Document Document Title
US09109876B2 Device for measuring a fluid meniscus
A device for measuring a geometry of a fluid meniscus includes a fluid chamber storing a first electrically conductive fluid and a second electrically insulating fluid. The fluids are mutually immiscible and define a fluid meniscus in between them. The device further includes a main electrowetting electrode and auxiliary electrowetting electrodes for controlling the geometry of the fluid meniscus. A voltage source provides a voltage between the main electrowetting electrode and the auxiliary electrowetting electrodes and a measurement circuit separately measures capacitances between the main electrowetting electrode and at least two of the auxiliary electrowetting electrodes. The measurement circuit includes a multiplexer for demodulating a signal indicative for the capacitances.
US09109865B2 Controllable output warhead
This invention relates to a novel munition (1) comprising a controllable output warhead and also munitions comprising one or more of said warheads. There are further provided methods of preparing the warheads of the invention, methods of controllably detonating the warheads and a kit suitable for preparing such a warhead. The warhead comprises an inner and outer portion of high explosive (3, 4) co-axially located and separated by a non-detonative material (5), such that in use at least two output modes are possible, by either simultaneous detonation of both the inner and outer portion high explosives (3, 4) or selective detonation of the inner high explosive portion (3).
US09109863B2 Vibrating projectile
A projectile that includes a vibrating function is presented. The vibrating projectile, such as an arrow, is structured to penetrate flesh of an animal more easily than a standard projectile. After the arrow has reached its target, a switch turns on a vibrating mechanism that causes the arrowhead, such as a broadhead to vibrate as it is traveling into the animal. This deeper penetration causes more injury to the animal and reduces the time between arrow penetration and animal expiration.
US09109858B1 Amphibious armor
Buoyant armor for jacketed rounds includes an outer, laminate reinforced strike face having a hardness greater than 640 Brinell. The strike face is configured to strip the jacket off a projectile as it passes through the strike face and to rotate the projectile. An inner, laminate reinforced strike face is separated from the outer, laminate reinforced strike face by a spacer layer. Foam greater than 40 mm thick is disposed behind the inner strike face and is configured to disperse a round and/or its fragments and to provide buoyancy to the armor.
US09109856B1 Bullpup stock kit for a rifle
The present invention provides for a stock kit that converts a conventional rifle, such as an SKS, into bullpup configuration. The preferred embodiment of the provided stock kit does not require any permanent modification be made to the host firearm.
US09109850B2 Shotshell type ammunition, firearms for firing such shotshell type ammunition, and methods of manufacturing such shotshell type ammunition
Shotshell type ammunition includes a hull, a sabot disposed within the hull, and at least one projectile disposed within the sabot. The hull has a rimless first end that includes a primer for firing the ammunition. The hull also has a seat surface for seating the hull against a complementary seat surface in a firing chamber of a firearm. The seat surface is located a distance from an outer end surface of the hull at the rimless first end. The hull further includes an outer cylindrical side surface extending from the rimless first end of the hull to the seat surface of the hull. Methods of fabricating such ammunition include forming such a hull, providing one or more projectiles within a sabot, and disposing the sabot with the one or more projectiles therein at least partially into the hull. Shotgun type firearms are configured for firing such ammunition.
US09109831B2 Process and apparatus for the separation of a gaseous mixture
A process for separating carbon dioxide from a carbon dioxide containing fluid comprises the steps of: compressing the fluid in a compressor to form a compressed fluid, drying at least part of the compressed fluid to form a compressed and dried fluid, cooling at least part of the compressed and dried fluid to form a compressed, dried and cooled fluid, separating the compressed, dried and cooled fluid at a temperature lower than 0° C. into a carbon dioxide rich stream, a carbon dioxide lean stream and at least one intermediate purity liquid stream having a carbon dioxide purity lower than that of the carbon dioxide rich stream and higher than that of the carbon dioxide lean stream, expanding at least one intermediate purity liquid stream to produce at least one expanded stream using at least one expanded stream to cool the compressed and dried fluid and recycling at least part of the expanded stream.
US09109829B2 Control method of refrigerator
A control method of a refrigerator to prevent frost from being formed in an ice making chamber. The refrigerator includes an ice making chamber refrigerant pipe to supply a refrigerant to make ice in a direct cooling manner and an ice making chamber circulation fan to create a forced air stream to circulate air in the ice making chamber. The control method includes determining whether temperature of the ice making chamber is lower than a predetermined temperature and driving the ice making chamber circulation fan in a state in which the temperature of the ice making chamber is lower than the predetermined temperature and the refrigerant flows in the ice making chamber refrigerant pipe or when flow of the refrigerant in the ice making chamber refrigerant pipe is interrupted in a state in which the temperature of the ice making chamber is lower than the predetermined temperature.
US09109824B2 Expansion valve with force equalization
An expansion valve having an inlet opening, at least one outlet opening and first and second valve parts. The inlet opening is adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state. The outlet opening(s) is/are adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state to a flow path. The valve parts are arranged movable relative to each other such that the mutual position of the valve parts determines a fluid flow between the inlet opening and the outlet opening(s). During normal operation, a resulting force acts upon the first valve part and/or the second valve part to press the first and second valve parts towards each other. The expansion valve having ability for reducing the resulting force acting upon the valve part(s). Thereby the valve parts can easier be moved relative to each other, and the force required in order to operate the valve is thereby reduced.
US09109823B2 Integration valve
A vapor-liquid separating space is provided in a body. The body houses a fixed throttle-decompressing liquid-phase refrigerant, and an integration valve member selectively opening or closing a liquid-phase refrigerant passage and a vapor-phase refrigerant passage. The integration valve member is moved by a stepping motor connected to the integration valve member via a shaft. Accordingly, a cycle configuration of a heat pump cycle working as a gas injection cycle can be simplified.
US09109821B2 Condenser for vehicle
A condenser for a vehicle may include first and second headers, a heat-exchanging portion disposed between the first and second headers, a coolant tank mounted at an outer side of the first header and having a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet, the coolant tank to supply the coolant to the heat-exchanging portion and to receive through the first header the coolant passing through the heat-exchanging portion and the second header, and a receiver-drier portion connected to the second header to perform gas-liquid separation and moisture removal from the coolant having passed through the heat-exchanging portion, wherein an inner space of the coolant tank is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion by a first partition disposed between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, and a spiral groove for causing the coolant to rotate is formed at the upper portion connected to the coolant inlet.
US09109819B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator includes a main body in which a first storage compartment is defined, and a heat exchange chamber defined in the main body. An evaporator received in the heat exchange chamber. A second storage compartment is provided in the first storage compartment and a quick cooling module to cool an inside of the second storage compartment is provided, where the quick cooling module heat-exchanges with a refrigerant pipe of the evaporator. The quick cooling module includes a thermal conductive unit in thermal conduction with the refrigerant pipe, and a thermoelectric device having a first surface in thermal conduction with the thermal conductive unit to heat-exchange with the thermal conductive unit when current is supplied and a second surface facing the second storage compartment.
US09109814B2 Adaptive installation roof mounted solar power system
A solar power system is mounted to a solar power componentry support structure suspended above a pre-existing surface by a collective of solar collector suspension base supports. Suspended solar power system row support structure members and suspended solar power system column support structure members may for a solar component position lattice to which a matrix of individual solar power components such as solar panels can be attached. Solar module quick-fasten assemblages may serve also as solar componentry emergency releases and may include loose axis retainers and firm axis fasteners such as dual component, single point operative emergency releases and fasteners. Slide-in retainers and corner slot tabs can be included as well as frame alignment notches. Fulcrum pivot fasteners and slide wedge releases can aid in installation and release.
US09109813B2 Twisted conduit for geothermal heating and cooling systems
The present invention relates to a conduit for use in a geothermal heating and cooling system wherein said conduit comprises 2 or more pipes, wherein further, said 2 or more pipes comprising said conduit are twisted together.
US09109808B2 Variable desiccant control energy exchange system and method
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system and method for providing conditioned air to at least one enclosed structure. The system may include at least one conditioning module configured to provide conditioned air to the at least one enclosed structure. The conditioning module(s) may include a conditioning energy exchanger. The conditioning module(s) is configured to circulate desiccant through a desiccant circuit to condition air passing through the conditioning energy exchanger. The conditioning module(s) may be configured to receive at least one of concentrated desiccant or diluted desiccant in order to vary temperature or concentration of the desiccant circulating through the desiccant circuit.
US09109800B2 Quick disengaging field joint for exhaust system components of gas turbine engines
A quick disengaging field joint connects a first component of an exhaust system of a gas turbine engine to a second component of the exhaust system. The field joint includes a pair of opposed stepped liners connected via exterior-facing connecting flanges. The field joints can be disassembled entirely from outside the exhaust housing without requiring access to the interior of the exhaust housing.
US09109795B2 U-tube vaporizer
A vaporizer includes a plurality of U-shaped tubes contained in a vessel and are arranged in at least one plane. The vessel is closed at one end by a plate having openings adapted to mate with the end of the U-shaped tubes, and there is a dome covering the plate on the opposite side of the tubes. The dome is bounded by a wall forming an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, the inlet chamber being split into two parts by a partition perpendicular to the plane of the tubes and to the wall to form a chamber for admitting liquid between the plate and the partition and an auxiliary chamber on the other side of the partition. The auxiliary chamber is configured to receive liquid from the admission chamber such that liquid from the outside arriving in the admission chamber enters the tubes via the bottom openings only.
US09109788B2 Base-yoke connection for moving head light fixture
The present invention relates to a moving head light fixture comprising: a base; a yoke connected to and rotatable relative to the base; a head connected to and rotatable relative to the yoke where the head comprises at least one light source generating a light. The yoke and the base are connected through a rotating base-yoke mechanism comprising a main shaft, a hollow shaft surrounding the main shaft and at least one bearing separating the main shaft and a the hollow shaft. The main shaft has increasing cross sectional dimensions and comprises a first annular flange located a distance from the part of the main shaft having the largest cross sectional dimension and in that the cross sectional dimension of the first annular flange is smaller than the largest cross sectional dimension of the main shaft.
US09109787B2 Circular LED optic and heat sink module
An LED module includes a circular body member for mounting in a lighting assembly or luminaire that can be oriented in an opening in the luminaire by rotating the module about a center axis to a predetermined position to direct the light in a selected pattern. A mounting assembly captures the LED modules between top and bottom mounting members. The LED modules include a heat conducting body coupled to the mounting assembly to conduct heat away from the LED and PCB. A top side of the LED body cooperates with the mounting assembly. A bottom side of the LED body has a cavity supporting a PCB with a plurality of LEDs. A lens body is coupled to the bottom side of the body of the LED module to direct the light to the target area.
