
US09026980B1 Methods and systems for performing signal activity extraction
In one aspect, a technique for performing signal activity extraction in an integrated circuit an integrated circuit is described. The integrated circuit includes multiple nodes. The technique includes compiling a design of the integrated circuit, estimating signal activities at the nodes, determining a node of interest from the nodes, and connecting a signal activity circuit to the node of interest. The determination of the node of interest and the connection of the signal activity circuit to the node of interest first compared to the remaining nodes of the integrated circuit improves efficiency in determining nodes of the integrated circuit at which signals can be analyzed first. Such signal activity extraction may involve power analysis and power optimization.
US09026958B1 Method and system for double patterning technology (DPT) odd loop visualization for an integrated circuit layout
Computer-implemented method, system and computer program product for double patterning technology (DPT) odd loops visualization within an integrated circuit design layout are disclosed. The method, system and computer program product comprise mapping all violations of the integrated circuit design layout to a graph. The method, system and computer programming product also includes partitioning the graph into a plurality of sub-graphs. Each of the plurality of sub-graphs includes multiple edges and multiple nodes. The method, system and computer product further include detecting all possible odd loops in each of the plurality of sub-graphs; and visualizing all of the odd loops in at least one of the plurality of sub-graphs.
US09026948B2 Multi-faceted relationship hubs
Multi-faceted relationship hubs can support browsing an extensible set of relationship types from within a single tool window. A user can switch between relationship types within a single tool window without disrupting user flow by having to change context in a plurality of tool windows. Multiple instances of relationship hubs can be created. Browsing navigation history can be stored, allowing a user to maintain and reacquire relationship contexts. A user can preview the content of one or more files without opening the file.
US09026945B2 Method of grouping waveforms for a single channel on a single display
A method of grouping multiple waveforms for a single channel of acquired data on a display area uses a graphic icon with the display area. The graphic icon has a first portion with a symbol indicating the single channel and with an indicator defining a baseline for the display area. The graphic icon also has a second portion with symbols indicating which of the multiple waveforms currently are being displayed. The symbol for the single channel and the symbol for a selected one of the multiple waveforms currently being displayed are highlighted. The highlighting may be via color, where the highlight color corresponds to the color of the waveforms currently being displayed.
US09026942B2 Song lyric processing with user interaction
A computer-implemented system (and method and computer readable storage medium) are disclosed for processing interactions with song lyrics. The system is configured to provide for display on a screen of a computing device the song lyrics. The system detects a selection of a segment of the song lyrics and provides for display a menu of options for interacting with the selected segment of the song lyrics. The system receives a selection of an option from the menu of options and updates, in a user interaction database, a data field corresponding to the selected segment with the selected option from the menu of options. The system executes the selected option from the menu of options.
US09026931B2 Cross-browser “drag-and-drop” library
Technologies are described herein for implementing a cross-browser drag-and-drop library. The drag-and-drop library creates a draggable object corresponding to a drag source element and a droppable object corresponding to a drop target element defined in a webpage. The draggable object and droppable object are each assigned a link key value. A user-defined data structure populated with data regarding the drag source element may also be assigned to the draggable object. A browser event indicating a drag-and-drop operation between the drag source and the drop target is intercepted, and the drag-and-drop library determines whether the link key value assigned to the corresponding draggable and droppable objects are the same. If the link key values are the same, the drag-and-drop library generates an event associated with the droppable object to facilitate an application-related operation associated with the drag-and-drop operation using the data in the user-defined data structure.
US09026930B2 Keeping focus during desktop reveal
Systems and methods are provides for adjusting focus during a desktop reveal. A window has focus before the desktop is revealed. After the window is returned and the desktop hidden, the focus is again placed on the window. Further, a configurable area associated with the screen that displays the window is maintained during the desktop reveal and the return of the window.
US09026924B2 Devices, systems, and methods for moving electronic windows between displays
Methods, systems, and devices are provided for moving electronic windows between multiple electronic displays. In one exemplary embodiment, a plurality of displays can each be configured to display a portion of a desktop. A duplicate can be created of a window displayed on a first one of the displays. In response to an instruction to move the window from the first one of the displays to a second one of the displays, the duplicate can be programmatically moved on the second one of the displays in unison with movement of the window on the first one of the displays.
US09026921B2 Intelligent workspace
Described herein is a technology for collaboration. In accordance with some implementations, the workspace tool is adapted to cooperate with an electronic communication system. Electronic communications related to the workspace tool are stored in a repository and are associated with respective workspaces. The workspace tool allows participants of a workspace to access all information related to the workspace.
US09026906B2 Output preview for a user interface
A method and system to generate a user interface for an application, the user interface including a plurality of screen items, and each screen item being rendered based on associated screen item data. An output preview is generated and includes at least one preview item representative of a corresponding one of the plurality of screen items. Each preview item in the output preview is linked to the screen item data associated with the corresponding screen item, and is rendered in the output preview based on the linked screen item data.
