Document Document Title
US09046512B2 Low volume assay apparatus
Apparatus (1) for determining a property of a sample. The apparatus has a chamber (11, 13) for receiving at least a part of the sample and contains a rotor (15) adapted to rotate within the chamber (11, 13). The apparatus (1) also has a space (17) between the rotor (15) and the chamber (11, 13) which may be at least partially occupied by the sample, driving means (14) for rotating the rotor (15), and a detector (39) arranged to detect the rate of rotation of the rotor (15). The apparatus may also have two parts, a sample strip (5) for receiving the sample and a receiving member (3) for receiving the sample strip (5) and carrying out measurements on the sample. The rotor (15) may be magnetized across its diameter. The driving means (14) may be a magnetic driving means. The sample may be a blood sample. The property to be determined by the sample may be the prothrombin time of the blood or plasma.
US09046506B2 Specimen container detection
A system is disclosed. The system includes at least one image acquisition device configured to obtain one or more images of sample containers in a sample container holder. It also includes an image analysis device coupled to the at least one image acquisition device. The image analysis device is configured to analyze, by a processor, the one or more images of the sample containers in the sample container holder, to determine (a) a presence or absence of sample containers at sample container holder locations in the sample container holder, and (b) sample container characteristics of the sample containers in the sample container holder, wherein the sample container characteristics include one or more of cap color, cap shape, labels and markers associated with the sample containers, or one or more sample container holder characteristics.
US09046501B2 Calibratable sensor unit for reaction vessels
The invention relates to a reaction vessel with a sensor unit. The reaction vessel comprising a reaction space configured to be connected with the sensor unit that comprises at least one sensor device configured to be calibrated, at least one compartment containing a calibrating agent, and a housing. The sensor unit is arranged to calibrate the at least one sensor device by contact with the calibrating agent before chemical or physical parameters of a measurement substance are measured, wherein the at least one sensor device is further configured such that the relative movement between the at least one sensor device and the at least one compartment is irreversible. The at least one sensor device is movable relative to the at least one compartment from an initial position into a measurement readiness position. The reaction vessel and the sensor unit can be sterilized or are sterilized jointly.
US09046499B2 Surface inspecting apparatus and surface inspecting method
A surface inspecting apparatus rotates a semiconductor wafer 100 (inspection object) as a main scan while translating the semiconductor wafer 100 as an auxiliary scan, illuminates the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 with illuminating light 21, thereby forms an illumination spot 3 as the illumination area of the illuminating light 21, detects scattered or diffracted or reflected light from the illumination spot, and detects a foreign object existing on the surface of the semiconductor wafer 100 or in a part of the semiconductor wafer 100 in the vicinity of the surface based on the result of the detection. In the surface inspecting apparatus, the translation speed of the auxiliary scan is controlled according to the distance from the rotation center of the semiconductor wafer 100 in the main scan to the illumination spot. With this control, the inspection time can be shortened while the deterioration in the detection sensitivity and the increase in the thermal damage during the surface inspection are suppressed.
US09046497B2 Intelligent airfoil component grain defect inspection
A system including a positioning system with a component manipulator structured to position a component in response to a positioning algorithm; a scanning system capable of producing a set of light waves directed at a surface of the component, detecting a set of reflected light waves from the surface of the component, and producing a reflectivity data set in response to the set of reflected light waves; and a microprocessor structured to apply a fuzzy logic algorithm to the reflectivity signal to determine a solution set and produce a grain structure characterization in response to the solution set.
US09046489B2 Fluorescence imaging device
An excitation light from a first light source is adapted to be irradiated to a subject without passing through an objective lens so that the first light source and the subject may be arranged to be adjacent to each other. As a result, an excitation light having a high intensity of radiation may be irradiated to the subject to obtain a strong fluorescence signal. In addition, since the optical path of the excitation light from the first light source and the optical path of the fluorescent emission light emitted from the first dichroic mirror and the white light do not coincide with each other, a high S/N ratio may be obtained.
US09046482B2 Gas sensor and method for manufacturing the gas sensor
It is an object to provide a gas sensor which is formed by a simple manufacturing process. Another object is to provide a gas sensor whose manufacturing cost is reduced. A transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor layer in contact with a gas and which serves as a detector element of a gas sensor, and a transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor layer in contact with a film having a gas barrier property and which forms a detection circuit are formed over one substrate by the same process, whereby a gas sensor using these transistors may be formed.
US09046479B2 Biosensor, method of producing the same and detection system comprising the same
A biosensor detects a target substance contained in a liquid sample and includes an insulating base plate having a recess formed in a portion that is thinner than the surrounding part, a working electrode and a counter electrode, at least one of which is disposed in the recess. A reaction reagent is disposed in the recess and reacts with a specific substance in the liquid sample.
US09046474B2 Multi-analyzer angle spectroscopic ellipsometry
Ellipsometry systems and ellipsometry data collection methods with improved stabilities are disclosed. In accordance with the present disclosure, multiple predetermined, discrete analyzer angles are utilized to collect ellipsometry data for a single measurement, and data regression is performed based on the ellipsometry data collected at these predetermined, discrete analyzer angles. Utilizing multiple discrete analyzer angles for a single measurement improves the stability of the ellipsometry system.
US09046467B2 X-ray imaging apparatus and X-ray imaging method
The invention is aimed to provide an X-ray imaging apparatus and the like ensuring a sufficient range of detecting the amount of X-ray movement with respect to the pixel size of a detector in comparison with the method disclosed in International Publication No. WO2008/029107. The X-ray imaging apparatus of the present invention has a splitting element which spatially linearly splits an X-ray beam; and a shielding unit which shields a part of the X-ray beam which is split by the splitting element and whose position is changed by a test object. The shielding unit has a region transmitting X-rays and a region having a shielding element shielding (blocking) X-rays. A dividing line between the X-ray transmitting region and the region having the shielding element is configured to be arranged obliquely so as to cross the linearly split X-ray beam.
US09046461B1 RF amplifier tuning method for coping with expected variations in local dielectric
A wireless sensor capable of sensing and measuring at least one ambient parameter is disclosed herein. The wireless sensor is capable of transmission of measurement values at a periodic rate, wherein the transmission rate is varied or non-varied. An amplifier varies a power transmission to the antenna based on a real-time soil conductivity value of a soil area and a real-time soil dielectric constant value of a soil area to improve a communication range and communication reliability of the antenna.
US09046460B2 Particle measuring apparatus and measuring method using the same
Provided are a particle measurement apparatus having a plurality of apertures arranged in series therein, and a particle measurement method using the same to statistically analyze multiple signals generated when a particle passes through the plurality of apertures, thus acquiring more accurate information on particles. The particle measurement apparatus includes a plurality of aperture members arranged in series, a plurality of electrodes to form an electric field within the plurality of aperture members, and an analyzer for statistically analyzing multiple electrical signals generated when a particle passes through the plurality of aperture members.
US09046442B2 Method and apparatus for operating an injection valve
An injection valve includes a valve needle preventing a fluid flow out of an injection nozzle in a closing position and enabling the fluid flow of the injection nozzle apart from the closing position. Furthermore the injection valve includes an electro-magnetic actuator unit being designed to actuate the valve needle. The actuator unit is activated according to a predetermined activation signal with a given activation period for effecting a fluid flow out of the injection nozzle. An actuator unit voltage characteristic is captured at least over a period of time during which the valve needle could reach the closing position. A noise part of the actuator unit voltage characteristic is determined and a closing time representing a time when the valve needle reaches the closing position is determined depending on the noise part of the captured actuator voltage characteristic.
US09046439B2 E-latch having a magnetic snap assembly
A system for detecting the operative condition of a latch for a door of a motor-vehicle, comprises a magnetic field generating element adapted to generate a magnetic field which is associated to the operative condition of latch; a support which defines a housing for magnetic field generating element; and a sensor magnetically coupled with magnetic field generating element and adapted to sense the magnetic field. The generating element is snap-fitted to the housing.
US09046438B2 Center-of-gravity detecting system
There is provided a highly versatile center-of-gravity detecting system which can accurately detect the center of gravity of not only a container cargo vehicle but also various detection objects.It has a placement board for placing a detection object thereon; springs for supporting the placement board with an elastic force; an acceleration sensor for detecting a reciprocating motion of the detection object in an up-down direction; an angular velocity sensor for detecting a simple pendulum motion of the detection object around a roll direction oscillation central axis; and an X-axis restriction guide part for restricting a movement of the placement board in an X-axis direction, a data processing apparatus calculating a center-of-gravity height in the up-down direction from the roll direction oscillation central axis to the center of gravity of the detection object on the basis of the detection results by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor.
US09046430B2 Method of reducing rotation noise in a magnetoelastic torque sensing device
A system and method for creating one or more magnetically conditioned regions on a rotatable shaft or disk-shaped torque sensing element, wherein rotation noise produced by the element due to magnetic field variations is substantially negated. Upon magnetization of the torque sensing element, rotation noise produced by the magnetically conditioned region is measured. Adjustment factors are calculated based on the measured rotation noise, and the adjustment factors are used to adjust a magnetic field source during subsequent magnetization of the torque sensing element.
US09046429B2 Torque sensor
A torque sensor includes a first resolver that outputs a signal corresponding to a rotation angle of a first rotor fitted on an outer periphery of a first rotary shaft, and a second resolver that outputs a signal corresponding to a rotation angle of a second rotor fitted on an outer periphery of a second rotary shaft coupled to the first rotary shaft via a torsion bar. The torque sensor detects a torque exerted on the first rotary shaft or the second rotary shaft based on the signals output from the first resolver and the second resolver. A first junction between the first rotary shaft and the first rotor, and a second junction between the second rotary shaft and the second rotor are formed so as to have different shapes or different sizes.
US09046422B2 Ultra-compact snapshot imaging fourier transform spectrometer
Snapshot imaging Fourier transform spectrometers include a lens array that produces sub-images that are directed through a birefringent interferometer in orthogonal polarization eigenstates that acquire an optical path difference. Interference patterns based on this OPD can be Fourier transformed to obtain a spectral image. In some examples, polarizing gratings provide a spatial heterodyne frequency and offset the spectra.
US09046421B2 Light sensors for electronic devices
Electronic devices may include light sensors. A light sensor may be an ambient light sensor that is mounted adjacent to an aperture in an opaque structure. An ambient light sensor may include active light sensor elements located adjacent to the aperture and inactive light sensor elements located adjacent to the opaque structure. Signal processing circuitry may be interposed between the light sensor elements and a summing circuit that sums light signals from the light sensor elements to form an ambient light signal. The signal processing circuitry may include a switch and an amplifier associated with each light sensor element. The switch associated with each element may be used to selectively activate or inactivate that element. The amplifier associated with each element may be used to amplify the light signal from that element by a gain factor that depends on the location of that element with respect to the aperture.
US09046416B2 Device for the radiometric calibration of infra-red measuring devices
A device for the radiometric calibration of infra-red measuring devices is provided. The device is in the form of a heated metal surface that is used as a radiant surface and is coated with a high-emission material. The device includes a spherical segment, the interior of which is coated with the high-emission material and the opening of the spherical segment is used as an aperture for an infra-red device that can be arranged in the center of the aperture.
US09046402B2 Method of measuring amount of substances in an ambient noise environment
Embodiments of the invention include methods, devices, and systems that measure a volume of substance in a noise environment.
US09046401B2 Correcting for two-phase flow in a digital flowmeter
A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.
US09046400B2 Digital flowmeter
A control and measurement system for a coriolis flowmeter having a flowtube, a driver adapted to vibrate the flowtube, and a pair of sensors adapted to generate signals indicative of movement of the flowtube when it is being vibrated by the driver, wherein the sensors are positioned relative to one another so the signals from the sensors are indicative of a mass flow rate of fluid through the flowtube. A digital drive signal generator is adapted to generate a variable digital drive signal for controlling operation of the driver. The digital drive signal generator can be adapted to cause the driver to resist motion of the flowtube during a first time period and amplify motion of the flowtube during a second time period. The digital drive signal generator can also be adapted to initiate motion of the flowtube by sending one or more square wave signals to the driver.
US09046398B2 System and method for measuring fluid flow velocity with a heater for generating a thermal marker in response to a time-varying level of power
The invention relates to a system (102) for measuring a velocity of a fluid (104) flowing through a flow channel (106). The system comprises a heating element (108) configured for generating a thermal marker in the fluid (104) in response to a predetermined time-varying level of power provided to the heating element (108). The system (102) furthermore comprises a sensor arrangement (110) for generating a measurement signal (112) indicative for the velocity of the fluid (104) flowing through the channel (106). Herein, the sensor arrangement (110) is configured for measuring a time series of the primary temperature (114) of the fluid (104) at a predetermined primary location. The primary location and the heating element (108) are situated on an axis having at least a component parallel to the longitudinal axis (119) of the flow channel (106). The measurement signal (112) is based on the maximum value (120) of the time series of time series of the primary temperature (114) in response to the thermal marker.
US09046396B2 Process variable measurement using universal flow technology connection platform
An apparatus for measuring flow of a process fluid includes an elongate spool providing a spool conduit therethrough adapted to be coupled in line with process piping to receive the flow of process fluid. A meter body is carried by the elongate spool and receives the spool conduit therethrough. The meter body includes a flow measurement component opening which extends from the spool conduit to outside of the meter body. A flow component is configured for placement in the flow measurement component opening of the meter body. A carrier is configured to removably mount to the meter body and couple the flow measurement component to the spool conduit through the flow measurement component opening. A flow measurement transmitter couples to the flow measurement component to measure the flow of process fluid based upon an interaction between the process fluid and the flow measurement component.
US09046393B2 Method for measuring remaining hydrogen capacity of hydrogen storage canister incorporating RFID device
A method is provided for measuring remaining hydrogen capacity of hydrogen storage canister incorporating tag information. An information identification tag is attached to a hydrogen storage canister. The information identification tag contains therein at least one record of tag information indicating the hydrogen storage quantity of the hydrogen storage canister. Once the hydrogen storage quantity is read from the tag information of the information identification tag and hydrogen consumption quantity supplied from the hydrogen storage canister is detected, the hydrogen storage quantity is operated by subtracting the hydrogen consumption quantity therefrom to calculate a hydrogen residue, which is then used to update the tag information of the information identification tag or is stored for subsequent use.
US09046392B2 Displacement measuring apparatus
A displacement measuring apparatus is provided, which comprises a measuring sensor, a housing, a first board, a second board and a third board, which boards are arranged in the housing and are circuit carriers, wherein the second board and the third board are in each case oriented transversely to the first board, the second board and the third board are connected by means of a first plug-in connection device and the combination of the second board and third board is connected to the first board by means of a second plug-in connection device.
US09046391B2 Arc flash protection system with self-test
An method for automatically testing an arc flash detection system by periodically or continually transmitting electro-optical (EO) radiation through one or more transmission cables electro-optically coupled to respective EO radiation collectors. A test EO signal may pass through the EO radiation collector to be received by an EO sensor. An attenuation of the EO signal may be determined by comparing the intensity of the transmitted EO signal to an intensity of the received EO signal. A self-test failure may be detected if the attenuation exceeds a threshold. EO signals may be transmitted according to a particular pattern (e.g., a coded signal) to allow an arc flash detection system to distinguish the test EO radiation from EO radiation indicative of an arc flash event.
US09046377B2 Method and system for generating fixed transit routes
A method and system for generating fixed transit routes is provided. A first set of street network segments within a first threshold distance from a starting point is identified for a pattern inputted by a user. A proxy first point along each of the street network segments in the first set is also identified. A second set of street network segments within a second threshold distance from an ending point is identified for the pattern inputted by the user. A proxy second point along each of the street network segments in the second set is also identified. A best path for the pattern is determined including any one of the proxy first points along the street network segments in the first set and any one of the proxy second points along the street network segments in the second set.
US09046376B2 Method and apparatus for generating route exceptions
An approach for providing mapping information and route information based on exception information received from various users travelling within a common area is described. A navigation system processes travel information associated with one or more devices for comparison against predetermined route information. The navigation system also determines one or more exceptions based, at least in part, on the comparison. The predetermined route information, mapping information, or a combination thereof it then caused to be updated based, at least in part, on the processing of the one or more exceptions.
US09046374B2 Proximity warning relative to other cars
Methods and systems for a complete vehicle ecosystem are provided. Specifically, systems that when taken alone, or together, provide an individual or group of individuals with an intuitive and comfortable vehicular environment. The present disclosure builds on integrating existing technology with new devices, methods, and systems to provide a complete vehicle ecosystem.
US09046352B2 Electrode position detection device and electrode position detection method
An electrode position detection device detects a relative positional relationship between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, when a packaged electrode having the positive electrode disposed inside a bag-shaped separator and the negative electrode are alternately stacked. The device includes a light source, a camera, and a detector. The light source projects light that penetrates the separator and is reflected by the electrodes. The camera receives the light reflected by the positive electrode when the packaged positive electrode is on the uppermost layer and receives the light reflected by the negative electrode when the negative electrode is on the uppermost layer. The detector detects the relative positional relationship between the electrodes based on the results of light reception by the camera when the packaged positive electrode is on the uppermost layer and the results of light reception by the camera when the negative electrode is on the uppermost layer.
US09046350B2 Method and apparatus of measuring precise high speed displacement
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring precise high speed displacement, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for measuring precise high speed displacement, which measures displacement of a test specimen by using a uniform intensity laser line and by using differences in a laser transmission amount according to the deformation of the test specimen, and measures a strain rate of the test specimen such as high strength fiber or the like using a high speed tensile test.
US09046346B2 Determining a position of a mobile apparatus
A method of determining a position of a mobile apparatus includes: firing a laser mounted on the mobile apparatus; rotating the laser and a first and second photo detector that are disposed proximate the laser while monitoring an amount of rotation; detecting a first amplitude of light received by the first photo detector and a second amplitude of light received by a second photo detector as a function of rotation; identifying a first orientation corresponding to perpendicularity of the laser to a position referencing structure; identifying a second orientation corresponding to perpendicularity of the laser to the position referencing structure; identifying a third orientation corresponding to perpendicularity of the laser to the position referencing structure; and calculating the position of the mobile apparatus based on the first orientation, the second orientation, the third orientation, and a predetermined distance associated with the position referencing structure.
US09046344B2 Multiple image metrology
Metrology is performed using multiple registered images derived from one or more charged particle beams. Measurements combine features from one image that may not be visible in a second image to determine relationships that cannot be determined from a single image. In one embodiment, measurements use features from different element maps to determine a relationship between features, such as a distance or angle between two features in the first image at a location determined by a distance from a feature on the second image.
US09046342B2 Coaxial cable Bragg grating sensor
A coaxial cable sensor device with periodic impedance discontinuities along the length of its cable. The cable comprises an inner conductor, insulating material disposed around the length of the inner conductor, and an outer conductor disposed around the insulating material. The periodic impedance discontinuities are created by physical deformations or material alterations to at least one of the inner conductor, the outer conductor, and the insulating material. The sensor device may be used to measure temperature, pressure, strain, and acoustic waves in building structures, and is well suited for down-hole or underwater applications.
US09046331B1 Broadhead
A broadhead tip for an arrow comprised of a plurality of blades affixed to a body. The blades are each on a distinct radii about a central axis. Each blade is a different distance from a tip of the broadhead. Upon impacting a target each blade sequentially impacts the surface of the target on a distinct radii about the central axis.
US09046314B2 Cleaning device for paintball equipment
Among other things, there is disclosed a cylindrical device which is used to remove broken paintballs and other unwanted material from the barrel of a paintball marker or from other paintball equipment. Cylindrical cleaning devices currently known in the art are prone to separation and failure after use. The present disclosure includes structure such as barbs and/or openings, a snap-fit sleeve element, and/or one or more spacers to limit or prevent such failure. Structure for cleaning, including squeegee elements movable between an insertion configuration and a cleaning configuration, and other materials and configurations, are also disclosed.
US09046304B2 Air dryer
An air dryer for supplying a decontaminated air stream. The air dryer includes a housing comprising a handle and an air frame body, a fan assembly structured and arranged in the air frame body, and an air filter arranged in the air frame body downstream of the fan assembly, wherein the air filter is structured and arranged to filter an incoming air stream to supply the decontaminated air stream.
US09046303B2 Freeze-drying method and apparatus for the same
A freeze-drying method by a far infrared heater including the steps of: mounting the frozen objects to be dried prior to heating in the containers in which an absorption power of the radiant heat from the far infrared heater and a thermal conductivity are high, respectively; mounting the said objects which are contained in the containers into the reduced pressure tank under an atmospheric pressure; heating the containers by the radiant heat from the far infrared heater disposed in the reduced pressure tank; and sublimating the frozen water contents of the objects in a reduced pressure state where sublimation of the objects occurs in the reduced pressure tank.
US09046302B2 Apparatus and method for cooling and liquefying a fluid
A fluid is cooled and liquefied in an apparatus with a heat exchanger. A plurality of flow passages has two or more primary groups of one or more primary flow passages. Each primary group carries a part of the fluid stream through the heat exchanger and indirectly cools the part of the fluid stream against a refrigerant in the shell side of the heat exchanger to provide a liquefied fluid stream. A primary inlet header connects the two or more primary groups of primary flow passages to a source of the fluid, and is arranged to split the fluid stream between the two or more primary groups of primary flow passages. Valves are provided for selectively blocking at least one of the two or more primary groups of primary flow passages whilst allowing the fluid stream to flow through the remaining unblocked primary groups of primary flow passages.
US09046300B2 Multiple inlet dispensing apparatus and system for preparing beverages
A liquid dispensing apparatus and system for controlling the delivery of liquid additives is disclosed. In one aspect, liquid additives are delivered to a beverage preparation system through a multiple inlet pump for preparing a finished beverage. In another aspect, additives from liquid additive containers are delivered to a beverage preparation system through a multiple inlet and pumping section pump for preparing a finished beverage. Other additives are communicated through the beverage dispensing system for maintaining and cleaning the system and the multiple inlet pump for ensuring the hygienical integrity of the system throughout its use.
US09046293B2 Wide-angle non-imaging illumination lens arrayable for close planar targets
A circular LED illumination lens for short throw lighting, for example, as part of a set of such devices installed on mullions in reach-in refrigerator cabinets, to uniformly light access across the rectangular door and shelves. The lens has an upper surface with a cavity for the LED, an upper surface the shape of a toroid, generated by an elliptical arc, that serves to magnify the light rays from the LED in an outboard direction, and the minor axis tilted about 17 degrees relatives the center axis of the LED which serves to direct the rays at the center of the shelves. The upper surface also preferably includes a spherical dimple to direct light away from the center axis.
US09046292B2 Biomaterial freezing
The biocontainer of the present invention provides a low cost, simple solution of many of the problems encountered during shipping, freezing and thawing of biopharmaceutical materials. The present invention enables a user to monitor the temperature profile of each biopharmaceutical container during the cryogenic process, so as to ensure the integrity of materials within each biocontainer by using a pre-installed and pre-sterilized temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a wireless transmitter and is capable of transmitting information regarding the measured reading. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly includes a processing unit, which determines whether the temperature profile is acceptable. In a further embodiment, an indicator is included, such that the processing unit may indicate whether the biopharmaceutical material has been properly frozen. In other embodiments, the sensor assembly also includes a storage element, which is capable of storing various parameters during the freezing process.
US09046289B2 Refrigeration system
A horizontal suction accumulator generally includes a tank, an inlet tube, and an outlet tube. The tank extends in a horizontal direction and is configured to receive a refrigerant. The refrigerant includes a vapor and a liquid. The tank stores the liquid refrigerant and discharges the vapor refrigerant. The inlet tube supplies into the tank an inlet stream that includes the liquid and vapor refrigerants. The inlet tube extends into the tank and is bent upward at an acute angle. The liquid refrigerant is stored in the tank. The vapor refrigerant is discharged through the outlet tube, which extends offset from the inlet tube and into the tank. The inlet tube defines an inlet opening positioned at a first elevation, the outlet tube defines an outlet opening positioned at a second elevation, and the first and second elevations are substantially the same.
US09046285B2 Solar air conditioner
A solar air conditioner provides cooling by way of liquid evaporation. The solar air conditioner includes a liquid evaporation unit, a heat exchange unit, and a solar power generation unit. The liquid evaporation unit includes an outer housing and an inner housing. The outer housing includes a fan affixed to the top and an plurality of openings on the side wall. The inner housing inside the outer housing has a plurality of porous holes through which the liquid therein penetrates to the outer surface. The penetrated liquid comes in contact with the warm air drawn by the fan and evaporation subsequently occurs cooling the liquid inside the inner housing. The cooled liquid is then provided to the heat exchange unit for cooling a target area. The pumps and fans are powered by the solar power generation unit.
US09046283B2 Air-conditioning apparatus
An air-conditioning apparatus includes a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium different to the refrigerant on a heat source side. The heat medium circuit includes, for example, heat exchangers related to heat medium, use side heat exchangers, first heat medium flow switching devices and second heat medium flow switching devices that change passages of the use side heat exchangers, heat medium flow control devices that controls a heat medium amount in the corresponding use side heat exchangers. An on-off device is each provided on the upstream side of the heat medium flow control device and on the downstream side of the second heat medium flow switching device and a first backflow prevention device is each provided on the downstream side of the heat medium flow control device and on the upstream side of the first heat medium flow switching device.
US09046281B2 Portable, self-sustained solar deployment
A solar panel deployment system includes a main support frame and a solar panel array providing at least one solar panel, wherein the solar panel array is coupled to the main support frame, and each of the solar panels are mounted in a solar panel frame. The system also includes a lift mechanism coupled to the main support frame and solar panel array, and an array extender/retractor coupled to the solar panel array, wherein the array extender/retractor is actuated to deploy the solar panel array or to retract the solar panel array.
US09046279B2 Light condensing device, photovoltaic power generation device and photo-thermal conversion device
A first prism member includes a plurality of light condensing structures that are formed at the front surface and condense the light having entered thereat and a plurality of deflecting structures which deflect light having been condensed via the light condensing structures and output the deflected light; a second prism member includes an entrance surface set so as to face opposite the rear surface of the first prism member; and the light having been deflected and output by the deflecting structures of the first prism member enters the second prism member through the entrance surface of the second prism member, is guided toward the exit surface as the light is reflected at the reflecting structure and at the entrance surface inside the second prism member, and exits through the exit surface.
US09046273B2 Methods for operating a top loading wood-fired appliance having a cooperating top-loading door and movable baffle
A method for operating a wood fired appliance, in one aspect, generally includes automatically moving a baffle to a lowered closed position from the raised open position in response to a top loading door being moved to a closed position to close the opening in a top wall. The baffle may also be automatically inhibited from being maintained in the raised opened position when the top loading door is disposed in the closed position. For example, a cam may be tripped or activated by lowering of the top loading door to cause the baffle to rotate about an axis and fall under the force of gravity to the lowered closed position, and the cam may inhibit the baffle from being raised when the top loading door is closed.
US09046268B2 Methods for synchronizing a countdown routine of a timer key and electronic device
A timer key relating to monitoring a countdown time of a countdown routine of an electronic device is disclosed. The timer key comprises a processor configured to respond to a countdown time associated with operation of the electronic device, a display operably coupled with the processor, and a housing configured to house at least the processor. The housing has an associated structure configured to engage with the electronic device to share the countdown time between the electronic device and the timer key. The processor is configured to begin a countdown routine based at least in part on the countdown time, wherein the countdown routine is at least substantially synchronized with a countdown routine of the electronic device when the timer key is removed from the electronic device. A system and method for synchronizing countdown routines of a timer key and an electronic device are also disclosed.
US09046266B2 System and method for flame blow-off determination
Systems and Methods for determining flame blow-off conditions are disclosed. These methods provide efficient and reliable tools for determining the lean blow-off conditions for a variety of combustion system. By utilizing localized characteristics within a flame-holding region a user is enabled to assess the likelihood of flame blow-off with fine granularity within a combustor. The flame blow-out determination may be carried out with the aid of an output representation that provides a contour of likely blow-off cells within a combustor region.
US09046264B2 Method of controlling burners for heating liquid glass flow channels
Methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of a burner used for heating liquid glass feeders of a glass furnace. A burner is supplied with a fuel and oxygen. An additional gas is injected so that the sum of the oxygen flow, the fuel flow and the additional gas flow is greater than a minimum cooling flow for the burner.
US09046259B2 Lighting apparatus
Provided is a lighting apparatus having omnidirectional light distribution characteristics. The lighting apparatus includes: a first light-emitting module emitting light; a second light-emitting module emitting light in a direction different from the first light-emitting module; and a heat dissipating unit that is disposed between the first and second light-emitting modules. The heat dissipating unit dissipates heat generated in the first and second light-emitting modules.
US09046255B2 Illumination device and display device
A backlight unit 20 that radiates light toward a display panel 4 includes LEDs 22, a backlight chassis 21 that includes a rear surface side wall portion 21a that supports the LEDs 22, an insulating frame body 24 that forms a space covering a surface of the rear surface side wall portion 21a on the side opposite to the side on which the LEDs 22 are supported, a partition portion 24a that partitions a space inside the insulating frame body 24 into a plurality of regions, intake ports 24c that cause air to flow inside the insulating frame body 24, and exhaust ports 24d that cause air inside the insulating frame body 24 to be discharged, the intake ports 24c and the exhaust ports 24d being provided on the insulating frame body 24 so as to correspond to each of the regions partitioned by the partition portion 24a.
US09046251B2 Multi-directional pivoting light mount with position locking
Highly visible detented light mounts for trucks or trailers have light fixtures of selected configurations coupled by rotatable arms to rigid, tubular stands. Each stand is axially biased to a rigid, tubular spring housing by an internal core-drilled fastener that coaxially secures an internal spring. The stand and spring housing can have different lengths and configurations. A pair of friction washers, one on the stand and the other on the housing, mutually abut. Protrusions on one washer register with corresponding dimples or depressions on another washer to cause a detent effect. The housing and the stands may in each embodiment be torsionally displaced against friction caused by the spring biased washers that interfit to form radially spaced-part semi-fixed “detented” positions. Various washer configurations are proposed.
US09046245B2 Lighting device and liquid crystal display device utilizing selective reflection structure
A light source includes: a first electrode using a reflective material; an EL layer; and a second electrode using a light-transmitting conductive film, in which light emitted from the EL layer is extracted from the second electrode; a selective reflection structure is provided on a light extraction side of the second electrode without an air layer interposed therebetween; and the selective reflection structure has a function of transmitting light of a particular polarization component and reflecting light of the other component.
US09046242B2 Light dispersion device
A light dispersion device for providing a predictable lighting pattern comprising a Light Emitting Diode (LED) source and a lens. The lens comprising a first optical element for collecting light emitted by the LED source and refracting light into an intermediate lighting pattern, and a second optical element for collecting at least light refracted in the intermediate lighting pattern and refracting light into the predictable lighting pattern.A lens comprising a first optical element for collecting light emitted by a source of light and refracting light into an intermediate lighting pattern, and a second optical element for collecting at least light refracted in the intermediate lighting pattern and refracting light into the predictable lighting pattern.
US09046240B2 Solar simulator
Solar simulator comprising at least at least one high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp type, and at least one halogen lamp type, which lamps are applied simultaneously and are provided with infrared filter means to provide a mixture of light approximating radiated sunlight, wherein the infrared filter means are embodied as heat reflective foil mounted on a transparent substrate. The heat reflective foil is preferably provided with a repetitive pattern of perforations.
US09046237B2 Light module for a motor vehicle headlamp, configured to generate a stripe-shaped light distribution
A light module for a motor vehicle headlamp having an optical fiber configuration with at least one first optical fiber branch and one second optical fiber branch. Each of the two branches has a light exit surface each bordered by two narrow sides and disposed such that a narrow side of the first branch is disposed parallel and directly adjacent to a narrow side of the light exit surface of the second branch. Each branch exhibits two transport surfaces. The transport surfaces exhibit surface norms having a directional component, which faces more toward a first narrow side of the two narrow sides of the branch than toward a second narrow side of the two narrow sides of the branch, wherein the narrow sides lying directly adjacent and parallel to one another are a second narrow side of the first branch and a first narrow side of the second branch.
US09046232B2 Lighting system with light-emitting diode(s)
A lighting system with at least one LED panel is provided. Said LED panel including a plurality of similar lighting modules, said lighting modules having controllable light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a polygonal housing frame. Said polygonal housing frame comprising a board for receiving said lighting modules. Said polygonal housing frame including a plug connector on at least one side of the housing frame for positively mechanically coupling a sliding rail connection. Said plug connector including electrical contact means integrated in said mechanical sliding rail connection.
US09046229B2 Stackable LED flare and system
A stackable LED flare and system for use at night, in low light conditions or during the day where a lighted flare provides greater visibility. The flare comprises a multi-sided housing with a panel on each side and having a top and a base. It has a plurality of LEDs aligned in windows positioned in at least one of the panels. The flare includes a re-chargeable battery encased in the housing for powering the flare and a circuit for delivering power and operational control from the battery to the LEDs upon activation by a switch. A set of contacts positioned on the outside of the housing deliver a charge to the battery. The contacts are configured to allow multiple flares to be stacked and charged simultaneously. The system also includes a charging station that accommodates a stack of two or more flares during the charging operation.