US09109777B2 Linear fresnel optic for reducing angular spread of light from LED array
A light source may comprise a cylindrical lens, for example a cylindrical Fresnel lens, a linear array of light-emitting elements, the linear array aligned with and emitting light through the cylindrical Fresnel lens, wherein the cylindrical Fresnel lens reduces the angular spread of light in a widthwise axis of the linear array, the linear array spanning a lens length.
US09109770B2 Method of manufacturing a motor vehicle optical module lens
The present invention concerns a method of manufacturing a lens for motor vehicle lighting modules, the method being intended to generate on the output surface (104) of said lens (100) microstructures formed by level differences situated on said output surface (104), the method including the following steps of forming a meshing on the output surface of said lens such that each mesh has similar dimensions, and generating in each mesh a microstructure formed by an output surface level difference, each level difference having a profile that varies as a function of the position of the mesh on the output surface of the lens.
US09109764B2 Durable lighting apparatus with isotropic radiation pattern
Disclosed herein is a durable lighting apparatus having a plurality of light sockets arranged within a translucent housing such that when the light sockets are fitted with lamps and energized the lamps emit a substantially isotropic radiation pattern through the translucent housing. The light sockets are preferably attached to a flexible substrate which allows the device to absorb shock without damaging the sockets. In a preferred embodiment, the socket assembly is permitted to slide vertically along a central column where shock-absorbing devices are positioned above and below the socket assembly.
US09109751B2 Compressed gas storage and collection apparatus
An apparatus for storing and collecting compressed gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gas vessel for the storage of gas and further includes a sheath surrounding the gas vessel for collecting any gas that escapes from the vessel.
US09109743B2 Hexapod
The hexapod comprising a preferably plate-shaped receptacle on which at least five, preferably six rods mounted in joints are arranged wherein the other end of each rod is articulated on a mounting, wherein all the mountings can be moved along a circular railway of movement characterized by each mounting being arranged on a separate support ring wherein the respective support ring including the mounting arranged on it are movable, and by each support ring constitute the rotor or part of a rotor of an electromotive drive means comprising also a ring-shaped stator assigned to the individual support ring.
US09109742B2 Low profile mount for flat panel electronic display
A low-profile mount for a flat panel electronic display that is selectively shiftable between a wall-confronting position wherein the back of the flat panel electronic display is disposed parallel and proximate to the wall surface and a tilt position wherein the top of the display is tilted away from the wall surface. The mount is configured so that points spaced apart forwardly from display receiving surfaces of the mount are shifted along a substantially horizontal axis as the mount is shifted between the wall confronting position and the tilt position. Advantageously, the display can be attached to the mount so that the points are horizontally registered with a center of gravity of the display such that the display is self-balancing at any point along the travel between the wall confronting position and the tilt position.
US09109741B2 Flying platform with visually transparent flexible support members
A suspended flying system having a load suspended by a plurality of flexible support members. The plurality of flexible support members are attached to a first rotational element attached to the load and a second rotational element attached to a support. The system also includes a motor operably connected to the first rotational element provides sufficient motion to the plurality of flexible support members to render the flexible support members visually transparent, the load being movable within a space. A method for suspending a load from visually transparent flexible support members is also disclosed.
US09109735B2 Pipe joining structure
A pipe joining structure adapted to join a pipe to a fluid passage of an equipment housing. An end portion of a pipe is bent by about 90 degrees to form a bend portion and a tip of the bend portion is fitted into an opening of the fluid passage. The pipe joining structure includes a stay fitted over the bend portion of the pipe, a tip of the pipe is formed with a flange, and an O-ring fitted between the stay and the flange of the pipe. The tip of the pipe is joined to the equipment housing by fixing the stay to the equipment housing.
US09109732B2 EZ-seal gasket for joining fluid pathways
A malleable gasket suitable for high purity fluid delivery systems has flat axial end surface sealing regions on opposing sides, and further includes a raised inner lip on a first side and a raised outer lip on a second side. The raised lips align the gasket within a fluid delivery conduit by engaging features in the face of one or more fluid delivery elements joined together, and simultaneously provide protection to the sealing regions during normal handling and fluid delivery system assembly.
US09109731B2 System and method for conveying solids through an outlet pipe
A system includes a solids pressurizing feeder and an outlet pipe coupled to an outlet channel of the solids pressurizing feeder. The outlet pipe includes a plurality of pipe segments telescopically coupled to one another such that a length of the outlet pipe is adjustable. The solids pressurizing feeder may be used to convey a mixture of solids and fluids.
US09109729B2 Device for connecting a plastic tube to a connection nipple
A device includes a connection nipple for connecting to a plastic tube. The connection end of the plastic tube, which is provided with a frontal chamfer at least in the area of the internal diameter, is axially fixed between the connection nipple and a clamping sleeve with at least one sealing ring held interposed in the profiled connection nipple. The connection nipple has at least one radially outwardly protruding stop , which is displaceable radially inward via the frontal chamfer in the area of the internal diameter of the connection end, the stop being situated in front of the sealing ring viewed in the insertion direction.
US09109726B2 Set for obtaining a threaded connection, method for making up and breaking out said connection, and use of said connection in a riser
A set for obtaining a threaded connection used in hydrocarbon wells includes a first tubular component, a second tubular component, and a third tubular component. A threaded zone provided on an internal circumferential surface of an end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of an end of the first component. A threaded zone provided on an external circumferential surface of the end of the third component cooperates by makeup with one of two threaded zones of the second component. The second and third components define an end of makeup of the threaded zones. The other threaded zone provided on the end of the first component cooperates by makeup with the other threaded zone provided on the second component.
US09109719B2 Shut-off valve
This invention relates to a shut-off valve, and primarily to a valve for shutting-off the flow of a fluid such as a mains water supply to commercial premises or a domestic dwelling. The shut-off valve (10) comprises a diaphragm valve and a pilot valve (30). The diaphragm valve has an inlet (14) and an outlet (16), a valve member (26) and a valve seat (22), the valve member having a closed position in which it engages the seat and prevents the flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, and an open position in which the valve member does not engage the seat and fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet. A first fluid conduit (36) connects the inlet of the diaphragm valve to the inlet of the pilot valve, and a second fluid conduit (40) connects the outlet of the pilot valve to the outlet of the diaphragm valve. The pilot valve has an open position in which fluid can flow from the first fluid conduit to the second fluid conduit and a closed position in which fluid cannot flow from the first fluid conduit to the second fluid conduit. The invention is characterized in that the diaphragm valve has a control member (42, 44, 46) which is adapted to hold the valve member against the valve seat, whereby the diaphragm valve remains closed even if the pressure at its outlet equals or perhaps exceeds the pressure at its inlet.
US09109714B2 Linear valve actuator system and method for controlling valve operation
The system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a stationary coil linear motor to drive a valve with a stem comprising a ferromagnetic property. The linear motor moves the valve in response to control governed by an electronic valve control computer. The valve is movable between a closed position at a selectable rate of both acceleration and speed for a selectable distance (“lift”) to a second selectable open position, including all position variations between the fully open and fully closed states. Valve position, velocity and acceleration can be varied both during a valve stroke and from one stroke to the next, as controlled by the logic programmed on a non-transitive memory of the electronic valve control computer.
US09109711B2 Apparatus to visually indicate a leak from a relief valve
Apparatus to visually indicate a leak from a relief valve are disclosed. In one example, an apparatus is disclosed that includes a pipe plug having a head and a shaft. The pipe plug is to attach to a relief valve. An opening is to extend through the head and shaft. The apparatus also includes a first flexible membrane to cover an end of the opening. In some examples, the first flexible membrane is to expand when fluid is released via the relief valve into the opening of the pipe plug.
US09109710B2 Multiple-addition valve for a system for metering liquid or paste-like auxiliary washing agents
A system for automatically metering liquid or paste-like auxiliary washing agents stored in reservoirs for automatically controlled washing machines. It has a central fluid line disposed in a housing bottom and a plurality of nozzles disposed in the housing bottom on a circular line extending concentrically to the axis of a rotor. The nozzles can be connected individually to the outlet by a connecting line inside the motor-drivable rotor. In the connection to the connecting line, seals are provided. Due to a force continually axially acting on the rotor in the direction of the housing bottom, said rotor presses the seals until the contact surfaces of the rotor and the housing bottom substantially form a common plane.
US09109704B2 Compressed-air control device with molded seal
A compressed-air control device includes at least one first component, and a second component arranged so as to be movable relative to the first component. A molded seal is arranged in a groove of the first component, and is in contact with the second component. A first chamber formed on one side of the molded seal between the first and the second components can be charged with a first pressure, and a second chamber formed on the opposite side of the molded seal between the first and the second components can be charged with a second pressure. The molded seal together with the first component forms at least one overflow valve.
US09109685B2 Flexspline protective structure and robot arm mechanism using same
A flexspline protective structure includes a first rotation member, a second rotation member and a plurality of fixing members. The second rotation member is sleeved on the first rotation member. The plurality of fixing members fix the first rotation member and the second rotation member together and are capable of breaking off in the event of jamming or other mischance to enable the second rotation member to rotate freely relative to the first rotation member. The disclosure presents a robot arm mechanism equipped with the flexspline protective structure.
US09109651B2 Brake component with an encapsulant and method of applying the encapsulant to a brake component
A brake device comprising: a brake component including: a carrier and an encapsulant, wherein the carrier and encapsulant are disposed on and/or within one or more brake components, and the carrier assists in adhering the encapsulant to the brake component and wherein the encapsulant includes one of more lubricants and/or one or more adhesives, or both and the encapsulant, the carrier, or both are dry to the touch after the encapsulant is attached to the brake component and prior to an initial brake apply.
US09109644B2 Friction brake for a dog clutch
A dog clutch, includes a first ring secured to an overrunning brake rotatable race, including first teeth, a first disc, the second ring angularly displaceable relative to the discs, a non-rotating, axially displaceable second ring including second teeth engageable with the first teeth and a second disc engageable with the first disc, a first spring urging the discs into mutual contact, and a second spring urging the first and second rings apart.
US09109643B2 Actuator for twin clutch device
An actuator for a twin clutch device includes a single electric motor, first and second drive mechanisms, first and second transmission mechanisms, first and second hydraulic damper mechanisms and a control unit. Each first/second drive mechanism is configured to receive a first/second directional rotation from the electric motor and drive its respective first/second release member in a first operational direction. Each first/second transmission mechanism is configured to transmit only the first/second directional rotation from the electric motor to its respective first/second drive mechanism. Each first/second hydraulic damper mechanism is configured to regulate a moving speed of its respective first/second release member in a second operational direction opposite to the first operational direction. The control unit is configured to control the rotation of the electric motor.