US09026896B2 Method and apparatus of physically moving a portable unit to view composite webpages of different websites
A composite webpage contains several webpages coupled together appearing as a separate image. Demarcation lines are used to isolate the boundaries of the edges of each individual webpage. The demarcation lines form block-like geometry. Each block contains one webpage. As the user moves the portable unit, the background composite webpage slides across the screen of the portable device. To the user, the background composite webpage appears stationary as if the screen of the portable unit is transparent. These features are advantageous to social websites, ease of portable device use, in the visitation of websites and email servers. This has several benefits since now relative distances and angular displacements within the plane between objects that are outside of the range of the screen of the handheld unit can be immediately be located and placed into view on the screen of a portable unit.
US09026895B2 Flash memory controllers and error detection methods
A flash memory controller includes a read/write unit, a state machine, a processing unit, and an auxiliary unit. The read/write unit is connected to a flash memory and performs a writing command or a reading command. The state machine is configured to determine a state of the flash memory controller. The processing unit is connected to the read/write unit and the state machine and configured to control the read/write unit. The auxiliary unit is connected to a first data line and a second data line and the processing unit and configured to receive and store a string output from the processing unit. The auxiliary unit outputs the string through the first and second data lines when the flash memory controller completes a writing data transmission.
US09026893B1 Dynamically assigning inactive pages not used in Reed-Solomon code in non-volatile solid-state storage array
A data storage device is disclosed comprising non-volatile solid-state array comprising M storage elements for storing data protected by Reed-Solomon (R-S) code, each storage element comprising multiple blocks, each block comprising multiple pages for storing data. The data storage device further comprises a controller in communication with the storage array and defining a superblock comprising logical grouping of M blocks, each located in different storage element, and multiple superpages in each superblock, each superpage comprising M pages, each located in a different storage element. The controller generates, for each superpage, at least one R-S code parity page for protecting data pages in the superpage, where number of data pages and the at least one parity page is equal to M−1. The controller assigns one page in each superpage as an inactive page not used in the R-S code, where at least two inactive pages are in different storage elements.
US09026891B2 Method for format savings in coherently written fragmented sectors
A method and system for performing a shortened acquire cycle for at least one fragment of at least one data sector having coherently written fragments, the coherently written fragments being written during a single rotation of a storage medium. The method includes performing a full acquire cycle for a first fragment of a particular data sector of the at least one data sector. The method further includes reusing at least a portion of the acquisition information of the first fragment to perform a shortened acquire cycle for at least one subsequent coherently written fragment. The method also includes reusing at least a portion of the acquisition information of the first fragment to perform a shortened acquire cycle for at least one subsequent coherently written fragment. Additionally, the method includes performing the shortened acquire cycle for the at least one subsequent coherently written fragment.
US09026880B2 Decoding apparatus and decoding method for decoding LDPC-encoded data
A check node processing unit updates an extrinsic value ratio based on a prior value ratio for each row of a parity check matrix with respect to input data. An identifying unit identifies, based on an element of the parity check matrix that can be identified by a row and column associated with the updated extrinsic value ratio, a next-target element in the same column and in a different row. The identifying unit identifies an element to be updated in the next step by the check node processing unit, from among multiple elements included in the same column. A variable node processing unit updates, based on the extrinsic value ratio, a prior value ratio associated with the identified next-target element after the check node processing unit completes the updating of each row. The check node processing unit and the variable node processing unit alternately and iteratively execute their operations.
US09026875B2 Multiple-capture DFT system for detecting or locating crossing clock-domain faults during self-test or scan-test
A method for providing ordered capture clocks to detect or locate faults within N clock domains and faults crossing any two clock domains in an integrated circuit or circuit assembly in scan-test or self-test mode, where N>1, each clock domain having one capture clock and a plurality of scan cells, each capture clock comprising a plurality of capture clock pulses; said method comprising: (a) generating and shifting-in N test stimuli to all said scan cells within said N clock domains in said integrated circuit or circuit assembly during a shift-in operation; (b) applying an ordered sequence of capture clocks to all said scan cells within said N clock domains, the ordered sequence of capture clocks comprising at least a plurality of capture clock pulses from two or more selected capture clocks placed in a sequential order such that all clock domains are never triggered simultaneously during a capture operation; and (c) analyzing output responses of all said scan cells to locate any faults therein.
US09026872B2 Flexible sized die for use in multi-die integrated circuit
An integrated circuit (IC) structure can include a first die and a second die. The second die can include a first base unit and a second base unit. Each of the first base unit and the second base unit is self-contained and no signals pass between the first base unit and the second base unit within the second die. The IC structure can include an interposer. The interposer includes a first plurality of inter-die wires coupling the first die to the first base unit, a second plurality of inter-die wires coupling the first die to the second base unit, and a third plurality of inter-die wires coupling the first base unit to the second base unit.
US09026870B2 Memory module and a memory test system for testing the same
A memory module includes a first rank, a second rank and a test control unit. The first rank includes a plurality of semiconductor memory devices configured to operate in response to a first chip selection signal. The second rank includes a plurality of semiconductor memory devices configured to operate in response to a second chip selection signal. The test control unit is configured to simultaneously enable the first and second chip selection signals to test the first and second ranks in a test mode.