US09046226B2 Lighting device including a first light-transmitting member and a second light-transmitting member
In a first aspect of the present invention, a lighting device includes a substrate that includes a pair of electrodes as a first electrode and a second electrode, groups each including a same number of light-emitting elements that are electrically connected to one another in series in each group and that are arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, a first light-transmitting member including a first phosphor and covering at least one light-emitting element and a second light-transmitting member including a second phosphor and covering at least one light-emitting element that is uncovered by the first light-transmitting member, the first phosphor in the first light-transmitting member and the second phosphor in the second light-transmitting member being configured to be excited to emit light with emission spectrum different from each other, and the first light-transmitting member being enclosed by the second light-transmitting member.
US09046223B2 Light-emitting device
The light-emitting device 1 has electrode means 30, which includes cathode terminal 31 generally in the form of a cylinder having openings 311, 317 at its ends, and anode terminal 32 generally in the form of a pin capable of being arranged in the cathode terminal 31. The cathode terminal 31, anode terminal 32, and LED 20 are arranged concentrically.
US09046221B2 Process to create a collision between a stream of gas and particles and a target
A process to create a collision in controlled conditions between a stream of gas and particles and a target includes the generation of a stream of gas and particles, of given composition, in the form of a unidirectional beam, using a supersonic burner comprising a combustion chamber and a gas gun, the combustion chamber being fed with a set of fluids comprising a set of gases comprising an oxidizer, and a specific liquid fuel. The generation of a collision between the beam and the target includes the adjustment of the fuel flow, the flow of each gas and the adjustment of the distance between the burner and the target, so as to obtain at the impact point the desired values of the following parameters: (i) the gas temperature or the temperature of the target, and (ii) the gas speed.
US09046217B2 Automatic lubricant dispensing device
The present invention provides an automatic lubricant dispensing device, which comprises the following elements. A bracket is provided. A lubricant supplying device is mounted on a first end of the bracket. A dispensing gear is disposed on a second end of the bracket. A guiding arrangement is moveably mounted on the bracket, and including a pair of guiding rollers arranged coplanarly. Wherein a space is defined between the dispensing gear and the pair of guiding rollers in which a rack to be lubricated can fit therein, and the dispensing gear is adapted to mesh with the rack to be lubricated. Wherein the lubricant supplying device evenly dispenses the lubricant over the teeth of the rack by the dispensing gear which is completely and thoroughly meshed with the rack and transferred with lubricant from the lubricant supplying device. It is convenient, no need of labors and saving a lot of time. In addition, the lubricant can be evenly distributed to all the surface of the rack. In addition, the provision of the automatic dispensing device largely reduce the difficulty and time in lubricating the rack with dust free lubricant. A great deal of manpower and time has been saved. The environmental quality of the clean room has also been upgraded.
US09046211B2 Mechanical support for thermal or electric systems
A mechanical support for thermal or electric systems. The support is hollowed, and includes two bearing surfaces, substantially parallel to each other, and separated from each other by a lateral surface defining a perimeter. The lateral surface includes through openings, distributed along at least one row substantially parallel to the bearing surfaces. The support includes at least one stiffening flange, in contact with the lateral surface of the support, all along the perimeter of the lateral surface, on or in the vicinity of the or of each row of through openings.
US09046207B2 Line for transporting a fluid containing a hydrocarbon, and method for producing such a line
The invention relates to a line for transporting a hydrocarbon. The line comprises a hollow tube having an electrically insulating outer surface, a heating layer with carbon fibers embedded in a polymer material, an electrical insulation layer arranged on the heating layer, a reinforcing layer with carbon fibers embedded in a polymer material arranged on the electrical insulation layer, and power supply means for feeding an electrical current to the heating layer for heating the tube.
US09046205B2 Fluid connector latches with profile lead-ins
A female receiving connector for connecting sections of tubing is provided. The female receiving connector includes a housing having a top housing portion and a bottom housing portion coupled to the top housing portion. The female receiving connector also includes a button moveably coupled within the housing. A locking plate is coupled to the button and configured to move with the button. The locking plate has a profile lead-in having an interfacing surface located at a proximal side of the profile lead-in for interfacing a male connector. The interfacing surface extends along at least a portion of at least three sides of an aperture of the locking plate and is tapered along one or more of the at least three sides. Additionally, the profile lead-in includes a locking surface located at a distal side of the profile lead-in for securing the male connector within the housing of the female receiving connector. A substantially flat surface is located between the interfacing surface and the locking surface.
US09046191B2 Valve body with upper flow diverter
A valve body includes a first opening, a second opening, a gallery, a first flow conduit portion, a second flow conduit portion, and an upper flow diverter. The gallery is disposed between the first and second openings. The first flow conduit portion extends between the first opening and a side opening of the gallery. The second flow conduit portion extends between the second opening and a bottom opening of the gallery. The upper flow diverter is carried by an upper wall portion of the first flow conduit portion and extends into the first flow conduit portion. In one version, the upper flow diverter includes an elongated structure extending at least partially between the first opening and the gallery for diverting the fluid flowing through the first flow conduit portion and into the gallery.
US09046183B2 Apparatus, system, and method for venting pressure in a pressurized system
In one form, a vent apparatus includes an inlet frame, a venting member, and a retainer member. The venting member includes a mounting portion, a weakened area or burst slit, and a domed portion. The mounting portion of the venting member is secured between the inlet frame and the retainer member. The retainer member includes vent retainer portions or tab portions that extend over the burst slit. The vent apparatus is configured to burst when an inlet pressure exceeds a predetermined level, where the tab portions will bend away and the venting member will bend past the tab portions to relieve the pressure. The inlet frame is configured to support against a vacuum pressure acting in the opposite direction, with the tab portions generally free from the load caused by the vacuum pressure.
US09046180B2 Diaphragm and backing cushion shaping for increased membrane life
A weir-type diaphragm valve includes a valve body with a fluid channel and a weir with a weir sealing portion; and a diaphragm with diaphragm portions, including a diaphragm weir sealing portion at the weir that responds to one force and travel against the weir sealing portion to close the valve and stop fluid flow through the fluid channel, and responds to a second force and travel away from the weir sealing portion to open the valve and allow fluid through the fluid channel, a center flexing portion off the weir that experiences convex and concave flexing extremes when the valve is closed/opened, and an outer sealing portion fully constrained between components, one of which includes the valve body, when the valve is closed/opened. The diaphragm portions have different characteristics based on different material stresses associated with different functionality that each portion performs when the valve is closed/opened.
US09046179B2 Axial seal structure and rotation mechanism provided with same
An axial seal structure includes a high-pressure-side regulating member configured to regulate the flow of a fluid from a high-pressure-side region to multiple thin sheet seal pieces arranged with a minute gap between each of the multiple thin sheet seal pieces in a circumferential direction along a high pressure side of the multiple thin sheet seal pieces and along an outer peripheral surface of a rotating shaft. The high-pressure-side regulating member has multiple wires that are flexible. Respective longitudinal directions of the multiple wires are directed towards a direction having a radial component of the rotating shaft. Tips that are radial inner ends of the wires form free ends, and are in close proximity to or in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft. The wires that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction come into contact with each other partially in the longitudinal directions.
US09046172B2 Automatic transmission control apparatus
The present invention provides an automatic transmission control apparatus which comprises a first temperature detection device for detecting a temperature of hydraulic oil stored in an automatic transmission; an automatic transmission control device installed in a same casing as that in which the hydraulic oil is stored; a second temperature detection device for detecting a temperature of the automatic transmission control device; and a malfunction determination section for comparing the temperature of the automatic transmission control device detected by the second temperature detection device with the temperature of the hydraulic oil detected by the first temperature detection device to determine whether or not a malfunction occurs in the first temperature detection device.
US09046171B2 Method to control a hybrid transmission using on-off switches controlling hydraulic flow to a clutch
A transmission includes a plurality of synchronously operated clutches selectably transmitting torque from a torque generative device to an output member. A method to control the transmission through a shift event includes monitoring a desired shift event including monitoring a clutch to be engaged, determining a time at which the clutch to be engaged will be synchronized, determining a required clutch fill time for the clutch to be engaged, and actuating an on-off hydraulic control switch selectably providing pressurized hydraulic fluid to the clutch to be engaged based upon coordinating the time at which the clutch to be engaged will be synchronized and the required clutch fill time.
US09046169B2 Overrunning isolating decoupler pulleys
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved overrunning pulleys that overcome one or more of the deficiencies in the prior art noted above. Embodiments of the present invention provide pulleys that are “springy” in the torque direction, yet have a lower effective spring constant (e.g., are less stiff) over a greater angular range. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys use a low cost and simple torque transfer geometry. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys afford significant overrun. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are radially small in an overall envelope, in order to allow the alternator to reach its highest possible rotational speed, and thus output, during engine idle. Further, in at least some embodiments, the inventive pulleys are more durable, as they offer the aforementioned dynamics in both directions (torque and counter-torque).
US09046166B2 Transfer gearbox
A transfer gearbox includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, and a torque transmission device having a clutch which distributes a driving torque introduced via the input shaft optionally to the first output shaft and the second output shaft. A chain drive is active between the torque transmission device and the second output shaft, and includes a lower chain wheel which engages in an oil sump with lubrication oil such that, by way of a chain, lubrication oil is conveyed from the oil sump in the direction of an upper chain wheel which is drive-connected to the lower chain wheel via the chain. The chain is arranged at an outlet opening of an oil reservoir which collects the lubrication oil and which opens into the oil sump. The chain throttles the flowing out of the lubrication oil collected in the oil reservoir into the oil sump.
US09046165B2 Ball screw capable of thermal dissipation based on thermoelectric cooler
A ball screw capable of thermal dissipation is formed of a screw rod, a screw nut, and a plurality of balls mounted between the screw rod and the screw nut. The screw nut includes a mounting surface. A thermoelectric cooler is mounted to the screw nut and includes a heat-absorptive surface and a heat-dissipative surface. The heat-absorptive surface is adhered to the mounting surface. Accordingly, the ball screw can cool the heat down and is structurally simple and the whole weight is not increased due to the thermoelectric cooler.
US09046156B2 Hybrid drive device
A hybrid drive device includes: a gear mechanism that divides and transmits rotary power of an internal-combustion engine to first motor generator and second motor generator; a first shaft to which rotary power of the first motor generator is transmitted; a rotary element; a second shaft to which rotary power of the rotary element is transmitted after deceleration; a third shaft to which rotary power of the second shaft is transmitted after deceleration; a first power-transmission switching mechanism that can switch rotary power of the second motor generator among a state of being transmitted to the rotary element, a state of being transmitted to the third shaft, and a state of not being transmitted; and a second power-transmission switching mechanism that can switch rotary power of the first shaft between a state of transmission to the second shaft and a state of not transmitted.
US09046155B2 Multi-stage planetary drive
The invention relates to a multi-stage planetary drive with at least two annulus gears with internal gears, connected to a housing in a torque-proof fashion, and with at least two sun gears, each of which combing planet wheels arranged on a pinion cage and an annulus gear; according to the invention it is provided that for the formation of a gear speed with at least one annulus gear, the housing is embodied in one piece as a cylindrical transmission housing with internal gears, for the formation of at least one additional gear speed a plastic annulus gear with internal gears is accepted by the transmission housing, and for the torque-proof connection of the plastic annulus gear to the transmission housing torque-proofing means are provided.
US09046149B2 Starter alternator assembly comprising a poli-V belt and poli-V belt
Starter-alternator assembly including a poly-V belt comprising a body made of elastomeric material, a plurality of filiform resistant inserts longitudinally embedded in the body, and a coupling portion integrally connected to the body and comprising a plurality of V-shaped ribs set alongside one another and alternating with V-shaped grooves. The belt has a dynamic modulus, with a tensile force pre-set at 600 N at a frequency 15 Hz, that after 10 000 cycles is higher than 110 000 N/rib/branch, and is advantageously made with resistant inserts obtained from at least one first fiber material and one second fiber material.
US09046145B2 Shock absorber
A shock absorber in which a flow of hydraulic oil caused by sliding movement of a piston in a cylinder is controlled by a pilot type main valve and a pilot valve to generate damping force. The valve-opening operation of the main valve is controlled by adjusting the pressure in a pilot chamber with the pilot valve. A valve block and a solenoid block are connected together into one unit and inserted into a casing before being secured with a nut. At this time, an actuating rod of the solenoid block is engaged with a pilot valve member retained by a pilot spring and a fail-safe spring in a cylindrical portion of a pilot body of the valve block.
US09046144B2 Integral rebound, shear, and fastener for isolation mount
An isolation mount is provided including a frame bracket having an aperture therein. A fastener is received in the aperture. The fastener includes a threaded shaft and a cone-shaped head portion integrally formed with the threaded shaft. The cone-shaped head portion includes a narrow end and a relatively wider end with the narrow end being closer to the threaded shaft than the wider end and a tool engaging portion on the head portion. An elastomeric member is disposed between the fastener and the frame bracket. The design integrates multiple features into a single element thereby greatly improving the assembly process and cost of the isolation mount.
US09046142B2 Braking apparatus
A braking apparatus is provided for braking the rotating part of a hoisting machine. The braking apparatus includes one or more brakes, which contain altogether at least one movable brake shoe, spring elements for activating the brake by moving the brake shoe forward, at least two electromagnets, which, when magnetized by a magnetizing current, apply a force of attraction to bodies conducting magnetic flux. The electromagnets are fitted to release the brake by pulling the brake shoe backwards by resisting the spring elements. The brake is fitted to be activated by reducing the magnetizing current of the electromagnet. The braking apparatus includes a power supply circuit for the electromagnets, which contains controllable power supply interrupting devices. The electromagnets are connected to the power supply circuit in such a way that the supply of magnetizing current to each electromagnet can be interrupted by means of at least two different interrupting devices.
US09046141B2 Disc brake caliper body and a disc brake caliper comprising such a body
A body for a disc brake caliper has a mounting side limb and a non-mounting side limb, each limb housing at least one hydraulic brake cylinder. The body has a peripheral stiffening band that extends about an outer lateral surface of at least one of the limbs. In a preferred embodiment, a peripheral stiffening band extends about an outer lateral surface of each of the limbs. The stiffening band or bands provide stiffness in the body under dynamic braking conditions with a minimum of material. A method of designing and manufacturing a body for a disc brake caliper involves analyzing the stiffness of the body under dynamic rather than static braking conditions and producing a caliper body with a desired level of stiffness under dynamic conditions while reducing the amount of material used to a minimum.
US09046123B2 Securing eye and securing system
A securing lug having a bolt and a securing ring which is connected pivotably to the bolt, as a result of which the pivoting-angle range of the securing ring is limited to less than 180°.
US09046122B2 Assembly of thermoplastic extrusion blow molded component and fastening element
The invention relates to an extrusion blow-molded component (1) made of thermoplastic resin. The component (1) preferably comprises a recess in the exterior wall, the recess being configured as a blind bore (2) provided with at least one convolution (4). The blind bore (2) serves to receive a complementary fastening element (6) equipped with a threaded stem (17). A contour is provided in the region of the orifice (3) of the blind bore (2), the contour positively interacting with a contour that is complementary on the fastening element upon insertion of the fastening element (6), wherein the angular position of the contour (2) is selected such that inserting the contours into each other is possible only by overcoming an axial tension that is built up due to the rotating movement of the parts to each other under elastic deformation of the plastic (FIG. 1).
US09046121B2 Screw with dual edge on thread
A screw fastener having a head, threaded shank with compound, divided threads and tip end has an upper thread surface extending at a substantially flat angle from a normal to a longitudinal axis of the screw which diverts upwardly to a first peripheral edge defining a cupped or concave upper thread surface and a lower thread surface extending upwardly to a second peripheral edge, with a radially inward recess between first and second edges. The screw exhibits significantly increased pull-out resistance.
US09046119B2 Tacking nail or tacking pin including a charging time indicating member for tacker
The present invention provides a tacking nail connection body which allows a user to clearly recognize a stage for use of a tacking nail and a point in time for charging a tacker. In the tacking nail connection body (20) in which a plurality of tacking nails are arranged in a line and connected to each other, at least one tacking nail (21) disposed on a position biased from a central portion of the tacking nail connection body (20) toward one side includes an indicating member (30) attached along a length direction of a body part (21b) on a surface of the body part (21b) between a head part (21a) and a tip part (21c) of the tacking nail (21) and separated from the body part (21b) when the body part (21b) is stuck into lumber.
US09046118B2 Fastening device for a module element in an airplane
A fastening device for attaching a module element to a support structure in an aircraft includes a stud having a first end defining a broadened head configured to engage the support structure, a section which adjoins the head and defines a first lateral dimension and a second lateral dimension that is larger than, and is disposed at least substantially perpendicularly to, the first lateral dimension, and a second opposite end connected to a lever which is movable between open and closed positions relative to the stud. A bushing, which may be electrically conductive, is provided on and longitudinally movable along the stud, which is configured to contact the support structure and to support an outer wall of the module element. An eccentric may be actuated by the lever and is responsive to movement of the lever into the closed position to move the bushing along the stud towards the head.
US09046117B2 Telescoping tube position lock apparatus
Embodiments of the inventive technology relate generally to item support apparatus. Although a focus of the inventive technology may, in some embodiments, be on support of musical related items such as a microphone, the scope of the inventive technology and its applicability is not necessarily limited as such. In various embodiments of the telescoping tube position lock apparatus, certain inventive technology provides enhanced functionality (e.g., stand adjustability), enhanced performance and/or improved ease of control.
US09046105B2 Rotor for an electric motor
A rotor for an electric motor includes a metal core, a plurality of electrical conductors arranged on the metal core, and a metallic corrosion protection layer enveloping the metal core and the plurality of conductors. The corrosion protection layer is laid as a solid body around the metal core and the conductors and fastened at least to the metal core. The corrosion protection layer is at least a part of a hot-pressing containment for isostatic pressing of the conductors in the metal core.
US09046098B2 Face sealing annular valve for a fluid-working machine
A face sealing annular valve (1) for a fluid-working machine has an annular valve member (10, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110) having a relaxed configuration in which a first seat-engaging surface (14, 101) of the annular valve member can sealedly engage with a first sealing surface of an annular valve seat (8), but a second seat-engaging surface (15, 101) cannot sealedly engage with a second sealing surface (9), and is elastically deformable to a deformed configuration in which the second seat-engaging surface can sealedly engage with a second sealing surface, while the first seat-engaging surface remains sealedly engaged with the first sealing surface. The annular valve member can be made with relatively high tolerances and is only loosely retained by a guide in the relaxed configuration.
US09046096B2 Piston air compressor
A piston air compressor having a suction chamber and a connection chamber separated from the suction chamber. An air channel is provided from the connection chamber to the suction chamber.
US09046094B2 Refrigerator with energy consumption optimization using adaptive fan delay
A method of determining a time delay for turning off an evaporator fan in a refrigerator after a compressor of the refrigerator is turned off includes operating the evaporator fan in the refrigerator for a period of time, operating the compressor of the refrigerator to cool the refrigerator to a predetermined temperature after turning off the evaporator fan, determining a power consumption value for operating the compressor to cool the refrigerator, repeating the previous steps to obtain a plurality of times and a plurality of power consumption values, selecting the time coinciding with a lowest power consumption value, and adapting the refrigerator to use the time as the time delay for turning off the evaporator fan in the refrigerator after the compressor of the refrigerator is turned off.
US09046088B2 Method and apparatus for heating a sales tank
A method and apparatus for heating at least one fluid tank that receives production fluid comprising produced oil and a produced liquid from a hydrocarbon producing well. A layer of liquid is provided in the fluid tank that has a higher specific density and a higher thermal conductivity than the produced oil. The layer of liquid at least partially covers a heat trace positioned in the fluid tank. The heat trace transfers heat to the layer of liquid.
US09046086B2 Method for feeding pasty masses and pump device for feeding pasty masses
A method for feeding pasty masses using a pump device which has a piston pump with at least two cylinders, each having one piston, is disclosed. Each cylinder of the pump device is connected to a pre-fill container via an inlet opening and to a feed line via an outlet opening. Pasty mass is fed from the pre-fill container into the respective cylinder during a suction stroke of a cylinder with the inlet opening open and the outlet opening closed, and pasty mass is fed into the feed line during a pump stroke of a cylinder with the outlet opening open and the inlet opening closed. The piston velocity is greater during the suction stroke than during the pump stroke. Near or at the end of the suction stroke, the inlet opening is closed, whereafter the pasty mass is compressed in the cylinder before the outlet opening is opened.
US09046083B1 Reciprocating device with dual chambered cylinders
A reciprocating device which may be operated either as a compressor or an engine. Each cylinder has a reciprocating piston connected to a piston rod. Dual cylinder chambers are located in each cylinder on opposite sides of the piston. The pistons are connected to a scotch yoke which translates the reciprocating motion of the pistons to rotary motion at a shaft in the engine mode. In the compressor mode, the shaft is connected to a power source. The engine components such as the pistons, rods, bushings and cylinder lines may be high quality steel or a ceramic.
US09046078B2 Rotor blade drain
The invention relates to a rotor blade for a wind power plant comprising a rotor blade body, wherein the rotor blade body encloses a hollow space, wherein the rotor blade body comprises a penetration for draining the hollow space, and a functional element, wherein the functional element is displaceably connected to the rotor blade body and is disposed at the penetration. According to the invention, the functional element can be transferred from a closed position into an open position, wherein the functional element can be displaced purely by translation. Improved drainage is thereby achieved and clogging of the drain is prevented, with reduced noise production.
US09046077B2 Reactive power controller for controlling reactive power in a wind farm
A reactive power controller for controlling reactive power in a wind farm grid connected to a utility grid and including at least two sub-grids and a collector portion is provided. At least one wind turbine is connected to each sub-grid, wherein the at least two sub-grids are connected to the collector portion and wherein the collector portion establishes the connection to the utility grid. The reactive power controller includes a device for determining an actual reactive power value at the collector portion, and a wind farm controller operatively connected to the device for controlling at least one of said wind turbines on basis of the determined actual reactive power value such that a desired reactive power value is attained.
US09046069B2 Starter motor with torque limiter
A starter motor includes a housing, a planetary gear assembly, and a plurality of detents. The housing defines an interior space. The planetary gear assembly is at least partially positioned in the interior space and includes a plurality of planetary gear components. The planetary gear components include a sun gear, an annulus, a plurality of planet gears, and a planetary gear carrier. The plurality of detents is configured to releasably retain a rotational position of a component of the planetary gear components relative to the housing. Each of the detents includes a biasing member and a bearing member.
US09046068B2 Fuel system for a dual-fuel engine
A fuel system for an engine having a cylinder liner is disclosed. The fuel system may have a gaseous fuel injector having a nozzle located at an air intake port of the cylinder liner. The gaseous fuel injector may be configured to inject gaseous fuel radially into the cylinder liner at an oblique vertical angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to an axis of the cylinder liner. The fuel system may also have a liquid fuel injector configured to inject liquid fuel axially into the cylinder liner.
US09046057B2 Method and device to increase thrust and efficiency of jet engine
A method and device for adding special substances to the gaseous outflow of the jet engine in order to create a “virtual wall” of increased pressure zone behind the jet engine nozzle which can serve as a support for the jet engine gas outflow to push against, thus increasing the thrust power of the jet engine. This increase in acceleration power results in the accelerated movement of the jet engine equipped vehicle or higher fuel efficiency. A device that adds the special substances to the gaseous outflow is proposed. Characteristics of the special substances, which if added into the jet engine gaseous outflow may create a “virtual wall” of increased pressure zone behind the jet engine, are proposed.
US09046050B2 Shaft imbalance detection system
A shaft imbalance detector system (50) includes a speed sensor (52) that detects a speed of a wheel and generates a speed signal, and a controller (60) connected to the speed sensor (52). The controller (60) is configured to monitor the speed signal, where a variation in the speed signal indicates an imbalance in a shaft (22).
US09046048B2 Method of fuel quality determination
A method of determining fuel quality in an internal combustion engine comprises the steps of: a) sampling a signal representative of the revolution speed of said engine during a sampling window, thereby obtaining an array of samples; and b) computing a Fourier component corresponding to a predetermined index in the frequency domain and determining a fuel quality indicator therefrom. The fuel quality indicator is representative of a magnitude of the Fourier component of this predetermined index.
US09046044B2 Vehicle control apparatus for controlling the output reduction of a power source
Provided is a vehicle control apparatus that can prevent the deterioration of drivability. An ECU executes a reduction control when speed reduction of a vehicle is determined as a control permit condition is established, and does not execute the reduction control when the speed reduction is not determined as the condition is not established. Additionally, when determined that a vehicle behavior stabilization control that stabilizes behavior of the vehicle is being executed, the ECU determines the speed reduction of the vehicle by changing a speed reduction threshold value for determining the speed reduction. This makes it possible to adequately determine the speed reduction of the vehicle even when a drive state of the vehicle is changed by the execution of the vehicle behavior stabilization control, thereby allowing the execution and non-execution of the reduction control to be switched reflecting a driver's intention and thus preventing the drivability from being deteriorated.
US09046041B2 Gearbox positioning device
A gearbox positioning device to position a gearbox relative to an engine case of a gas turbine engine. The positioning device has a first and second part, with the first part having a connecting cavity of predetermined shape and being secured to the engine case. The second part has a coupling post received in the connecting cavity and constraining displacement of the gearbox in a laterally transverse direction with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the engine. The device permits movement of the gearbox in the axial direction of the engine as well as angular movement to prevent stressing the engine case during thermal growth of the engine case or support linkage imbalance. A gearbox positioning system incorporating the positioning device and the method of attaching same to the engine casing is also included.
US09046025B2 Selective catalytic reduction device monitoring system
A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) device monitoring system includes an engine out NOx monitoring module, an SCR out NOx monitoring module configured and disposed to monitor NOx released from the SCR device, and a NOx storage model module operatively connected to the engine out NOx module and the SCR out NOx monitoring module. The NOx storage model module is configured and disposed to determine an amount of NOx stored in the SCR device. A consumed ammonia correction model module is operatively coupled to the NOx storage model module and configured and disposed to calculate a corrected consumed ammonia correction factor.
US09046015B2 Catalytic converter warm-up control apparatus for hybrid vehicle
A catalytic converter warm-up control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle includes a catalytic converter warm-up controller, a temperature parameter acquisition device, a warm-up control parameter setting device, and a motoring execution device. The catalytic converter warm-up controller is configured to execute warm-up control to warm up a catalytic converter of the hybrid vehicle for activating the catalytic converter upon start-up of an internal combustion engine provided in the hybrid vehicle. The warm-up control parameter setting device is configured to set warm-up control parameters used in the warm-up control in accordance with the temperature parameter acquired by the temperature parameter acquisition device. The motoring execution device is configured to execute motoring of the internal combustion engine by a first electric motor in a predetermined operation state. The catalytic converter warm-up controller is configured to execute the warm-up control in accordance with an execution state of the motoring.
US09046014B2 Valve timing control system for internal combustion engine
In a valve timing control system for an internal combustion engine, brushes and slip rings are disposed within a space formed between each of an intake air side and an exhaust side device main frames and each of intake air side and exhaust side cover members and partitioned by means of the respective seal members and the respective cover members are configured to enable radial directional position adjustments by a predetermined quantity and are fixed to the internal combustion engine in a state in which the radial directional position adjustments of the respective cover members have been made.
US09046009B2 Tappet for a valve train or a pump drive and method of making a tappet
A tappet for a valve train or a pump drive particularly a cup tappet (1) having a hollow cylindrical outer body on whose wall region (4) an anti-rotation element (9) is received in a window-type through-opening (15), the anti-rotation element (9) being seated through support surfaces (12, 13) of a head (10) on an outer diameter (14) of the wall region (4) and extending with a shank (11) projecting from the head (10) through said through-opening (15). The anti-rotation element (9) is fixed via a welded joint. In order to fix the anti-rotation element (9) with low manufacturing costs and, at the same time, with only an insignificant impairment of the outer body, the welded joint is made between the shank of the anti-rotation element (9) and an inner body that is received in the outer body and is connected to the outer body. A method of making a tappet of the aforesaid tappet is also provided.
US09046001B2 Annular bearing support dampers, gas turbine engines including the same, and methods for the manufacture thereof
Embodiments of a gas turbine engine are provided, as are embodiments of an annular bearing support damper and embodiments of a method for manufacturing an annular bearing support damper. In one embodiment, the gas turbine engine includes engine housing and a rotor assembly disposed within the engine housing. A rotor bearing supports the rotor assembly within the engine housing, and an annular bearing support damper is positioned between the rotor bearing and the engine housing. The support damper includes an annular housing assembly having a damping fluid annulus. An array of circumferentially-spaced damper pistons is movably coupled to the annular housing assembly and fluidly communicates with the damping fluid annulus. The damper pistons are fixedly coupled to the rotor bearing and moves in conjunction therewith to force the flow of damping fluid around the annulus during engine operation to reduce the transmissions of vibrations to the engine housing.
US09045999B2 Blade monitoring system
In one embodiment, a blade monitoring system includes: at least one computing device configured to monitor a compressor during a load change by performing actions comprising: extracting a dynamic component of a blade time-of-arrival (TOA) deviation signal in response to the load change on the compressor; calculating, using the dynamic component, at least one of: a natural frequency of the GT compressor blade during the load change, an overshoot of the GT compressor blade during the load change, a rise time of the compressor blade during the load change, a damping factor of the compressor blade during the load change, or a settling time of the GT compressor blade after the load change; and determining whether the GT compressor blade is damaged based upon the at least one of: the natural frequency, the overshoot, the rise time, the damping factor, or the settling time.
US09045998B2 System for directing air flow to a plurality of plena
A system for directing air flow to separate plena of a compartment that is defined at least by a compartment wall includes a NACA scoop, and a Pitot scoop. The NACA scoop is formed in the compartment wall, and includes two side walls, a bottom wall, and an entrance lip that is defined by the compartment wall and is spaced apart from the bottom wall to form a NACA scoop air inlet. The Pitot scoop is longitudinally aligned with the NACA scoop, includes a Pitot scoop air inlet, a Pitot scoop air outlet, and a Pitot scoop flow passage.
US09045992B2 Turbomachine blades or vanes having complementary even/odd geometry
A turbomachine blade made of composite material including a fiber reinforcement obtained by three-dimensional weaving of yarns and densified by a matrix, includes a first portion constituting an airfoil and a blade root. The first portion constitutes a single part with at least one second portion constituting a blade inner platform, the blade then lacking a blade anti-tilting wall, or a blade anti-tilting wall, the blade then lacking a blade inner platform. The first portion also constitutes a single part with at least one third portion constituting a blade outer platform spoiler plate, the blade then lacking a blade outer platform wiper plate, or a blade outer platform wiper plate, the blade then lacking a blade outer platform spoiler plate.
US09045984B2 Stator vane mistake proofing
An assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an inner diameter (ID) shroud having a plurality of ID slots and an outer diameter (OD) shroud having a plurality of OD slots. The OD shroud is positioned radially outward from the ID shroud. A first stator airfoil extends from the ID shroud to the OD shroud. The first stator airfoil is positioned at least partially in one of the ID slots and is positioned at least partially in one of the OD slots. A first end of the first stator airfoil has one of a raised tab and an indented notch.
US09045982B2 Self-pressure-regulating compressed air engine comprising an integrated active chamber
An engine with an active chamber, having at least one piston (2) mounted in a cylinder (1) in a sliding manner and driving a crankshaft (5) via a slider-crank device (3, 4) and operating according to a four-phase thermodynamic cycle includes: an isothermal expansion without work; a transfer—slight so-called quasi-isothermal expansion with work; a polytropic expansion with work; and an exhaust at ambient pressure, preferentially supplied by compressed air contained in a high-pressure storage tank (12), through a buffer capacity, called a working capacity (11), which is expanded at an average pressure, called a working pressure, in a working capacity, preferentially through a dynamic pressure-reducing device (13), wherein the active chamber is included in the engine cylinder, the cylinder volume being swept by the piston and divided into two separate parts, a first part forming the active chamber (CA) and a second part forming the expansion chamber (CD).
US09045981B2 Telescopic safety device
A safety device 1 includes a telescopic tubular body 2 with an axial space which is bounded by an outer casing 3 and through which an extending part 4 is axially movable. The outer casing 3 and the extending part 4 are adjustable relative to each other between a relatively compact starting position and at least one extended position. At least one blocking body 7 is provided in the space between the outer casing 3 and the extending part 4 which blocks a movement of the extending part 4 into the outer casing 3, while the at least one blocking body 7 allows a reverse movement of the extending part out of the outer casing.
US09045979B2 Downhole gas separator and method
A downhole separator (10) separates gas from well fluids which are pumped intermittently to the surface. The separator includes an outer tubular housing (12) and an inner flow tube (22) for passing well fluids to the surface after separation of the gas from the well fluids. A vortex flow generator or spiral gas separator (20) imparts a helical flow to effect separation of the gas from the well fluids. Gas from the gas chamber flows upward past the vortex flow generator when the pump is not pumping well fluids to the surface.