US09109641B2 Formed friction plate for wet friction clutch
A friction clutch pack exhibiting improved high speed stability includes a first plurality of friction plates or discs preferably having friction material on both faces interleaved with a second plurality of thicker reaction plates or discs. The friction plates comprise a formed core plate having multiple obliquely oriented or angularly offset sinusoidal waves. Male splines around the periphery of each friction plate engage complementary splines on a cylindrical housing. The reaction plates are flat and thicker than the friction plates and include female splines around an inner opening which engage complementary splines on a shaft or quill.
US09109639B2 Clutch device
A clutch device is provided which facilitates an operation of checking whether or not spring seats have been properly disposed and effectively prevents falling off or a change in attitude of the spring seats, thereby reducing the labor required for manufacture. A clutch device 100 includes a pressure plate 110 which presses friction plates 103 which are rotationally driven by a drive shaft against clutch plates 107. The pressure plate 110 includes clutch springs 112 and spring seats 113 disposed in receiving portions 111 having a concave shape. Each spring seat 113 has two plate-shaped arms 113a and 113b extending along the bottom 111a of the receiving portion 111 and has a C-like shape. Protrusions 114a and 114b project from the peripheries of the arms 113a and 113b. Recesses 111b into which the protrusions 114a and 114b fit are formed in an inner wall portion of each receiving portion 111 at a position near the bottom 111a of the receiving portion 111.
US09109637B2 Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels
Adapter rings for attaching automotive clutch assemblies to different types of flywheels are disclosed. A single adapter ring may be installed on different types of stock or aftermarket flywheels. In one embodiment, a multiple-disc clutch assembly may be mounted onto the adapter ring. The multiple-disc clutch unit may fit inside a stock bellhousing to enable the user to utilize the stock clutch release mechanism and simultaneously increase the holding power capability while maintaining light pedal effort. Aftermarket replacement OEM clutch units including the adapter ring may be used with higher horsepower engines in automotive vehicles with manual transmissions.
US09109627B2 Sliding device including sliding bearing
A sliding device includes a sliding bearing, and a shaft which is rotatable and in slidable contact with the sliding bearing in presence of a lubricating oil. The sliding bearing has a surface hardness smaller than a surface hardness of the shaft. Additionally, the sliding bearing has a surface roughness Ra of not larger than 0.2 micrometer, and the shaft has a surface roughness of not larger than 0.05 micrometer.
US09109620B2 Fastener
A press-fit component is proposed, which can be both press-fitted into an existing hole in a sheet metal component and also punched into sheet metal where there is no hole. The press-fit component exhibits a head with a bearing surface and a shaft which emanates from the bearing surface. The shaft has a trilobular cross-section and may be provided with knurling over at least part of its length. The shaft may be provided with a threaded through-hole. As a result of the trilobular form, the shaft and with it the press-fit element is secured against turning, without deformation of the sheet metal from a plane taking place during press-fitting.
US09109606B2 Pump having an axial balancing device
The pump includes a stator and a rotor having an impeller in which a fluid duct passes. An axial balancing device arranged on this wheel includes a rear balancing chamber and a passage arranged between the wheel and the stator, enabling evacuation of fluid from the fluid duct to the balancing chamber. The pressure of fluid in the balancing chamber compensates the pressures exerted by the fluid on the rest of the rotor allowing axial balancing of the rotor. The passage includes an upstream nozzle and a downstream nozzle, as well as an intermediate annular chamber, arranged between walls of the wheel and of the stator, the intermediate chamber being arranged downstream of the upstream nozzle and upstream of the downstream nozzle.
US09109599B2 Scroll compressor having oil hole
A scroll compressor is provided. That is, in a shaft penetration scroll compressor in which an eccentric portion of the rotational shaft is overlapped with an orbiting wrap of the orbiting scroll in a radial direction, an oil hole that supplies oil inhaled through an oil passage of the rotational shaft to a thrust bearing surface of the orbiting scroll may be formed at the fixed scroll, and thus, the orbiting scroll may be supported by pressure of oil supplied to the thrust bearing surface through the oil hole to prevent tilting of the orbiting scroll due to eccentricity of a gas force, thereby enhancing reliability and performance of the compressor.
US09109598B2 Compressor with oil separating mechanism
According to a compressor of the present invention, the compressor further comprises an oil separating mechanism 40 which separates oil from the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressing mechanism 10, the oil separating mechanism 40 includes a cylindrical space 41 in which the refrigerant gas orbits, an inflow portion 42 for flowing the refrigerant gas discharged from the compressing mechanism 10 into the cylindrical space 41, a sending-out port 43 for sending out, from the cylindrical space 41 to the one container space 32, the refrigerant gas from which the oil is separated, and an exhaust port 44 for discharging the separated oil from the cylindrical space 41 into the other container space 32. According to this configuration, efficiency of the electric motor 20 is enhanced, volumetric efficiency is enhanced, and low oil circulation is realized.
US09109591B2 Methods and systems for dosing control in an automated fluid delivery system
Methods and systems for dispensing a fluid using an automated fluid delivery system are disclosed. A pump may be configured to force an aliquot of fluid into a fluid delivery channel. A processor may receive values of a property for the aliquot and the source of the aliquot. The processor may use the values to determine the volume of the aliquot. The determined volume is compared by the processor against an expected volume to establish the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit, such as time or revolutions. The processor controls operation of the pump to dispense a predetermined dose based on the amount of fluid being pumped by the pump per unit.
US09109590B2 Pump and pump control circuit apparatus and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a pump control circuit for use with a pump. The pump control circuit includes a temperature sensor capable of producing a signal representative of a temperature of the pump and a microcontroller coupled to receive the signal from the temperature sensor and programmed to control a current provided to the pump. The pump control circuit also includes an output power stage coupled to receive a control signal from the microcontroller and capable of controlling the application of current to the pump in response to the control signal in order to stabilize the temperature of the pump.
US09109586B2 Electro-hydraulic drive system for a work machine
An electro-hydraulic drive system for a work machine which drives an upper rotary body by controlling a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid by a control valve, includes an electro-hydraulic pump including a hydraulic pump driven by an engine, and a first electric motor, and an electro-hydraulic motor including a hydraulic motor rotated by the hydraulic oil supplied from the electro-hydraulic pump, and a second electric motor, and a controller which determines an operating state of the first electric motor and an operating state of the second electric motor based on a load of the electro-hydraulic pump and a load of the electro-hydraulic motor, and is able to perform an efficient operation by using a hydraulic pressure (fluid pressure) and electric power.
US09109576B2 Wind turbine blade control
A wind turbine variable is controlled by detecting air flow conditions in front of the leading edge of the blade. One or more Laser Doppler Anemometers are mounted on or incorporated into the blade to determine air flow velocity in the region in front of the leading edge of the blade. The measured flow conditions may be used to control the position of a control surface such as a trailing edge flap or the rotor speed. The LDAs may comprise lasers of different frequencies to enable more than one component of flow velocity to be measured.
US09109575B2 Flying electric generators with clean air rotors
Flying electric generator aircraft that include groupings of four rotors mounted to booms extending fore and aft of a fuselage structure wherein the rotors are placed so that when the aircraft is facing the wind, each rotor has a direct path to an undisturbed flow of air, regardless of pitch angle and during all flight maneuvers of the aircraft. The rotors are placed in counter-rotating pairs with the booms preferably angled so that the rotors in the front of the aircraft are spaced at a distance from one another that is different than a spacing of the rotors at the rear of the aircraft.
US09109570B2 Tidal adjustment arrangement for a wave energy recovery system
This invention relates to a tidal adjustment arrangement for a wave energy recovery system where the wave energy recovery system comprising at least a body (2), a wing (3a) hinged at its lower edge onto the body (2) to make a reciprocating motion in response to kinetic energy of waves or tidal currents and a power-take-off (PTO) means (3b). The arrangement comprises at least a support means (6) capable to change the vertical position of the wing (3a).
US09109569B2 Working apparatus and a method for operating same
A working apparatus has an internal combustion engine which drives at least one tool via a clutch. The clutch starts the coupling process at an initial engagement speed when the internal combustion engine is accelerated. The internal combustion engine has a piston, an ignition device and an ignition timing control device. The control device provides a first ignition timing for idling and a second ignition timing for full load operation, which is earlier than the first ignition timing. A method for operating the working apparatus provides that the ignition timing is adjusted toward “late,” with respect to the first ignition timing, when the engine speed drops in a first speed range above the idling speed and below the initial engagement speed.
US09109568B2 Crank trigger distributor
A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for sealing the crankcase from leaking vacuum through the distributor installation hole. A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for minimizing and/or preventing crankcase leakage, while being adjustable and adaptable to engine blocks or intake manifolds of various manufacturers. A crank trigger having a distributor stem, a collar located on the distributor stem, and at least one sealing element, the at least one sealing element incorporated within the collar. A crank trigger distributor assembly and method for adjusting rotor tip phasing without touching the distributor hold-down, as the cap itself can be adjusted.
US09109564B2 Engine starting strategy to avoid resonant frequency
A machine comprising a clutch that engages and disengages. The machine includes an engine operable at various engine speeds including a resonant frequency engine speed, and a transmission connected to the engine through the clutch. The engine applies power to the transmission when the clutch is engaged, and the engine does not apply power to the transmission when the clutch is disengaged. The machine comprises an engine starter that applies power to the engine, and an electronic control module that controls the clutch to disengage when the engine starter applies power to the engine and to engage after the engine speed exceeds the resonant frequency engine speed.
US09109563B2 Cradled fuel injector mount assembly
A fuel injector cradle mount assembly for a vehicle includes a fuel injector rail, a connective inlet assembly coupled to the fuel injector rail, a cradle coupled to the connective inlet assembly, and a fuel injector. The fuel injector includes a torso and a nozzle. The torso includes a base portion on a first end, and defines an inlet on a second end opposite the first end. The fuel injector is arranged between the connective inlet assembly and the cradle. The inlet of the fuel injector is coupled to the connective assembly, the base portion of the fuel injector rests on the cradle, and the cradle supports the fuel injector from the connective inlet assembly and the fuel injector rail.
US09109558B2 Fuel pump
First and second recessed portions are respectively formed on first and second wall surfaces of a cam chamber, in order that a plunger head and a coil spring would not come in touch with the first and second wall surfaces even in such a virtual situation. In the virtual situation, it is supposed that the plunger head would be separated from a plunger, the plunger head remains in contact with a contact surface of a cam ring so that the plunger head would not move relative to the contact surface, and a cam member would be continuously rotated.