US09026869B1 Importance-based data storage verification
Methods and systems for detecting error in data storage entities based at least in part on importance of data stored in the data storage entities. In an embodiment, multiple verification passes may be performed on a data storage entity comprising one or more data blocks. Each data block may be associated with a probability indicating the likelihood that the data block is to be selected for verification. During each verification pass, a subset of the data blocks may be selected based at least in part on the probabilities associated with the data blocks. The probabilities may be adjusted, for example, at the end of a verification pass, based on importance factors such as usage and verification information associated with the data blocks. The probabilities may be updated to facilitate timely detection of important data blocks. Additionally, error mitigation and/or correction routines may be performed in light of detected errors.
US09026852B2 Processing main cause errors and sympathetic errors in devices in a system
Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for processing main cause errors and sympathetic errors in devices in a system. Error data for the devices in the system are analyzed to determine a main cause error for one of the devices that cause at least one sympathetic error in the system. A main cause event object for the determined main cause error and at least one sympathetic event object for the determined at least one sympathetic error resulting from the main cause error are generated. A determination is made from the at least one sympathetic event object of at least one sympathetic event action to perform. The determined at least one sympathetic event action is performed to recover from the at least one sympathetic error represented by the at least one sympathetic event object providing the at least one sympathetic event action.
US09026848B2 Achieving ultra-high availability using a single CPU
Techniques for achieving high-availability using a single processor (CPU). In a system comprising a multi-core processor, at least two partitions may be configured with each partition being allocated one or more cores of the multiple cores. The partitions may be configured such that one partition operates in active mode while another partition operates in standby mode. In this manner, a single processor is able to provide active-standby functionality, thereby enhancing the availability of the system comprising the processor.
US09026839B2 Client based high availability method for message delivery
A message queue (MQ) failover handler receives a message and a configuration file from a client application. The configuration file provides an indication of which of a number of queue managers (QMs) is the first choice for receipt and delivery of the message to a server application. The configuration file also provides an indication of which of the QMs is the second choice for receipt and delivery of the message to the server application, should the first choice of the QMs be unavailable.
US09026811B2 Portable power bank device with projecting function capable of charging an external device and displaying data from the external device
A portable power bank device with a projecting function comprises a battery unit, a control unit, and a micro projector unit. The battery unit is electrically coupled to a charge unit and restores power from an external power source. The control unit is electrically coupled to the charge unit and a connection interface unit, respectively. The control unit comprises a charge module, a voltage conversion module, and a video codec. A battery power source of the battery unit is outputted through the voltage conversion module. The micro projector unit is electrically coupled to the control unit and projects and displays video signals of the video codec.
US09026809B2 Polarity correction bridge controller for combined power over ethernet system
A system for combining power to a load in a Powered Device (PD) using Power Over Ethernet (PoE) receives power from a first channel and power from a second channel, via four pairs of wires. A MOSFET bridge for each channel is initially disabled. A bridge controller IC simultaneously senses all the voltages and controls the bridge MOSFETs. The bridge controller IC also contains a first PoE handshaking circuit. A second PoE handshaking circuit is external to the bridge controller IC and operates independently. The body diodes in the MOSFET bridge initially couple the first channel to the second PoE handshaking circuit while isolating the second channel. The second handshaking circuit then couples the first channel to the load. The first handshaking circuit then carries out a PoE handshaking routine for the second channel. Ultimately, the bridge controller controls the bridge MOSFETs to couple both channels to the load.
US09026804B2 Methods and apparatus for protected distribution of applications and media content
Methods, devices, apparatus, computer-readable media and processors are provided that protect the distribution of media content. Media content is encrypted and the associated cryptographic mechanisms are stored and accessible either remotely at a networked database or internally within a data storage device memory. Access to the cryptographic mechanisms is granted by associating the cryptographic mechanisms with a data storage device identification and, optionally, a computing device identification.
US09026802B2 Gaming security system
Verification of software to be run in a secure environment is performed by comparing a critical portion of the executable boot program code in an EPROM with code stored in a logic circuit. The comparison may be performed before the code to be verified is run or while it is running in the event that the validation fails certain critical functions of the platform are inhibited to prevent fraudulent operation of the platform. The system is particularly applicable to gaming machines to avoid cheating.
US09026783B2 Low latency server-side redirection of UDP-based transport protocols traversing a client-side NAT firewall
Systems, methods, and machine-readable media for low latency server-side redirection of User Datagram Protocol (UDP)-based transport protocols traversing a client-side Network Address Translation (NAT) are provided. At a first server, a request for directing a data resource to a client may be received. The request may be received from the client or a back-end server trying to push the data resource to the client. The first server may lack the data resource or the resources to provide the data resource to the client. A second server may be determined for responding to the request. The request may be redirected to the second server. The first server may provide for the second server to connect to the client and directly respond to the request. The second server may have not been previously connected to the client.