US09045975B2 Well tool and method for in situ introduction of a treatment fluid into an annulus in a well
A well tool (2; 302a, 302b) and method for in situ introduction of a treatment means (151) into a region of an annulus (12), comprising: an anchoring body (38; 338); a perforation device (234) for making a hole (236) through a pipe structure (4); a storage chamber (142a, 142b) for the treatment means (151); a driving means (132, 144, 150) for the treatment means (151); and a flow-through connection device (192) for injection of the treatment means (151). The distinctive characteristic is that the anchoring body (38; 338) is disposed in an anchoring module (18; 318); wherein the storage chamber (142a, 142b), the driving means (132, 144, 150) and the connection device (192) are operatively connected to an injection module (30; 330); wherein the injection module (30; 330) can be moved axially relative to the anchoring module (18; 318) for moving the connection device (192) in vicinity of the hole (236); and wherein the well tool (2; 302a, 302b) comprises at least one alignment means for alignment and connection of the connection device (192) vis-à-vis the hole (236).
US09045972B2 Apparatuses and methods for determining temperature data of a component of an earth-boring drilling tool
Components, such as a cutting element for an earth-boring drilling tool, include an ultrasonic transducer coupled therewith and configured to transmit an acoustic signal therethrough, and transmit a data signal to a data acquisition unit in response to receiving a returning echo of the acoustic signal. An earth-boring drilling tool comprises a bit body including a plurality of components, an ultrasonic transducer, and a data acquisition unit operably coupled with the ultrasonic transducer. The data acquisition unit may be configured to receive the data signal and determine a temperature distribution of the component based, at least in part, on a time-of-flight of the acoustic signal and the returning echoes. Methods for forming such components and measuring a temperature of such components may relate to coupling and implementing such an ultrasonic transducer with a component of an earth-boring drilling tool.
US09045969B2 Measuring properties of low permeability formations
A method for calculating transmissibility, pore pressure, permeability and/or other properties of a subsurface layer comprising the modeling of the borehole pressure recorded from the time the subsurface layer is fractured by isolating said subsurface layer with a downhole tool, pumping fluid into the subsurface layer and stopping pumping said fluid once the formation is fractured until a pseudo-radial or pseudo-linear flow is reached. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US09045958B2 Tubular retrieval
A tubular retrieval method involves applying a cyclically varying fluid pressure to the interior of a section of cut bore-lining tubular. The tubular may be casing which it is desired to remove from a bore. A pulling force may also be applied to the tubular.
US09045953B2 System and method for fracturing a formation and a method of increasing depth of fracturing of a formation
A system for fracturing a formation includes a tubular positionable within a formation borehole having at least one port therethrough configured to provide fluidic communication from inside the tubular to the formation borehole. The system also includes a seal sealably attachable to both the tubular and walls of the formation borehole, a seat in operable communication with the tubular and a member in operable communication with the seat such that movement of the seat relative to the tubular causes the member to engage the walls and provide stress thereto.
US09045949B2 For downhole reciprocating pumps, a no tap tool with a clutch
A tool which connects the last sucker rod of a sucker rod string to a downhole pump has a circularly cylindrical cylinder and piston so that the piston slides reciprocally and rotates freely within the cylinder. However, the closed upper end of the cylinder and the upper face of the piston have a cooperable tongue and groove which prevent relative rotational motion of the piston in the cylinder when the tongue is engaged in the groove so that the tool can be disconnected from the pump in response to rotation of the string at the uppermost stroke of the plunger to engage and turn the tongue and groove.
US09045947B2 Subsea winch
A subsea winch is described. The subsea winch comprises a housing adapted to be attached to a well intervention system, the housing having an inlet and an outlet and at least one powered sheave arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the or each powered sheave having a surface adapted to form a frictional engagement with a cable passing between the inlet and the outlet via the at least one sheave. In use, a pull force pulling the cable in a downhole direction applied to the cable by a tool string being lowered into the well intervention system is increased by the winch such that the downhole pull force on the cable at the housing inlet is greater than the downhole pull force at the housing outlet.
US09045939B2 Battery-powered motorized window treatment having a service position
A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.
US09045927B1 Intelligent door restraint
A method for controlling a door, comprising the steps of storing energy during a manual opening of a door, sensing an object within a doorway, selectively applying a force derived from the stored energy, to close the door, based on the sensing of an object in the doorway. The closure is preferably controlled by an electronic control. A door closing device comprising an energy storage device for storing energy during door opening and releasing the stored energy to subsequently close the door, a damping system for damping a closure of the door, a sensor for detecting an object within a doorway, having an output, a controllable device for selectively restraining the energy storage device from closing the door, and a control system for controlling the controllable device based on the output.
US09045916B2 Disc alignment mechanism
A lock apparatus including a plurality of locking discs rotatable about a rotational axis between locked and unlocked states and each having a locking engagement surface, at least one driver disc rotatable about the rotational axis and having a driving engagement surface, a movable catch having a catch surface that abuts the locking engagement surface of the locking discs when the movable catch is in a locked position such that rotation of the locking discs is inhibited. The catch surface does not abut the locking engagement surface of the locking discs when the movable catch is in an unlocked position such that rotation of the locking discs is enabled. The driving engagement surface of the driver disc engages a portion of the movable catch upon rotation of the driver disc to thereby displace the movable catch from the locked position to the unlocked position.
US09045911B2 Reusable shim shell mechanical edge setting system and method for setting tiles and tuning lippage
A tile aligning and lippage tuning system that uses an under tile base interstitial strap, which is connected to said under tile base, a shim shell cap configured to slip over the connecting tab. A bottom tile mating shim and a top shim.
US09045910B2 Clip and method for the mounting of panels
In a system for mounting panels, a plurality of clips (14) is distributed at spaced intervals along an edge of a first panel (12A), respective first planar limbs of the clips (14) are located, parallelly to the panel (12A) between the panel (12A) and a structural support (10) for the panel (12A) and an edge of a second panel is brought up to the clips (14) to support the edge of the second panel (12B) on respective second planar limbs of the clips (14) parallelly to the second panel (12B). The system may also make provision for circumstances in which a first panel is not available.
US09045901B2 High elongation fibre with good anchorage
The invention relates to a steel fibre for reinforcing concrete or mortar. The fibre has a middle portion and anchorage ends. The middle portion has a maximum load capacity Fm and an elongation at maximum load Ag+e. The elongation at maximum load Ag+e is at least 2.5%. The steel fibre has an anchorage force in said concrete or said mortar of at least 90% of the maximum load capacity Fm. The anchorage force is the maximum load obtained during a pull out test of a steel fibre embedded with one of the anchorage ends in the concrete or the mortar. The steel fibre has the advantage that it can be used at normal dosages in load carrying structures of concrete.
US09045899B2 Fire-rated joint system
A fire-rated angle piece and wall assemblies or other assemblies that incorporate the fire-rated angle piece, in which the angle piece can include an intumescent or other fire-resistant material strip. The angle can be attached adjacent to a corner of a framing member, such as metal tracks, headers, header tracks, sill plates, bottom tracks, metal studs, wood studs or wall partitions, and placed between the framing member and a wall board member at a perimeter of a wall assembly to create a fire block arrangement. A fire spray material can be applied over a portion of the angle piece.
US09045898B2 Wall and ceiling sound damping mounts and channels
A sound damping device includes an attachment portion, an engagement structure to engage a furring channel, and a shoulder disposed between the attachment portion and the engagement structure. The sound damping device has a spring rate of not greater than 12,000 kg/m. The sound damping device may be disposed between a support structure and a sheet material.
US09045897B2 Infrared ray blocking multi-layered structure insulating film having thermal anisotropy
The present invention relates to an infrared blocking multi-layered insulating film having thermal anisotropy, the film comprising an infrared absorption layer comprising at least one of perovskite oxide dispersed sol, metallic oxide dispersed sol, and ITO or ATO; a thermal resistance layer located on or above one surface of the infrared absorption layer; and an emission layer located on or above another surface of the infrared absorption layer. An infrared blocking multi-layered insulating film having thermal anisotropy according to the present invention may control heat flow, thereby generating excellent insulating effect.
US09045895B1 Knee brace
A connector having a first substantially planar member connected to a second substantially planar member by means of a fold line between the first and second members that allows the first member and the second member to be bent across the fold line such that the first member and the second member are disposed at one of a variety of selected angles to one another.
US09045894B2 Center-supported wall panel
A wall panel is configured as a load-bearing structure for supporting vertical loading in a building. The wall panel forms a frame with first and second faces configured to receive sheathing and has thickness defined between the first and second faces. The wall panel includes a plurality of vertical load-bearing columns centrally disposed between the first and second faces of the wall panel frame. A load distribution member is disposed at the top of the wall panel and is coupled to the load-bearing columns, which are supported at the bottom of the wall panel by a lower member. A plurality of sheathing supports are disposed on opposite sides of the load bearing columns, and each includes an attachment surface disposed at a distance from the load-bearing column. The attachment surfaces define the respective faces of the wall panel frame and are configured to hold the sheathing.
US09045889B2 Control of toilet bowl fill flow
Various systems and methods of controlling the flow of water from a fill valve in a toilet tank to a toilet bowl of a toilet using a bowl fill valve are provided. An inlet of the bowl fill valve is coupled to a bowl fill outlet of the fill valve and the outlet of the bowl fill valve is channeled to the toilet bowl. In illustrative embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of determining when the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water during a flush cycle, and opening the bowl fill valve for a predefined period of time after the toilet tank has been substantially drained of water to fill the toilet bowl of the toilet with water. The predefined period of time is less than a total time of the flush cycle.
US09045887B2 Mechanical trap toilet with dual flush of solid waste for water efficiency
A toilet to reduce water consumption for waste disposal. One embodiment uses a toilet which has a frustum-shaped bowl, whose outlet can be hermetically sealed by a saucer-shaped valve, wherein the bowl contains no water. In one embodiment, a user who deposits only urine can depress one button to automatically open the saucer vertically down and rinse and flush the urine into an adjoining drain line with about 250 ml (0.25 gallon) of water. If the user deposits solid waste, another button is depressed to release a staggered flush (first and second quantities of water) capable of causing solid human waste, test plastic balls, or equivalents to carry further in an adjoining drain line.
US09045877B2 Assemblable disposable shuttering for constructing modular formworks for making concrete foundations
Assemblable disposable shuttering, for constructing modular formworks suitable for making foundations, said shuttering substantially configured as the lateral surface of a parallelepiped, having on the lateral faces a plurality of openings suitable toe release, during the filling casting, a part of the cement mixture into the foundation trench.
US09045874B1 Drain assembly for use in an outdoor setting
A drain assembly for being placed inground includes a first panel and a second panel spaced-apart from the first panel, a plurality of supports extending between the first panel and the second panel, a bottom or pipe extending between a bottom portion of the first panel and the second panel, and a cap extending between a top portion of the first panel and the second panel. The first panel may define a plurality of drainage apertures.
US09045871B2 Paving machine with operator directed saving and recall of machine operating parameters
A paving machine including an adjustable screed assembly is provided. Actuators adjust the screed assembly into the plurality of different configurations. Sensors sense a respective configuration parameter indicative of the configuration of the screed assembly. A controller is configured to save a first set of parameters including the configuration parameters and save a second set of parameters including the configuration parameters in response. The controller is configured to recall one of the first set or second set of parameters, and adjust automatically the configuration of the screed assembly to correspond to the configuration parameters included in the recalled first set or second set of parameters.
US09045864B2 Soft bath tissues having low wet abrasion and good durability
A multi-ply bath tissue includes a first ply providing a first surface of the bath tissue. The first ply includes first and second layers. The first layer of the first ply forms the first surface. The first layer of the first ply includes a temporary wet strength resin. The second layer of the first ply is substantially free from a temporary wet strength resin. A second ply provides a second surface of the bath tissue. The second ply includes first and second layers. The first layer of the second ply forms the second surface. The first layer of the second ply includes a temporary wet strength resin. The second layer of the second ply is substantially free from a temporary wet strength resin. The bath tissue has a CD wet tensile strength of between about 55 grams to about 75 grams.
US09045858B2 Sheet manufacturing apparatus
A sheet manufacturing apparatus includes a measuring unit configured to measure thickness and air permeability of a defibration object containing fibers, a defibrating unit configured to dry-defibrate the defibration object, and a classifying unit configured to separate and remove, by airflow classification, foreign substances other than the fibers from the defibrated material defibrated at the defibrating unit.
US09045850B2 Controlling method of laundry device
There may be disclosed a controlling method of a laundry treating apparatus including a low speed rotation step of rotating a motor configured to rotate a drum mounted in a tub at a low speed; and a high speed rotation step of rotating the motor at a high speed, the high speed rotation step implemented after the low speed rotations step, wherein the high speed rotation step comprises an acceleration period in which a RPM of the motor is increased after the RPM of the motor reaches a target RPM of the low speed rotation speed, such that the amount of the additionally supplied wash water may be reduced and that the washing course can be implemented, using a small amount of wash water.
US09045849B2 Washer/dryer
The present invention relates to a washer/dryer (1) comprising a drum (3) wherein the laundry is placed, a loading port (5) for loading and unloading the laundry from the drum (3), a door (6) that covers the loading port (5) and a transparent part (7) situated in the door (6) for monitoring the laundry and wherein the interior of the drum (3) is illuminated effectively by consuming a small amount of energy.
US09045844B2 Method for peeling group 13 element nitride film
A film 3 of a nitride of a group 13 element is grown on a seed crystal substrate 11 by flux process from a melt containing a flux and the group 13 element under nitrogen containing atmosphere. The film 3 of the nitride of the group 13 element includes an inclusion distributed layer 3a in a region distant from an interface 11a of the film 3 of the nitride of the group 13 element on the side of the seed crystal substrate 11 and containing inclusions derived from components of the melt, and an inclusion depleted layer 3b, with the inclusion depleted. provided on the layer 3a. Laser light A is irradiated from the side of the back face 1b of the seed crystal substrate 11 to peel the single crystal 3 of the nitride of the group 13 element from the seed crystal substrate 11 by laser lift-off method.
US09045843B2 Electropolishing fixture with lever arm
An electropolishing system that includes electropolishing fixtures. The electropolishing fixtures include pendulum assemblies configured to establish electrical contact between a device being electropolished and an anode and to reposition the device during the electropolishing process.
US09045842B2 Electrochemical etching apparatus
An electroplating etching apparatus includes a power to output current, and a container configured to contain an electrolyte. A cathode is coupled to the container and configured to fluidly communicate with the electrolyte. An anode is electrically connected to the output, and includes a graphene layer. A metal substrate layer is formed on the graphene layer, and is etched from the graphene layer in response to the current flowing through the anode.
US09045840B2 Dynamic current distribution control apparatus and method for wafer electroplating
Methods, systems, and apparatus for plating a metal onto a work piece are described. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a plating chamber, a substrate holder, an anode chamber housing an anode, and an ionically resistive ionically permeable element positioned between a substrate and the anode chamber during electroplating. The anode chamber may be movable with respect to the ionically resistive ionically permeable element to vary a distance between the anode chamber and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element during electroplating. The anode chamber may include an insulating shield oriented between the anode and the ionically resistive ionically permeable element, with opening in a central region of the insulating shield.
US09045837B2 Electrolyser with coiled inlet hose
Electrolyzer comprising at least one single electrolyzer element which comprises at least one anode compartment with an anode, one cathode compartment with a cathode and one ion exchange membrane arranged between the anode and the cathode compartments, with the anode and/or cathode being a gas diffusion electrode. A gap is provided between the gas diffusion electrode and the ion exchange membrane, with an electrolyte inlet arranged at the upper end of the gap and an electrolyte outlet at the lower end of the gap and a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The electrolyte outlet extending into a discharge header, and the electrolyte inlet connected to an electrolyte feed tank and having an overflow, the overflow connected to the discharge header, with a coiled hose connecting the electrolyte feed tank with the electrolyte inlet and with a coiled hose connecting the overflow with the discharge header.
US09045835B2 On site generation of alkalinity boost for ware washing applications
Methods for enhancing alkalinity and performance of ash-based detergents are disclosed. Nonhazardous ash-based detergent alkalinity is enhanced through increasing the ratio of sodium hydroxide to ash-based alkalinity. Methods according to the invention do not require the addition of chemical ingredients, do not generate additional waste streams and use the entirety of the ash-based detergent. The methods according to the invention provide alkalinity-enhanced detergent use solutions that are sufficiently concentrated for adequate cleaning capability while only requiring minimal amounts of the use solution to be dispensed for an in situ cleaning process.
US09045828B2 RF plasma reactor having a distribution chamber with at least one grid
A plasma reactor has a reactor vessel and a pair of electrodes in the form of spaced apart and oppositely disposed metallic surfaces defining therebetween a plasma discharge space. At least one of the metallic surfaces is the surface of a metallic plate having a plurality of gas feed openings extending through the metallic surface towards said discharge space and from a distribution chamber extending along the plate opposite the discharge space. The distribution chamber has a wall opposite and distant from the plate and includes a gas inlet arrangement with a plurality of gas inlet openings distributed along the wall and connected to one or more gas feed lines to the reactor. A gas flow resistant coefficient between the one or more gas feed lines and at least a predominant portion of the connected inlet openings are at least substantially equal.
US09045827B2 Apparatus and method for supplying light-emitting diode (LED) wafer
Provided are an apparatus and method for supplying a light-emitting diode (LED) wafer that may quickly and accurately transfer LED wafers by acquiring position information of pockets in a carrier in which the LED wafers are to be seated. The apparatus may include a cassette in which a plurality of LED wafers are loaded, a carrier including a plurality of pockets in which the LED wafers are seated, an aligning unit to align the LED wafers that are to be seated in the carrier, a transfer robot to transfer the LED wafers from the cassette to the aligning unit, a picker to hold, in an adsorbed state, the LED wafers transferred to the aligning unit, or to release the adsorbed state, a capturing unit to fix the picker, and to acquire position information of the pockets, and an LED wafer loading robot to transfer the picker and the capturing unit from the aligning unit to the carrier. Accordingly, the LED wafers may be quickly and accurately loaded in the carrier and thus, it is possible to reduce a total process time and to significantly lower a defect rate.
US09045822B2 Deposition source, deposition apparatus, and method of manufacturing organic light-emitting display apparatus
A deposition source for depositing a deposition material on a substrate, the deposition source including: a nozzle disposed to face the substrate and discharge the deposition material toward the substrate; and a hardening portion disposed to at least one side of the nozzle for immediately hardening the deposition material discharged via the nozzle when the deposition material reaches the substrate. The deposition source being part of a deposition apparatus for manufacturing an organic light-emitting display having improved characteristics of a deposited film and encapsulation characteristics.
US09045821B2 Laminate, method for producing same, and functional element using same
Provided is a laminate which includes a transparent conductive film layer that is composed of an oxide thin film mainly composed of titanium oxide and contains an additional element such as niobium, and also contains an anatase phase having more excellent crystallinity and further has high refractive index and low resistivity by forming an optimal buffer layer on the substrate. Also provided are: a semiconductor light emitting element which comprises the laminate; and a functional element such as a solar cell, which includes the laminate.
US09045811B2 Process of leaching gold
A process of leaching gold can be inexpensively and efficiently carried out from a mixture containing sulfur and gold, typically from the material containing sulfur and gold that is an intermediate product recovered by the flotation method in the hydrometallurgical method. Specifically, the mixture containing elemental sulfur and gold and an aqueous solution of hydroxide of one or more of metals of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are combined, the hydroxides reacting with elemental sulfur to form thiosulfate of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal, and the gold thereby being leached by reaction with the thiosulfate.
US09045810B2 Method for melting steel
A method for melting steel in an electric arc furnace (EAF). A hot heel is provided in the EAF. Metal scrap is loaded into the EAF. The metal scrap is melted in the EAF. The mass of the hot heel in relation to the mass of the metal scrap that is initially beyond the surface of the hot heel is a certain minimum. This minimum is 0.75 times the relation between the heat required to melt the metal scrap beyond the surface of the hot heel and the heat that can be taken from the hot heel without it being solidified when a theoretical heat balance calculation is applied as defined in a formula.
US09045806B2 Hardened martensitic steel having a low or zero content of cobalt, method for producing a component from this steel, and component obtained in this manner
Steel, characterized in that the composition thereof is, in percentages by weight: C=0.20-0.30% Co=trace levels-1% Cr=2-5% Al=1-2% Mo+W/2=1-4% V=trace levels-0.3% Nb=trace levels-0.1% B=trace levels-30 ppm Ni=11-16% with Ni≧7+3.5 Al Si=trace levels-1.0% Mn=trace levels-2.0% Ca=trace levels-20 ppm rare earths=trace levels-100 ppm if N≦10 ppm, Ti+Zr/2=trace levels-100 ppm with Ti+Zr/2≦10 N if 10 ppm
US09045804B2 Method to produce water-soluble sugars from biomass using solvents containing lactones
A process to produce an aqueous solution of carbohydrates that contains C6-sugar-containing oligomers, C6 sugar monomers, C5-sugar-containing oligomers, C5 sugar monomers, or any combination thereof is presented. The process includes the steps of reacting biomass or a biomass-derived reactant with a solvent system including a lactone and water, and an acid catalyst. The reaction yields a product mixture containing water-soluble C6-sugar-containing oligomers, C6-sugar monomers, C5-sugar-containing oligomers, C5-sugar monomers, or any combination thereof. A solute is added to the product mixture to cause partitioning of the product mixture into an aqueous layer containing the carbohydrates and a substantially immiscible organic layer containing the lactone.
US09045794B2 Compositions and methods for monitoring oxalate
The present invention features compositions and methods for the detection or measurement of oxalate in a sample. Such compositions include test devices that provide for the rapid and accurate detection of oxalate in a sample from a biological fluid. Advantageously, the compositions can be used to monitor the oxalate levels of a patient at a point of care (e.g., at the patient's home, clinic, physician's office, or other clinical setting).
US09045785B2 Eicosapentaenoic acid-producing microorganisms, fatty acid compositions, and methods of making and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to isolated microorganisms as well as strains and mutants thereof, biomasses, microbial oils, compositions, and cultures; methods of producing the microbial oils, biomasses, and mutants; and methods of using the isolated microorganisms, biomasses, and microbial oils.
US09045782B2 Process for the production of optically-active esters of lactic acid and lactyllactic acid
A process for treating a mixture of R,R- and S,S-lactide is provided. The process involves contacting the mixture with an aliphatic alcohol and an enzyme to produce a mixture comprising aliphatic ester of lactic acid corresponding to one lactide enantiomer and the aliphatic ester of lactyllactic acid corresponding to the other lactide enantiomer; separating the mixture from the enzyme, and recycling the enzyme to the process; and separating the aliphatic ester of lactic acid from the aliphatic ester of lactyl-lactic acid by fractional distillation. Also provided are processes for the production of S-lactic acid, S,S-lactide, poly-S-lactic acid, R-lactic acid, R,R-lactide, poly-R-lactic acid and stereocomplex polylactic acid.
US09045779B2 Increased ethanol production by genetic engineering of microorganisms to express hemoglobin
The present disclosure describes novel bacterial strains which express a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. The present disclosure further describes methods for producing fermentation products with a microorganism which expresses a pyruvate decarboxylase gene and at least one alcohol dehydrogenase gene from a bacteria of the genus Zymomonas and also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla. Further the present disclosure describes methods for increasing production of a fermentation product comprising genetically engineering a microorganism which expresses a xylose isomerase gene to also express a hemoglobin gene from a bacteria of the genus Vitreoscilla.
US09045774B1 Inbred sorghum line PHAXYGXIT
A novel sorghum variety designated PHAXYGXIT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHAXYGXIT with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHAXYGXIT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHAXYGXIT or a locus conversion of PHAXYGXIT with another sorghum variety.
US09045773B1 Inbred sorghum line PHOK8MJKT
A novel sorghum variety designated PHOK8MJKT and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a plant that comprise crossing sorghum variety PHOK8MJKT with another plant. Methods for producing a plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHOK8MJKT through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the sorghum seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid sorghum seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the sorghum variety PHOK8MJKT or a locus conversion of PHOK8MJKT with another sorghum variety.
US09045768B1 Maize variety hybrid X00B136
A novel maize variety designated X00B136 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X00B136 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00B136 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00B136, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00B136. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00B136.
US09045764B2 Compositions and methods relating to transgenic plants and cellulosic ethanol production
Transgenic lignocellulosic plants are provided according to embodiments of the present invention, the transgenic plants transformed with an expression cassette encoding a protein operably linked to a signal peptide which targets the protein to a cell wall of the transgenic plant, where at least 5% of the total amino acid residues of the protein are tyrosine, lysine, serine, threonine or cysteine. Methods of increasing lignin-protein bonds in a lignocellulosic plant are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include expressing a recombinant nucleic acid in a lignocellulosic plant, the recombinant nucleic acid encoding a protein operably linked to a signal peptide which targets the protein to the cell wall of a plant, where at least 5% of the total amino acid residues of the protein are tyrosine, lysine, serine, threonine or cysteine.
US09045762B2 Variants of the promoter of the gap gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
The invention relates to an isolated polynucleotide having promoter activity, a variant of the promoter of the gap gene coding for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; and to a microorganism which produces and/or secretes a fine chemical, the microorganism including the isolated polynucleotide having promoter activity, which enables various genes to be overexpressed in comparison with the particular starting strain; and to a process for preparing fine chemicals using the microorganism.
US09045761B2 Regulated genetic suicide mechanism compositions and methods
Embodiments of the present invention relates to the incorporation and use of a regulated genetic suicide mechanism for use in the improved purification of biologics, including adjunct use in various eubacterial minicell production and purification methodologies. Described herein are high-yield eubacterial minicell-producing strains with genetic modifications that comprise a regulated genetic suicide mechanism that irreparably destroys the parent cell chromosome such that live parental cells in a culture can be functionally eliminated at any time during the course of a minicell production and purification run. Embodiments of the present invention also describe methods useful in the elimination of live parental cells during the production of other cell-based biologics.
US09045754B2 Short antisense compounds with gapmer configuration
The present disclosure describes short antisense compounds, including such compounds comprising chemically-modified high-affinity monomers 8-16 monomers in length. Certain such short antisense compound are useful for the reduction of target nucleic acids and/or proteins in cells, tissues, and animals with increased potency and improved therapeutic index. Thus, provided herein are short antisense compounds comprising high-affinity nucleotide modifications useful for reducing a target RNA in vivo. Such short antisense compounds are effective at lower doses than previously described antisense compounds, allowing for a reduction in toxicity and cost of treatment. In addition, the described short antisense compounds have greater potential for oral dosing.
US09045748B2 Methods for transforming and expression screening of filamentous fungal cells with a DNA library
The present invention relates to methods for expression screening of filamentous fungal transformants, comprising: (a) isolating single colony transformants of a DNA library introduced into E. coli; (b) preparing DNA from each of the single colony E. coli transformants; (c) introducing a sample of each of the DNA preparations of step (b) into separate suspensions of protoplasts of a filamentous fungus to obtain transformants thereof, wherein each transformant contains one or more copies of an individual polynucleotide from the DNA library; (d) growing the individual filamentous fungal transformants of step (c) on selective growth medium, thereby permitting growth of the filamentous fungal transformants, while suppressing growth of untransformed filamentous fungi; and (e) measuring activity or a property of each polypeptide encoded by the individual polynucleotides. The present invention also relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding polypeptides of interest obtained by such methods, to nucleic acid constructs, expression vectors, and recombinant host cells comprising the isolated polynucleotides, and to methods of producing the polypeptides encoded by the isolated polynucleotides.
US09045746B2 Nanostructured carbon based biocatalyst for remediation of environmental pollutants
The present invention provides a series of new and improved compounds/materials as vehicles to delivery degradative enzymes to remove/remedy environmental pollutants. The inventive material comprises a series of amide-functionalized ordered mesoporous carbon (AFOMC), which utilizes chemical conjugation techniques for the tethering of enzymes to the surface of the synthesized AFOMC. The delivery mechanism may be utilized to express a wide variety of toxin-degrading enzymes for removal/remediation of organic pollutants.
US09045731B2 Compositions and methods for improving the functional efficacy of stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
This invention provides an isolated stem cell that has been modified to provide, enhance or contain the functional characteristics of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The isolated stem cells are modified in one or more of the following manners: by expressing a calcium channel protein; by expressing a calcium pump protein such as the sarcro/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) protein; by inhibiting or downregulating expression of the Na+/Ca+ exchanger (NCX) protein; by expressing a calcium handling protein; by expressing a transverse (t-tubule; and/or by expressing a transverse (t-tubule biogenic protein. After the cell has been modified, it may be expanded to a substantially homogenous population of these cells or alternatively, differentiated to a more mature cell type. Compositions containing these cells and population of cells are also provided by this invention. The cells and compositions can he used to regenerate cardiac tissue, improve cardiac function, restore action potential of cardiac tissue; and treat or prevent cardiac malfunction. These methods can be achieved by administering an effective amount of a cell or population of cells or tissue of this invention to a host in need thereof. The cells and population of cells can be used diagnostically to screen drug or other therapeutic candidates.
US09045730B2 Luciferase biosensors for cAMP
A modified luciferase protein which is a sensor for molecules including cAMP is provided. The modified luciferase protein includes one or more heterologous amino acid sequences, at least one of which directly or indirectly interacts with cAMP.
US09045727B2 Virus-like particles, methods of preparation, and immunogenic compositions
Briefly described, virus-like particles, methods of preparing virus-like particles, immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles, and methods of eliciting an immune response using immunogenic compositions that include virus-like particles are described herein. A virus-like particle (VLP) can include a viral core protein that can self assemble into the VLP core and at least one viral surface envelope glycoprotein expressed on the surface of the VLP. The VLP can also optionally include at least one adjuvant molecule expressed on the surface of the VLP.
US09045724B2 Continuous or semi-continuous flow photobioreactor and method of use
The present invention is directed to a photobioreactor for continuous or semi-continuous flow culturing photosynthesizing biomass and related method. In particular, the invention relates to a photobioreactor for continuous or semi-continuous flow culturing photosynthesizing algal biomass and related method. The photobioreactor comprises a gas feeding portion (60), a biomass-directing flow propulsion device (47) on a lighting system (5).
US09045721B2 Multilayered cell culture apparatus
A multilayered cell culture apparatus for the culturing of cells is disclosed. The cell culture apparatus is defined as an integral structure having a plurality of cell culture chambers in combination with tracheal space(s). The body of the apparatus has imparted therein gas permeable membranes in combination with tracheal spaces that will allow the free flow of gases between the cell culture chambers and the external environment. The flask body also includes an aperture that will allow access to the cell growth chambers by means of a needle or cannula. The size of the apparatus, and location of an optional neck and cap section, allows for its manipulation by standard automated assay equipment, further making the apparatus ideal for high throughput applications.
US09045720B2 Herbicidal composition comprising an aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salt, a betaine and an amine oxide
The present invention relates to herbicidal compositions comprising aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salts, particularly to herbicidal compositions comprising a high amount and aminophosphate or aminophosphonate salts and a betaine surfactant and an amine oxide surfactant.
US09045717B2 Cleaning agent for semiconductor provided with metal wiring
A cleaning agent for a microelectronic device provided with metal wiring, which has an excellent ability to remove polishing particle residues derived from a polishing agent and an excellent ability to remove metallic residues on an insulating film, and has excellent anticorrosiveness to the metal wiring. The cleaning agent is used at a step subsequent to chemical mechanical polishing in a manufacturing process of a microelectronic device in which a metal wiring, e.g., copper or tungsten, is formed.
US09045716B2 Surfactant thickened systems comprising microfibrous cellulose and methods of making same
Surfactant systems are provided using microfibrous cellulose to suspend particulates. In one embodiment the surfactant system includes a microfibrous cellulose at a concentration from about 0.05% to about 1.0% (w/w), a surfactant at a concentration of about 5% to about 50% (w/w active surfactant), and a particulate. Also provided herein are methods for preparing surfactant systems including microfibrous cellulose.
US09045713B2 Cloning, expression and use of acid phospholipases
The invention relates to a DNA sequence, which codes for a polypeptide having phospholipase activity essentially without lipase activity, characterized in that the DNA sequence is selected from a) DNA sequences that comprise a nucleotide sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, b) DNA sequences that comprise the coding sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1, c) DNA sequences that code for the protein sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2, d) DNA sequences that are coded for by the plasmid pPL3940-Topo2.5 with the restriction map according to FIG. 7, which is deposited under accession number DSM 22741, e) DNA sequences that hybridize under stringent conditions with one of the DNA sequences according to a), b), c) or d), f) DNA sequences that are related to the DNA sequences according to a), b), c), d) or e) due to the degeneration of the genetic code, and g) complementary strands to the sequences according to a) to f), wherein the DNA sequence is preferably derived from Aspergillus, and more preferably from Aspergillus fumigatus, and a polypeptide having phospholipase activity essentially without lipase activity selected from a) a polypeptide which is coded for by the coding part of a DNA sequence as defined above, b) a polypeptide having the sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 2 or a sequence derived therefrom, which may be obtained by substitution, addition, deletion of one or more amino acid(s), c) a polypeptide having a sequence that has at least 83% identity with the amino acids 1 to 299 of SEQ ID NO: 2, d) a polypeptide which is coded for by a nucleic acid sequence which hybridizes under stringent conditions with (i) nucleotides 55 to 1106 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (ii) the cDNA sequence contained in nucleotides 55 to 1106 of SEQ ID NO: 1, (iii) a partial sequence of (i) or (ii) composed of at least 100 nucleotides, or (iv) a complementary strand of (i), (ii) or (iii), e) a variant of the polypeptide having SEQ ID NO: 2, comprising a substitution, deletion and/or insertion of one or more amino acid(s), f) allelic variants to amino acid sequences a) to e).