US09109550B2 Modular design for fuel vapor purging in boosted engines
Methods and systems for fuel vapor canister purging in boosted engines are described. In one example, vapors are purged from the canister into an engine intake passage downstream of a throttle via an ejector during vacuum conditions, whereas during boost conditions, vapors are purged from the canister into an upstream inlet of a compressor via the ejector, the compressor arranged in the intake passage upstream of the throttle.
US09109549B2 Systems and methods for controlling fuel vapor flow in an engine-driven generator
An engine-driven generator that controls fuel vapor flow is provided. The engine-driven generator includes an engine having an air intake, wherein the engine is configured to drive a generator. The engine-driven generator also includes a fuel tank coupled to the engine and configured to provide fuel to the engine. The engine-driven generator includes a valve coupled between the air intake of the engine and the fuel tank. The engine-driven generator also includes a control device configured to transition the valve between a first position and a second position. The first position allows fuel vapor to flow between the fuel tank and the air intake of the engine and the second position inhibits the fuel vapor from flowing between the fuel tank and the air intake of the engine.
US09109543B2 Exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine, in particular in motor vehicles
An exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine with exhaust turbocharging and an exhaust gas recirculation device, includes a header pipe with several inflow openings connected with the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine via connecting pieces, and outlet openings branching from the header pipe via connecting branches for the exhaust gas recirculation and the exhaust turbocharger. To achieve a high exhaust gas recirculation rate and an effective pressurization of the exhaust turbocharger with exhaust gas, at least one flow guide element is arranged in the header pipe close to the outlet openings which divides the exhaust gas flow onto the two outlet openings in a targeted manner.
US09109538B2 Aircraft control system
The invention relates to a system (10) for controlling an aircraft propelled by at least one jet engine housed in a nacelle, characterised in that said system includes: a full authority electronic control unit (100) of the jet engine, intended for monitoring the jet engine, suitable for monitoring and controlling at least one electrical device of the nacelle; and an electric power unit (200) of the nacelle, external to said full authority electronic control unit of the jet engine for monitoring the jet engine, suitable for managing the electric power supply of said electrical device of the nacelle.
US09109534B2 Valved stirling engine with improved efficiency
A Stirling engine can take advantage of adiabatic compression (which heats working gas leaving the cold cylinder) and adiabatic expansion (which cools working gas leaving the hot cylinder) to increase efficiency. In some implementations, partially-heated gas leaving the cold cylinder and partially-cooled gas leaving the hot cylinder can be routed directly to a regenerator using bypass paths that are opened using one-way valves. The resultant relatively reduced temperature difference across the regenerator, e.g., as compared to a typical Stirling engine, can reduce thermal loss and improve efficiency. In some implementations, the compression ratios of the Stirling engine can be adjusted such that the temperature of the adiabatic heated gas is the same or higher than the temperature of the adiabatic cooled temperatures, thus eliminating the need for a regenerator.
US09109503B2 Waste heat recovery device
There is disclosed a waste heat recovery device including a turbine 1 driven by an exhaust gas and a compressor 8 which compresses a gas, comprising: a generator 2 which generates electric power by rotation of the turbine 1; an electric motor 7 which rotationally drives the compressor 8; and a control device 17 which drives the electric motor 7 by using the electric power generated by the generator 2 as a power source.
US09109500B2 Charge air cooler housing water trap
A charge air cooler includes a cooler housing configured to couple with an intercooler core outlet and having a condensate/water trap disposed within the cooler housing. The water trap is configured to inhibit water passing through the housing outlet. The water trap is further configured to collect the water and introduce it to the engine at a controlled rate.
US09109495B2 Method and system for identifying a source of nitrogen oxide reduction inefficiency
System and methods can identify a source of nitrogen oxide reduction inefficiency in an exhaust system including first and second selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts connected in series along an exhaust line. The methods and systems can determine which of the first and second SCR catalysts is a source of nitrogen oxide reduction inefficiency based on the temperatures of the exhausts gases flowing through the first and second SCR catalysts.
US09109476B2 Lubricating device for power unit
A lubricating device for a power unit includes an oil pan, an oil tank being separated from the oil pan, a scavenging pump for circulating the received oil of the oil pan to the oil tank, and a feed pump to feeding oil stored in the oil tank to the engine and the transmission, wherein an oil reservoir for storing a certain amount of oil to immerse a lower part of a clutch that connects and disconnects a transmission route between the engine and the transmission is provided in a power unit case, and a first overflow passage is provided in the oil tank such that when the stored oil in the oil tank is increased beyond a first level, the first overflow passage allows the increased oil to overflow into the oil reservoir side.
US09109467B2 Exhaust system for use with a turbine and method of assembling same
An exhaust system for use with a steam turbine is provided. An exhaust hood includes an input and an output, the input receiving fluid from the steam turbine. The exhaust hood includes a first side wall that extends between the input and the output. The first side wall includes an aperture. An ejector is coupled to the exhaust hood. The ejector includes inlets and an outlet. At least one of the inlets receives fluid from the exhaust hood via the aperture.
US09109466B2 Diffuser with backward facing step having varying step height
A diffuser (30) expanding a gas flow (F) upstream of a heat recovery steam generator (32) of a combined cycle power plant (34). An outer wall (44) of the diffuser includes a smoothly lofted backward facing step (46) effective to fix a location of a flow recirculation bubble (56) under conditions conducive to flow separation. The step has a varying step height (Hpeak, HvaIley) about a circumference of the step edge (62). The varying step height segments the recirculation bubble into small cells (66) located downstream of each peak (58) of the step height and reducing a reattachment length (L) of the bubble, thereby facilitating a reduction of the overall length of the diffuser.
US09109465B2 Gas turbine engine fan casing having a flange for fastening pieces of equipment
The invention provides a fan casing for a gas turbine engine, the casing having a substantially cylindrical portion that terminates at one end in an annular flange made of composite material. The flange includes at least one setback in a fraction of its thickness and at least one bolt for fastening pieces of equipment passing right through the flange in the axial direction, the bolt for fastening pieces of equipment having a head that presents a flat that is to bear flat against a rim of the setback, and a shank forming a stud for fastening pieces of equipment on the casing.
US09109462B2 Energy-absorbing fan case for a gas turbine engine
A fan case of a gas turbine engine includes a fan blade containment section defined about an engine axis and a plurality of helical ribs adjacent to the fan blade containment section.
US09109459B2 Apparatus and systems for sealing a rotary machine using a self-cleaning face seal
A self-cleaning hydrodynamic face seal for use with a rotary machine is provided. The hydrodynamic face seal includes a seal ring having a radially-extending seal face. In addition, the hydrodynamic face seal includes at least one brush coupled to the seal ring. The at least one brush includes a plurality of flexible elements extending away from the radially-extending seal face of the face seal ring.
US09109454B2 Turbine bucket with pressure side cooling
A turbine bucket for use with a gas turbine engine, as described herein, may include a platform, an airfoil extending from the platform, and a number of cooling circuits extending through the platform and the airfoil. One of the cooling circuits may be a serpentine cooling channel positioned within the platform.
US09109453B2 Airfoil cooling arrangement
An airfoil includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side surface extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, a suction side surface extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge and generally opposite the pressure side surface and a plurality of cooling holes. The cooling holes are positioned on the airfoil in accordance with X, Y and Z Cartesian coordinate values set forth in an accompanying Table.
US09109451B1 Turbine blade with micro sized near wall cooling channels
A turbine blade with a plurality of rows of micro sized near wall cooling channels formed within an outer side of the airfoil wall to produce near wall cooling of the hot surface of the airfoil. The near wall cooling channels extend around the entire airfoil surface from the trailing edge to the leading edge regions and are formed using a metal printing process. Each row of near wall cooling channels discharges into a trench that opens onto the blade tip to provide a seal against hot gas leakage across the blade tips.
US09109449B2 Turbine rotor and manufacturing method of turbine rotor
A turbine rotor has suitable strength and toughness without causing soaring manufacturing costs and prolonged manufacturing time. The turbine rotor is constructed by welding a rotor member for high temperature made of high Cr steel to a rotor member for low temperature made of low Cr steel. The high temperature rotor member is formed from high Cr steel of which the nitrogen content is 0.02% or higher by mass %. A filler material welds the high temperature rotor member and the low temperature rotor member together, and is a 9% Cr-based filler material of which the nitrogen content is 0.025% or lower by mass %.
US09109445B2 Shield canopy for a shield-type support
A shield canopy for a shield-type support for underground mining having a canopy plate and a supporting structure being welded on below the canopy plate and having a plurality of longitudinal spars which extend from a rear canopy region up to a front canopy region. At least two of the longitudinal spars having section struts which are provided with a top section flange and a web running perpendicularly to the top section flange, and the canopy plate and the section struts are angled upwards in the front canopy region.
US09109443B2 Formulation and method of use for exploitation of heavy and extra heavy oil wells
A combined injection and production method includes establishing a production well and an injection well into a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; introducing a mixture of a surfactant, a co-surfactant and a carrier fluid into each of the production well and the injection well so that the mixture flows into porous media surrounding the production well and the injection well; holding the mixture in the porous media surrounding the production well in the presence of water for a period of time sufficient to form a water film on surfaces of the porous media surrounding the production well; and injecting an injection fluid into the injection well while producing from the production well, whereby hydrocarbons flow from the porous media around the injection well toward the production well.
US09109442B2 Downhole pulse-generating apparatus
A downhole apparatus includes a pressure pulse generator and a pulse reflector. The pulse reflector reflects at least a portion of an incident pressure pulse from the generator as a reflected pressure pulse. The apparatus is configured to provide the reflected pressure pulse with a phase shift with respect to the incident pressure pulse. A method of transmitting pressure pulses downhole includes generating a pressure pulse and reflecting at least a portion of an incident pressure pulse at a pulse reflector as a reflected pressure pulse. A phase shift of the reflected pressure pulse with respect to the incident pressure pulse is controlled.
US09109436B2 Method for repairing a liner hanger, device and blank for implementation thereof
Method for repairing a hanger (D) of a liner (B), for making a leak-tight connection, the liner (B) being placed inside and in the continuation of the casing (A) of a well, the method consisting in axially positioning a metal tubular blank (1) in the well, the blank having a solid wall radially deformable beyond its elastic limit and comprising an upper cylindrical portion (10) whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the casing (A), a lower portion (13) also cylindrical whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the liner (B), and an intermediate portion (11, 12) of diameter varying between these two diameters, and causing radial expansion of at least one of these two cylindrical portions (10, 13) beyond its elastic limit so that they are applied closely and firmly and in leak-tight manner against the inner face of the wall opposite the casing (A) or liner (B).