US09045706B2 Method of operation of process to produce syngas from carbonaceous material
A process is provided for producing syngas that is effective for use in downstream processes. The process for producing syngas includes operating a gasification apparatus in a start-up mode until the gasification apparatus and equipment downstream of the gasification apparatus are adequately warmed up to a first target temperature. Upon reaching a first target temperature, the process is then operated in a production mode to produce a second syngas with a higher CO/CO2 molar ratio. Operation in a start-up mode until reaching a first target temperature, provides a process that is effective for reducing fouling in downstream equipment and for providing a second syngas can be more effectively cooled and cleaned.
US09045694B2 Method of carrying out pyrolysis and pyrolysis apparatus
The invention relates to a method of carrying out pyrolysis process in a pyrolysis reactor for solid fuel to produce pyrolysis oil. The method comprises supplying solid fuel into a drying zone in the pyrolysis reactor for removing moisture containing gases, drying the solid fuel in the drying zone and extracting the moisture containing gases removed from the solid fuel out of the pyrolysis reactor, passing the dried solid fuel from the drying zone to the pyrolysis zone of the pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the dried solid fuel for separating pyrolysis gases from the dried solid fuel and conducting the pyrolysis gases from the pyrolysis reactor to a condenser for producing pyrolysis oil.
US09045688B2 LED lighting arrangement including light emitting phosphor
A method of manufacturing an LED lighting arrangement, comprises: receiving an optical component having a diffusing material that is light diffusive and at least one photoluminescent material that is excitable by light of a first wavelength range and which emits light of a second wavelength range; receiving an LED assembly that is operable to generate the light of the first wavelength range and mounting the optical component to the LED assembly to form the LED lighting arrangement. The optical component having the diffusing and photoluminescent materials is mass produced separately from the LED assembly and can be selected such that light generated by the optical component combined with the light generated by the LED assembly corresponds to light of a selected color. Also disclosed are LED lighting arrangements, components for LED lighting arrangements and methods of fabricating an optical component.
US09045682B2 Liquid crystalline medium
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium based on a mixture of polar compounds having negative dielectric anisotropy, which contains at least one compound of the formula I and at least one compound of the formula II in which R1, R2, R3, R4, ring A, Z1, Z2 and m are as defined in Claim 1, and to the use thereof for an active-matrix display based on the ECB, VA, PS-VA, FFS, PALC or IPS effect.
US09045667B2 Curable silicone composition, cured product thereof, and optical semiconductor device
A curable silicone composition which comprises: (A) an organopolysiloxane represented by an average unit formula; (B) an organopolysiloxane that has not more than 10 silicon atoms wherein from 30 to 60 mole % of all silicon-bonded organic groups therein are C2-6191 alkenyl groups; (C) an organopolysiloxane represented by a general formula; (D) an organopolysiloxane that has at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in one molecule wherein from 20 to 70 mole % of all silicon-bonded organic groups therein are phenyl groups; (E) a hydrosilylation reaction catalyst; (F) a white pigment; (G) a nonspherical silica or a glass fiber; and (H) a spherical silica, exhibits an excellent moldability and forms a cured product that exhibits little heat- and/or light-induced discoloration, little heat- and/or light-induced decline in mechanical strength, a high light reflectance, and an excellent dimensional stability.
US09045663B2 Ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses and image forming method
An ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses includes water, a pigment dispersion, an organic solvent, and a humectant. The pigment dispersion includes a pigment and a resin having a weight average molecular weight of from 35,000 to 140,000. An adsorbed resin proportion determined from the mass of a total amount of resin in the ink and the amount of resin separated from pigment among the resin is at least 0.97. And, the ink contains from 3% to 15% by mass of C1-C4 monoalkyl ether of polyhydric alcohol based on the mass of the ink as the organic solvent.
US09045656B2 Black ink composition, ink set, and image forming method
A black ink composition is provided which suppresses change in hue and can form an image with superior blocking resistance and scratch resistance. The black ink composition for ink jet recording includes a carbon black pigment; at least any one type of colorant pigment which is selected from a magenta pigment and a cyan pigment; a water-soluble polymerizable compound; a polymerization initiator; and water, wherein the average primary particle diameter of the carbon black pigment is 20 nm or more and less than 35 nm, the content ratio of the carbon black pigment with regard to the total mass of all of the pigments is 70 mass % or less, and the total mass of all of the pigments with regard to the total mass of the black ink composition is 4 mass % or less.
US09045652B2 Use of a stabilizer for producing halogen-free, ammonium polyphosphate-containing flame-retardant coating compositions
This invention relates to the use of a stabilizer which significantly enhances the compatibility of the binder (polymer dispersion) with the liquid ammonium polyphosphate, called APP for short, in a flame-retardant coating composition. In this flame-retardant coating composition, the liquid ammonium polyphosphate functions as active flame retardant. The flame-retardant coating compositions are highly suitable for all kinds of textiles, but also for paper, leather and fiber materials. The purpose of flame retardants is to retard the inflammation of combustible materials, such as plastics, textiles or wood, and to slow down or prevent entirely the spread of flame.
US09045650B2 Polymer with salt groups and antifouling coating composition comprising said polymer
A film-forming polymer with improved chemical stability in antifouling coating applications, said polymer bearing pendant to its backbone a salt of (i) a basic group with a first pKa of the conjugate acid of at least 4.0 and (ii) an organic acid with a first pKa of 2.0 or less; said basic group being covalently bonded to the polymer backbone.
US09045645B2 Inorganic oxide powder
A chemical compound of Black Iron Oxide particles coated with aluminum oxide particles and magnesium sulfate particles. The coated compound is protected from contact with the oxygen molecules in the surrounding atmosphere and thereby is less prone to self-heating and combustion.
US09045644B2 Solid pigment preparations containing water-soluble surface-active polyurethane-base additives
Solid pigment preparations comprising as essential constituents (A) from 60% to 95% by weight of at least one pigment, (B) from 2.5% to 35% by weight of at least one water-soluble surface-active additive based on polyurethanes and (C) from 2.5% to 35% by weight of at least one nonionic water-soluble surface-active additive (C1) based on polyethers and/or of an anionic water-soluble additive other than additives (B) which is based on polymers of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids (C2), and also production and use of the pigment preparations for coloration of macromolecular organic and inorganic materials and also of plastics.
US09045638B2 Curable composition
Provided is a curable composition. The curable composition, which may provide an encapsulating material, of which processibility and workability before curing are effectively maintained and which has excellent light transmissivity, light extraction efficiency, hardness, crack resistance, adhesion strength and thermal shock resistance after curing, is provided. Further, the curable composition may show effectively controlled tackiness in the surface and may not show whitening under the high temperature or high humidity condition before or after curing.
US09045635B2 Polylactic acid stereocomplex, method for production thereof, and nucleating agent for polylactic acid resin
A polylactic acid stereocomplex has a crystal melting peak temperature of 215° C. or more, wherein the crystal melting peak is a single peak and has a peak half width of 12° C. or less, and a crystal melting enthalpy of 60 J/g or more as measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The polylactic acid stereocomplex has a high melting point, good heat resistance, and a high level of mechanical properties and chemical resistance. The method for producing a polylactic acid stereocomplex includes chaotic mixing of 30 to 70 parts by weight of (A) poly-L-lactic acid and 30 to 70 parts by weight of (B) poly-D-lactic acid based on 100 parts by weight of the total of (A) poly-L-lactic acid and (B) poly-D-lactic acid.
US09045634B2 Thermoplastic polyester resin composition
A colorless thermoplastic polyester resin composition that can form a molded article with good appearance is provided. More specifically, a thermoplastic polyester resin composition is provided, which has (A) polybutylene terephthalate resin, (B) polyethylene terephthlatae resin, (C) nigrosine dye, and (D) glass fibers. The blending amounts are (A) in the range of 55-86 wt. % and (B) in the range of 14-45 wt. % based on 100 wt. % of a total of (A) and (B). Further, (C) is in the range of 0.1-1.5 parts by weight based on 100 parts of a total of (A) and (B). Preferably, the carboxy terminal groups of (A) is at 25 (eq/t), the intrinsic viscosity of (A) is in the range of 0.60-0.90, and the melting point of (C) is less than 300° C.
US09045631B2 Thermoplastic resin composition
A thermoplastic resin composition obtained by mixing 100 parts by weight of at least one thermoplastic resin (A) with 0.1 to 4 parts by weight of (B) a polyfunctional compound having three or more functional groups in which at least one of the terminal structures having the functional groups is a structure represented by formula (1): where R is an alkylene group with 1-15 carbon atoms; n is an integer of 1 to 10; and X is at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl group, aldehyde group, carboxyl group, sulfo group, amino group, isocyanate group, carbodiimide group, oxazoline group, oxazine group, amide group, silanol group and silyl ether group.
US09045620B2 Rubber composition, cross-linked rubber composition, and tire
An object of the present invention is to provide: a rubber composition which, when it is applied to a component member (such as a tread) of a tire, exhibits good wear resistance without deteriorating rolling resistance of the tire; a cross-linked rubber composition obtained by cross-linking the rubber composition; and a tire using the rubber composition or the cross-linked rubber composition as a material thereof. Specifically, the present invention provides a rubber composition obtained by blending and kneading a rubber component and hydrated silica together, characterized in that: provided that D represents the average primary particle diameter and LP represents the log differential pore volume at a pore diameter of 30 nm, of the hydrated silica in the rubber composition, D and LP satisfy relationships represented by following formula (1) and (2). LP>−0.045×D+1.45  (1) D<30 nm  (2).
US09045613B2 Polymer composition and polymer light-emitting device using same
Disclosed is a composition containing one or more aromatic ether compounds, one or more compounds having a boiling point of not less than 200° C., and one or more polymers which are charge-transporting or luminescent in a solid state. This composition is characterized in that the compounds having a boiling point of not less than 200° C. are selected from the group consisting of aliphatic compounds which may have a heteroatom, alicyclic compounds which may have a heteroatom, aromatic compounds having two or less substituents and a heterocyclic compounds having two or less substituents.
US09045612B2 Systems and methods for polystyrene foam recycling using branched dibasic esters
Methods and systems for reducing the volume of polystyrene foam wherein a foam reducing agent is applied to the foam, the foam reducing agent in some embodiments comprising a branched dibasic ester blend.
US09045611B2 Process for preparing a heat resistant polylactic acid foamed article
Some embodiments of the present invention provides a method of preparing a thermoformed article composed of polylactic acid that includes the steps of providing a foam sheet comprising polylactic acid having a D-lactic acid stereo-isomer content that is about 3 mole % or less, exposing the sheet to a temperature of at least about 190° C., and forming the heated sheet in a mold at a mold temperature that is at least about 50° C. and for a length of time to form a thermoformed article having a PLA crystalline content of at least about 10%. Surprisingly, it has been discovered that heat resistant thermoformed articles can be prepared in accordance with embodiments of the invention wherein the time required for forming the foam sheet into a molded article is less than about 10 seconds.
US09045599B2 Amphiphilic resin-linear organosiloxane block copolymers
Amphiphilic organosiloxane block copolymers and methods for making them are disclosed. The compositions incorporate an amphiphilic “linear” segment with a “resinous” segment. For example, a polyether (A) modified PDMS (B) with (AB)n architecture and polydiorganosiloxane with Si—H end-groups can be reacted with a phenyl silsesquioxane resin bearing vinyl functionality to form an amphiphilic resin-linear copolymer.
US09045598B2 Process for producing aromatic polyether sulfones
The process for producing aromatic polyether sulfones via reaction of a dichlorodiphenyl sulfone component with a bisphenol component as monomers in the presence of alkali metal carbonate in the melt in the absence of solvents and diluents comprises carrying out the reaction in a mixing kneader which is operated with a shear rate in the range from 5 to 500 s−1.
US09045572B2 Preparation method of solid catalyst for propylene polymerization and catalyst prepared thereby
Disclosed are a method for preparing a solid catalyst for propylene polymerization and a catalyst prepared thereby. Specifically, disclosed are a method for preparing a solid catalyst for propylene polymerization which can prepare polypropylene having excellent stereoregularity with a high production yield by using silane compounds and bicycloalkanedicarboxylate or bicycloalkenedicarboxylate as an internal electron donor, and a catalyst prepared thereby method for preparing polypropylene using the same.
US09045570B2 Procatalyst composition with substituted 1,2-phenylene aromatic diester internal donor and method
Disclosed are procatalyst compositions having an internal electron donor which include a substituted phenylene aromatic diester and optionally an electron donor component. Ziegler-Natta catalyst compositions containing the present procatalyst compositions exhibit high activity and produce propylene-based olefins with broad molecular weight distribution.
US09045564B2 HSA-related compositions and methods of use
Provided are human serum albumin (HSA) compositions with improved properties over native HSA.
US09045563B2 CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) antagonistic polypeptide
A peptide having the following amino acid sequence: Z1-LVRYTKKVPQVSTPTL-Z2(ALB-408) and its biologically active fragments and/or variants and/or derivatives, especially amidated, acetylated, sulfated, phosphorylated and/or glycosylated derivatives, and peptides obtainable by multiple synthesis which have the biological activity of ALB408-423; wherein Z represents number of from 0 to 10 amino acid residues.
US09045560B2 Protease stabilized, acylated insulin analogues
Novel acylated insulin analogues exhibiting resistance towards proteases can, effectively, be administered pulmonary or orally. The insulin analogues contain B25H and A14E or A14H.
US09045557B2 NEIL3 peptides and vaccines including the same
The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 45, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include the above mentioned amino acid sequence with substitution deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for diagnosing or treating cancer.
US09045548B1 Precision Medicine by targeting rare human PCSK9 variants for cholesterol treatment
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09045545B1 Precision medicine by targeting PD-L1 variants for treatment of cancer
The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.
US09045540B2 Anti-glycoprotein VI scFv fragment for treatment of thrombosis
The present invention relates to a single chain variable fragment (scFv 9O12.2) directed against human glycoprotein VI, constituted of the VH and VL domains of 9 O12.2.2 monoclonal antibody linked via a (Gly4Ser)3 peptide and followed by a “c-myc” flag, represented by SEQ ID NO:1. The invention also concerns functional variants of said scFv 9O12.2 fragment with identical heavy and light chains complementary determining regions 1, 2 and 3, and preferably humanized functional variants such as the humanized scFv fragments represented by SEQ ID NO:28 or SEQ ID NO:47. The invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such a scFv fragment, expression vectors and host cells to produce such a scFv fragment, as well as therapeutic uses of such a scFv fragment.
US09045536B2 Cell line 3M
The present invention provides, inter alia, an isolated cell line, 3M as well as methods for making such a cell line and methods of using such a cell line, e.g., to produce a protein such as an immunoglobulin.
US09045528B2 Synthetic immunoglobulin domains with binding properties engineered in regions of the molecule different from the complementarity determining regions
A method of engineering immunoglobulins which each have one or more amino acid modifications in at least one structural loop region of such immunoglobulins, where the modified loop region specifically binds to an epitope of an antigen to which an unmodified immunoglobulin does not significantly bind.
US09045523B2 Compounds
The present invention is directed to sulphated compounds comprising at least one glycosidic amine group, and polysaccharide, oligosaccharide, peptide and protein derivatives comprising such compounds, and mixtures thereof. The present invention is also directed to methods of synthesizing such compounds. Such compounds may bind to a range of proteins, find application in methods of modifying, or testing for a modification in the level of a cytokine in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro, and find application in the treatment and/or prevention of inflammation, an inflammatory disorder, a proliferative disorder, an immune disorder, an angiogenesis-dependent disorder, a sensitivity disorder, an adverse endocrine reaction, a degenerative disorder, wound healing, depression, and other diseases and disorders.
US09045518B2 Amino-LNA, thio-LNA and alpha-L-oxy-LN
A novel class of pharmaceuticals which comprises a Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) which can be used in antisense therapy. These novel oligonucleotides have improved antisense properties. The novel oligonucleotides are composed of at least one LNA selected from beta-D-thio/amino-LNA or alpha-L-oxy/thio/amino-LNA. The oligonucleotides comprising LNA may also include DNA and/or RNA nucleotides.
US09045512B2 6″-amino-6″-deoxygalactosylceramides
This invention relates to galactosylceramide compounds.
US09045505B2 Nitric oxide donors
The invention relates to novel NO donors which are targeted to the mitochondria. The NO donor compounds of the invention allow NO to be selectively provided to the mitochondria.
US09045478B2 Substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a] pyridine as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) inhibitors
The present application relates to a series of substituted pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine compounds, their use as tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family protein kinase inhibitors, method of making and pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds.
US09045475B2 Apoptosis-inducing agents for the treatment of cancer and immune and autoimmune diseases
Disclosed are compounds which inhibit the activity of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, compositions containing the compounds and methods of treating diseases during which is expressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein.
US09045474B2 Compounds and compositions for mitigating tissue damage and lethality
Embodiments of the present invention provide compounds and compositions thereof, which are effective for mitigating tissue damage or lethality induced by an agent, and methods of making and using the same.
US09045468B2 2,5-methano- and 2,5-ethano-tetrahydrobenzazepine derivatives and use thereof to block reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin
The compounds of the present invention are represented by the following 2,5-methano- and 2,5-ethano-tetrahydrobenzazepine derivatives having formula (I): where the carbon atom designated * is in the R or S configuration when n is 1 and the substituents X and R1-R7 are as defined herein.
US09045467B2 Oxazole derivatives useful as inhibitors of FAAH
The present invention is directed to certain oxazole derivatives which are useful as inhibitors of Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH). The invention is also concerned with pharmaceutical formulations comprising these compounds as active ingredients and the use of the compounds and their formulations in the treatment of certain disorders, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, skeletomuscular pain, and fibromyalgia, as well as acute pain, migraine, sleep disorder, Alzheimer Disease, and Parkinson's Disease.
US09045449B2 Method for the manufacture of furan compounds for renewable primary products
Method for the manufacture of furan compounds by using a heterogeneous catalyst in aqueous solution.
US09045446B2 Method for producing epoxy compound
To provide a method for producing an epoxy compound having fewer residual quaternary salt compound by removing the quaternary salt compound from an organic solution containing an epoxy compound and the quaternary salt compound.A method for producing an epoxy compound comprising the following step 1, step 2, and step 3: step 1: a step in which in a mixture liquid containing an olefin compound, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, a quaternary salt compound, a heteropoly acid, and an organic solvent, the olefin compound is subjected to the oxidation reaction to obtain an organic solution (A) containing an epoxy compound, step 2: a step in which an aqueous inorganic alkali solution is allowed to contact with the organic solution (A) to obtain an organic solution (B) containing the epoxy compound, and step 3: a step in which an acidic aqueous solution containing a polymer having at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group and a sulfonic acid group is allowed to contact with the organic solution (B) to obtain an organic solution (C) containing the epoxy compound.
US09045436B2 Heterocyclic compound and use thereof
Compounds represented by the formulas wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, and a prodrug thereof have a superior renin inhibitory activity, and are useful as agents for the prophylaxis or treatment of hypertension, various organ damages attributable to hypertension and the like.
US09045435B2 Quinazoline compounds as sodium channel blockers
The invention relates to aryl substituted quinazolines of Formula I, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, or solvates thereof, wherein G, A, and R1-R4 are defined as set forth in the specification. The invention is also directed to the use of compounds of Formula I to treat a disorder responsive to the blockade of sodium channels. Compounds of the present invention are especially useful for treating pain.
US09045424B1 α-olefin manufacturing process
In an α-olefin manufacturing process by the oligomerization of ethylene using an iron complex of a diimine of a 2,6-diacylpyridine or a 2,6-pyridinecarboxaldehyde, in which certain substituted iminoaryl groups are present, less higher molecular weight unwanted products are produced when the diimine and/or its precursor arylamine does not have impurities with substitution on a second ortho position to the imino group. This leads to less fouling of the process apparatus and higher yields of desired α-olefins.
US09045419B2 Condensed-cyclic compound and organic light emitting diode having organic layer including the same
A condensed-cyclic compound represented by Formula 1 and an organic light emitting diode including the same:
US09045412B2 Reactive distillation process and plant for obtaining acetic acid and alcohol from the hydrolysis of methyl acetate
A method and plant for obtaining acetic acid and methanol from the hydrolysis of methyl acetate by reactive distillation is disclosed. The reactive distillation column is configured as a divided wall reactive distillation column (1). A feed containing water and methyl acetate are brought into contact with a catalyst in a reactive space (19) to perform the hydrolysis of water and methyl acetate to methanol and acetic acid. The reactive space comprises at least a first rectification zone (32), a first stripping zone (34) and a first reaction zone (33). A catalyst is provided in the first reaction zone (33). The column further comprises a product space (29) with at least a second rectification zone (42) and a second stripping zone (44). The second stripping zone (44) shares at least a portion of the column sump (38) with the first stripping zone (34). A first head product is discharged from a reactive space head portion (45) and a bottom product is discharged from the column sump (38) and a second head product is discharged from a product space head portion (46) and an intermediate product is discharged from the product space (29).
US09045407B2 Mixtures used in oxidizing alkyl aromatic compounds
A process and a mixture for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound comprises forming a mixture comprising the alkyl-aromatic compound, a solvent, a bromine source, and a catalyst; and contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidation product comprising at least one of an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms and an ionic liquid selected from the group consisting of an imidazolium ionic liquid, a pyridinium ionic liquid, a phosphonium ionic liquid, a tetra alkyl ammonium ionic liquid, and combinations thereof. The catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium.
US09045390B2 Haloalkylmethyleneoxyphenyl-substituted ketoenols
The invention relates to novel compounds of the formula (I), in which W, X, Y, Z and CKE are each as defined above, to several methods and intermediates for preparation thereof and to the use thereof as pesticides and/or herbicides. The invention also relates to selective herbicidal compositions which comprise firstly haloalkylmethyleneoxyphenyl-substituted ketoenols and secondly a compound which improves crop plant compatibility.The present invention further relates to the enhancement of the action of crop protection compositions comprising especially haloalkylmethyleneoxyphenyl-substituted ketoenols, by the addition of ammonium or phosphonium salts and optionally penetration enhancers, to the corresponding compositions, to methods for production thereof and to the use thereof in crop protection as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or for preventing undesired plant growth.
US09045388B2 Polymorphs of bromfenac sodium and methods for preparing bromfenac sodium polymorphs
Different polymorphs of bromfenac sodium may be prepared and interconverted using crystallization/recrystallization, drying and/or hydration techniques.
US09045361B2 Coated article with heat treatable coating for concentrated solar power applications, and/or methods of making the same
Certain example embodiments relate to heat treatable coated articles, e.g., suitable for concentrating solar power (CSP) and/or other applications. For instance, the heat treatable coated article may be a secondary reflector panel, primary reflector, etc., where a reflective coating is disposed on a glass substrate. A portion of the reflective coating may be removed and a frit material is disposed over the reflective coating. An elevated temperature may be applied to the glass substrate, the coating, and the frit material where the frit is cured. The coated article may be left flat, or optionally cold- or hot-bent into a desired shape suitable for a desired application.
US09045356B2 Sewage treatment process and system
A sewage treatment process is provided, which includes the following steps: a) sewage feeding step, comprising introducing raw sewage into a biological reaction tank (1) to a predetermined time or liquid level; b) reaction step comprising performing aeration and stirring intermittently in the biological reaction tank (1); c) treated water discharging step, comprising performing solid-liquid separation of the mixed liquid in the biological reaction tank (1) by a membrane separation device (2) to obtain a first permeate, which is taken as the final treated water; d) standby step comprising stopping aeration in the biological reaction tank (1); and e) phosphorus-enriched water discharging step, comprising keeping anaerobic condition in the biological reaction tank (1) and performing solid-liquid separation of the mixed liquid in the biological reaction tank (1) by a membrane separation device (2) to obtain a second permeate, the second permeate entering inside a phosphorus recycling unit (5) which is set independent from the biological reaction tank (1), the phosphorus recycling unit (5) removing phosphorus from water, the second permeate becoming low-phosphorus water, and the low-phosphorous water flowing back to the biological reaction tank (1); the sewage treatment process runs in cycle by repeating above steps. A corresponding treatment system is also provided.
US09045353B2 Filtering water bottle
A portable, personal apparatus for treating drinking water comprises a generally tubular or cylindrical filter housing containing filtration media and water-permeable screen or mesh or felt or membrane or netting layer at the top and bottom ends of the filter. The design of the apparatus involves the bottle exterior and interior contouring to the filter and enables the efficient and rapid gravity flow of water in through the filter. The apparatus may be configured such that water is first passed through a top reservoir designed to receive water, followed by a porous mesh, followed by granular filtration and antimicrobial media agitated by turbulent motion of influent water, followed by a porous mesh before reaching a durable and reusable water containment vessel.
US09045350B2 Method for converting UO3 or U3O8 into hydrated UO4
A method for converting UO3 and/or U3O8 into hydrated UO4 of formula UO4.nH2O wherein n is 2 or 4, comprising the following successive steps: a) preparing an aqueous suspension of a UO3 powder and/or a U3O8 powder; b) adding hydrogen peroxide H2O2 to the aqueous suspension of a UO3 and/or U3O8 powder, converting the UO3 and/or U3O8 into hydrated UO4 and precipitating, crystallizing the hydrated UO4 in the suspension; c) recovering the precipitate, crystals of UO4 hydrate; d) optionally, washing the recovered UO4 hydrate precipitate, crystal(s); e) optionally, repeating step d); f) optionally, drying the precipitate, the crystals; wherein the addition of H2O2 to the aqueous suspension is carried out so that the suspension contains a stoichiometric excess of H2O2 relatively to the stoichiometry of the reaction from UO3: UO3+nH2O+H2O2→UO4.nH2O+H2O  (1) or of the reaction from U3O8 UO2.67+1.33H2O2+nH2O→UO4.nH2O+1.33H2O  (2), and the pH of the suspension is maintained in steps a) and b) at a value comprised between 2 and 3.
US09045344B2 Method for producing aligned carbon nanotube aggregate
A production method in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: providing a catalyst support layer by applying, to a substrate, a catalyst support layer coating agent obtained by dissolving in an organic solvent (i) an organometallic compound containing aluminum and/or a metal salt containing aluminum and (ii) a stabilizer for inhibiting a condensation polymerization reaction of the organometallic compound and/or the metal salt; providing a catalyst formation layer by applying, to the catalyst support layer, a catalyst formation layer coating agent obtained by dissolving in an organic solvent (a) an organometallic compound containing iron and/or a metal salt containing iron and (b) a stabilizer for inhibiting a condensation polymerization reaction of the organometallic compound and/or the metal salt; and growing an aligned carbon nanotube aggregate on the substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).
US09045341B2 Storage-stable aqueous solutions of chlorine dioxide and methods for preparing and using them
The present invention is for extremely pure solutions of chlorine dioxide, methods for making such solutions and to compositions and methods for storing, shipping and using such solutions. Generally, the chlorine dioxide solutions of the invention are aqueous solutions containing about 2500 ppm or less of total impurities. The chlorine dioxide solution can be prepare by passing dilute highly pure chlorine gas through a bed of substantially solid sodium chlorite and contacting the resulting chlorine dioxide gas with a liquid.
US09045332B2 Thin back glass interconnect
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for providing packaged microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. In one aspect, package can include a cover glass joined to a device substrate, the cover glass including integrated electrical connectivity and configured to encapsulate one or more MEMS devices on the device substrate. The cover glass can include one or more spin-on glass layers and electrically conductive routing and interconnects. The package can include a narrow seal surrounding the one or more encapsulated MEMS devices.
US09045330B2 MEMS element and method of manufacturing the same
According to one embodiment, a MEMS element comprises a first electrode fixed on a substrate, and a second electrode arranged above the first electrode, facing the first electrode, and vertically movable. The second electrode includes a second opening portion that penetrates from an upper surface to a lower surface of the second electrode. The first electrode includes a first opening portion at a position corresponding to at least a part of the second opening portion, the first opening portion penetrating from an upper surface to a lower surface of the first electrode.
US09045328B2 Method for wafer-level surface micromachining to reduce stiction
An array of microbumps with a layer or coating of non-superhydrophobic material yields a superhydrophobic surface, and may also have a contact angle hysteresis of 15 degrees or less. A surface with such an array may therefore be rendered superhydrophobic even though the surface structure and materials are not, by themselves, superhydrophobic.
US09045322B2 Cap sterilizing mechanism for bottle filling device
A cover sterilizing mechanism for bottle filling device includes a sterilizing chamber (II) in which a cover sliding passage (102) is arranged. A cover blocking mechanism which will periodically hold the cover (94) to stay on the sliding passage (102) for a certain time, and multiple groups of nozzles (62) corresponding to the place in which the cover (94) is held on the sliding passage(102) are also arranged in the sterilizing chamber (II). The cover sterilizing device can uniform the sterilizing time of each cover, conduce to install covers orderly and improve efficiency of the bottle filling device.
US09045318B1 Systems and methods for controlling an overhead gantry crane
Systems and methods for controlling an overhead gantry crane are provided. One overhead gantry crane includes an X-axis drive motor, a Y-axis drive motor, and a hoist member operable to be moved into a plurality of positions by the X-axis drive motor and the Y-axis drive motor to move an object. The overhead gantry crane further includes a controller operable to control operation of the X-axis motor and the Y-axis motor and define a local axis coordinate system for the overhead gantry crane based on a reference point determined from an X-axis location and Y-axis location of the hoist member and a desired movement path for the object, as well as cause movement of the object by concurrently controlling the X-axis motor and the Y-axis motor using the local axis coordinate system.
US09045313B2 Elevator rope sway estimation
A method and a system determine a position of at least one sway sensor in an elevator system for sensing a lateral motion of an elevator rope between a first boundary location and a second boundary location. An operation of the elevator system is simulated with a model of the elevator system to produce an actual shape of the elevator rope caused by the operation. At least one sway location is determined, such that an error between the actual shape of the elevator rope and an estimated shape of the elevator rope is minimized. The estimated shape of the elevator rope is determined by interpolation of the first boundary location, the second boundary location, and the sway location. The position of the sway sensor is determined, such that the sway sensor senses the lateral motion of the elevator rope at the sway location.
US09045311B2 Container for accommodating cable therein and electronic device assembly with same
An exemplary container for accommodating a cable of an electronic device includes a base, a cover, a winder rotatably connected to the base, a transmission piece fasten to the winder, and a driving apparatus fixed on the cover and engaging with the transmission piece. The cover is placed on the base to cover the winder and defines a receiving space in cooperation with the base to receive the winder. The driving apparatus includes a trigger. The trigger generates a shift signal to the driving apparatus each time the trigger is pressed. The driving apparatus drives the winder to rotate via the transmission piece for winding up the cable on the winder according to the shift signal.
US09045306B2 Sheet stabilizer with suction nozzle having center protrusion
This invention is related to suction nozzles having a center protrusion for stabilizing a continuous web for various web property measurements. Suction nozzles blow air out of the nozzle, yet produce a vacuum proximate thereto. Two nozzles are disclosed, a single sided sheet-contact stabilizer and a non-contact sheet stabilizer. An air-bearing may be formed between the end surface of the center protrusion and the moving web.
US09045297B2 Medium feeding apparatus
A medium feeding apparatus includes an opening/closing unit (a lock shaft, a lock arm, a hopper, a link member, and a rotating member) that performs an opening operation in a direction in which rollers of each of a separator and a conveyor coming into press contact with each other are separated from each other at the time of the occurrence of a conveyance error of a medium and performs a closing operation in a direction in which the rollers come into contact with each other after the recovery of the conveyance error. When an operator is present around the medium feeding apparatus, an error release operation control unit controls the opening/closing unit so that the opening/closing unit performs the opening operation and the closing operation at a relatively low speed as compared to when the operator is not present around the medium feeding apparatus.
US09045291B2 Device and method for discharging products, particularly product containers such as bottles
A device and a corresponding method for discharging products, particularly product containers such as bottles from a transport path by means of one or more discharge segments, wherein the or each discharge segment comprises a carriage and a discharger, and the discharger can effect discharge of the product by a deflection. The or each discharge segment includes a second carriage, each of the two carriages mounted on a guide, and the discharger and the carriages are mechanically connected to one another such that the relative distance of the carriages from one another determines the deflection of the discharger.
US09045266B1 System and method for retaining towels in place on a bar
A method of securing and retaining a towel or other foldable item in a folded orientation over a bar or ring, includes steps of folding the towel over a bar or ring, so that there are two approximately equal folded lengths of the towel descending from opposed sides of the bar or ring, and providing a retaining device, or strap, having two opposed ends. The method then involves wrapping the strap about the folded item, beneath the bar or ring, so that the strap surrounds and contacts each of the two folded lengths of the foldable item. The two opposed ends of the retaining strap are then secured together, to form a secured loop about the foldable item below the bar or ring, whereby the foldable item cannot be removed from the bar or ring while the secured loop of the strap is in place about the foldable item.
US09045265B2 Child proof closure cap for container with combined tilting and rotating operation
A child-proof closure cap for containers having an inner cap and an outer cap assembled for tilting with respect to each other. The inner cap includes an outer surface with notches for engagement with internal teeth on an inner surface of the outer cap to facilitate removal of the closure cap from the container with either left hand or right hand operation according to user's natural ability. The outer cap has a spring that is adapted to spring load the outer cap in a non-tilt arrangement relative to the inner cap.
US09045260B2 Beverage dispensing system
The present application provides a beverage dispensing system for dispensing a number of beverages. The beverage dispensing system may include a housing, a pouch with one of the beverages therein, the pouch including a first pouch end and a second pouch end, and a beverage basket removably positionable within the housing. The beverage basket may include a pouch clip for the first pouch end and a slanted floor for the second pouch end such that the pouch may be positioned substantially vertically therein for good evacuation of the beverage from the pouch.
US09045255B2 Modular container system
A modular container system, consisting of at least one container, characterized in that having at least one monolithic housing (1) consisting a back wall (2), having an opening (3) for a screw and an area (3a) for double-sided adhesive tape; sidewalls (4); connection clips (5) attached to the back wall; a cover (6) equipped with pins (16) allowing installation of illumination; a base (7); a plastic insert (9) of cylindrical shape, enclosed at its base; a vertical attachment system consisting of vertical, male, sliding shape connector (10); and a vertical female connector; a horizontal attachment system consisting of top openings (12) and bottom openings (13), and a horizontal connector (14); a safety system consisting of a lock (17); and a system allowing to create a portable configuration, consisting of a base (19) containing a female vertical connector (20) and a handle (21a) and (21b).
US09045254B2 Cargo pallet cover with drainage
A cargo pallet cover (14) having a main panel (15) and a plurality of side panels (16) extending therefrom, the main panel (15) being adapted to overlie a load (10) on a pallet (12) in use and the side panels (16) being adapted to hang down against the sides of the load (10), each side panel (16) being attached to an adjacent side panel (16) along adjacent edges to define a corner, the cargo pallet cover (14) comprising at least one drainage panel (22) to permit liquid to drain through the cargo pallet cover (14).
US09045251B2 Container with reinforcing locking tabs
A container is formed from a one-piece blank including a bottom panel, first and second opposed side walls, and first and second end walls. A top lid panel is foldably attached to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel is foldably attached to the second side wall. A plurality of reinforcing locking tabs is formed in the respective top and bottom lid panels. Each of the respective plurality of reinforcing locking tabs is sandwiched between their respective inner panel and middle panels so as to prevent the side walls from being distorted upon outward pressure applied to these side walls when the container is unreasonably over-packed during shipping and transportation.
US09045248B2 Soluble fragments of influenza virus PB2 protein capable of binding RNA-cap
The present invention relates to soluble fragments of the Influenza virus RNA dependent RNA polymerase subunit PB2 and variants thereof, and crystallized complexes thereof comprising an RNA cap analog. This invention also relates to computational methods using the structural coordinates of said complex to screen for and design compounds that interact with the RNA cap binding pocket. In addition, this invention relates to methods identifying compounds that bind to PB2 polypeptide fragments comprising the RNA cap binding pocket, preferably inhibit the interaction with RNA caps or analogs thereof, by using said PB2 polypeptide fragments, preferably in a high-throughput setting. This invention also relates to compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the identified compounds for the treatment of disease conditions due to viral infections caused by negative-sense single stranded RNA viruses.
US09045228B2 Arrangement at an aircraft of a dispenser unit for countermeasures
An arrangement at an aircraft of a dispenser unit for countermeasures. The arrangement including a wall of an aircraft fuselage. A dispensing nozzle is arranged on the dispenser unit through which the countermeasures are dispensed. The dispenser unit is arranged within the aircraft fuselage. An aperture for dispensing the countermeasures is arranged in the wall of the aircraft fuselage. The aperture is arranged to substantially coincide with the dispensing nozzle.
US09045224B2 High lift system for an aircraft
A high lift system with a main wing and regulating flaps, also bearing devices for the mounting of the regulating flaps, and positioning devices for the positioning of the regulating flaps, wherein the respective bearing device and/or positioning device is at least partially provided with a fairing, having a flow control device for purposes of controlling the flow around the high lift system with at least one inlet duct with at least one inlet, which device is located on or underneath the lower face of the high lift system, wherein at least one outlet duct for air is furthermore provided, which is connected with the inlet duct in a fluid-communicating manner, and has at least one outlet, which is located on the upper face in the region of at least one regulating flap of the high lift system.
US09045209B2 Active volume energy level large scale sub-sea energy fluids storage methods and apparatus for power generation and integration of renewable energy sources
Systems and methods for storing energy in gaseous form in submerged thin-walled tanks are secured to the ocean or lake floor but are open to the water at the tank bottoms and are configured to be filled with gas while submerged.A conduit operatively connected to the tanks provides flow from a surface source of an energy-containing gas to the tank interiors. Surface or subsurface pumping apparatus which may include piston-less pressure cylinders or have leveraged pistons provide a preselected flow rate of the energy-containing gas into the containment structure interior against a back pressure essentially equal to the static pressure of the body of water at the location of the tank to displace an equivalent volume of water through the open bottom. The conduit can be configured to allow heat transfer to vaporize liquefied gas prior to storage. Hydrogen gas can be generated and stored within the tank using Aluminum activated with Galinstan.
US09045208B2 Interlock vessel for hyperbaric transfer system
An interlock vessel having an air-tight body with opposing ends. A portion of the body is designed to fit into a decompression (hyperbaric) chamber, wherein a diver or a patient undergoing a decompression treatment is positioned. The opposing ends are closed by pivotally moveable doors and locking assemblies that retain the doors in a closed position until the pressure inside the decompression chamber and the exterior of the chamber can be equalized. The outer door has two locking systems: (a) an interlock system and (b) a safety/delay locking system. Both locking assemblies are manually operated.
US09045204B1 Method and apparatus for wake enlargement system
A Method and Apparatus for Wake Enlargement System have been disclosed. By using water pick ups that are mounted or deployable on a boat controlled filling of ballast tanks is possible without the use of pumps.
US09045203B1 Paddleboard storage and seat support assembly
A paddleboard storage and seat support assembly attaches to a paddleboard to store items while also being convertible to a support while in a seated position on the paddleboard. The assembly includes a panel having opposite ends and a straps. The straps are selectively couplable to the panel wherein the panel is positionable to abut a back of a person in an upright position while the person is seated on a paddleboard. The straps have a length wherein the straps extend from the opposite ends of the panel and are couplable to at least one foot of the person wherein the straps holds the panel in abutment with the back of the person. The straps may also couple the panel to a paddleboard allowing items to be held on the paddleboard by the panel and straps.
US09045202B1 Apparatus and system for detecting and sharing characteristics of a ride on a watercraft
Described herein are systems and apparatuses for detecting and sharing characteristics of a ride on a watercraft. In general, a watercraft apparatus may include at least one fin coupleable to a bottom portion of a planar body. In a preferred embodiment, the fin may define a fully enclosed cavity configured to receive a ride tracking device. In general, a watercraft system may optionally include a planar body configured for moving across a water surface and for carrying a rider. In general, a watercraft apparatus may include at least one fin coupled or coupleable to a bottom portion of the planar body. In a preferred embodiment, the fin may define a fully enclosed cavity, and a ride tracking device may be disposed within the cavity.
US09045200B1 Floating craft stabilizing platform
An accessory for addition onto a floating pontoon style fishing craft that enables the occupant to safely stand while the craft is floating without fear of tipping the craft. This is in the form of a lowerable, retractable platform that resides below the waterline of the craft and also incorporates a removeable working table/safety bar that resides in front of the occupant's seat to constrain them from falling overboard and to allow them a stable work surface from which to perform fishing related activities. The retractable platform serves to allow the center of gravity of the occupant to remain in close proximity to the waterline of the craft thus preventing tipping. Because of the depth the platform projects beneath the craft, the position of the occupant's mass acts as a stabilizer or ballast rudder so as to let the occupant to safely cast his fishing line from the craft.
US09045198B2 Boat line management
A boat line management device is disclosed. The device having a chamber, a revolving element, an arm, and a spring. The boat line management device capable of delivering a boat line from a position on a boat to a boat docking location. The boat line management device also capable of returning to a resting position upon release of a force on the arm.
US09045194B2 Retrofitting a conventional containment vessel into a complete integral tank double-hull cargo containment vessel
A conventional containment vessel is retrofitted into a complete integral tank double-hull cargo containment vessel that includes a primary hull and a secondary hull disposed within the primary hull. The primary hull includes a topside deck structural member. The secondary hull includes an interior cargo containment tank. The secondary hull includes a topside structural member configured to seal the cargo containment tank. The primary hull is configured to serve as a first boundary between an operating environment of the vessel and the cargo. The secondary hull is configured to serve as a second boundary between the operating environment of the vessel and the cargo. The topside deck member of the primary hull and the topside structural member of the secondary hull are configured to provide a double-hull on the topside of the cargo containment tank.
US09045193B2 Command device for a derailleur of a bicycle
Integrated control device for a bicycle, has a support body configured to be fixed to a handlebar of a bicycle and a single lever that is mobile with respect to the support body to command both a brake and a derailleur by movement of the lever in first and second directions of movement, opposite one another; the single lever has a rest position in which it commands neither the brake nor the derailleur and it is mobile in a first direction to command the brake; the single lever is mobile in a second direction different from the first direction by a first distance to command movement of the derailleur in its first direction and by a second distance different from the first to command movement of the derailleur in its second direction.
US09045162B2 Frame rail for a vehicle
A frame rail for a vehicle has a pair of elongated structural members, each one of the pair of elongated structural members having flanges protruding from lateral edges thereof. The flanges of one of the pair of elongated structural members extend in a direction toward the flanges of the other one of the pair of elongated structural members. The frame rail also has first and second metallic web panels interconnecting the pair of elongated structural members. Overall, the frame rail has a box beam structure, wherein at least a major portion of each one of the first and second metallic web panels has a material thickness that is less than a material thickness of at least a major portion of each one of the pair of elongated structural members.
US09045157B2 Electric power steering apparatus
A zero point change model executes banked road correspondence control when a vehicle travels on a banked road. By this control, a target turning angle when the total torque is zero can be changed from a neutral turning angle to a lower side of an inclined road surface. Thus, a steering angle of a steering wheel according to a banked road can be realized even if the driver does not apply steering torque during traveling on a banked road. Accordingly, the driver can obtain a suitable steering feeling when traveling on a banked road while achieving the target turning angle according to the total torque.
US09045153B2 Automatically locking lifting system for display cases
A device for engagement to and moving of a display case supported by leveling posts extending from the bottom of a support member. The device features a wheeled skate having a fork engageable around the support member and against the frame of the display case. The fork is translatable to an elevated position to elevate the frame of the display case wherein a plurality of the skates, so engaged, will support the display case and allow a rolling thereof. Support members are engageable between each adjacent skate engaged to the display case.
US09045152B2 Electric assist cart
An electric assist cart includes: a body frame; a drive wheel; a control handle by which a user can input a driving force to the body frame; a torque sensor that detects a driving torque input to the body frame from the control handle; a controller that computes an assisting force based on the driving torque; and an electric motor that applies the assisting force to the drive wheel. The controller includes an electric current determination part that determines whether or not an electric current having a magnitude equal to or larger than a first setting value continuously flows for a first setting time, and an electric current control part that reduces a maximum value of the electric current that can be supplied to the electric motor to be smaller than the first setting value based on the determination of the electric current determination part.
US09045145B2 Vehicle and method of tuning performance of same
A method for tuning a vehicle's performance may include measuring a plurality of parameters representing the vehicle's current handling condition and the vehicle's limit handling condition, determining a margin between the vehicle's current handling condition and limit handling condition, characterizing the driver's dynamic control of the vehicle based on the margin, and altering at least one tunable vehicle performance parameter based on the characterization.
US09045144B2 Third-order polynomial-based course prediction for driver assistance functions
Methods and systems for performing vehicle driver assistance. One method includes determining, at a controller, whether the vehicle is steering toward a drive-straight state and when the vehicle is steering toward the drive-straight state, calculating, at the controller, a predicted course trajectory using a third order polynomial. The method also includes calculating, at the controller, the predicted course trajectory using a non-third-order function when the vehicle is not steering toward the drive-straight state. In addition, the method includes performing the driver assistance based on the predicted course trajectory.
US09045141B2 Method for operating a vehicle and vehicle
In a method for operating a vehicle which has a first axle, a second axle, a unit for determining slipping of at least one wheel of the second axle on a ground surface, and a braking device associated with the wheel, a drive torque is applied to the first axle and the second axle via a central differential, and, in the event of slipping of the wheel, a braking torque required to prevent the slipping being determined. A setpoint braking torque is set on the braking device, which is less than the required braking torque, and the part of the drive torque supplied to the first axle is increased.
US09045135B2 Drive control device for hybrid vehicle
Drivability and the drive feeling are improved by optimizing a change and a delay in the torque of an internal combustion engine so as not to influence driving torque at the time of decelerating the internal combustion engine as in the initial period of deceleration by using a target driving power setting device, a target charge/discharge power setting device, a target engine power calculating device, a target engine operating point setting device, and a motor torque instruction value calculating device.
US09045133B2 Vehicle travel control device
Provided is a vehicle travel control device that outputs a driving force command requested for a target by a driving force source, to vehicles having different driving schemes without changing a driving force command calculation method even when the driving force command requested by the driving force source has a different target. The vehicle travel control device includes a target acceleration computation section for calculating a target acceleration in accordance with a calculated target vehicle speed and with a detected actual vehicle speed, and a driving force computation section for calculating a driving force command from the target acceleration and outputting the calculated driving force command. The driving force computation section outputs at least one of a plurality of driving force commands, which are converted by using a plurality of predetermined conversion ratios, in accordance with a connected driving force source.
US09045130B2 Device for controlling automatic stopping of vehicle engine
A vehicular engine automatic stop control apparatus has a coast stop controller that performs a coast stop control of stopping an engine in response to a situation where driver's brake pedal operation is above a predetermined threshold value while a vehicle is traveling, a road surface gradient sensor that senses a road surface gradient, and a coast stop control cancellation unit that cancels the coast stop control in response to a situation where a first sensed value of the road surface gradient is above a predetermined cancellation threshold value in absolute value. The first sensed value of the road surface gradient is obtained at a first time instant when the vehicle becomes stationary in a situation where the engine has been stopped by the coast stop controller.
US09045124B2 Vacuum brake booster
A vacuum brake booster includes a movable wall forming a vacuum chamber and a variable pressure chamber in a housing and a valve body connected to the movable wall. A valve mechanism having a vacuum valve for establishing or interrupting the communication between both chambers corresponding to the movement of a plunger and having an air valve for establishing or interrupting the communication between the variable pressure chamber and atmosphere are disposed in an axial hole of the valve body. Atmosphere after the air valve passed flows into the variable pressure chamber through an axial passage and a radial passage formed in the valve body. The axial passage is constituted by a cylindrical inner passage formed at the outer circumference of the plunger by an arc-like flow regulating wall and an arc-like inner circumferential wall portion and an outer passage formed at the outer circumference of the inner passage.
US09045117B2 Road surface condition estimating method, vehicle control method, and road surface condition estimating apparatus
The condition of a road surface on which a vehicle is traveling is estimated accurately, using a tire having a general variable-pitch tire pattern for detection of a road surface condition. The tire for detection of a road surface condition has rows of blocks, the total number N of the circumferentially disposed blocks being 10 or more and the number n of lug grooves, each provided with a joining section connecting circumferentially adjacent blocks, being in the range of (N/2)≦n≦(N−5). The vibrations of the tire are detected by an acceleration sensor and are subjected to a rotational order ratio analysis by a rotational order ratio analyzing unit. And the road surface condition is estimated by comparing the amplitude P of the rotational order component of the tire vibrations extracted by a rotational order component extracting unit with a predetermined threshold value K.
US09045116B2 Brake system
A brake system includes: (a) friction brakes provided for at least two wheels that are at least two of a plurality of wheels of a vehicle; (b) a relative-phase obtaining device configured to obtain at least one relative phase each of which is a relative phase between corresponding two of the at least two wheels; and (c) a change-characteristic obtaining device configured to obtain a total-braking-force change characteristic that is a relationship between the relative phase obtained by the relative-phase obtaining device and a value representative of state of change of a total braking force during at least one rotation of the at least two wheels. The total braking force includes braking forces of the friction brakes provided for the at least two wheels.
US09045111B2 Windscreen wiper device
A windscreen wiper device (I) for a motor vehicle. The device includes at least one wiper motor (2) on which a motor crank (4) is provided connected to at least one gearing (3) which is downstream of said wiper motor (2), so as to drive a wiper arm that is coupled thereto such that said arm performs an oscillating wiper movement on a windscreen of said motor vehicle, said wiper motor (2) being coupled to a control unit. Motor power generated by the wiper motor (2) is adjusted by the control unit depending on a transmission ratio which results from the position of said gearing (3). The control unit delays a reduction in the motor power until after the motor crank (4) has accelerated out of the respective wiper arm turning points to produce as uniform a wiper arm movement as possible on the windscreen.
US09045106B2 Safety device for vehicle
A safety device for a vehicle, adapted to be arranged facing an airbag, comprising: a chute channel defining a recess to receive the airbag, a net comprising a first portion and a second portion, and a flap at least partially covering the recess, the flap being overmolded onto the first portion of the net. The device further comprises a strip overmolded onto the second portion of the net, and the chute channel is overmolded onto the strip. A safety system and dashboard comprising such a safety device, as well as a method for manufacturing such a safety device.
US09045102B2 System for passive entry and passive start for a motor vehicle
A system for passive entry and/or passive start for a motor vehicle is described, which includes an antenna group and an electronic control unit designed to be coupled to the vehicle, the electronic control unit for controlling the antenna group to cooperate with a portable recognition device carried by a user to enable the entry and/or start of the vehicle. The antenna group has at least a first antenna and a second antenna, designed to operate within the frequency range, and according to the communication protocol, of the Bluetooth standard, and having a respective radiation lobe; wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are arranged so that their radiation lobes are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a longitudinal symmetry axis of the motor vehicle.
US09045098B2 Vocabulary dictionary recompile for in-vehicle audio system
An in-vehicle audio system and methods are provided. A respective word or a respective phrase may be associated with each item of audio content stored in the in-vehicle audio system. The in-vehicle audio system may perform an action with respect to one of the stored items of audio content in response to a spoken command, which may include the respective word or the respective phrase associated with the one of the stored items. When audio content is to be added to the in-vehicle audio system, phonetics related to the audio content may be generated and added to a vocabulary dictionary during a compile process. When stored audio content is to be deleted from the in-vehicle audio system, phonetics related to the stored audio content to be deleted may be eliminated from the vocabulary dictionary during the compile process, which, in some embodiments, may be performed during a shutdown process.
US09045097B2 Two-dimensional position map correcting method
Even when areas delimited by delimiting points are not appropriate and area division has failed, success or failure of area division in such areas can easily be determined by applying a map determination condition in the map determining step (step S50). And since the areas delimited by the delimiting points are changed and the map determining step (step S50), including also steps S22 and S23 and steps S30 and S40, is repeated until the map determination condition is satisfied, the areas satisfying the map determination condition are determined appropriate and the area division in such areas can be carried out accurately. Even when there is distortion, a two-dimensional position map can be corrected accurately.
US09045093B2 Trailer wiring over-current protection
An electrical power supply device for a trailer lighting system behind a truck is disclosed. The trailer lighting system including at least two FMVSS 108 compliant LED stop-tail-turn lamps. The electrical power supply device has an outer casing including a terminal to be electrically attached to and become part of the trailer lighting system. There are a plurality of electrically conductive wires within the casing. At least one of the wires is selected from one or more of the group consisting of low copper usage wire. The device has an over-current protection device along at least one which breaks current flow through the one wire below at an amperage threshold less than 25 amperes.
US09045087B2 Centre console
A center console of a motor vehicle has a cover that is able to be opened, which closes a storage compartment that lies thereunder in its closed position and releases this in an open position. A comfortable adjustment of the cover is possible via an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism is formed in such a way that it first lifts the cover during opening and adjusts it backwards and subsequently swings it upwards.
US09045084B2 Touch type display mirror
A touch type display mirror apparatus, may include a touch panel though which a user inputs a first signal, a photosensitive panel arranged on a rear surface side of the touch panel, and a display panel arranged on a rear surface side of the photosensitive panel and including a signal processing unit processing the first signal that may be input from the touch panel, wherein the signal processing unit may be connected to an angle-adjustable rear view camera and adjusts a shooting angle of the angle-adjustable rear view camera according to a second signal that may be input from the touch panel.
US09045060B2 Vehicular slide rail device
A vehicle slide rail device is provided, which can reduce the possibility of the lock mechanism provided between the upper rail and the lower rail unintentionally lock-releasing when the cushion airbag is inflated.As a solution, the lock-release lever 40 is provided with a lock-release contacting portion 46, which is positioned away from a press portion 65 of the lock operational lever when the lock operational lever is positioned at a lock-allowing position and which receives a force from the press portion for rotating the lock release lever toward the unlocking position when the lock operational lever rotates from the lock-allowing position toward the lock-release position. When the upper rail 30 is deformed downwardly due to pressure by the inflating of a cushion airbag 80, the lock release lever moves downwardly together with a downwardly deforming portion of the upper rail and the lock-release contacting portion moves in a direction to closely approach the press portion of the lock operational lever.
US09045056B2 Apparatus for controlling motor system of environment-friendly vehicle and method thereof
An apparatus for controlling a motor system of an environment-friendly vehicle includes a tilt angle sensor to measure a driving tilt angle of a vehicle; a hill hold determinator to calculate a real-time driving gradient of the vehicle in order to determine a hill hold situation based on tilt angle information from the tilt angle sensor; and a variable switching determination controller to calculate a command torque for a motor based on the real-time gradient calculated by the hill hold determinator and to determine a variable switching condition of an inverter based on the command torque, a motor speed and previous and current tilt angle information from the tilt angle sensor.
US09045049B2 System and method for in situ charging of a remote vehicle
A system for in situ charging of at least one rechargeable power source of a remote vehicle. The system comprises a power recharger having contacts configured to supply power to the at least one rechargeable power source, and a chassis adapter at least partially enclosing the at least one rechargeable power source and retaining the at least one rechargeable power source on the remote vehicle, the chassis adapter including terminals connected to the at least one rechargeable power source and configured to mate with the power recharger to allow the power recharger to recharge the at least one rechargeable power source. The chassis adapter comprises charger input contacts including a positive contact, a ground, and one or more data contacts. The power recharger automatically disengages from the recharging terminals when the remote vehicle is driven away from the chassis adapter without damaging the power recharger.
US09045047B2 Storage battery
A storage battery has at least battery banks, switching units, a charging terminal, a discharging terminal and a battery management unit. The battery banks form a bank structure. Each switching unit electrically connects a group of the battery banks with either the charging terminal or the discharging terminal, and disconnects the group of the battery banks from the charging terminal or the discharging terminal. The battery management unit instructs the switching units to electrically and simultaneously connect one or more battery banks to the charging terminal during charging, and to electrically and simultaneously connect one or more battery banks to the discharging terminal during discharging.
US09045045B2 Work vehicle
A work vehicle is provided with a traveling motor, and includes a first control unit generating a speed command value for controlling the motor and changing the speed command value according to passage of time when an opening of an accelerator that adjusts a traveling speed is larger than 0, and assigning an actual traveling speed of the work vehicle to a relationship between a torque command value that is a command value of torque to be generated by the motor and the traveling speed of the work vehicle to generate a first torque command value; and a second control unit generating a second torque command value based on the speed command value generated by the first control unit and the actual traveling speed, and controlling the motor based on the first torque command value or the second torque command value.
US09045042B2 System and method for a one-time departure schedule setup for charging battery-electric vehicles
A method and a system for making a one-time change to a primary departure schedule of a battery-electric vehicle for charging or pre-climate operations without affecting the future departure times of the primary departure schedule. The system can be a vehicle including an ECU, a memory, a battery, a charger connected to an external power source, a BMS, an HVAC and a display. The method may include receiving an alternate departure date and time different from the primary departure schedule, deactivating the charging or pre-climate operations based on the primary departure schedule and activating charging or pre-climate operations based on the alternate departure date and time. The method and system may also include receiving an immediate charge mode designation, deactivating the charging or pre-climate operations based on the primary schedule and immediately activating the charging operations without affecting the primary departure schedule.
US09045034B2 Hybrid drive train
A drive train for a motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine and a hydraulically shiftable transmission unit. The input of the transmission can be connected via a clutch arrangement to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The output of the transmission can be connected to driven wheels of the motor vehicle. The crankshaft is connected to a pump shaft which drives a pump arrangement for a hydraulic arrangement, by means of which the transmission unit is shifted and/or lubricated. The pump shaft is connected to an electric machine. The pump shaft is connected to the crankshaft via a constrained motion mechanism. The electric machine is arranged in the axial direction between the constrained motion mechanism and a pump of the pump arrangement.
US09045031B2 Power unit for utility vehicle
An engine and a transmission are connected to each other via a connecting bracket interposed therebetween in the vehicular lengthwise direction. The engine is provided with a first connector having a first mounting hole substantially parallel to a vehicle lengthwise direction, and a first tightening member to be inserted into the first mounting hole on a side opposite to the engine connects the first end of the connecting bracket to the first connector. The transmission is provided with a second connector having a second mounting hole penetrating in a vehicular widthwise direction, and a second tightening member to be inserted into the second mounting hole connects the second end of the connecting bracket to the second connector.
US09045025B1 Articulated gull wing door
An articulated gull-wing door is described. The articulated gull-wing door comprises an upper section and a lower section mounted in a modular frame or directly in the body of a motor vehicle between two pillars. The upper section is overlapable with the lower section when the door is in a closed position to provide a leak proof interface. The upper section is attached to a top of the modular frame with a plurality of hinges and comprises a sliding rod that is couplable to a mechanical link in the lower section. The lower section comprises a plurality of linear bearings arranged at an upper portion of a front side and a rear side of the lower section to slidably couple the lower section to corresponding rails attached to upper front and upper rear portions of the modular frame. The lower section is capable of slidably displacing itself in a vertical direction on the rails in the modular frame to fixed upper pivot points and then rotating upward upon the fixed upper pivot points to a fully opened position.
US09045023B2 Vehicle sliding roof device
The invention relates to a vehicle sliding roof device with a cover unit that is shiftably supported on guides of the sliding roof device by a support device and that can be adjusted between a closed position covering a roof opening and at least one open position, whereby it is provided in accordance with the invention that a locking device which detachably locks the cover unit at least in its closed position and that an arresting device with which the cover unit can be arrested from shifting relative to the guides at least in different opening positions can be activated by a manually operated activation device.
US09045016B2 Hydraulic suspension system for work vehicle
The hydraulic suspension system comprises a suspension mechanism (100) for a traveling vehicle body, a suspension reference position variation mechanism (18) for varying a reference position of a suspension stroke of the suspension mechanism, and a stopped state detector (58) for detecting a state in which operation of the suspension mechanism (100) has stopped. The control management unit (60) controls the suspension reference position variation mechanism (18) so that when operation of the suspension mechanism (100) is detected by the stopped state detector (58) to be in a stopped state, the operation of the suspension mechanism (100) moves toward a target range, in preference to control based on a suspension stroke position obtained from a suspension stroke position sensor (37).
US09045006B2 Device inside a tire for reducing rolling noise
Tire including a crown, sidewalls extending the crown on each side, these sidewalls being connected to beads intended to be in contact with a mounting rim on which the tire is mounted, this tire having an internal wall delimiting, with the mounting rim, an internal cavity to allow the tire to be inflated. This tire includes, over at least part of its internal wall delimiting the internal cavity, a plurality of protrusions of elongate shape forming a dense coating, this tire being characterized in that these protrusions of elongate shape include a plurality of supporting fibers and a plurality of branching fibers, the branching fibers being attached to the supporting fibers, each supporting fiber having two ends, of which at least one is attached to the internal wall of the tire.
US09045003B2 Pneumatic tire
Provided is a pneumatic tire which is improved in a rolling resistance and a ride comfort in normal running without damaging a run flat durability.It is a pneumatic tire provided with a bead core, a carcass layer, a tread rubber layer, an inner liner, a side reinforcing layer and a bead filler, characterized by using a rubber composition (a) which contains (A) a rubber component and (B) a filler and which has a dynamic storage modulus (E′) of 10 MPa or less at a dynamic strain of 1% and 25° C. and a Σ value of 5.0 or less in a loss tangent tan δ at 28 to 150° C. in the physical properties of the vulcanized rubber.
US09045002B2 Axle support structures for industrial vehicles
Embodiments of the present invention may include an axle support structure. The axle support structure has front and rear axle supports, an axle, and a bearing. The axle supports are provided on a vehicle body member of an industrial vehicle and have respectively a support hole. The axle is arranged between the front and rear axle supports, and has a pair of center pins. Each of the center pins is rotatably supported by the support hole. The bearing is inserted from an entrance of the support hole to be fit-engaged with the support hole. The bearing is provided between at least one of the center pins and a hole surface of the support hole corresponding to that center pin. At an end portion of the support hole opposite to the entrance, there is formed a stopper portion for preventing the bearing from passing through the support hole.
US09044998B2 Rim or rim portion made of composite material
A wheel rim having an axis of rotation, the rim including a first element in the form of a section of a solid of revolution about the axis, made in a single unitary piece from composite material and including a first end and a second end distinct from one another. The first element is made by pultrusion and constitutes, between the first end and the second end, a section of a solid of revolution having an angular arc greater than 350°, the composite material of the first element includes fibers embedded in a thermosetting matrix, the fibers constituting at least 50% of the weight of the first element.
US09044996B2 Activating agent for hydraulic transfer film, hydraylic transfer method, and hydraulic transfer product
A coating agent of an ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite type for a water pressure transfer film to restore an adhesion, the ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite having a viscosity of 10-500 CPS (25° C.) and an ink solubility of SP value of 7 or more and including a photo-polymerization oligomer of 25 to 56 weight percent, a photo-polymerization monomer of bi-functional monomer of 33 to 65 weight percent and a photo-polymerization initiator of 5 to 10 weight percent for accomplishing both of membrane strength and adhesion, the photo-polymerization oligomer including a compound of multi-functional oligomer having a blend rate of 12 to 40 weight percent and bi-functional oligomer having a blend rate of 7 to 16 weight percent, the coating agent including a non-reactive resin of 2 to 10 weight percent added to the ultraviolet ray hardening resin composite, and a method of a water pressure transfer method for activating the transfer film by using the coating agent.
US09044994B2 Ring binder mechanism
A ring mechanism has pivoting hinge plates supported by a housing so pivoting of the hinge plates can open and close rings for holding the loose-leaf pages. The mechanism has an actuator including a lower arm for moving the hinge plates to open the rings and an upper arm for moving the hinge plates to close the rings. The upper arm has a hook thereon. An intermediate connector comprises a cross bar captured by the hook on the actuator. The intermediate connector connects a travel bar to the actuator so movement of the actuator to pivot the hinge plates causes longitudinal movement of the travel bar in the housing. A locking element is moveable with the travel bar between a locking position and non-locking position.
US09044987B2 Recording medium
A recording medium has a base, a first ink receiving layer, and a second ink receiving layer that is the outermost layer in the stated order, in which the first ink receiving layer is a layer adjacent to the second ink receiving layer, the first ink receiving layer contains fumed silica, the second ink receiving layer contains colloidal silica and resin particles, and the area in which the colloidal silica exists in the recording medium surface is 10% or more and 70% or less.
US09044986B2 Digital mold texturizing methods, materials, and substrates
Methods, materials, and systems for texturizing mold surfaces is disclosed. In one method and system of the invention, a first step involves generating a graphics file of a desired texture pattern. The graphics file is subsequently output to an ink jet printer, which is configured to print using an acid-etch resist ink. The acid-etch resist ink is formulated to provide optimal properties for ink jet printing, while also providing excellent acid-etch resist and superior handling properties. The acid-etch resist ink is printed onto a sheet of a carrier substrate that allows the acid-etch resist to be transferred to a mold surface, after which the mold surface is etched with a strong acid.
US09044981B2 Image processing apparatus and method for operating image processing apparatus
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a heating unit configured to heat an image formed on a sheet, and a control unit configured to control a temperature of the heating unit to be (i) above a first temperature when performing an image erasing operation on a first sheet supplied thereto, and (ii) below a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature when performing an image fixing operation on a second sheet supplied thereto. The control unit permits a first type of job to interrupt a currently-executing job while the image erasing operation is being performed and prohibits a second type of job from interrupting the currently-executing job while the image erasing operation is being performed.