US09109435B2 Monobore expansion system—anchored liner
Methods for forming a wellbore may include placing an upper section of inside a lower section of a parent liner; positioning an upper sealing member and a lower sealing member in the wellbore to form a pressure chamber, and expanding the second liner using the pressure chamber. The sealing members move axially relative to one another and the second liner has an inner bore that is hydraulically isolated from the pressure chamber. A related apparatus may include upper and lower sealing members that cooperate to form a pressure chamber that is hydraulically isolated from an inner bore of the second liner. A work string may include the sealing members, a connector that extends through the pressure chamber and the second liner; and an expander. The expander expands the second liner in response to the axial separation of the sealing members.
US09109426B2 Apparatus and method for plugging blowouts
A system for plugging an oil well comprises a hollow drill string. A connecting device having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface having a recess is loosely situated around the drill string. A first skirt has a plurality of first rods that are each pivotally connected to the upper surface. A second skirt has a plurality of second rods that are each pivotally connected to the lower surface. A first fastening ring is configured to selectively allow the first skirt to transition from a closed position to an open position. A second fastening ring is configured to selectively allow the second skirt to transition from a closed position to an open position. A stop having a beveled edge is secured to the drill string. The recess is configured to allow the connecting device to mate with the stop's beveled edge.
US09109420B2 Riser fluid handling system
A fluid handling system comprising an annular sealing device and a flow control system to divert fluid flow from an annulus of a riser package to a control system located on a rig. A method of installing a fluid handling system on a riser package from a rig comprises connecting the fluid handling system to an upper end of a riser string, supporting the fluid handling system and the riser string using a first tubular handling device, and lowering the fluid handling system and the riser string to an operating position.
US09109414B2 Solids waste, solidification material mixing and conveyance unit
A system for processing solids may include a solids mover configured to receive the solids from the separator and convey the solids to at least one disposal container and a solidification material applicator configured to apply a solidification material to the solids in the solids mover. A related method includes conveying the solids from the separator to at least one disposal container using a solids mover and applying the solidification material to the solids in the solids mover using a solidification material applicator.
US09109412B2 Rotational drill bits and drilling apparatuses including the same
A roof-bolt drill bit. The roof-bolt drill bit may include a bit body rotatable about a central axis and a cutting element coupled to the bit body. The bit body may comprise a forward end, a rearward end axially spaced away from the forward end, and an internal passage defined within the bit body, with the internal passage extending from a rearward opening defined in the rearward end of the bit body through at least a portion of the bit body. A fluid port is configured to direct fluid from the internal passage through a port opening in a direction that forms an angle with respect to a forward direction of the central axis.
US09109400B2 Method and apparatus for use of microbes and other gas stimulants in radial enhancement drilling fluid
Microbes, nutrients or other gas stimulants are employed in the drilling fluid that is used to cut radial jet laterals or laterals of any shape or size into subsurface coal formations and other hydrocarbon formations. By employing solutions used for microbial methane farming and the like directly in radial jet enhancement drilling, microbes, nutrients or other stimulants are injected deeper into subsurface coal formations and over a much larger surface area, greatly enhancing the ability to “farm gas” from mature or depleted wells.
US09109389B1 Hollow core door with internal air flow
Hollow core door apparatus for preventing the build up of pressure in a room having a register through which air flows into the room and a center panel in the door with at least a single opening through the center panel; the door has an inside door skin and an outside door skin, both of which include openings spaced apart from the center panel, and an inside panel and an outside panel disposed in the respective openings in the inside and outside door skins. The inside and outside panels are spaced apart from the center panel within the respective door skin openings, and the spacing within the door skin openings define peripheral openings at least as great as the area of the opening in the center panel and are offset from the opening in the center panel to provide for a non-linear flow of air through the door to prevent the build up of pressure in the room. Several different embodiments are illustrated. An embodiment combining a noxious gas absorbent material with the pressure build up prevention capabilities is also illustrated.
US09109378B2 Smart lock systems and methods
A lock can receive electricity from a transformer of a doorbell chime while the lock is mounted on a door. The lock can be electrically coupled to the face plate. The face plate can be electrically coupled to the strike plate of the door frame. The strike plate of the doorframe can be electrically coupled to the transformer of the doorbell chime.
US09109373B1 Method for forming simulated stone coping
A method for forming simulated stone coping above a vertical structure, the method comprising the steps of providing molded liners, each having a textured imprinting for forming the simulated stone coping, providing form boards, mounting the form boards on the vertical structure, placing the molded liners, pouring concrete to form a concrete fill, allowing the concrete fill to cure and/or harden, removing the form board, and peeling the molded liner from the concrete fill.
US09109365B2 Insulated cover for attic openings
An insulated cover for attic openings is provided which is adapted for pivotal mounting to the portion of the building surrounding the attic opening. The insulated cover includes cover structure for positioning in spanning relationship across the opening, a pivotal mount for enabling the cover to pivot from a spanning position enclosing the opening to an access-permitting position, and a magnetic coupler including a plurality of magnetic pairs for releasably holding the cover structure in position. The cover structure includes a recess for receiving a pullcord of the like, and a receiver adapted to couple with a rod for controlled pivoting of the cover structure and release of the magnetic connection between the magnetic pairs.
US09109363B2 Interlocking panel siding
An interlocking panel system including: a pair of panels, each including: a front face including a fastener notch; a rear face; a top edge, wherein the top edge includes a top front edge that extends above a top rear edge; and a lower edge, wherein the lower edge includes a front edge that extends below a bottom middle edge and a bottom rear edge, further wherein the bottom rear edge extends below the bottom middle edge; wherein, when the lower edge of the first panel is placed onto the top edge of the second panel, the bottom front edge of the first panel covers the fastener notch of the second panel.
US09109362B2 Light weight panel and method of manufacture
A light weight panel is made from strips of thin wood which are joined side by side in a roughly 45° angle. Sheets of such joined strips are combined in layers with the strips of each layer orthogonal to the strips of the adjacent layer and are bonded into a panel if any desired length and width. A usable structural panel is then cut from the boded sheets so that the strips are diagonal to the edges of the structural panel.
US09109356B2 Relocatable habitat unit and method of assembly
A construction set and method for assembling a Relocatable Habitat Unit (RHU) requires a plurality of flat panels that include male (M) and female (F) connectors located on their respective peripheries. The entire RHU can then be assembled using a single, hand-operated tool to engage a selected M with a selected F. First the floor is established and leveled. Next, starting at a corner, the walls are erected around the floor. Finally, the roof is created. A same, hand-operated tool is used for each task.
US09109347B2 Remote management system for work machinery
A remote management system for at least one working machine manages an upper limit of an engine rpm. A hydraulic excavator includes a controller and an instruction switch for selectively instructing three kinds of work modes. The controller includes a target rpm storage unit, a target rpm computer for selecting one of stored upper limits of the target rpm according to an instruction by an instruction switch and computing a target rpm in a range smaller than the selected upper limit, and a communication unit. A server selects a work mode, according to an instruction by an input device, and instructs the selected work mode to the controller. When the work mode is instructed from the server, the target rpm computer computes a target rpm based on the instructed work mode.
US09109345B2 Construction machine, method for controlling construction machine, and program for causing computer to execute the method
A controller constituting a construction machine includes: a target value computing unit that generates a speed target value of a boom based on a lever manipulating signal; a target value correcting unit that corrects the speed target value; and a command signal output unit that outputs a command signal to a boom driving device based on the corrected speed target value. The target value correcting unit includes: a motion information acquiring unit that acquires motion information on a motion of an arm; a maximum value determining unit that determines based on the motion information a maximum correction value for reducing suppression of a floating motion by a floating motion suppressing unit as the motion of the arm becomes faster; and a correction value regulating unit that corrects the speed target value based on the maximum correction value.
US09109340B1 Pile-supported cable-reinforced building
A building is reinforced by bonding a foundation slab to piles driven into the earth. Each pile has a cap attached to it at a height selected so that at least a portion of the cap can be captured within the foundation slab when it is poured. Before pouring, reinforcing cables are connected horizontally between selected attachment points on the pile caps and are set to a selected tension. Roof reinforcing cables may also be run from a pile cap upwardly through a wall, generally horizontally so as to capture roofing members, and down through another wall to be attached to a second pile cap.
US09109319B2 System and method to detect child presence using active MEMS sensors
The presence of a child within an enclosed space in an appliance, such as a washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator, is detected using one or more MEMS sensors positioned to detect movement within the enclosed space through various measured characteristics. In preference, combinations of different types of MEMS sensors are utilized to detect the movement. Movement may be attributed to the presence of a child inside the enclosed space, rather than resulting from other influences, with increased reliability if the determination is made based upon such combinations of different characteristics. Safety processes may be initiated upon detecting the presence of the child.
US09109311B2 Two phase binder compositions and methods for making and using same
Fiberglass products and methods for making same are provided. The fiberglass product can include a plurality of fibers and a two phase binder composition comprising a mixture of an aqueous polymer and a powdered polymer.
US09109306B2 Method of coating metal filament with rubber, method of producing cord, cord, rubber coating apparatus and cord producing apparatus
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to provide a cord, in particular, a cord for reinforcing a rubber article in which rubber permeation properties are improved by coating filaments as constituents of the cord with rubber in a reliable and stable manner. The cord of the present invention is produced by, when the metal filament is guided to an extruder and extruded together with rubber from a mouthpiece of the extruder so that the metal filament is coated with the rubber, juxtaposing plural metal filaments in the mouthpiece and extruding the metal filaments together with rubber.
US09109300B2 Vitreous silica crucible provided with mineralizer on its inner surface and method of manufacturing silicon ingot using same
The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress buckling and sidewall lowering of the crucible in multi-pulling. According to the present invention, provided is a vitreous silica crucible for pulling a silicon single crystal, comprising a mineralizer on an inner surface of the crucible, wherein the mineralizer contains at least one atoms selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra, Ti, Zr, Cr, Mo, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Ag, and the concentration of the mineralizer on the inner surface is 1.0×105 to 1.0×1017 atoms/cm2.
US09109297B2 Method for production of accumulated product of nano-substance, accumulated product of nano-substance, device comprising the accumulated product, and method for analysis of structure of nano-substance
A method for producing an accumulated product of a nano-substance that enables the accumulated product of the nano-substance to be produced at low cost, by a simple process that requires few conditions to be controlled and requires minimal energy, and with good reproducibility. Specifically, a method for producing an accumulated product of a nano-substance, the method including crystallizing a protein in a state where the protein and the nano-substance co-exist within a solvent, thereby accumulating the nano-substance within pores of the protein crystals to obtain the accumulated product of the nano-substance.