US09044964B2 Micro ballpoint pen and printing apparatus
A micro ballpoint pen enabling to print directly straight, oblique, curved, dashed, broken and wavy lines and a printing apparatus including the same. The micro ballpoint pen may include a tip body including a caulking portion, at least one inner protrusion, and at least one expansible or shrinkable elastic portion, a ball provided between the caulking portion and the inner protrusion, the ball contacting and rolling on a target printing object to eject ink onto the target printing object, a supporting bar pressing the ball toward the caulking portion to form an ink outflowing channel between the caulking portion and the ball, and a control part expanding or shrinking the elastic portion to control the ink outflowing channel.
US09044963B2 Laser drawing control apparatus, laser drawing apparatus, method of controlling laser drawing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium
Disclosed is a laser drawing control apparatus for thawing an image on an object by a laser light, including an end point shifting unit (1102) that obtains a drawing data for a single stroke drawing to be drawn on the object by the laser light, calculates a shifting amount (E1 and E2) for an end point (P1 and P2) of the single stroke thawing for extending the length of the single stroke drawing based on a predetermined scanning speed “x” set for the end point of the single stroke drawing, and updates the drawing data to shift the coordinate of the end point of the single stroke thawing based on the calculated shifting amount; and a thawing instruction generating unit (1103) that generates a drawing instruction to instruct a laser illuminator (12) based on the drawing data updated by the end point shifting unit.
US09044958B2 Image forming apparatus and methods thereof
Image forming apparatus and methods are disclosed which include identifying a first ink density of ink in an ink tank by a density sensor unit disposed in the ink tank. The image forming apparatus and methods also include identifying an ink weight of ink in an intermediate reservoir by a weight sensor unit. The image forming apparatus and methods also include determining a second ink density of the ink in the intermediate reservoir based at least on the identified first ink density by the density sensor unit and the identified ink weight of the ink in the intermediate reservoir by the weight sensor unit.
US09044951B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
The liquid ejection apparatus with a liquid jetting head and support members is described. A first support member and a second support member support a guide and feeding roller in a scanning direction and are attached to a housing of the liquid ejection apparatus. The housing at the location to which the first support member is attached is easier to deform in the scanning direction than housing at the location to which the second support member is attached. Further, the housing at the first location may include a projection. The first support member may be attached to the projection.
US09044950B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus that includes a head unit in which a plurality of heads are disposed so that parts of nozzle rows overlap with each other between the heads and a control unit configured to make the head unit execute a specified operation for forming flushing dots other than image formation dots on a print medium by discharging liquid through the nozzles. The control unit makes the head unit execute the specified operation in which a liquid amount discharged in the specified operation per nozzle that does not belong to an overlap area where parts of the nozzle rows overlap with each other between the heads is larger in a set movement distance thereof than a liquid amount discharged in the specified operation per nozzle that belongs to the overlap area in a set movement distance thereof, if a specified condition for execution of the specified operation is satisfied.
US09044949B2 Liquid ejection apparatus and humid-air supply method
A liquid ejection apparatus, including: a head having an ejection face having at least one ejection opening for ejecting liquid; a sealing mechanism configured to selectively establish one of a sealing state in which the sealing mechanism seals an ejection space and an open state in which the sealing mechanism does not seal the ejection space; an air introduction opening configured to open in an area that faces the ejection space in the sealing state; a humid air supplier configured to supply a humid air from the air introduction opening to the ejection space in the sealing state; a cleaner configured to clean the liquid contacting at least a part of an area of the head and the sealing mechanism, the area facing the ejection space; and a controller configured to control the cleaner to clean the liquid before the supply of the humid air supplier.
US09044941B2 Directivity detection device of trajectories of drops issuing from liquid jet, associated electrostatic sensor, print head and continuous ink jet printer
A directivity detection device for detection of trajectories of electrically charged drops issuing from a liquid jet is provided. The device includes an electrostatic sensor and a signal processing unit. The electrostatic sensor has a flat functional surface having a precise geometric shape and arrangement relative to a nominal trajectory of drops, and the signal processing unit evaluates the signal from the electrostatic sensor and performs calculations and comparisons which enable the trajectory of the drops to be followed both in the plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in the plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor.
US09044938B2 Inkjet printer
An inkjet printer is provided that includes a control device configured to determine an ink discharge moment when an inkjet head discharges an ink droplet from nozzles while moving within at least one of a acceleration range to accelerate the inkjet head and a deceleration range to decelerate the inkjet head, based on a distance between an ink discharge surface of the inkjet head and a recording sheet held in a predetermined wave shape and an amount of change in a moving velocity of the inkjet head.
US09044930B1 Stencil assembly structure
A stencil assembly structure is used for printing solder paste on a printed circuit board. The stencil assembly structure includes a stencil and a fixing frame. The stencil includes plural first apertures and plural second aperture. The plural first apertures are collaboratively defined as a solder paste printing region. The fixing frame includes a frame body and plural guide pins. After the plural guide pins of the frame body are penetrated through the corresponding second apertures of the stencil, the stencil is fixed on the frame body. The guide pins have respective perforations, and a wire is penetrated through the perforations. By selectively loosening or tightening the wire, a tension of the stencil is adjustable.
US09044920B2 High strength galvanized steel sheet exhibiting excellent fatigue property
A high strength galvanized steel sheet having tensile strength of 590MPa or more which is excellent in fatigue property in punching work, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The microstructure includes a ferrite phase having an average grain diameter of 15 μm or less and an area fraction of 60% or more and a martensite phase having an area fraction of 5 to 40%, and an amount of one or more kinds of oxide selected from a group consisting of Fe, Si, Mn, Al, P, Nb, and Ti generated on a surface layer portion of the steel sheet within 100 μm in a steel-sheet-side depth direction from a surface of a base steel sheet directly below a galvanized layer is less than 0.060 g/m2 per one-side surface of the steel sheet.
US09044916B2 Electrostatic adsorbable sheet
An electrostatic adsorbable sheet (iii), which has a long-lasting adsorbability not easily affected by humidity, secures good ink adhesiveness, and does not generate troubles in a printing process, is provided. The electrostatic adsorbable sheet (iii) comprises a laminate of a label layer (i) containing a resin film layer (A) and a recording layer (D) on one surface of the resin film layer (A), and a peelable sheet layer (ii) containing a peelable layer (B) and a support layer (C), in which the label layer (i) and the peelable sheet layer (ii) are laminated so that the resin film layer (A) and the peelable layer (B) contact with each other. The peeling strength between the label layer (i) and the peelable sheet layer (ii) is from 1 to 50 g/cm, and the label layer (i) peeled from the peelable sheet layer (ii) is electrostatically adsorbable to an object to be attached.
US09044900B2 Chemical fusion of non-metallic pipe joints
A method for joining pipes comprising the steps of forming an unadhered pipe assembly comprised of a first pipe having a socket with an inside diameter, where said socket has a mouth that is an open end of the socket, a self-centering bottom and a substantially cylindrical wall with an inlet and an outlet, a second pipe inserted into and abutted against the bottom of the socket of the first pipe, said second pipe having an outside diameter that is less than the inside diameter of the socket, where the difference in diameters defines a gap and extruding an extrudable adhesive through the inlet substantially filing the gap, wherein the adhesive solidifies joining the first and second pipe.
US09044893B2 Method and device for saving energy in extrusion
The invention relates to a method for saving energy in an extrusion line comprising at least one extruder, an extrusion tool, a cooling section, and an outlet, energy being applied in the form of heat to a plastic for plasticization at least in the extruder, in order to produce a profile (8), and the heat being removed again from the profile (8) after a forming process, at least in the cooling section, in order to achieve shape stability of the same. According to the invention, at least one part of the removed heat is converted to mechanical energy and fed back into the extrusion process. The invention further relates to a corresponding device.
US09044887B2 Method of forming a container
A method of forming a plastic container from a preform. The method comprises injecting a forming liquid into the preform at a predetermined system pressure range, a predetermined flow rate, and a predetermined duration sufficient to create a pressure spike at a peak pressure. The peak pressure being greater than the system pressure to urge the preform into the mold cavity, thus creating enhanced container definition, reduced post mold shrinkage, lower residual material stresses, and/or an improved transfer of the mold geometry and engraving to the final formed container.
US09044878B2 Tile saw
A tile saw includes a base, a frame assembly disposed on the base, a first rail disposed on the frame assembly, the first rail having a longitudinal axis. A table is slidingly disposed on the first rail and a support assembly is disposed on the base. A saw assembly is supported by the support assembly and includes a motor within a motor housing, and a cutting wheel driven by the motor. The motor housing has an inlet for allowing air into the motor housing, a serpentine path within the motor housing, between the inlet and the motor, for directing air through the motor housing, and a filter within the motor housing.
US09044877B2 Method of creating vessels with a noise chamber
A method for creating a vessel with a noise chamber comprising casting slip into a mold defining a vessel with a void in the foot, controlling the hardening process to facilitate the foot becoming leather-hard prior to the other parts of the vessel, placing a bead within the void in the foot, attaching a foot slab with a hole to the foot of the vessel to create a noise chamber out of the void in the foot, drying the vessel beyond a leather-hard state, applying a temporary cover to the hole in the foot slab, glazing the vessel, firing the vessel and applying a seal to the hole in the foot slab.
US09044867B2 Autonomous rechargeable heated child's mat
The Autonomous Rechargeable Heated Child's Mat is totally portable and forms an integrated yet detachable part of the child's pushchair, buggy or pram (or similar conveyance). Rechargeable embedded power cells power the system for over 4 hours at a full heat output. The system is fully controllable from the parent or operator's mobile telephone or tablet device via bidirectional wireless communication. Simply seat or lay the child in the pushchair, buggy or pram (or similar conveyance) as normal. Using a dedicated application on the mobile device the child will quickly and safely be warmed to a controlled temperature as set by the parent or operator. The longest of excursions can now be made with the child in complete comfort and warmth. A powerful, intelligent and safe mobile heating system that is simple to operate and control wirelessly with simplicity.
US09044854B2 Operating table with multiple degrees of freedom
Disclosed is an operating table with multiple degrees of freedom which is capable of moving and rotating in various directions. The operating table comprises an elevating mechanism, a moving mechanism on a horizontal plane and a multiple angle rotation mechanism, with the elevating mechanism and the moving mechanism adopting a leadscrew structure, the multiple angle rotation mechanism comprising a universal joint device (7) and a locking mechanism. The moving mechanism can drive the operating table (6) to move on a horizontal plane and ensure the operating table (6) can reach any location within a valid region on a horizontal plane, the moving mechanisms in the X and Y directions can operate separately as well as cooperatively, and the multiple angle rotation mechanism drives the surface of the operating table to tilt. These mechanisms work in combination to accomplish the location change of the operating table.
US09044837B2 Telescopic shaft assembly
A telescopic shaft assembly includes a seat, a shaft body disposed movably in the seat, and a plurality of slide blocks located between the shaft body and the seat. The shaft body has a convex portion and a recessed portion opposite to each other. One end of the convex portion far away from the recessed portion has a top surface. One of the plurality of slide block is disposed on the top surface. The recessed portion has two inner side wall surfaces opposite to each other and a bottom surface located between the two inner side wall surfaces. Each of the two inner side wall surfaces forms an obtuse angle with the bottom surface. Two of the rest of the plurality of slide blocks are disposed on the two inner side wall surfaces respectively.
US09044835B2 Gas container valve fastening machine
The invention is a gas container valve fastening machine which comprises a column erected on a base, a clamp unit for securely supporting a gas container placed on the base in an upright posture parallel to the column, a rotary drive unit vertically movably disposed above clamp the unit along the column, a rotary transmission unit interlocked and connected to an output shaft of the rotary drive unit, and a wrench attached to a lower end of the rotary transmission unit. A valve engaged in the wrench is rotated by the rotary transmission unit and threaded into the screw hole of a sleeve of the gas container, including a guide rod arranged parallel to the column, and a movable frame with its middle portion attached to the guide rod to be free to move in the axial direction, and free to rotate in the circumferential direction via a bearing boss.
US09044828B2 Clamping device and laser welding apparatus using the same
A clamping device and a laser welding apparatus using the same are disclosed. The clamping device may include: an upper clamping link mounted rotatably upwardly or downwardly by a hinge shaft; a lower clamping link mounted rotatably in an opposite direction of the upper clamping link by the hinge shaft and corresponding to the upper clamping link; at least two upper rollers rotatably mounted at the upper clamping link; at least two lower rollers rotatably mounted at the lower clamping link, corresponding to the upper roller, and fixing a welding object together with the upper rollers; and an operating cylinder configured to rotate the upper clamping link and the lower clamping link in opposite directions to each other.
US09044827B2 Real-time implementation of generalized predictive algorithm for direct metal deposition (DMD) process control
A direct metal deposition (DMD) process is stabilized by monitoring the temperature and the shape of the melt pool during deposition, applying a recursive least square (RLS) model estimation algorithm to adaptively identify process characteristics in accordance with the temperature and the shape of the melt pool, and delivering the process characteristics to a generalized predictive controller with input constraints to control the process. The process may be controlled by adjusting laser power or by adjusting the speed of the movement of the laser. In the preferred embodiment the temperature is monitored using a two-color pyrometer, and the shape of the melt pool is monitored by detecting the edge of the melt pool with a camera and/or photodetector.
US09044824B2 Method and system for laser processing
The invention relates to laser cutting, using multiple laser beams directed to a processing region. At least one first laser beam (2) is coupled into the work piece (1) material to generate a melt (5) and to form a keyhole (3). At least one second beam (6) is guided onto selected surface regions (7) of the melt (5). The laser energy is provided to the processing region as individual beams that may be conditioned independently. The invention has the advantage that arbitrary energy distributions can be arranged in the processing region as determined according to the requirements of the laser cutting process, rather than being limited by an inappropriate beam shape of a single high power laser beam.
US09044820B2 Auger with laser cladding and/or laser heat treatment and method
An agricultural auger for conveying grain material is provided. The agricultural auger includes a shaft that is adapted to rotate about a central axis. A flight extends and spirals about the shaft. The flight further includes a base material of a first hardness. A laser treated material is formed on or into the base material along a portion of the flight. The laser treated material comprises a second hardness greater than the first hardness.
US09044819B2 Laser processing apparatus
A laser processing apparatus includes a beam diameter adjusting unit provided between a laser oscillator and a focusing unit, an imaging unit for detecting the beam diameter of the laser beam directed to a detection path, an optical path length changing unit for moving the imaging unit along the detection path to thereby change an optical path length, and a controller for controlling the imaging unit, the beam diameter adjusting unit, and the optical path length changing unit. The controller operates to move the imaging unit to two positions where different optical path lengths are provided, detect the beam diameters of the laser beam at the two positions, and controls the beam diameter adjusting unit according to the two beam diameters detected above so that the two beam diameters have a predetermined relation.
US09044814B2 Spindle drive apparatus and methods
Systems and methods are disclosed for material treatment within a member or for removal of material from within a member. Embodiments have a spindle powered by a motor or motors positionable within the member during operation of the spindle; and, in certain particular aspects, such systems and methods are for forming a stator for a downhole motor.
US09044808B2 System and method for precision transport, positioning, and assembling of longitudinal nano-structures
A method for assembling multi-component nano-structures that includes dispersing a plurality of nano-structures in a fluid medium, and applying an electric field having an alternating current (AC) component and a direct current (DC) component to the fluid medium containing the plurality of nano-structures. The electric field causes a first nano-structure from the plurality of nano-structures to move to a predetermined position and orientation relative to a second nano-structure of the plurality of nano-structures such that the first and second nano-structures assemble into a multi-component nano-structure.
US09044807B2 Centrifugally cast composite roll and its production method
A centrifugally cast composite roll comprising an outer layer formed by a centrifugal casting method, and an inner layer made of ductile cast iron and integrally fused to the outer layer; the outer layer being made of an Fe-based alloy having a chemical composition comprising by mass at least 0.8-3.0% of Cr, 1.5-6.0% of Mo, and 1.8-5.5% of V, and a metal structure in which the area ratio of graphite is 0.3-10%; the inner layer comprising a roll body portion fused to the outer layer, and shaft portions integrally extending from both ends of the roll body portion; and the total amount of Cr, Mo and V being 0.15-2.0% by mass in end portions of both shaft portions, and the difference in the total amount of Cr, Mo and V between one shaft portion and the other shaft portion being 0.2% or more by mass.
US09044806B2 Multi-component composition metal injection molding
A method of metal injection molding on a plastics injection molding machine having a heated barrel with an increasing temperature gradient is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a metal alloy feedstock including a first metal alloy with a first melting point and a second metal alloy with a second melting point that is higher than the first melting point, the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy providing a gradient in composition of solids to liquids paralleling the temperature gradient of the heated barrel, feeding the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy into the plastics injection molding machine, heating the first metal alloy and the second metal alloy within the plastics injection molding machine to about 500-700° F./260-372° C.; and forming an equilibrium of about 5% to about 30% solids to liquids between the first metal alloy and second metal alloy within the heated barrel.
US09044805B2 Layer-by-layer construction with bulk metallic glasses
Described herein is a method of selectively depositing molten bulk metallic glass (BMG). In one embodiment, a continuous stream or discrete droplets of molten BMG is deposited to selected positions. The deposition can be repeated as needed layer by layer. One or more layers of non-BMG can be used as needed.
US09044801B2 Deep draw manufacturing process
A method of manufacturing a drawn panel and a die set. The method includes clamping a blank between a binder and a die that defines a cavity. A first draw punch contacts the blank in advance of a second punch that subsequently engages the blank. A central area of the blank is drawn by the first draw punch that clamps a central area of the blank against a lower die. Side areas of the blank are drawn into the cavity by the side punches while the central punch clamps the blank again the lower die.
US09044800B2 High aspect ratio parts of bulk metallic glass and methods of manufacturing thereof
Bulk metallic articles having a high-aspect ratio that are formed of bulk metallic glass, that are net-shaped and that are produced under process conditions that maximize the quality and integrity of the parts as well as the life of the mold tool, thus minimizing production costs, and manufacturing methods for producing such articles are provided.
US09044792B1 Conduit decontamination and pressure testing device
A conduit decontamination and pressure testing device with test module, fluid reservoir, decontaminant reservoir, decontaminant pump, Injection fluid reservoir, fluid injection pump, fluid exit tie-in, decontaminant neutralization device, and transport system.
US09044783B2 System and method of unloading a container of items
Embodiments of a system and method for unloading articles from a container of items for use in an automatic stack feeder are disclosed. The automatic stack feeder may comprise a belt, a moveable lower paddle, and a moveable upper paddle, wherein the lower paddle is configured to partially extend through a belt of the automatic stack feeder. The movement of the belt, the lower paddle, and the upper paddle are coordinated such that there is no need to interrupt the operation of the automatic stack feeder to unload the container.
US09044778B2 Decorating method
A decorating method includes the steps of coating a base material with a coating composition comprising 45-95 parts of urethane methacrylate, 1-50 parts of a compound having at least an intra-molecular radical polymeric double bond, and 0.1-15 parts of photopolymerization initiator. The coating is hardened to form an under coat. Vacuum deposition of indium and/or tin in a crystalline structure-independent way is performed to form a non-conductive thin film. Then, a UV-hardening resin, poly acrylic-urethane resin, or acrylate-silica resin is applied, which is hardened to form a hard coat layer.
US09044765B2 Faucet extending apparatus and method
A device and method for delivering water to a person who is unable to reach household or other types of water dispensing faucets. In some embodiments, the device comprises a trough for delivering the liquid and an attachment member for attaching the trough to a faucet.
US09044753B2 Thermal cycler for PCR
An instrument for performing highly accurate PCR employing an assembly, a heated cover and an internal computer. The assembly is made up of a sample block, a number of Peltier thermal electric devices and heat sink, clamped together. The sample block temperature is changed exclusively by the thermoelectric devices controlled by the computer. The sample block is of low thermal mass and is constructed of silver. The Peltier devices are designed to provide fast temperature excursions over a wide range. The heat sink has a perimeter trench to minimize edge losses and is adjacent to a continuously variable fan. A perimeter heater is used to improve the thermal uniformity across the sample block to approximately ±0.2° C. A heated platen pushes down onto the tube caps to apply a minimum acceptable force for seating the tubes into the block, ensuring good thermal contact with the block. The force is applied about the periphery of the tube caps to prevent distortion of the caps during thermal cycling. The platen is heated to provided thermal isolation from ambient conditions and to prevent evaporation from the surface of the sample into the upper portion of the sample tube. A control algorithm manipulates the current supplied to the thermoelectric coolers such that the dynamic thermal performance of the block can be controlled so that pre-defined thermal profiles for the sample temperature can be executed. The sample temperature is calculated instead of measured using a design specific model and equations. The control software includes calibration diagnostics which permit variation in the performance of thermoelectric coolers from instrument to instrument to be compensated for such that all instruments perform identically. The block/heat sink assembly can be changed to another of the same or different design. The assembly carries the necessary information required to characterize its own performance in an on-board memory device, allowing the assembly to be interchangeable among instruments while retaining its precision operating characteristics. The instrument has a graphical user interface. The instrument monitors the thermoelectric devices and warns of changes in resistance that may result in failure.
US09044750B2 Pipette and a nucleic acid purification apparatus
The present disclosure includes a nucleic acid purification apparatus and a pipette, the pipette comprises: a tubular body, at least a gas seal ring, a nut, and a shaft. A first opening and second opening arranged at two ends of the tubular body air communicable with the tubular body, thus forming a main chamber. The gas seal ring is disposed in a seal slot arranged proximate to the second opening. The nut is coupled to the second opening and has portions forming a cavity air communicable with the nut and second opening. An opening has a pressing edge. The shaft can movably dispose in the tubular body and the nut. The pressing edge presses against the gas seal ring via the firm coupling of the nut onto the second opening. As a result, individual adjustment can provide the optimum airtightness in nucleic acid purification devices.
US09044743B2 Catalyst for decomposition of nitrogen oxides
This invention relates generally to a platinized tin oxide-based catalyst. It relates particularly to an improved platinized tin oxide-based catalyst able to decompose nitric oxide to nitrogen and oxygen without the necessity of a reducing gas.
US09044739B2 Foam-based adsorbents having high adsorption capacities for recovering dissolved metals and methods thereof
Foam-based adsorbents and a related method of manufacture are provided. The foam-based adsorbents include polymer foam with grafted side chains and an increased surface area per unit weight to increase the adsorption of dissolved metals, for example uranium, from aqueous solutions. A method for forming the foam-based adsorbents includes irradiating polymer foam, grafting with polymerizable reactive monomers, reacting with hydroxylamine, and conditioning with an alkaline solution. Foam-based adsorbents formed according to the present method demonstrated a significantly improved uranium adsorption capacity per unit weight over existing adsorbents.
US09044738B2 Methods and compositions for extraction and storage of nucleic acids
The present disclosure generally relates to solid matrices for the extraction, stabilization, and storage of nucleic acids, particularly RNA, in a dry format under ambient conditions for a prolonged period of time. Methods for extracting, collecting, and recovering nucleic acids from the solid compositions are also described.
US09044737B2 Radioactive iodine adsorbent and radioactive iodine removal apparatus
A radioactive iodine removal apparatus applying a radioactive iodine adsorbent according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an iodine filter that is provided in a chamber of a duct to which flue gas containing radioactive iodine is fed, and includes a radioactive iodine adsorbent that adsorbs radioactive iodine contained in the flue gas. The radioactive iodine adsorbent includes a carrier constituting a matrix and an impregnated substance with which the carrier is impregnated. The impregnated substance contains at least TEDA, and an impregnated amount of the TEDA is from 3.0% by mass to less than 10.0% by mass.
US09044734B2 Diesel oxidation catalyst with layered structure containing ceria composition as palladium support material for enhanced HC and CO gas conversion
The present invention relates to a layered diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) comprising: a) a carrier substrate; b) a diesel oxidation catalytic material comprising b1) a first layer located on the carrier substrate, the first layer comprising palladium impregnated on a support material comprising ceria in an amount of at least 45 weight-% based on the total weight of the support material, and optionally comprising platinum; b2) a second layer located on the first layer, the second layer comprising palladium and platinum each impregnated on a support material comprising a metal oxide; wherein the platinum to palladium weight ratio of the first layer is lower than the platinum to palladium weight ratio of the second layer.
US09044728B2 Ozone generating element and method for manufacturing ozone generating element
An ozone generating element includes a laminated body including stacked dielectric layers. A discharge electrode is provided on a first of the dielectric layers. An induction electrode is provided on a second of the dielectric layers that is opposed to the discharge electrode with the first dielectric layer interposed therebetween. A protective layer is arranged on the first dielectric layer so as to cover the discharge electrode, and includes a glass ceramic.
US09044716B2 Microporous membranes and methods for producing and using such membranes
The invention relates to microporous polymeric membranes suitable for use as battery separator film. The invention also relates to a method for producing such a membrane, batteries containing such membranes as battery separators, methods for making such batteries, and methods for using such batteries.
US09044714B2 Membrane module, membrane unit, and membrane separation device
A membrane separation apparatus in which a membrane clogging is moderated to lower a load to filtering. A plurality of separation membranes 4 are stored vertical and parallel to each other inside the a casing 6 formed with opening sections which respectively open in upper and lower directions thereby configuring a membrane module 3. In a flow passage through which treated water for the membrane module 3 flows, a water flow guide 5 is provided such that an opening area S2 of the flow passage through which treated water outflows is smaller than an opening area S1 of the flow passage through which treated water inflows. Additionally, a plurality of the membrane modules 3 are stacked one upon another in a direction of height of a casing thereby to configure a membrane unit 2. An air diffusing device 7 is disposed below this membrane unit 2 thereby configure a membrane separation apparatus 1.
US09044710B2 Method for precipitating mercury from flue gases of high-temperature plants
The invention relates to a process for separating mercury out of flue gases from high-temperature plants, especially from power plants and waste incineration plants, in which reactants, for example in the form of bromine or alkali metal sulfides, are added to the flue gas beyond the firing operation in flow direction and then the flue gas is subjected to at least one dry cleaning operation for removal of the mercury and any excess reactants, wherein it is a feature of the process that the reactants and carbonaceous adsorbents in the form of activated carbons and/or activated cokes are introduced to the flue gas stream with separate metered addition, and the reactants are metered into the flue gas stream as a function of a preferably constantly measured mercury concentration.
US09044706B2 Water-proof air-permeable filter and use of the same
A water-proof air-permeable filter (1) includes: a resin film (2) having formed therein a plurality of through pores (21); a treated layer (3) having hydrophobicity and oil repellency, and formed on at least one of both surfaces in the thickness direction of the resin film (2) such that the treated layer (3) has openings (31) at positions corresponding to the through pores (21); and a loop-shaped double-sided tape (4) stuck to an edge region of one of both surfaces in the thickness direction of the resin film (2), with the treated layer (3) interposed therebetween.
US09044705B2 Method of dehumidifying and drying powdered or granular material and system for dehumidifying and drying powdered or granular material
A system for dehumidifying and drying a powdered or granular material having a drying hopper, a dehumidifying unit, and a circulation route having a processing gas supply route and a processing gas dehumidifying route that interconnect the drying hopper and the dehumidifying unit to allow processing gas to circulate is proposed. The system repeatedly supplies and circulates the processing gas in the circulation route. The processing gas supply route and the processing gas dehumidifying route are interconnected by a bypass route having a regulation valve. A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of processing gas exhausted from the drying hopper is installed in the processing gas dehumidifying route. The system further has a control means for controlling opening or closing of the regulation valve, provided in the bypass route, based on a temperature detection signal detected by the temperature sensor. The control by the control means is performed under the condition that the total circulation amount of the processing gas circulated in the circulation route, including the amount of the gas passing through the bypass route, is held substantially constant.
US09044701B2 Gas purification apparatus and related method
A gas purification apparatus, highly purifying gas containing salt derived from molten salt stored in a vessel (10), is provided with a reflux mechanism (35, 42) liquefying the salt, contained in the gas, for return to the molten salt in the vessel, and a filtration mechanism (39, 44) disposed in an exhaust flow path of the gas on a downstream stage of the reflux mechanism.
US09044700B2 Air filtering device
A device for filtering air comprising a base, a fan functionally attached to the base, an air filter releasably attached to the base, and a substantially air impermeable outer sleeve is provided.
US09044698B2 Filter with a replaceable filter insert
A fluid filter with a housing, a releasable cover, and a replaceable filter having a filter body and two end discs. The filter is plugged onto a housing pipe and a locking ring is guided on the pipe, preloaded in a push-out direction. The locking ring is locked in a pushed-out position by a locking device. An unlocking device guided by the filter unlocks the locking device when the filter is pushed onto the pipe and enables the locking ring and the filter to be pushed in. When the filter is fitted into the housing, a seal on the end disc or locking ring interacts with a housing sealing surface to separate an untreated filter side from a clean side. When the locking ring is in the pushed-out position and the filter bears against the locking ring, the seal is held away from the sealing surface of the housing.
US09044696B2 Module insert for installation in a liquid filter
A module insert includes at least one water level sensor, at least one valve and at least one flow channel for the water. The module insert has at least one container having sorbent mechanism for collecting contaminants from the separated water. A pressure-resistant housing is configured to protect an interior of the module insert from the pressure of the fuel.
US09044694B2 Device for capture and lysis of microorganisms from liquids
Devices and methods for detecting microbial contaminants, such as bacteria and fungi, in fluids such as drinking water, pharmaceutical solutions and tissue culture media are provided. More particularly, provided are filtration devices for capture and processing of microorganisms from fluids, and improved methods for recovery, lysis and detection of microorganisms based on a combination of physical disruption with small beads and lysis solutions.
US09044687B2 Rally towel apparatus
A rally towel apparatus comprising a body having first end and a second end. The rally towel apparatus also comprises a first end cap engaged with a first end and a second end cap engaged with a second end. The rally towel apparatus also comprises a cord connected to the first end cap and a cord lock member arranged on the cord. The rally towel apparatus also comprises a wrist strap connected to the second end cap and a rally towel arranged and secured within a loop of the cord.
US09044664B1 Cambered snowboard
At least one embodiment of the inventive technology relates to a method of manufacturing a snowboard having a lower surface that does not at any point along at least one specified portion thereof contact a horizontal surface underlying the snowboard when the snowboard is unweighted. Such portion(s) may be defined, at least in part, by one or more cambers. A rocker is used to impart additional board performance benefits to a rider. Other embodiments may relate more specifically to the positioning of cambers relative to mount regions.
US09044660B2 Golf club with cut-out cavity
A golf club having a club head with a cut-out cavity which is configured to accept the footwear of a golfing instructor, caddy, playing partner, or other individual available to assist the golfer. The club head has a flat bottom and a downwardly and rearwardly sloping top surface. It is aerodynamically designed, both as to the outer shape of the club head and the configuration of the cavity, to increase driving distances.
US09044659B2 Slip and counter fight simulation / workout machine
A slip and counter fight simulation apparatus has a plurality of arms that move in random/programmable fashion, directing jabs, hooks and upper-cut punches at an individual to thereby promote physical fitness, and provide fight training and/or fight simulations. The fight simulation apparatus comprises at least two substantially parallel opposing side walls. Each side wall includes at least three height-adjustable arms that traverse separate slots and are substantially parallel to one another. A glove appendage member is located on a proximate end of each of the arms. At least one counter area/element is provided. The arms are constructed and arranged to provide different punch configurations, including hook punches, straight punches or uppercuts and uppercut type punches, respectively.
US09044657B2 Hockey stick blade
A hockey stick blade comprising an elongated fiber-reinforced polymer body having a fiber-reinforced polymer front face element and a fiber-reinforced polymer rear face element. The rear face element is spaced apart from the front face element. The blade also comprises a plurality of elongated longitudinal cavities within the body between the front face element and the rear face element. The longitudinal cavities have curved ends in transverse cross-section. The longitudinal cavities define at least one fiber-reinforced polymer structural member interconnecting the front face element and the rear face element. The at least one structural element is biconcave in transverse cross-section. The hockey stick blade has a neck, a heel and a toe. A method of bladder molding a hockey stick blade is also disclosed.
US09044652B2 Adjustable golf club shaft and hosel assembly
An adjustable shaft and hosel assembly allows for dependent and independent adjustment of a golf club's face angle, loft angle, and lie angle. The adjustable shaft and hosel assembly comprises a shaft sleeve with a joint portion, a hosel portion, and a fitting piece, wherein the joint portion fits within the fitting piece and the fitting piece fits within the hosel portion.
US09044651B2 Double strap carrying system and base stand for golf bags and other shoulder-borne articles
Dual-strap carrying assemblies and devices including such assemblies are provided herein. The carrying devices may be embodied in dual carrying strap golf bags that allow the bearer to more easily don and remove the bag. The secondary strap of the dual strap assembly is connected to the primary strap by a movable engagement assembly, such as an assembly that rotates to allow the secondary strap to more easily become within the reach of the bearer of the bag. In some embodiments, the movable engagement assembly may include a movement limiting device that prevents the secondary strap from moving too far out of the bearer's reach. The strap assemblies may be used in combination with a flexible base stand to make a self-standing carrying device that is easy to don and doff.
US09044627B1 Back wall fire suppressor system and method
An automatic self-contained fire suppression system and method are provided herein. Stovetop fires are a well known residential and commercial hazard. The fire suppression system described mounts on a back wall or back splash above the stove mount. By mounting on the back wall, the system is free from interconnections with apparatus mounted above the stovetop, such as hoods, microwave ovens, lights, fans, and vents. Using a hopper containing fire suppressing matter, a power spring, drive shaft, and a bladed spinner, fires suppressing powder is distributed over the stovetop surface. The fire suppression action is triggered automatically via failure of a heat sensitive frangible link.
US09044626B2 Remaining service life indication system for gas masks cartridges and canisters
Gas masks and canisters for gas masks have a chemical sorbent that protects the respiratory system of the wearer from gaseous compounds. The remaining service indication systems for respiratory protections systems provide a warning to the wearer that the capacity of the chemical sorbent to adsorb or absorb further compounds is nearly depleted. A remaining service life indication system has a computer memory device for storing information concerning the canister for determining an end of the service life of a gas mask, a canister and/or a cartridge and such devices from the input of various sensors.
US09044618B2 Shockwave valvuloplasty catheter system
A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves. The shock waves propagate through the liquid and impinge upon the valve to decalcify and open the valve.
US09044613B2 Transcutaneous electrical stimulation waveform generator and method of use
A transcutaneous waveform generator capable of producing a therapeutic shaped wave that may be administered to the user without perception of electrical stimulation.
US09044611B2 Systems and methods for selectively migrating cells using electric fields
Systems and methods are provided for migrating cells implanted or endogenous in tissue. The system may include first and second delivery electrodes configured for insertion in tissue and a direct current (DC) power source operatively coupled to the first and second delivery electrodes. The system further may include a programmable controller operatively coupled to the DC power source, wherein the programmable controller is programmed to direct the DC power source to deliver an electric field between the first delivery electrode and the second delivery electrode at a stimulation to nonstimulation ratio sufficient to cause the cells to migrate within tissue selectively.
US09044596B2 Method and apparatus of pulsed infrared light for central nervous system neurons
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of applying infrared neural stimulation (INS) to the central nervous system (CNS) of a target. The methods includes applying a pulsed infrared laser at a stimulation site in the CNS; and evoking responses from a region of interest of the CNS that is at or adjacent to the stimulation site by the pulsed infrared laser. In the method, the pulsed infrared laser penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of the stimulation site. Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus for applying INS to the CNS of a target. The apparatus includes a generator generating a pulsed infrared laser, which penetrates a predetermined penetration depth of a stimulation site to evoke a response from the CNS, and an optical medium adapted for delivering the pulsed infrared laser at the stimulation site of the CNS.
US09044589B2 Electrode constructions and methods for making the same
Electrode constructions comprise an inner wall structure with an electrode assembly disposed therein that includes a number of stimulation sites disposed at different locations along its length thereby forming an electrode array. An outer insulating layer is disposed over the electrode assembly and comprises a number of openings disposed therethrough at locations corresponding to the stimulation sites to thereby permit direct contact between the stimulation sites and an adjacent external object.
US09044583B2 Valve for introducer needle
A valve is provided for mounting on the hub of an introducer needle to provide a flashback chamber, to prevent outflow of blood from the introducer needle and to allow a guide wire to be inserted into the introducer needle in a bloodless seal-tight manner. The valve employs a seal ring having a slit through which the guide wire may be passed. A port is also provided to vent air from the introducer needle through an air filter that prevents passage of blood.
US09044582B2 Apparatus and method for transdermal fluid delivery
An apparatus for transdermal fluid delivery includes a handle and a tip, having a skin applying surface, being driven to move by a driving unit. A fluid delivery structure has an aperture formed at the skin applying surface and a vacuum entry port. An abrading structure, an electrode structure, and a micro-needling structure are selectively provided at the skin applying surface with the fluid delivery structure to provide multiple functions of the tip. A flow of fluid is delivered onto the skin applying surface through the fluid delivery structure to interact with the abrading elements and the electrodes before the fluid is returned and collected, so that three different skin treatments of abrasive peeling, electrical stimulation, and liquid infusion are achieved in one single structure for improving a skin structure.
US09044576B2 Catheter with valve
A catheter including one or more bidirectional valves is provided. The catheter includes a tubular body having proximal and distal ends, and inner and outer surfaces, and at least one valve formed near the distal end of the tubular body. The valve includes a deformation portion that defines a slit that is openable and closable. The openable/closable slit communicates from the inner surface to the outer surface of the tubular body, wherein the distance between the inner surface and the outer surface of the tubular body progressively becomes thinner approaching the openable/closable slit within the deformation portion.
US09044572B2 Catheter holder
A catheter holder which is compact and which can be relatively easily released while holding the unhoused portion of the catheter stably includes: an attachment portion for receiving or being attached to a portion of a holding tube housing a portion of the catheter, and a plurality of hold portions integral with the attachment portion and holding an unhoused portion of the catheter, which is exposed outside the holder tube.
US09044568B2 Method and apparatus for treatment of intracranial hemorrhages
An ultrasound catheter with fluid delivery lumens, fluid evacuation lumens and a light source is used for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages. After the catheter is inserted into a blood clot in the brain, a lytic drug can be delivered to the blood clot via the fluid delivery lumens while applying ultrasonic energy to the treatment site. As the blood clot is dissolved, the liquefied blood clot can be removed by evacuation through the fluid evacuation lumens.
US09044564B2 Nasal mask system
A nasal cushion for a mask system includes a side wall defining a breathing chamber, an undercushion extending from the side wall, and a membrane that at least partially covers the undercushion. The membrane is adapted to seal along the nasal bridge, sides of nose, corners of nose, and upper lip of the patient's face in use. The undercushion is only provided along the side of nose, corner of nose, and upper lip regions of the cushion. The undercushion includes a flap or extending portion in each side of nose region that is wider than the other regions thereof and adapted to engage and provide a force into the sides of the patient's nose in use.
US09044543B2 Unmanned device utilization methods and systems
Structures and protocols are presented for configuring an unmanned aerial device to perform a task, alone or in combination with other entities, or for using data resulting from such a configuration or performance.
US09044536B2 Reconstituting infusion device
A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained multi-component substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. The device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact and a pressurization system provides a pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. Improvements to dry powdered formulations for reconstitution for preferred use in the device are also disclosed.
US09044534B2 Manual breast pump
A breast milk pump that is easier to disassemble for cleaning and is easier to reassemble. It includes a housing, a cup-like displacement chamber a connection channel and a milk collection container releasably attached. A suction bell is connected to an inlet of the connection channel. It further includes a cup-like membrane element and a coupling element and a lever with rotatable mounting.
US09044533B2 Method for emptying rectum
A method for emptying the rectum by using an electronic sanitary appliance arranged on a toilet, comprises: extending out a rectum flushing nozzle so that it locates underneath of the anus of a user who is seated on the toilet; spraying a first linear water flow to the anus from the rectum flushing nozzle, modifying the relative position between the rectum flushing nozzle and the user's anus so that the first linear water flow aims at the anus; spraying the anus with a second linear water flow from the rectum flushing nozzle to pass through the anus and into the rectum; spraying continuously the second linear water flow and stopping spray of the second linear water flow when the user has a desire to defecate, then the user discharges the substance in the rectum.
US09044525B2 Polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin powder and method for producing the same
Provided is a water absorbent resin having excellent liquid permeability, water absorbent speed, anti-impact stability, and weather resistance. Provided is a polyacrylic acid (salt)-based water absorbent resin powder in which the water absorption capacity without load (CRC) is 30 to 45 [g/g], the water absorption capacity under load (AAP 0.3) is 20 to 35 [g/g], the water absorption capacity under load (AAP 0.7) is 10 to 28 [g/g], and the weight average particle diameter (D50) is 300 to 500 μm, characterized by including p-methoxyphenol; having a degradable soluble component (0.05% L-A (saline) for 2 hours/60° C., one hour extraction rinse/room temperature) of 40% by weight or less; and having a internal gas bubbles ratio of 0.1 to 2.5%, as specified by the following equation. (Internal gas bubbles ratio)[%]={(True density)−(Apparent density)}/(True density)×100
US09044522B2 Spray dispenser
A spray dispenser includes a housing for placement in a space. The housing is adapted to receive at least one container having a material therein for emission into the space in response to at least one of a timer, manual actuation and sensory input. The spray dispenser further includes at least three sensors distributed around a perimeter of the housing for the detection of sensory input.
US09044518B2 Auristatin tyramine phosphate salts and auristatin aminoquinoline derivatives and prodrugs thereof
The present invention relates to new auristatin compounds and prodrugs thereof, compositions comprising them and uses thereof.
US09044507B2 Elimination of immune responses to viral vectors
The present invention relates to the use of immunogenic peptides comprising a T-cell epitope derived from a viral vector antigen and a redox motif such as C-(X)2-[CST] or [CST]-(X)2-C in the prevention and/or suppression of immune responses to viral vectors and in the manufacture of medicaments therefore.
US09044499B1 NS1/2-deficient respiratory syncytial virus and melanoma treatment
The invention discloses an engineered oncolytic respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), NS1 and NS2 gene deficient RSV (ΔNS1/NS2 RSV), and its usage to treat different types of human melanoma by killing cancer cells with in vitro evidences.
US09044498B2 Lyophilized viral formulations
Provided herein are lyophilized viral formulations useful for the stabilization and storage of viruses and methods of preparing these formulations. The lyophilized viral formulations described herein include a virus (e.g., a purified virus) and a non-viral composition including excipients. The formulations can be used, for example, to retain the infectivity or immunogenicity of viruses during periods of storage.
US09044497B2 Delivery vehicle for probiotic bacteria comprising a dry matrix of polysaccharides, saccharides and polyols in a glass form and methods of making same
The disclosure relates to a solid glass matrix of polysaccharide, saccharides and polyols as delivery vehicles for preservation and post gastric administration of a probiotic. The delivery vehicle is capable of releasing the probiotic at their site of action. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid glass matrix delivery vehicle of the invention.
US09044492B2 Method for modulating the efficiency of double-strand break-induced mutagenesis
A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis at a genomic locus of interest in a cell, thereby giving new tools for genome engineering, including therapeutic applications and cell line engineering. A method for modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis, concerns the identification of effectors that modulate double-strand break-induced mutagenesis by use of interfering agents; these agents are capable of modulating double-strand break-induced mutagenesis through their respective direct or indirect actions on said effectors. Methods of using these effectors, interfering agents and derivatives, respectively, by introducing them into a cell in order to modulate and more particularly to increase double-strand break-induced mutagenesis. Specific derivatives of identified effectors and interfering agents, vectors encoding them, compositions and kits comprising such derivatives for modulating or increasing double-strand break-induced mutagenesis.
US09044486B2 Method for prophylaxis or treatment of feline infectious peritonitis
Provided is a method for treatment and/or prophylaxis of FIP (feline infectious peritonitis) in cats. The method is performed by administering to a cat a composition comprising a therapeutic and/or prophylactic amount of a cysteine protease inhibitor. The cysteine protease inhibitor can be a selective cathepsin B inhibitor. Also provided is a method for inhibiting FIPV (Feline infectious peritonitis virus) replication. The method comprises contacting a cell infected with FIPV with a cysteine protease inhibitor in an amount effective to inhibit replication of FIPV. It is expected the method will be effective for therapy or prophylaxis of FIP in any species of cat and will be effective against any strain of feline coronavirus.
US09044485B2 Ceftolozane antibiotic compositions
This disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising ceftolozane, pharmaceutical compositions comprising ceftolozane and tazobactam, methods of preparing those compositions, and related methods and uses of these compositions.
US09044481B2 Lipidated oxoadenine derivatives
Provided are novel lipidated oxoadenines which are useful as immunostimulators and adjuvants and are shown to be inducers of interferon-a and other immunostimulatory cytokines.
US09044471B2 Combinations of dopamine D2 receptor blockade with norepinephrine reuptake inhibition and with norepinephrine alpha 2 receptor blockade
Methods of treating and or preventing substance abuse/dependence, and alcohol abuse/dependence in particular. Combinations of medications are also disclosed.
US09044470B2 Iminosugars and methods of treating viral diseases
Provided are methods of treating or preventing viral infections caused by or associated with a Dengue virus using iminosugars.
US09044468B2 Labeled inhibitors of prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), biological evaluation, and use as imaging agents
The prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is increasingly recognized as a viable target for imaging and therapy of cancer. Various 99mTc/Re-labeled compounds were prepared by attaching known Tc/Re chelating agents to an amino-functionalized PSMA inhibitor with or without a variable length linker moiety. Ex vivo biodistribution and in vivo imaging demonstrated the degree of specific binding to engineered PSMA+ PC3 PIP tumors.
US09044457B2 Anti-DR4 agonist antibodies
The present invention provides antibodies and antibody fragments that specifically recognize and agonize the death receptor 4 (DR4). Also provided in the invention are polynucleotides and vectors that encode such molecules and host cells that harbor the polynucleotides or vectors.
US09044441B2 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine sulfate as thyromimetic agent and pharmaceutical formulations thereof
The invention regards the use of triiodothyronine sulfate, commonly named T3S, as a medicament having thyromimetic activity for the treatment of pathologies due to organic deficiency of triiodothyronine (T3), as such or in association with thyroxine (T4), and pharmaceutical formulations for oral administration thereof.
US09044439B2 Low dose lipoic and pharmaceutical compositions and methods
Compositions containing low doses of lipoic acid-based active agents and methods for using the same are provided. In particular, compositions containing low dose lipoic acid, lipoic acid derivatives, and lipoic acid seleno-derivatives and are provided to prevent and/or treat ocular diseases.
US09044435B2 Pharmaceutical formulation containing gelling agent
Disclosed in certain embodiments is a controlled release oral dosage form comprising a therapeutically effective amount of a drug susceptible to abuse together with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients; the dosage form further including a gelling agent in an effective amount to impart a viscosity unsuitable for administration selected from the group consisting of parenteral and nasal administration to a solubilized mixture formed when the dosage form is crushed and mixed with from about 0.5 to about 10 ml of an aqueous liquid; the dosage form providing a therapeutic effect for at least about 12 hours when orally administered to a human patient.
US09044433B2 Compositions and methods for treating and preventing hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, atherosclerosis and other disorders associated with metabolic syndrome
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with dyslipidemia, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, steatohepatitis, atherosclerosis, obesity, hyperglycemia, metabolic syndrome, and related aspects of and conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. The compositions and methods disclosed herein are useful for regulating the lipid balance (lipid homeostasis) in a subject. Compositions and methods including a Nuclear Transport Modifier may be administered to a subject to modulate the transport of transcription factors, mediated by nuclear import adaptors, into the nucleus of a cell resulting in a decrease in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood and liver, a decrease in atherosclerotic lesion size, a decrease in body weight and in hyperglycemia, a reduction of fatty liver inflammation, and an improvement in liver function.
US09044424B2 Methods of regulating glucose metabolism, and reagents related thereto
The present invention provides methods for modification and regulation of glucose metabolism by administering to an animal a therapeutically effective amount of an inhibitor of dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPIV) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, where the inhibitor has a Ki for inhibition of DPIV of 10 nM or less; and the inhibitor is administered in an amount sufficient to increase the plasma half-life of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) but not sufficient to suppress the immune system of the animal.
US09044420B2 Immunogenic compositions and methods of using the compositions for inducing humoral and cellular immune responses
Compositions and methods are provided herein for improved dual immunization strategies that induce in a subject an immune response that includes a humoral immune response and cellular immune response, both CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte immune responses, thereby providing a complete adaptive immune response to one or more antigens. The methods described are therefore useful for treating and/or preventing (i.e., reducing the likelihood or risk of occurrence) different diseases, disorders, and conditions such as cancers and infectious diseases for which induction of both a humoral immune response and cellular immune response is desired and beneficial.
US09044416B2 Cosmetic compositions containing phenolic compounds
A method of photoprotecting a keratinous substrate comprising applying a composition onto the keratinous substrate, the composition comprising at least one phenolic compound chosen environmental at least one ortho-diphenol, at least one phenolic compound having a carboxylic acid moiety, and mixtures thereof, —a compound chosen from at least one pelyarn!ne, at least one water solvable metal salt, and mixtures thereof; and a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The present disclosure also relates to photoprotective compositions for application onto hair and skin, the compositions comprising at least one phenolic compound chosen from at least one ortho-diphenol, at least one phenolic compound having a carboxylic acid moiety, and mixtures thereof; a compound chosen from at least one polyamine, at least one water soluble metal salt, and mixtures thereof; and a cosmetically acceptable carrier.
US09044409B2 Use of chromen-4-one derivatives
The invention relates to the use of chromen-4-one derivatives of the formula I where R1 and R2 may be identical or different and are selected from H, —C(═O)—R7, —C(═O)—OR7, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups, hydroxyalkyl groups and/or cycloalkyl groups and/or cycloalkenyl groups, R3 is H or alkyl groups, R4 is H or OR8, R5 and R6 are selected from —H, —OH, alkyl groups, alkenyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups, and R7 is H, alkyl groups, a polyhydroxyl compound, such as, preferably, an ascorbic acid radical or glycosidic radicals, and R8 is H or alkyl groups, where at least two of the substituents R1, R2 and R4-R6 are different from H or at least one substituent from R1 and R2 is —C(═O)—R7 or —C(═O)—OR7, for the care, preservation or improvement of the general state of the skin or hair.
US09044408B2 Cosmetic use of N-heteroarylbisamide analogs and related compounds
Cosmetic and dermatological compositions comprising N-heteroarylbisamide analogs and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin and/or improve skin conditions resulting from reduced collagen and hyaluronic acid production are disclosed. The N-heteroarylbisamides are believed to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production and restore or maintain homeostasis for these compounds.
US09044407B2 Multi-carotenoids compositions and uses therefor
Methods for ameliorating the effects of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, comprising orally administering an effective amount of multi-carotenoids compositions. Multi-carotenoids composition for oral administration comprising about 71% by weight, of a tomato extract containing therein about 2% to 10% by weight of lycopene, about 0.25% to 2% by weight of phytoene, and about 0.2% to 2% by weight of phytofluene, and about 29% by weight, of a suitable encapsulating matrix. A suitable encapsulating matrix is an edible oil exemplified by soya oil, pumpkin seed oil, grape-seed oil and the like. The tomato extract may additionally comprise one or more of at least one carotene selected from the group comprising β-carotene, γ-carotene, and δ-carotene, a phytosterol, a tocopheral and a phospholipid. Use of multi-carotenoids compositions for the treatment of urinary tract malfunctions including benign prostate hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms.
US09044398B2 Abuse-deterrent pharmaceutical compositions of opiods and other drugs
An abuse-deterrent pharmaceutical composition has been developed to reduce the likelihood of improper administration of drugs, especially drugs such as opiods. In the preferred embodiment, a drug is modified to increase its lipophilicity. In preferred embodiments the modified drug is homogeneously dispersed within microparticles composed of a material that is either slowly soluble or not soluble in water. The abuse-deterrent composition retards the release of drug, even if the physical integrity of the formulation is compromised (for example, by chopping with a blade or crushing) and the resulting material is placed in water, snorted, or swallowed. However, when administered as directed, the drug is slowly released from the composition as the composition is broken down or dissolved gradually within the GI tract by a combination of enzymatic degradation, surfactant action of bile acids, and mechanical erosion.
US09044397B2 Medical devices with galvanic particulates
Implantable medical devices having galvanic particulates are disclosed. The particulate may be coated onto at least part of a surface of the medical device. In addition, the galvanic particulates may be contained in the material used to manufacture the antimicrobial medical devices, or may be embedded into the surface of the medical devices. The present invention also provides novel coating methods and processing methods. The present invention further provides a combination of galvanic particulates with an aqueous gel, a method of making this combination, and a method of treatment using this combination. The devices and compositions may have advantageous characteristics and effects including anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, tissue regeneration promoting, and pain reduction or elimination.
US09044391B2 Enhanced delivery of immunosuppressive drug compositions for pulmonary delivery
The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using a rapid dissolving, high potency, substantially amorphous nanostructured aggregate for pulmonary delivery of tacrolimus and a stabilizer matrix comprising, optionally, a polymeric or non-polymeric surfactant, a polymeric or non-polymeric saccharide or both, wherein the aggregate comprises a surface area greater than 5 m2/g as measured by BET analysis and exhibiting supersaturation for at least 0.5 hours when 11-15-times the aqueous crystalline solubility of tacrolimus is added to simulated lung fluid.
US09044390B1 Pharmaceutical composition and method of manufacturing
The present invention provides for methods of obtaining an extract of Cannabis plant material as well as subsequent processing of the extract to provide a concentrate of Cannabis. The present invention also provides for pharmaceutical dosage forms (e.g., oral thin films and transdermal patches) that include the concentrate (or extract) of Cannabis, as well as methods of medical treatment that include administering the pharmaceutical dosage forms.
US09044389B2 Isoxazoline derivatives as pesticides
The invention relates to new isoxazoline compounds of formula wherein the variables have the meaning as indicated in the claims; in free form and in salt form; and optionally the enantiomers and geometrical isomers thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful in the control of parasites, in particular ectoparasites, in and on warm-blooded animals.
US09044381B2 Method for delivering drugs to the brain
The present invention is concerned with delivering a pharmaceutical composition to the brain of a mammalian subject for treating brain diseases or disorders. The process includes the steps of: (i) providing a dispersion of the pharmaceutical composition as particles having an average particle size of from about 150 nm to about 100 microns, and (ii) administering the dispersion to the mammalian subject for delivery to the brain of a portion of the pharmaceutical composition by cells capable of reaching the brain. The dispersion of the pharmaceutical composition as particles, for example, can be phagocytized or adsorbed by the cells prior or subsequent to administration into the mammalian subject. The dispersion of the pharmaceutical composition can be administered to the central nervous system or the vascular system. After administration, the loaded cells transport the pharmaceutical composition as particles into the brain.
US09044376B2 Moxa holder support and customized moxibustion device comprising the same
The prevention invention relates to a moxa holder support and a moxibustion device comprising the same, and more particularly, to a moxa holder support which provides comfort to a patient receiving moxibustion, and to a moxibustion device in which the temperature of part of a human body, to which moxibustion is applied, can be easily controlled according to the characteristics of the related organ of the human body. When receiving moxibustion using the moxa holder support according to the present invention, a patient can feel comfortable because part of the patient's skin to which moxibustion is applied comes into contact with the leather connected to the bottom of a main body of the moxa holder support and the texture of pig skin, cow skin or sheep skin used as the leather in the present invention is similar to that of human skin. In addition, the moxibustion device according to the present invention, in which a moxa holder having a different thickness or a different number of air holes is employed depending on part of a human body to be treated can facilitate the control of the temperature of the part to be treated according to the characteristics of the related organ of the human body.
US09044372B2 Compression device for the limb
The invention provides a compression device for the limb of a mobile patient. The device includes an inflatable sleeve adapted to surround the limb; a conduit attached to the sleeve for delivering fluid to the sleeve; and a portable, wearable controller attached to the conduit that generates and controls the flow of fluid in the device.
US09044369B2 Mobile manual standing wheelchair
The present invention relates to a novel approach to improving the use of wheelchairs by offering the ability for the wheelchair to transition between accommodation for a seated position, and accommodation for a standing position, more particularly, wherein the inventive mobile manual standing wheelchair allows for a standing position during the course of mobile use, and which also permits fixed gearing of multiple speeds that also accommodates forwards and backwards motion.
US09044368B2 Configurable air diffusion body supports
A patient positioning wedge, mattress, pillow, pod, or other surface or apparatus for preventing or relieving pressure ulcers or other types of wounds through low air loss therapy, alternating pressure therapy, or both, and the ports, controllers, and manifolds used in combination. The mattress includes a plurality of perforated or otherwise porous air cells for supporting the patient's body weight. The mattress further includes valves and accessory ports to pump air into accessories, such as patient positioning wedges, pods, and pillows. Each accessory also includes perforated or otherwise porous air cells. The air cells in the mattress and accessories allow for low air loss therapy and/or alternating pressure therapy by passing air between the contact surface of the mattress or accessory and the contact surface of the patient, thus helping alleviate pressure, heat, friction, and moisture, while maintaining support and stability of the patient.
US09044364B2 Portable human transport system
A portable human transport system for use in field medical rescue operations comprising a fully collapsible litter element attached to one or more rescue harnesses via a choke braking system which minimizes unnecessary patient movement during transport. The transport system may be used by a single rescuer or by multiple rescuers.
US09044358B2 Absorbent article with waist-cuff
An absorbent article is provided with a waist-cuff to prevent body waste from leaking beyond a waist-opening. An elastic sheet is used for the waist-cuff to be held in contact with the wearer's skin even if the wearer moves. The waist-cuff and a chassis may be joined to each other so as to be separated from each other in the vicinity of an absorbent structure to assure that fitness of the waist-cuff to the wearer's skin is not significantly affected by movement of the wearer and, at the same time, to assure that leg-cuffs can rise without being collapsed by the waist-cuff. The ends of the leg-cuffs are interleaved between the waist-cuff and the chassis to prevent body waste from leaking through a clearance which would otherwise be defined between the leg-cuffs and the waist-cuff.
US09044357B2 Disposable wearing article
A diaper includes front and rear waist members and a crotch member. The front and rear waist members are respectively formed with first narrowly-spaced elastic zones, widely-spaced elastic zones and second narrowly-spaced elastic zones adjacent one to another. Front and rear ends of the crotch member are bonded to respective sides of the front and rear waist members so that the crotch member's front and rear ends may positionally correspond to the second narrowly-spaced elastic zones. Cover sheets are attached to the side of the crotch member to cover the crotch member's front and rear ends respectively. A length dimension of the cover sheet in the longitudinal direction is set to be smaller than those of the front and rear waist members and a length dimension of the cover sheet in the transverse direction is substantially equal to those of the front and rear waist members.
US09044348B2 Prosthetic device, system and method for increasing vacuum attachment
A prosthetic device, system and method is arranged to generate negative pressure inside a prosthetic socket. A pump mechanism is connected to a prosthetic foot and has a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the prosthetic socket during gait for drawing air from the prosthetic socket in step phase, and expelling air into the atmosphere in swing phase. The vacuum assisted suspension results in secure and intimate suspension as the negative pressure formed inside the prosthetic socket holds a residuum firmly to walls of the prosthetic socket. The vacuum is preferably formed at the distal area of the prosthetic socket, and sealed by a suspension liner having a seal component.
US09044347B2 Hybrid bioelectrical interface device
A hybrid bioelectrical interface (HBI) device can be an implantable device comprising an abiotic component operable to transmit charge via electrons or ions; a biological component interfacing with the neural tissue, the biological component being sourced from biologic, biologically-derived, or bio-functionalized material; and a conjugated polymer component that together provide a way to chronically interface living neural tissue with electronic devices for extended durations (e.g. greater than 10 years). In some embodiments, conjugated polymers provide a functional electrical interface for charge transfer and signal transduction between the nervous system and an electronic device (e.g. robotic prosthetic limb, retinal implant, microchip).
US09044342B2 Expandable interbody spacer
The present invention relates to devices and methods for treating one or more damaged, diseased, or traumatized portions of the spine, including intervertebral discs, to reduce or eliminate associated back pain. The present invention relates to an expandable interbody spacer.
US09044337B2 Anchoring device and system for an intervertebral implant, intervertebral implant and implantation instrument
Anchoring devices, anchoring systems for intervertebral implants, intervertebral implants, and instruments and methods for implanting implants are disclosed. In preferred configurations, these various objects share the feature of comprising or cooperating with an anchoring device having a body comprising at least one curved plate elongated along a longitudinal axis, designed to be inserted through a passage crossing at least a part of implant, in order to penetrate into at least one vertebral endplate and attach implant onto this vertebral endplate by means of at least one stop retaining the implant, characterized in that the body comprises at least one longitudinal rib on at least a part of at least one of its faces, said rib being designed to cooperate with a groove made in passage of implant. In some preferred configurations, anchoring device comprises withdrawal stops or latches, and/or means for withdrawing the anchor from an inserted position.
US09044329B2 Garment with integral support system
An article of apparel, including a garment such as underwear, boxers, or briefs is provided that has an integral support system. The garment is configured to provide improved genital support while the wearer exercises, plays sports, or engages in a physical activity. The garment includes a portion configured as an article of clothing such as underwear, for example, made of cotton and spandex/elastane material, and includes a support pouch, a wide waistband, support straps slidingly disposed through retaining means, and other supportive features. Use of the garment can eliminate the need for the user to wear multiple support layers or uncomfortable compression underwear in order to gain adequate support while exercising, playing sports, or engaging in other physical activities.
US09044323B2 High wear-resistant bearing material and artificial joint replacement using the same
The present invention provides a bearing material that is excellent in durability and is capable of maintaining wear resistance over a long period of time. The bearing material of the present invention is a high wear-resistance bearing material 10 for being used under a humid environment comprising: a base body 12 made of a polymer material having a methylene group; and a polymer layer 30 covering a bearing surface 16 of the substrate 12, the polymer layer 30 comprising polymer chains which have a phosphorylcholine group and are grafted from the bearing surface 16, wherein a phosphoric index of the sliding surface 16 which is calculated by dividing a peak intensity of phosphate group in an infrared spectrum measured on the sliding surface by a peak intensity of the methylene group therein is not less than 0.28.
US09044320B2 Device for the implantation and fixation of prosthetic valves
A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by the positioning stent (20) in a position in the patient's aorta relative the heart valve predefinable by the positioning stent (20).
US09044318B2 Stent for the positioning and anchoring of a valvular prosthesis
An expandable stent for an endoprosthesis used in the treatment of a narrowing of a cardiac valve and/or a cardiac valve insufficiency for reducing longitudinal displacement of a valvular prosthesis relative a stent when implanted. In one embodiment, the stent may comprise at least one fastening portion by which the valvular prosthesis is connectable to the stent. In another embodiment, the stent further comprises positioning arches and retaining arches, whereby at least one positioning arch is connected to at least one retaining arch via a first connecting land. In another embodiment, the stent may comprise at least one auxiliary arch which connects the respective arms of the at least one retaining arch connected to the at least one positioning arch.
US09044314B2 Method and device for the fixation of a tendon graft
A fixation device for securing a transplant in a bone tunnel, having a strap with a plurality of protrusions disposed along its length, a fastening member with an aperture therein for passing the strap, and a connection element disposed at a distal end of the strap for engaging a transplant is provided. The fixation device is configured such that, when the distal side of the fastening member lies substantially flush against an outer surface of the bone, a longitudinal axis of the aperture is substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the bone tunnel. A method for securing a transplant in a bone tunnel using the aforementioned fixation device is also provided.
US09044313B2 System and method for securing tissue to bone
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone. A tissue anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body and a spreader such that tissue may be captured or compressed between outside surfaces on the anchor and inside surfaces of a bone tunnel to secure the tissue within the tunnel. An anchoring device is described that comprises an anchor body having compressible tabs with teeth, and a spreader that forces the compressible tabs into an expanded state when inserted into anchor body, facilitating engagement between bone and the teeth of the compressible tabs. Also described is an inserter tool that can be used to insert the anchor into bone and move the spreader within the anchor to expand the anchor and capture the tissue between the anchor and the bone. Methods are described that enable use of the bone anchoring device to secure a tissue graft into the tibial and femoral bones during anterior cruciate ligament (“ACL”) reconstruction.
US09044312B2 Crimping method
An apparatus is disclosed including a workspace for receiving a stent and a delivery device for the stent; a source for exposing the stent in the workspace to a plasticizing agent, vapor, or moisture, wherein the stent can be reduced in diameter in the workspace while under exposure of the plasticizing agent, vapor or moisture; and a device for reducing the diameter of the stent in the workspace to position the stent on or within the delivery device.
US09044304B2 Patient interface with variable applanation
A variable-applanation patient interface can include a lens support system, attachable to a distal end of an ophthalmic surgical laser system; a contact lens, supported by the lens support system and configured to make contact with an eye-surface; and an adjustable coupler, coupled to at least one of the lens support system and the contact lens, and configured to be coupled to a non-central region of the eye-surface, to accommodate the contact lens to contact a central region of the eye-surface with a central applanation, to enable a change between the central applanation and an extended applanation, and to accommodate the contact lens to contact an extended region of the eye-surface larger than the central region with the extended applanation.
US09044299B2 Microfabricated instruments and methods to treat recurrent corneal erosions
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device and method for treating recurrent corneal erosion. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of contacting an epithelium layer of a cornea with an array of glass micro-rods including a plurality of sharp features having a length that penetrates a Bowman's layer of the eye, wherein the plurality of sharp features of the array of glass micro-rods produces a plurality of punctures in the Bowman's layer of the eye that are of micro-scale or less. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method and device for drug delivery. In one embodiment, the device includes an array of glass micro-rods, wherein at least one glass micro-rod of the array of glass micro-rods includes a sharp feature opposite a base of the array of glass micro-rods, wherein the sharp feature includes a treated surface for delivering a chemical compound to the eye.