US09109295B2 Electrolyte concentration control system for high rate electroplating
An electroplating apparatus for filling recessed features on a semiconductor substrate includes an electrolyte concentrator configured for concentrating an electrolyte having Cu2+ ions to form a concentrated electrolyte solution that would have been supersaturated at 20° C. The electrolyte is maintained at a temperature that is higher than 20° C., such as at least at about 40° C. The apparatus further includes a concentrated electrolyte reservoir and a plating cell, where the plating cell is configured for electroplating with concentrated electrolyte at a temperature of at least about 40° C. Electroplating with electrolytes having Cu2+ concentration of at least about 60 g/L at temperatures of at least about 40° C. results in very fast copper deposition rates, and is particularly well-suited for filling large, high aspect ratio features, such as through-silicon vias.
US09109286B2 Method of manufacturing power storage device
An object is to provide a method of manufacturing a lithium-ion secondary battery suitable for mass production. A lithium-ion secondary battery is manufactured in such a manner that a positive electrode layer is formed on a base including a plane by chemical vapor deposition which is specifically metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, an electrolyte layer is formed on the positive electrode layer, and a negative electrode layer is formed on the electrolyte layer. The positive electrode layer is formed with a MOCVD apparatus. The MOCVD apparatus is an apparatus with which a liquid or a solid of an organic metal raw material is vaporized to produce a gas and the gas is reacted to undergo pyrolysis so that a film is formed. By forming all the layers using sputtering, evaporation, or chemical vapor deposition, a solid lithium-ion secondary battery can also be realized.
US09109282B2 Method of deposition
A method of deposition is provided in which a deposition operation can be immediately performed when a workpiece for deposition is carried into a deposition chamber irrespective of a shape or a structure of the workpiece for deposition. The workpiece for deposition is integrally molded with an assisting member, which is configured to maintain the workpiece for deposition in a predetermined orientation such that a deposition surface or a deposition portion thereof faces a target material when the workpiece for deposition is carried into a deposition chamber and is placed on a deposition stand, when the workpiece for deposition is injection-molded; and the workpiece for deposition is carried into the deposition chamber and is deposited.
US09109277B2 Method and apparatus for heat treating a metal
Described herein is a method that can be used for heat treating a metal in at least one of the following processes: carburizing, carbonitriding, nitrocarburizing, and neutral carbon potential annealing operations that are used in a 1 atmosphere pressure furnace and in an atmosphere that is oxygen free and comprises nitrogen and at least one hydrocarbon.
US09109275B2 High-strength galvanized steel sheet and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a galvanized steel sheet having a tensile strength of 770 MPa or more including a steel sheet portion, and a plated layer formed on the surface of the steel sheet portion, in which the plated layer is a galvanized plated layer or an galvannealed plated layer, the steel sheet portion has a soft layer that directly adjoins the interface with the plated layer and an inside layer that is other than the soft layer, the thickness D of soft layer is 0.001% to 5% of thickness t of the steel sheet portion, and, when the hardness of the soft layer measured by nano-indentation method is indicated by H1, and the representative hardness of the steel sheet portion measured by the nano-indentation method is indicated by Ha in cross section that goes along the thickness direction of the steel sheet portion, H1 is 5% to 75% of Ha.
US09109274B2 High-tension steel plate excellent in base metal toughness and HAZ toughness
The steel plate of the invention is a high-tension steel plate that has a tensile strength of 1100 MPa or more and is excellent in base metal toughness and HAZ toughness and preferably in abrasion resistance. The steel plate satisfies a predetermined requirement of components in the steel. The Ceq (IIW) represented by the following equation ranges from 0.40 to 0.45 both inclusive: Ceq(IIW)=[C]+{⅙×[Mn]}+{⅕×([Cr]+[Mo]+[V])}+{ 1/15+([Cu]+[Ni])} in which each parenthesis-symbol [ ] means the content by percentage of an element in the parentheses. Oxide grains having a maximum diameter of 2 μm or less are present in a number density of 200/mm2 or more in the steel. The steel is composed of 29% or more by volume of martensite microstructure, and bainite microstructure as the balance.
US09109271B2 Nickel containing hypereutectic aluminum-silicon sand cast alloy
A nickel containing hypereutectic aluminum-silicon sand cast alloy is disclosed herein containing 18-20% by weight silicon, 0.3-1.2% by weight magnesium, 3.0-6.0% by weight nickel, 0.6% by weight maximum iron, 0.4% by weight maximum copper, 0.6% by weight maximum manganese, 0.1% maximum zinc and balance aluminum. The alloy may have a more narrow nickel content of 4.5%-6.0% by weight, and up to 2% by weight cobalt. The alloy may be substantially free from iron, copper and manganese. The alloy of the present invention is preferably sand cast, and most preferably lost foam cast with a pressure of 10 ATM to produce engine parts with high thermal properties that are easily machined.
US09109269B2 Magnesium alloy powder metal compact
A powder metal compact is disclosed. The powder metal compact includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a nanomatrix material. The powder metal compact also includes a plurality of dispersed particles comprising a particle core material that comprises an Mg—Zr, Mg—Zn—Zr, Mg—Al—Zn—Mn, Mg—Zn—Cu—Mn or Mg—W alloy, or a combination thereof, dispersed in the cellular nanomatrix.
US09109262B2 Compositions and methods to detect Candida albicans nucleic acid
Compositions are disclosed as nucleic acid sequences that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes specific for Candida albicans 26S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 26S rRNA. Methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of C. albicans in samples by using the disclosed compositions in methods that include in vitro nucleic acid amplification of a 26S rRNA sequence or DNA encoding the 26S rRNA sequence to produce a detectable amplification product.
US09109258B2 Molecular markers for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors
The invention relates to the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and treatment of neoplastic diseases such as tumor diseases, especially tumor diseases of the endometrium and the metastases thereof.
US09109256B2 Method for monitoring disease progression or recurrence
The invention provides methods for detecting and monitoring diseases associated with genetic abnormalities in a subject.
US09109254B2 Common and rare genetic variations associated with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and methods of use thereof for the treatment and diagnosis of the same
Compositions and methods useful for the diagnosis and treatment of common variable immunodeficiency are disclosed.
US09109251B2 Ultrasensitive biosensors
The present invention is a biosensor apparatus that includes a substrate, a source on one side of the substrate, a drain spaced from the source, a conducting channel between the source and the drain, an insulator region, and receptors on a gate region for receiving target material. The receptors are contacted for changing current flow between the source and the drain. The source and the drain are relatively wide compared to length between the source and the drain through the conducting channel.
US09109250B2 Production of closed linear DNA
An in vitro process for the production of closed linear deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) comprises (a) contacting a DNA template comprising at least one protelomerase target sequence with at least one DNA polymerase in the presence of one or more primers under conditions promoting amplification of said the template; and (b) contacting amplified DNA produced in (a) with at least one protelomerase under conditions promoting production of closed linear DNA. A kit provides components necessary in the process.
US09109243B2 Microbial-derived chondroitin sulfate
Described is chondroitin sulfate obtained from microbial sources, and related compositions and methods.
US09109232B2 Ets2 and Mesp1 generate cardiac progenitors from fibroblasts
A method for modulating cell differentiation capabilities using heterologous gene expression. Some embodiments of the invention relate to a method for inducing a cardiac progenitor cell by delivering a reprogramming factor to the cell, wherein the reprogramming factor comprises ETS2 or a combination of ETS2 and Mesp1.
US09109230B1 Inbred corn line MV3111BM
An inbred corn line, designated MV3111BM, the plants and seeds of the inbred corn line MV3111BM, methods for producing a corn plant, either inbred or hybrid, produced by crossing the inbred corn line MV3111BM with itself or with another corn plant, and hybrid corn seeds and plants produced by crossing the inbred line MV3111BM with another corn line or plant and to methods for producing a corn plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic corn plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MV3111BM, to methods for producing other inbred corn lines derived from inbred corn line MV3111BM and to the inbred corn lines derived by the use of those methods.
US09109223B2 Methods for generating and screening fusion protein libraries and uses thereof
The invention provides methods for generating fusion protein libraries, such as immunotoxin libraries. The invention also relates to libraries of recombinant cells encoding nucleic acid sequences comprising fusion proteins. In addition, the invention relates to the libraries themselves and the use of the libraries to screen for fusion proteins that are specific for target cells, such as cancer cells. Further, the invention relates to methods of improving fusion proteins and to the improved fusion proteins.
US09109218B2 Human arginase and pegylated human arginase and the use thereof
The present invention provides a site-directed mutated arginase and the preparation method thereof, and the use of said site-directed mutated arginase in preparing a medicament for treating an arginase-related disease. The present invention also provides a pegylated arginase and the preparation method thereof, and the use of said pegylated arginase in preparing a medicament for treating an arginase-related disease.
US09109217B2 ADAMTS-13 mutant
An enhanced disintegrin-like domain, and metalloprotease, with an isolated human thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 (ADAMTS-13) that includes substitutions at one or more positions in the isolated human ADAMTS-13.
US09109214B2 Host cell capable of producing enzymes useful for degradation of lignocellulosic material
The invention relates to a host cell comprising at least four different heterologous polynucleotides chosen from the group of polynucleotides encoding cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is capable of producing the at least four different enzymes chosen from the group of cellulases, hemicellulases and pectinases, wherein the host cell is a filamentous fungus and is capable of secretion of the at least four different enzymes. This host cell can suitably be used for the production of an enzyme composition that can be used in a process for the saccharification of cellulosic material.
US09109206B2 Method for treating chronic nerve tissue injury using a cell therapy strategy
A method for treating a degenerative or traumatic injury to a nerve tissue or the brain by administering at or near the injury site a composition containing adherent bone marrow stem cells suspended in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid in an amount effective to elicit axonal regeneration or re-myelination at the site of injury.
US09109202B2 Methods and means for stem cell proliferation and subsequent generation and expansion of progenitor cells, as well as production of effector cells as clinical therapeutics
The invention provides means and methods for stem cell proliferation and subsequent generation and expansion of progenitor cells. The invention in particular provides media and other culture conditions for the same. The cells are preferably used as effector cells as clinical therapeutics.
US09109197B2 Device for concentrating and separating cells
Provided is a device for concentrating and separating cells, which has a function for continuously concentrating cells; a function for then continuously arranging the concentrated cells in predetermined regions of a flow path; a function for simultaneously identifying shape and fluorescent emission in one-cell units on the basis of cell concentration and purification images, which serve to continuously separate and purify cells that have different properties in that they are either attracted to or repelled by an induction electrophoresis force of a predetermined frequency; and a function for identifying cells on the basis of this shape and fluorescent emission information and thereby separating and purifying the cells.
US09109196B2 Processes and systems for the production of fermentation products
The present invention relates to the production of fermentation products such as alcohols including ethanol and butanol, and processes employing in situ product removal methods.
US09109193B2 Continuous perfusion bioreactor system
Systems and methods for containing and manipulating liquids, including vessels and unit operations or components of cell culture, cell containment, bioreactor, and/or pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, are provided. In certain embodiments, such vessels and unit operations are directed to continuous perfusion reactor or bioreactor systems and may include one or more disposable components. For instance, in one aspect, a system includes an apparatus in the form of a bioreactor for harvesting cells which produce one or more products. The apparatus may include a disposable, collapsible bag adapted for containing a liquid, the collapsible bag in fluid communication with a liquid-solids (e.g., cell) separation device. For example, an outlet of the collapsible bag may be connected to an inlet of the separation device, and an outlet of the separation device may be connected to an inlet of the collapsible bag for recycle. Accordingly, after separating the cells from the liquid in the separation device, the cells can be flowed back into the collapsible bag where they can be re-harvested. Meanwhile, product contained in the liquid can be collected in a separate container. The efficiency of product formation in such a system may be enhanced by using mixing systems described herein.
US09109191B2 Emulsion compositions and a method for selecting surfactants
A method for preparing a microemulsion is disclosed which employs a method based upon identification of the phase behavior of a plurality of components comprising the microemulsion. Further disclosed is a microemulsion composition comprising a first component, coupling agent, and surfactant.
US09109189B2 Liquid detergent composition
A dishwashing composition comprising a hydrophobic emollient and an enzyme, preferably a protease, to provide improved hand skin care benefits and superior cleaning and/or suds mileage.
US09109188B2 Aqueous cleaning composition containing copper-specific corrosion inhibitor for cleaning inorganic residues on semiconductor substrate
A semiconductor wafer cleaning formulation, including 1-35% wt. fluoride source, 20-60% wt. organic amine(s), 0.1-40% wt. nitrogenous component, e.g., a nitrogen-containing carboxylic acid or an imine, 20-50% wt. water, and 0-21% wt. metal chelating agent(s). The formulations are useful to remove residue from wafers following a resist plasma ashing step, such as inorganic residue from semiconductor wafers containing delicate copper interconnecting structures.
US09109184B2 Ashless or reduced ash quaternary detergents
A composition of an oil-soluble ionic detergent that does not contribute metal ions to the composition, and which comprises a quaternary non-metallic pnictogen cation and an organic anion having at least one hydrocarbyl group of sufficient length to impart oil solubility to the detergent, the detergent having a total base number (TBN) to total acid number (TAN) ratio of at least 2:1 imparts ash-free basicity to a lubricant composition.
US09109183B2 Lubricating compositions for continuous casting processes and methods for making and using same
Lubricating compositions for use in the casting of steel, in particular in continuous casting processes are provided. Methods for making and using such compositions are also provided.
US09109182B2 Lubricating oil composition
A crankcase lubricating oil composition comprising (A) an oil of lubricating viscosity in a major amount; and (B) an additive component in a minor amount comprising one or more oil-soluble sterically unhindered meta-hydrocarbyl substituted phenols.
US09109178B2 Antioxidant additive composition, a solution thereof, and a method for improving the storage stability of biodiesel fuel (variants)
This invention relates to the petrochemical industry, in particular, to a method for improving the storage stability of biodiesel fuel via using an antioxidant additive.A method for improving the storage stability of biodiesel fuel, comprising addition of an alkylphenol-based antioxidant additive via providing an initial solution that contains 6 to 48 mass % of the alkylphenol-based composition comprised of, mass %: 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylcyclohexanone—0.2-0.3; 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol—0.7-6.0; 2-sec-butyl-6-tert-butyl-p-cresol—1.5-5.0; 4,6-di-tert-butyl-o-cresol—3.0-8.0; 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol—0.3-0.5; 2,4-di-tort-butyl-6-dimethylaminomethylphenol—2.0-5.0; 4,4-methylene-bis(2,6-di-tert-butylphenol)—0.1-0.3; and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol—to the balance, dissolved in biodiesel fuel; and adding the solution of the composition to the biodiesel fuel to reach a concentration of the composition of from 0.002 to 1.6 mass % based on the entire biodiesel fuel solution.The technical result consists of a considerable improvement of the storage stability of biodiesel fuel with a reduced amount of the antioxidant additive. The antioxidant additive used inhibits precipitation during the shelf life of biodiesel fuel for a longer period of time.
US09109174B2 Advanced cellulosic renewable fuels
The invention relates to a process to manufacture advanced cellulosic gasolines. Dilute organic acids derived from pyrolized biomass are converted to their corresponding alcohols in a stand-alone hydrodeoxygenation unit followed by membrane pervaporation step to remove water. The alcohol product is blended directly into a neat hydrocarbon fuel basestock to make unadditized gasoline.
US09109160B2 Reactive mesogen based polymer particles
This invention relates to polymer particles comprising monomer units of at least one reactive mesogen, a process for their preparation, the use of these particles for the preparation of optical, electrooptical, electronic, electrochemical, electrophotographic, electrowetting and electrophoretic displays and/or devices and security, cosmetic, decorative, and diagnostic applications, and electrophoretic fluids and displays.
US09109159B2 Liquid crystalline polyester and production method of the same
A liquid crystalline polyester having structural units (I), (II), (III), (IV) and (V), wherein a ratio of the structural unit (I) to sum of the structural units (I), (II) and (III) is 68 to 80 mol %, a ratio of the structural unit (II) to sum of the structural units (II) and (III) is 55 to 75 mol %, and a ratio of the structural unit (IV) to sum of the structural units (IV) and (V) is 60 to 85 mol %, wherein a total amount of the structural units (II) and (III) is substantially equimolar with a total amount of the structural units (IV) and (V), and ΔS (entropy of melting) defined by Equation [1] given below is 1.0 to 3.0×10−3 J/g·K:
US09109153B2 Method for manufacturing a nanoparticle, method for manufacturing a light-emitting element having the nanoparticle, and method for manufacturing a display substrate having the nanoparticle
In a method for manufacturing a nanoparticle, a precursor (e.g., transition metal complex) mixed with polyethylene glycol (PEG) is thermally decomposed. A nanoparticle is formed from the thermal decomposition. PEG is cost effective and less toxic than chemicals that are conventionally used for nanoparticle production, so that costs for manufacturing the nanoparticle may be decreased. Further, PEG may be reused to produce more nanoparticles.
US09109149B1 Drop in refrigerant blend for mineral oil based systems
The present disclosure relates to refrigerants generally, and more specifically to non-flammable, non-ozone depleting mixtures of refrigerants that may be substituted for (HCFC R-22, R-407C, R-417A, R-502, R-402A, R-402B, R-404A, R-408A &R-507A) and usable in mineral oil systems. Among the most preferred embodiments of the present invention(s) are mixtures that are substitutes for these refrigerants, comprising about 35 to 65 weight percent R-125, and about 20 to 55 weight percent R-134a, and about 5 to 25 weight percent of R-143a and about 1 to 5 weight percent hydro component of (R-600 OR R-601) or combination, and about 2-10 weight percent of R-227ea the weight percentages of the components being weight percentages of the overall mixture.
US09109145B2 Strippable adhesive composition and uses thereof
The invention relates to a strippable adhesive composition, and it has the advantage of good stripability and coating. The invention also provides a strippable material and method for manufacturing the same and an electronic component and method for manufacturing the same.
US09109138B2 Optically clear biaxially oriented polyester film with anti-iridescent primer layer
A highly optically clear, composite film has a predominantly thermoplastic polyester base layer of A/B/C-layered structure and a polyester and polyurethane blend primer layer Preferably core layer B of the base layer is substantially particle-free polyester and outer layers A and C include organic and/or inorganic particles. The primer layer is crosslinked using a carbodiimide crosslinking agent. The primer layer and base layer composite can be laminated with a protective layer of primarily acrylic polymer for a solar control film. Functional additives, such as UV light blockers can be present in layers of the composite and solar control films. The primer layer combination of polyurethane and crosslinking by carbodiimide, provides the acrylic coated polyester solar control film with notably reduced iridescence and durable adhesion between polyester and acrylic layers in moist and warm service conditions.
US09109132B2 Ink container
An ink container, adapted to supply an ink composition to an ink jet recording apparatus including a recording head for discharging the ink composition, includes an ink chamber containing the ink composition, the ink chamber including a wall defining the ink chamber and a support connected to an inside of the wall to support the wall; and an ink pouring port through which the ink composition is poured into the ink chamber, in which, in a use state of the ink container, in a case where the ink chamber is filled with the ink up to 50% of the volume thereof, an area of the support in contact with the ink composition is smaller than an area of the support in contact with atmosphere.
US09109123B2 Urea mixtures and methods for making and using same
Urea mixtures and methods for making and using same are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the urea mixture can include urea, a urea-aldehyde resin, a liquid medium, and a sugar. The urea mixture can have an aldehyde to urea molar ratio of about 0.2:1 to about 0.7:1. The urea mixture can have a sugar concentration of about 2 wt % to about 8 wt %, based on the combined weight of the urea, the urea-aldehyde resin, the liquid medium, and the sugar.
US09109120B2 Process for isolation and purification of carotenoids
The present invention discloses a novel saponification process for the isolation and purification of highly pure carotenoids from different carotenoid rich oleoresin derived from plants and microorganisms without the use of toxic chemicals and hazardous solvents. The hydrolysis is carried out by treating the carotenoid rich oleoresin with a novel mixture of a Fatty alcohol, alkali and a fatty acid without the use of any other solvents. Further the invention explains a process of stabilizing the carotenoids from getting degraded due to high temperature and exposure time during the saponification process. Further the invention discloses an economically viable process of isolating high pure carotenoids with higher yield.
US09109119B2 Chromophores, method for the preparation thereof, and use of same
The invention relates to a chromophore of general formula: in which: R1 represents C1-C4 alkyl; R2 represents a sterically hindered group; R3 represents a pi-conjugated system; Y represents O, S, NH or is absent; R4 represents a C3-C18, preferably C3-C8 and more preferably C3 alkyl group; M represents a metal from Group III or IV of the Periodic Table; n is an integer, to its process of preparation and to its uses.