US09044298B2 Self-adjusting gastric band
Generally described herein are automatic, self-adjusting, gastric banding systems and improvements thereof, that are capable of automatically relaxing and contracting in response to a large bolus passing through the area of a patient's stomach constricted by a gastric band. Alternatively, and/or in addition in one or more embodiments, the gastric banding systems described herein may also help prevent pouch dilatation and/or erosion. The apparatus and systems described herein aid in facilitating obesity control and/or treating obesity-related diseases while generally being non-invasive once implanted. Furthermore, certain embodiments of the self-adjusting gastric banding systems disclosed herein are automatically adjustable without complicated fluid control mechanisms, flow rate limiting devices, and/or valves. The automatic adjustments may also be made in response to other changes in the patient's esophageal-gastric junction, for example, in response to size, shape, and or location changes.
US09044296B2 Dental bridge
A system for attaching a natural tooth to a dental implant. The system comprises a dental prosthesis and an elastomeric cushion. The dental prosthesis has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to a natural tooth and the second end is engaged with a dental implant. The elastomeric cushion is positioned in contact, either directly or indirectly, with at least a portion of the dental implant and at least a portion of the dental prosthesis such that the elastomeric cushion permits movement of the second end relative to the dental implant in response to movement of the natural tooth transferred through the dental prosthesis to the second end.
US09044295B2 Interdental cleaning device
An interdental cleaning device is adapted for use with a dental floss roll and includes a main body and a floss holder. The main body defines a receiving space configured to receive the dental floss roll. The floss holder is pivotally connected to the main body and defines a guiding channel that is in spatial communication with the receiving space. The floss holder has a securing end, and an open end that is spaced apart from the securing end and that is formed with an opening to spatially communicate the guiding channel with external environment. A to-be-used segment of the dental floss roll is extendible through the opening of the open end via the guiding channel so as to be secured at the securing end of the floss holder.
US09044294B1 Dental suction adapter
A dental suction adapter can include a first tube including a tapered portion and a presenting end, the presenting end being configured to fluidly engage an interior of a mouth, and a second tube including a transition tube connected to the tapered portion of the first tube and a connection taper extending from the transition tube opposite the first tube, the connection taper being configured to be connected to an end of an aspirator tube, wherein the adapter is configured to increase a velocity of air at the presenting end compared to a velocity of the fluid at the aspirator tube.
US09044273B2 Polyaxial plate rod system and surgical procedure
A spinal fixation device includes a bone screw, a nut, a bearing, a slider, and a plate construct. The screw has a head with a nut connection and a screw portion. The nut has an exterior wall and a bore connecting to the nut connection. The bearing has an exterior and defines a bore fitting therein the nut connection and the exterior wall of the nut. The slider defines a bore fitting the nut exterior wall therewithin and has an exterior with a given shape. The elongate plate construct has a first end defining a first opening shaped to accept the exterior of the bearing therein and a second end defining a second opening shaped to accept the slider therein and having a corresponding shape to the given shape to permit the slider to slide in at least a portion of the second opening.
US09044271B2 External fixation system
An external fixation system comprising: first and second planar at least part-circular ring elements, the first ring element having a circumferential track extending along the part-circular circumference thereof; a plurality of struts each having a first and second end, the first end of each strut coupled to the first ring by a first connector and the second end of each strut coupled to a second ring by a second connector, the first connector including a spherical joint; the second connector non-rotatably coupled to the second ring, the strut second end being coupled to the second connector by a U-joint; shuttles mounted on the track of the first ring for movement there along with one shuttle coupled to each strut; and means for controlling the angular position of each strut second end and means for controlling the position of each shuttle along the circumferential track on the first ring.
US09044269B2 Two-part medical tracking marker
The invention relates to a medical tracking marker (12) for localizing or tracking an object (10) by means of a medical tracking system (30), said marker comprising a first part (1) which is to be fixed on the object (10), and a second part (2) which is to be connected to the first part (1), wherein the first and second parts (1, 2) comprise interconnecting elements (4, 6) which are adapted to provide a positionally determined connection between the first part (1) and the second part (2) while the first part is located under a surgical drape (20) and the second part is located above said surgical drape (20), with the drape (20) placed between the two parts (1, 2). The invention also relates to a method of referencing an object (10) using a medical navigation system, wherein a medical tracking marker such as has been described above is localized or tracked by means of a medical tracking system (30), and wherein the object is registered by means of the first part (1) of the marker (12) in a preliminary referencing step, in particular for imaging purposes, which is later adapted to form a final referencing step for navigation using the second part (2) which has been placed on the first part in a positionally defined, pre-determined manner.
US09044263B2 Vascular and bodily duct treatment devices and methods
Devices including, but not limited to, a self-expandable member having a proximal end portion and a main body portion. The self-expandable member is movable from a first delivery position to a second placement position, in the first delivery position the expandable member being in an unexpanded position and having a nominal first diameter and in the second position the expandable member being in a radially expanded position and having a second nominal diameter greater than the first nominal diameter for deployment within a vessel or duct of a patient. The expandable member includes a plurality of cell structures with the cell structures in the main body portion extending circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the expandable member and the cell structures in the proximal end portion extending less than circumferentially around the longitudinal axis of the expandable member to form first and second peripheral rails that vary in width along their lengths.
US09044262B2 Follicular extraction method
A method for the extraction of follicular units from a donor area on a patient. The method includes scoring the outer skin layers with a sharp punch, and then inserting a blunt punch into the incision to separate the hair follicle from the surrounding tissue and fatty layer. The method will significantly decrease the amount of follicular transection and increase the rate at which follicular units can be extracted.
US09044261B2 Temperature controlled ultrasonic surgical instruments
A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic blade extends along a longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. A controller receives a feedback signal from the ultrasonic blade. A lumen is adapted to couple to a pump. The lumen conducts a fluid therethrough based on the feedback signal.
US09044256B2 Medical devices, apparatuses, systems, and methods
Medical devices having a platform and an arm movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In some embodiments, the platform comprises at least one of a magnetically-attractive material and a material capable of being magnetically-charged. Methods of use.
US09044253B2 Microwave field-detecting needle assemblies, methods of manufacturing same, methods of adjusting an ablation field radiating into tissue using same, and systems including same
A microwave field-detecting needle assembly includes a needle assembly. The needle assembly includes a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a junction member disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The junction member includes a recess defined therein. The needle assembly also includes a rectifier element disposed in the recess. The rectifier element includes a first terminal electrically coupled to the distal portion and a second terminal electrically coupled to the proximal portion.
US09044245B2 Multipolarity epicardial radiofrequency ablation
A method of ablating an epicardial tissue region, including positioning a medical device adjacent the epicardial tissue region, the medical device having a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode located in between the first and second electrodes; delivering an irrigation fluid to the tissue region; and ablating at least a portion of the tissue region by sequentially activating the third electrode in a monopolar radiofrequency delivery mode and activating the first and second electrodes in a bipolar radiofrequency delivery mode.
US09044235B2 Magnetic clip for implant deployment device
An instrument for deploying a surgical implant includes a handle, a shaft, and a frame arm coupled to the shaft. A magnetic clip system is disposed on the frame arm for releasably retaining a surgical implant to the frame arm. The magnetic clip system includes a clip, a first ferromagnetic member, and a second ferromagnetic member. The magnetic clip system biases the clip towards a closed position.
US09044234B2 Methods and devices for applying closed incision negative pressure wound therapy
Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for using such devices and systems for treating incisions and wounds. In an aspect, disclosed is a device having a generally planar tension relief module and a flexible sealant structure sized to cover the tension relief module, the flexible sealant structure comprising a lower adhesive surface. The tension relief module includes a conduit structure having a plurality of support structures on an upper surface of the conduit structure and at least one opening extending through the conduit structure from a lower surface to the upper surface. At least a portion of the conduit structure is adapted to be aligned with a longitudinal axis of the incision. The tension relief module also includes opposing adhesive structures coupled to the conduit structure. The lower adhesive surface of the flexible sealant structure and the upper surface of the conduit structure form a flow pathway.
US09044226B2 System and method for attaching soft tissue to bone
Methods and devices for securing soft tissue to a rigid material such as bone are disclosed herein. A bone anchor is described that comprises a base and a top such that suture material may be compressed between surfaces on the base and top to secure the suture to the anchor. Also described is an inserter that can be used to insert the bone anchor into bone and move the anchor top relative to the anchor base to clamp suture material there between. Also described is a soft-tissue and bone piercing anchor and associated inserter. Methods are described that allow use of the bone anchors to provide multiple lengths of suture material to compress a large area of soft tissue against bone.
US09044224B2 Barbed medical device and method
Barbed medical devices include a multifilament elongate body and a monofilament fragment. The multifilament elongate body has an outer surface. The monofilament fragment has a first portion positioned within the multifilament elongate body and at least a second portion which extends beyond the outer surface of the multifilament elongate body to form a barb.
US09044222B2 Arthroscopic method and apparatus for tissue attachment to bone
Methods are described wherein bone constructs of a patient are used to arthroscopically attach sutures to torn or dysfunctional tissue. A suture or multiple sutures are passed through intersecting/bisecting tunnels formed in the bone. An end of the suture extends from each of the tunnels, and the ends are used to secure the tissue to the bone, such as by arthroscopic tying of the ends, and pulling the tissue against the bone. Devices for performing the methods are also described.
US09044214B2 Needle assembly for use with a biopsy device
A needle assembly comprises an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The outer cannula and the inner cannula have complementary tissue receiving apertures. A tissue piercing tip is secured relative to one or both of the inner cannula or the outer cannula. A cutter is slidably disposed in the inner cannula. The cutter is configured to sever tissue protruding through the transverse apertures. A hub releasably secures at least part of the needle assembly relative to the body of a biopsy device.
US09044206B2 Pulse detector
A pulse detector (100) includes a pulse wave sensor (10); a pulse wave signal filtering section (200) having a first adaptive filter (202a) and second adaptive filter (202b), and an adaptive filter switching section (17); and a pulse wave frequency analyzer (400), wherein the adaptive filter switching section (17) starts an adaptive processing of the second adaptive filter (202b) at a first time point partway through a second interval in which the first adaptive filter (202a) is continuously carrying out adaptive processing, where the second interval occurs in the first interval, and switches from the first adaptive filter (202a) to the second adaptive filter (202b) at a second time point, which is a time point after the first time point and which is the end point of the second interval.
US09044204B2 Apparatuses for supporting and monitoring a condition of a person
A person monitoring system is operable to predict the onset of an adverse condition of a person. The system receives first information corresponding to a feature of a person support apparatus and second information corresponding to a physiological characteristic of the person. The system calculates a condition score as a function of the first and second information. In some instances, the system alerts a caregiver if the condition score exceeds a predetermined threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the person monitoring system alerts a caregiver when a person supported on a person support apparatus is regaining consciousness by monitoring one or more of a change in position, a heart rate, and a respiration rate. A person monitoring system that monitors a person's quality of sleep and presents information concerning the quality of sleep to one or more interested parties is also disclosed.
US09044203B2 Device for attaching to lumen wall
A fixing device for attaching to a lumen wall, the device including a base (18) and a fixing mechanism (5) fixed on the base (18). The fixing mechanism (5) includes a housing (5a), at least a set of clamping brackets (3), and a rotating shaft (7). A bracket hole (3b) is formed on each clamp bracket (3), and the rotating shaft (7) passes through the bracket hole (3b) and fixes each set of the clamping brackets (3) on the housing (5a) of the fixing device.
US09044201B2 Wireless communication of physiological variables using spread spectrum
The present invention relates to a system and a method of measuring a physiological variable in a body. A basic idea of the present invention is to measure a physiological variable in a body by means of employing a sensor (314) which is arranged to be disposed in the body for measuring the physiological variable. The sensor must be provided with a supply voltage in order to be operable. Therefore, a control unit (322) disposed outside the body provides this supply voltage to the sensor. The control unit also receives, from the sensor, via a wired connection (311), signals that represent the physiological variables that are measured. The control unit is arranged with a communication interface (401, 701) and a modulator (301) for wireless spread spectrum communication of the measured physiological variables for presentation purposes.
US09044191B2 Radiographic image capturing apparatus
A radiographic image capturing apparatus includes a mobile cart unit, a plurality of devices used for capturing a radiographic image, and an electric power supply activator enabling supply of electric power between the devices, based on an instruction of permission to supply electric power.
US09044190B2 C-arm computerized tomography system
A system and method for generating CT-type three dimensional imaging information from a conventional C-arm fluoroscope system. This enables the adaptation of widely used C-arm installations to provide CT-type information. The system uses a three dimensional target disposing in a fixed position relative to the subject, and obtains a sequence of video images of a region of interest of a subject while the C-arm is moved manually or by a scanning motor. Images from the video sequence are analyzed to determine the pose of the C-arm relative to the subject by analysis of the image patterns of the target. Images are selected from the video sequence according to predetermined criteria. A set of two-dimensional image data with associated positional data is obtained, which is used to reconstruct a three dimensional volumetric set of imaging data of the region of interest of the subject.
US09044188B2 Methods and systems for managing epilepsy and other neurological disorders
The present invention provides systems and methods for managing epilepsy. In one embodiment, a method of the present invention characterize a patient's propensity for a future epileptic seizure and communicates to the patient and/or a health care provider a therapy recommendation. The therapy recommendation is typically a function of the patient's propensity for the future epileptic seizure.
US09044184B2 Spreadable medical instrument for endoscopic interventions
The invention relates to a spreadable medical instrument for endoscopic interventions having a base body, a handle positioned on the base body, and at least two spatula blades that are connected with the handle and can be displaced between a closed starting position and at least one working position parallel and/or at an angle to one another by means of an adjustment device, in such a way that the adjustment mechanism is positioned on the handle so that it is possible simultaneously to grip the handle and activate the adjustment mechanism with the same hand. To create a spreadable medical instrument that has the widest possible range of applications and is easy and safe to operate, it is proposed with the invention that the adjustment mechanism is configured as a continuous, adjustable screw-in mechanism.
US09044182B2 Sensors for detecting substances in bodily fluids
A system is disclosed that extracts bodily fluid to a reaction chamber for monitoring a substance or property of the patient fluid. In one embodiment, a pump is used to advance the sample of bodily fluid through a filter to produce a filtrate. Another pump advances filtrate into the reaction chamber, while another pump advances reactant into the reaction chamber. A sensor in communication with the reaction chamber determines a concentration of nitric oxide or one of its metabolic products. Methods are also disclosed.
US09044179B2 Oxygen sensor for internal monitoring of tissue oxygen in vivo
Provided is a durable oxygen sensitive probe of sufficient strength to withstand direct tissue pressures in vivo, the probe comprising a sensor chamber within a biocompatible, gas-permeable membrane containing an oxygen sensitive analyte solution producing oxygen quenchable phosphorescence when excited. Further provided is a tissue oxygen detection and measurement system comprising the probe, and methods for use of the probe and the system to directly, rapidly and accurately measure tissue oxygen levels in a patient without reliance on blood vessels or fluid protection of the probe.
US09044177B2 Lancet pricking device
A lancet pricking device comprises a lancet, a launching spring, a trigger part and a holder housing the lancet, launching spring and trigger part. The lancet comprises a lancet body, lancet cap and pricking needle. The pricking needle is in both the lancet body and lancet cap. The trigger part has a pair of arms positioned inside the holder. The launching spring is attached to the lancet body. The lancet body is secured to the arms of the trigger part by an abutment of the lancet body on the arms such that the launching spring is compressed before a pricking operation. The trigger part cannot be pushed toward the inside of the holder before the lancet cap is removed, but can be pushed toward the inside of the holder after the cap is removed. The lancet body warps when pressed to release the secured lancet body.
US09044170B2 Ballistocardiogram analysis method and device
The present invention discloses a method and signal processing device (620) for analyzing a ballistocardiogram (BCG). The actual energy content of the cardiac part of the BCG in a predefined time window is determined and compared with a reference value. A difference between the actual energy content and the reference energy content exceeding a predefined threshold is indicative of the presence of an arrhythmia in the evaluated part of the BCG because the force exerted by an arrhythmic ventricular contraction, if at all present, is typically substantially smaller than the force exerted by a ventricular contraction of a regular heartbeat. This insight facilitates a more accurate detection of the presence of arrhythmias in a BCG compared to BCG detection schemes based on a heart rate analysis.
US09044163B2 Endoscope apparatus
The endoscope apparatus includes an illumination unit for irradiating at least three kinds of illumination light having different wavelengths including standard light, first and second reference light onto a biological object, a switching unit for periodically switching the illumination light, an imaging unit for capturing image data by the illumination light in each imaging frame, and an acquisition unit for acquiring biological function information from the captured image data. The irradiation order of illumination light is switched at least in order of the first reference light, the standard light and the second reference light, a standard image by the standard light and reference images by the reference light are acquired, and the biological function information is calculated based on the standard image and the reference images.
US09044160B2 Apparatus and method for generating and moving a magnetic field having a field free line
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for generating and changing a magnetic field in a field of view (28), said magnetic field having a, in particular ball-shaped or line-shaped, first sub-zone (62) having a low magnetic field strength and a second sub-zone (64) having a higher magnetic field strength. The proposed apparatus comprises at least three pairs of first coils (136a-136d), wherein the coils are arranged along a ring around the field of view and wherein the two coils of each pair are opposingly arranged on opposite sides of the field of view, at least one pair of second coils (116) opposingly arranged on opposite sides of the field of view at the open sides of said ring, generator means (110, 130) for generating current signals for provision to said first and second coils for generating the desired magnetic fields by said first and second coils, and control means (150) for controlling said generator means.
US09044157B2 Assessment system of speech sound listening, and method and program thereof
In an exemplary assessment system of speech sound listening, an output section presents a speech sound to a user as an auditory stimulation; a positive component determination section determines whether a positive component appears in an event-related potential of an electroencephalogram signal of the user in a range from 600-900 ms from a starting point, the starting point being a point in time at which the speech sound is presented, and outputs an assessment result as to whether the user is listening to the speech sound with strife or not; and a negative component determination section determines whether a negative component appears in the event-related potential in a range from 100-300 ms from a starting point, the starting point being the point in time at which the speech sound is presented, and outputs an assessment result as to whether the user is annoyed by the speech sound or not.
US09044152B2 Rotatable drum assembly for radiology imaging modalities
Among other things, a rotatable drum for a radiology imaging modality is provided herein. The rotatable drum comprises a bore, defined by an inner circumference of a sidewall of the rotatable drum. In one embodiment, the sidewall comprises one or more apertures through which radiation may pass. By way of example, a radiation source and a detector array may be mounted outside of the bore (e.g., on an outside surface of the sidewall) and apertures in the sidewall may permit radiation to pass from the radiation source to the detector array without being attenuated by the sidewall of the drum. In another embodiment, the detector array may be comprised of a plurality of detector modules that may be individually mounted/dismounted from the rotatable drum, and in one example, may provide structural support to the rotatable drum.
US09044150B2 Biometric monitoring device with heart rate measurement activated by a single user-gesture
A biometric monitoring device having a heart rate sensor for measuring various biometric information is provided. In some embodiments, the biometric monitoring device allows the person to take and/or display a heart rate reading by a simple user interaction with the device, e.g., by simply touching a heart rate sensor surface area, moving the device in a defined motion pattern, or clenching the fist. Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a biometric monitoring device that allows a person to get a quick heart rate reading without removing the device or interrupting their other activities. Some embodiments provide heart rate monitoring with other desirable features such as feedback on data acquisition status.
US09044145B2 Pulse wave analysis device and recording medium
A pulse wave analysis device stores a pulse waveform for multiple beats, and calculates a pulse wave analysis index by analyzing the pulse waveform. In the calculation of the pulse wave analysis index, pulse waveform shapes of each beat that constitute the pulse waveform for multiple beats are integrated, and beats for which a degree of approximation between the integrated pulse waveform shape and the pulse waveform shape of the beat is low are excluded as targets of calculation of the pulse wave analysis index.
US09044142B2 Surgical optical systems for detecting brain tumors
A method of detecting a brain tumor includes administering indocyanine green to a living body; exposing brain tissue in the living body; irradiating the exposed brain tissue with excitation light of indocyanine green; obtaining an image based on fluorescence of the excited indocyanine green in the brain tissue, wherein the image is obtained using an endomicroscope; and identifying portions of the brain tissue corresponding to the brain tumor based on the image.
US09044137B2 Wireless communication terminal
A wireless communication terminal may include a power supply unit that supplies direct current (DC) power, a wireless communication antenna, a wireless communication module that transmits communication data to an external terminal through the wireless communication antenna, an activation signal output unit that converts an electromagnetic wave received through the wireless communication antenna into DC power, and generates and outputs an activation signal if the converted DC power is greater than or equal to a predetermined power value, and a control unit that performs control such that the DC power is supplied from the power supply unit to the wireless communication module if the activation signal is output from the activation signal output unit.
US09044124B2 Paper dispenser
A paper dispenser dispenses paper sheet by sheet. Paper projects from a dispenser housing in an operational position so that it can be pulled off from a supply roll by hand. The paper dispenser has a delivery roller driven by the web of paper that is being pulled. A stop which is moved from a rest position to a blocked position against the force of a return spring blocks the rotation of the delivery roller so that the sheet is torn off due to the pulling power, and is slowed down by a braking device when returning to the rest position. A post-delivery device is configured to further drive the delivery roller once the sheet has been torn off and completes the rotation in a time-delayed manner so that the paper projects from the dispenser housing and can be pulled again.
US09044122B2 Actuator
An actuator includes first and second means for shifting, and those means are pistons, located within first and second components respectively, such that when the actuator is fitted over toilet lid each piston extends in substantially opposite directions. The first shifting means is activated upon the sensor detecting a predetermined condition, such as a hand passing over the sensor and shifts the position of the seat from the raised position such that the center of gravity is shifted past vertical, thereby causing the seat to shift to the lowered position. The second shifting means is triggered after a predetermined time, for example one second, to cause the toilet seat lid to be moved from the raised position such that the center of gravity is shifted past vertical, thereby causing the lid to shift to the lowered position to be substantially flush with the toilet seat.
US09044111B2 Cocktail plate
A plate that is designed to be held in one hand of a user together with a drinking glass.
US09044108B1 Combination storage and display system
The present invention relates to a combination storage and display system, and in particular to a system that is modular, provides high density storage and easy display of mattresses. In one embodiment, the rack has a base frame with several longitudinal rails. Several display frames are also provided (one for each longitudinal rail). The display frames have a translating bar that is movable relative the longitudinal rails. The display frame has a post and an angled support. The angled support holds the mattress in a nearly vertical orientation. A mattress support is pivotally connected to the post. The mattress support has a base, two ears, a leg and a lip. The lip engages a small portion of a side of the mattress. The leg pivotally depends from an ear.
US09044101B2 Climate controlled sleeping space
An apparatus includes a frame forming a sleeping space. The apparatus includes a climate control system connected to the frame, the climate control system having a hot side and a cold side, wherein the cold side is positioned toward the sleeping space. The apparatus includes an insulating canopy supported by the frame. The insulating canopy includes an outer layer, a separator layer, a reflective layer, and an inner layer. The separator layer provides an air cavity that reduces conductive heat transfer between the surface layer and the reflective layer.
US09044099B2 Chair with adjustable tablet
A chair including a writing tablet that can be used with both a right handed and a left handed seat occupant. The chair includes a writing tablet that is supported on a tablet arm. The tablet arm is pivotable beneath the seating element of the chair such that the tablet arm can be positioned on either the right side or left side of the user. The writing tablet is pivotally mounted to the tablet arm such that the writing tablet can pivot toward and away from the seat occupant. The writing tablet is further movably mounted to the tablet arm such that the writing tablet can move toward and away from the seat occupant. The seating element of the chair is pivotably mounted to a support structure including chair legs and preferably caster wheels.
US09044095B2 Activation device for motion activated furniture
A release handle is adapted to activate a portion of a chair or sofa, such as a foot rest or a recline mechanism. The handle allows a user to selectively control the movement of functions of the chair. The handle is coupled to a cable, which is used to release a mechanism on the chair, such as the footrest. The handle includes a grip that is coupled to an annular tube at one end. The annular tube is telescopically coupled to a guide tube. The annular tube protects the cable within the annular tube to prevent wear to the cable and to prevent breakage.
US09044087B1 Seat assembly
A seating assembly including a base having a bottom ring supported by casters, a pan supported by the bottom ring, a central hub forming an upwardly opening cavity, a plurality of legs extending outward and downward from the central hub to the bottom ring, a one-piece molded seat shell, a mounting bracket forming four apertures and including a female connector and at least one rib member that extends downward adjacent the female connector, the at least one rib member including end edges that forms first and second stop surfaces, the mounting bracket attached to the bottom of the seat by passing fasteners through the apertures, a support arm, a mounting assembly including, a cup member, a base tube, an annular mounting collar and a pivot cover forming an upwardly opening annular channel and an inverted U-shaped opening, the pivot cover attached to the mounting collar with the first end of the support arm extending through the inverted U-shaped opening and the at least one rib member received within the annular channel.
US09044086B1 Modular storage rack system
A storage rack unit includes a pair of spaced planar end plates, an intermediate stabilizer panel and a plurality of dowels which extend between the two end plates. Each of the end plates has spaced dowel end receiving holes, each of whose longitudinal axes are angled with respect to a line perpendicular to the plane of each end plate. The angles of the holes in the first end plate are different from the angles of the holes in the second end plate. The provision of these angled holes in the two end plates allows the construction of each storage rack unit without the use of ancillary fasteners. Several such storage rack units can be joined together to form a composite storage rack system.
US09044085B2 Modular furniture and method
Modular furniture includes several members connected together without fasteners or other hardware. While some of the members slide together, some members are locked in place by other members. The modular furniture includes one or more members that engage other members in a twist and lock fashion that helps hold the modular furniture together during everyday use. The twist and lock may be achieved using a substantially L-shaped slot in one member and a corresponding slot in a mating member, which allows the mating member to rotate (twist) within the L-shaped slot. The modular furniture is locked together at several different members and stages of assembly, and includes a final stop member that assures the furniture cannot come apart inadvertently during normal use.
US09044080B2 Shoulder strap carrying device
The invention is a shoulder strap carrying device, system, and method. The carrying device has swappable containers that connect to the straps via fasteners under the arms of the wearer. The containers enable the user to organize and easily access the personal items being carried. More particularly, the invention is a “Figure 8” shoulder strap that loops around a wearer's arms and has fasteners substantially beneath a wearer's underarms to hold multiple swappable containers, cases, and utility devices for storing various personal items.
US09044076B2 Rotatable hair implement
A hair implement, such as a comb, brush, or pick, is disclosed that includes a handle section containing a ring insert within an annular opening in the handle section. When the hair implement is not in use, it may be held on a user's finger and rotate out of the way without the need for the user to disengage his or her finger from the hair implement, such as when using other hair implements.
US09044064B2 Article of footwear having a sole structure with heel-arch stability
An article of footwear may include an upper and a sole structure secured to the upper. The sole structure may include an outsole including ground engaging members and a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member may extend between (1) a first mounting member located in a forefoot region of the outsole and configured to connect the reinforcement member to the outsole, and (2) a second mounting member located in a heel region of the outsole and configured to connect the reinforcement member to the outsole. The first mounting member may be located adjacent to a ground engaging member in the forefoot region of the outsole and the second mounting member is located adjacent to a ground engaging member in the heel region of the outsole.
US09044063B2 Infant footwear
An article of infant footwear includes a sole made of a flexible, compliant layer of material with a thickness of between about 1 mm and about 3 mm. The article of infant footwear includes an upper attached to the sole, the upper and the sole together define a void to receive a foot. The upper has a heel cap independently movable relative to a remaining portion of the upper. The article of infant footwear further includes lateral and medial expanders. The lateral expander has a first end attached to a lateral heel portion of the upper and a second end attached to the heel cap. The medial expander has a first end attached to a medial heel portion of the upper and a second end attached to the heel cap. Each expander independently moves between a relaxed state and a stretched state to accommodate receipt of the infant foot.
US09044060B2 Convertible shoe
A convertible shoe enables people to easily modify a single shoe to form a total of at least three different shoe types. This reduces the bulkiness/amount of a traveler's luggage and reduces the burden of traveling without limiting a traveler's options of available shoe types. The convertible shoe can include a front removable shoe upper to convert between an open-toe and a closed-toe shoe. The convertible shoe can further include a rear removable shoe upper to convert the shoe between closed-back shoe and a sandal-type shoe. The sandal-type shoe can include a removable strap to convert between a strapped and a strapless sandal-type shoe.
US09044059B2 Versatile, integrated gaiter
An article of footwear includes a tongue, a collar located at an upper portion of the footwear, and a gaiter having a lower portion integrally fixed to the collar of the footwear. The tongue and the collar together define an opening, preferably sized to receive a wearer's foot. The gaiter includes first and second fastening flaps and a fastening device (or fastening means) located on the first and second fastening flaps. The gaiter is configured to switch between high and low positions, the high position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter extends above the upper-most portion of the footwear, and the low position being a position in which a substantial portion of the gaiter is located below the upper-most portion of the footwear.
US09044044B2 Immune activation of green tea hydrolysate and method for preparing food composition containing the same
Disclosed are an immune-boosting food composition containing a green tea hydrolysate as an active component, and a method for preparing the same.
US09044043B2 Balanced fat composition and use thereof in a liquid nutritional composition suitable for enteral feeding
This invention relates to a balanced fat composition and use thereof in a liquid nutritional composition, in particular suitable for tube feeding. This invention further relates to said liquid nutritional composition for providing enteral nutrition to patients in need thereof, in particular for providing a complete enteral nutrition, in particular for providing a long-term enteral nutrition. More specifically, the balanced fat composition and the liquid nutritional composition comprising said balanced fat composition comprises specific amounts of linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), at least one medium chain fatty acid (MCFA), and at least one mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA). The invention relates further to a method for providing enteral nutrition to patients in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of said liquid nutritional composition comprising the balanced fat composition according to the invention.
US09044034B2 Blue cheese product and process for preparing same
The present invention is directed to a cheese product having a blue cheese flavor and appearance a method of making the same. The method includes generating a coagulum comprising whey and curd from a pasteurized milk product, cutting and stirring the coagulum to release the whey from the curd, draining the whey from the curd, forming an emulsifier, adding the emulsifier to the curd, and pressing the curd into blocks. The emulsifier is preferably formed by blending oil and a paste and heating the oil and the paste. The paste preferably includes, among other ingredients, inert Penicillium roqueforti. A preferred version of the method further includes adding black pepper and ash to the curd. The resulting cheese product, unlike blue cheese, is elastic, does not crumble, and can be sliced and shredded.
US09044030B2 Apparatus and method for suspending sausage from hooks
Hook groups formed by hooks in a number identical to a maximum number of loops of sausage to be suspended from a stick are provided on a wrapping connector moving body of a conveyor with a respective hook absent zone interposed between adjacent ones of the hook groups. When the sausage is suspended from all the hooks of one hook group, the supply of the sausage to the conveyor is interrupted, and the sausage whose supply to the conveyor has been restarted after the hook absent zone moved a predetermined distance is suspended from a first hook of an ensuing hook group to form one loop by a last hook of the one hook group and a first hook of the ensuing hook group.
US09044026B2 Apparatus and method for simultaneous imprinting and piercing of dough
An apparatus is disclosed for concurrently imprinting and piercing of dough consisting of flour, water and yeast to produce loaves imprinted with an image that represents Coptic religious symbols including Coptic letters, crosses, circles and squares. The imprinting is accomplished using embossed patterns engraved onto an upper plate that is pressed onto a lower plate containing the dough placed inside depressions disposed below the surface of the lower plate. The imprinting is implemented after the step of proofing the dough in a process for preparing the loaves that includes the steps of flattening, proofing, imprinting and baking.
US09044025B2 Apparatus and method for simultaneous cutting, imprinting and piercing of dough
An apparatus configured for concurrently cutting, imprinting and piercing of a sheet of dough consisting of flour, water and yeast to produce imprinted loaves is disclosed. Arrays of molded frames each containing edged borders and an emboss pattern are placed onto the surface of a cylinder member configured for rotating onto a sheet of dough to simultaneously cut out loaves, imprint the loaves with the emboss pattern and pierce the loaf with pins. The emboss pattern contains areas raised above the surface of the cylinder member and recessed areas below that surface. The emboss patterns include a plurality of Coptic religious symbols that are imprinted onto the loaves to form a Korban used for ceremonial purposes. The emboss pattern is heated and initiates a par-baking process when the cylinder member engages the dough. The formation of the Korban loaves is completed by baking the loaves in the oven.
US09044023B2 System and method for preparing naan bread
A method and system for preparing naan bread is provided. A conveyor oven is used to bake flattened and pre-shaped naan bread loaves. The conveyor oven uses high temperature gas heat to bake the naan, imparting traditional characteristics such as the slightly smoky or scorched appearance. The oven interior is preferably lined with stone, granite, clay or porcelain to enhance baking and provide traditional flavor.
US09044017B2 Processes for the preparation of pesticidal compounds
The present application provides processes for making pesticidal compounds and compounds useful both as pesticides and in the making of pesticidal compounds.