US09109114B2 Polyamides having improved anti-delamination
The present invention generally relates to polyamide compositions having improved anti-delamination. More specifically, the present invention relates to novel polyamide compositions demonstrating improved anti-delamination, which have at least one low purity polyamide.
US09109111B2 Wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin compound having improved fluidity
Provided is a wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin compound. The wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin compound includes a wholly aromatic liquid crystalline polyester resin having a high melting point and mica having a predetermined size.
US09109102B2 Rubber composition for use in tire side walls and pneumatic tire using the same
A rubber composition for use in tire side walls contains from 30 to 40 parts by mass of carbon black having a nitrogen specific surface area of from 20 to 35 m2/g and a DBP oil absorption of from 50 to 95 cm3/100 g per 100 parts by mass of a rubber component constituted by from 30 to 70 mass % of a butadiene rubber having a cis-1,4 bond content of at least 97%, a Mooney viscosity (ML1+4) at 100° C. of at least 45, and a ratio (T−cp)/(ML1+4) of the viscosity [cps] of a 5 mass % toluene solution at 25° C. (T−cp) to the Mooney viscosity of at least 2.0, and from 30 to 70 mass % of another diene-based rubber.
US09109090B2 Amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane, making method, and cosmetics
An amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane can be prepared under mild reaction conditions by reacting an amino-modified organopolysiloxane with an amino acid or amino acid derivative ester in the presence of an organometallic catalyst. The amino acid-modified organopolysiloxane having a hydrophilic group is useful in cosmetics, powder surface treatment, fiber or fabric treatment, coating, and resin modification.
US09109085B2 Semi-aromatic, semi-crystalline copolyamides
Semiaromatic, semicrystalline copolyamide molding compositions, comprising A) from 35 to 100% by weight of a copolyamide composed of a1) from 35 to 69% by weight of units which derive from hexamethylenediamine and from an aromatic dicarboxylic acid having from 8 to 16 carbon atoms, a2) from 31 to 65% by weight of units which derive from 3,3′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminodicyclohexylmethane and from terephthalic acid, a3) from 0 to 30% by weight of units of a semicrystalline polyamide different from a1) and a2), B) from 0 to 65% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of A) and B) is 100%.
US09109074B2 Bonding wood composites with a calcium-modified phenol-formaldehyde resin
The present invention relates to an aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resole resin prepared by reacting phenol and formaldehyde in the presence of a source of calcium ions, to a curable powdered (particulate) resole resin made by spray drying the aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resole resin, to a method of preparing a wood composite using the curable, powdered resin, and the related wood composite bonded with the curable, powdered resin.
US09109071B2 Process for producing conjugated diene rubber and composite of the same rubber
A process for producing conjugated diene rubber and its composite includes polymerizing a conjugated diene or a conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon in a hydrocarbon solution by anionic polymerization to obtain conjugated diene rubber containing alkali metal in the polymer chain end reacting with at least one organic silane compound to become a modified conjugated diene rubber. After or during the modified conjugated diene rubber contacting with large amount of water, solvent and water content are removed from the modified conjugated diene by applicable hot sources, wherein coupling ratio of modified conjugated diene rubber is less than 40%, coupling ratio of modified conjugated diene rubber after contact with water is at least 50% The conjugated diene rubber and composite exhibit storage stability.
US09109063B2 Acrylamide-based mesoporous polymer and preparation method thereof
The present invention relates to an acrylamide-based mesoporous polymer and its preparation method, where the acrylamide-based mesoporous polymer is fabricated by a simple preparation method to have uniform minute pores controllable in pore size and thereby applicable to a wide variety of fields.The acrylamide-based mesoporous polymer includes at least one of a defined repeating unit and contains a plurality of pores having a diameter of 2.0 to 10.0 nm in the solid state.
US09109039B2 Plant defense signal peptides
A 23 amino acid peptide, AtPep1, plays an important role as a signaling component of the innate immune system of Arabidopsis. The peptide precursor gene is transcribed in response to elicitors generated by pathogens, and AtPep1 is produced to amplify the signaling pathways. Seven paralogs of the AtproPep1 gene have been identified in the Arabidopsis genome, and orthologs have been identified in species of several agriculturally important families. AtPep1 and its paralogs and orthologs play important roles as endogenous signals to amplify innate immunity. The sequences of two AtPep1 receptors from Arabidopsis are also provided.
US09109034B1 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.
US09109029B2 Compositions comprising soluble CD84 or anti-CD84 antibodies and methods for diagnosing and treating B-CLL
A method of diagnosing B-CLL in a subject in need thereof is provided. The method comprising determining in a biological sample of the subject a level of CD84 isoform C (SEQ ID NO: 30), wherein an increase in the level of the CD84 isoform C (SEQ ID NO: 30) beyond a predetermined threshold with respect to a level of the CD84 in a biological sample from a healthy individual is indicative of the B-CLL.
US09109027B2 Antibodies against human angiopoietin 2
The present invention relates to a method of treating a disease or disorder in a patient comprising administering, to a patient in need of such treatment, an antibody which binds specifically to human angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2). The present invention also relates to a method for preventing metastasis in a patient suffering from primary cancer comprising administering, to a patient in need of such preventative treatment, an antibody which binds specifically to human angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2).
US09109023B2 Treatment of inflammatory diseases by inhibiting cold-inducible RNA-binding protein (CIRP)
Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a CIRP inhibitor. A method of treating a subject suffering from an inflammatory condition comprising administering to said subject a CIRP inhibitor is also described herein.
US09109011B2 Dendritic cell-specific antibody conjugate comprising anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies conjugated to HIV-1 Gag/Nef
The present invention includes compositions and methods for making and using a vaccine that includes a DC-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an engineered Gag antigen is attached to form an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the Gag antigen is less susceptible to proteolytic degradation by eliminating one or more proteolytic sites or a DC-specific antibody or fragment thereof to which an engineered Nef antigen is attached to form an antibody-antigen complex, wherein the Nef antigen comprises one or more codon usage optimization that increase antibody-antigen complex secretion, or both, wherein the vaccine is able to elicit an HIV-specific T cell immune response to Gag p17, Gag p24, Nef and/or Cyclin D1.
US09109010B2 Viral inactivation during purification of antibodies cross reference to related applications
Described herein are methods for isolating and purifying antibodies from a sample matrix. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to viral reduction/inactivation of samples generated in the various steps of antibody purification. In a particular aspect, methods herein employ an acidification step followed by one or more chromatography steps. The chromatography steps can include one or more of the following chromatographic procedures: ion exchange chromatography, affinity chromatography, and hydrophobic interaction chromatography.
US09109009B2 Template-fixed peptidomimetics with CXCR7 modulating activity
Novel template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics of the general formula (I), wherein the single elements T or P are α-amino acid residues connected from the carbonyl (C═O) point of attachment to the nitrogen (N) of the next element in clockwise direction and wherein said elements, depending on their positions in the chain, are defined in the description and the claims have the property to act on the receptor CXCR7. Thus, these β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be useful in the treatment or prevention of diseases or conditions in the area of dermatological disorders, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases, fibrotic diseases, infectious diseases, neurological diseases, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, gastro-intestinal tract disorders, urological diseases, ophthalmic diseases, stomatological diseases, haematological diseases and cancer; or the mobilization of stem cells.
US09109003B2 Extraction method for Ilex kudingcha C. J. Tseng leaves, total saponins and use thereof
The present invention provides an extraction method for the leaves of Ilex kudingcha C. J. Tseng, and the total saponins from I. kudingcha leaves extracted by using this method, and use of the total saponins in preparing a drug for reducing cholesterol and blood lipids and anti-atherosclerosis. The extraction method comprises the following steps: subjecting I. kudingcha leaves to refluxing extraction with ethanol aqueous solution to obtain an extracted solution; filtering the extracted solution and removing ethanol, and then separating and purifying the solution using a macroporous resin column.
US09108998B2 Dinuclear platinum-carbene complexes and the use thereof in OLEDs
The present invention relates to dinuclear Pt-carbene complexes comprising carbene ligands and pyrazole bridges, to a process for preparing the dinuclear Pt-carbene complexes by contacting suitable Pt compounds with the corresponding ligands or ligand precursors and/or pyrazole or corresponding pyrazole derivatives, to organic electronic components comprising at least one such dinuclear Pt-carbene complex, to an OLED comprising at least one such dinuclear Pt-carbene complex, to a light-emitting layer comprising at least one such dinuclear Pt-carbene complex, to an OLED comprising such a light-emitting layer, to a device selected from the group consisting of stationary visual display units, mobile visual display units and illumination means, comprising such an OLED, and to the use of an inventive dinuclear Pt-carbene complex in OLEDs.
US09108997B2 Method for recycling organic ruthenium compound for chemical vapor deposition
The present invention is a method for recycling an organic ruthenium compound for chemical vapor deposition, wherein an unreacted organic ruthenium compound is extracted from a used raw material through a thin film formation process. The method includes the following steps (a) to (c). (a) A modification step in which the used raw material and a hydrogenation catalyst are brought into contact with each other in a hydrogen atmosphere, thereby hydrogenating an oxidized organic ruthenium compound in the used raw material. (b) An adsorption step in which the used raw material and an adsorbent are brought into contact with each other, thereby removing impurities in the used raw material. (c) A restoration step in which the used raw material is heated at a temperature that is not lower than −100° C. and not higher than −10° C. with respect to the decomposition temperature of the organic ruthenium compound for eight hours or more, thereby adjusting the ratio of the isomers of the organic ruthenium compound in the used raw material.
US09108989B2 Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase
The present invention provide compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof, encompassed by the formulae (I), (II) or (III). The present invention also provides methods for treating an FAAH mediated disease, disorder or condition by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a provided compound of the formulae (I), (II) or (III), or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a patient in need thereof. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for inhibiting FAAH in a patient by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formulae (I), (II) or (III), or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, to a patient in need thereof.
US09108978B2 Antimicrobial compounds
A new class of biotin protein ligase (BPL) inhibitors that have antibacterial activity against multiple Staphylococcus aureus isolates, including clinically important methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) are disclosed that are non-toxic.
US09108977B2 Benzazepine compound
Provided is a compound which is useful as an agent for treating or preventing 5-HT2C receptor-related diseases, particularly incontinence such as stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, and the like, sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction syndrome and the like, obesity, and the like. The present inventors have investigated compounds having a 5-HT2C receptor agonist activity and have found that the benzazepine compounds of the present invention have an excellent 5-HT2C receptor agonist activity, thereby completing the present invention. That is, the benzazepine compounds of the present invention have a 5-HT2C receptor agonist activity and can be used as an agent for treating or preventing 5-HT2C receptor-related diseases, particularly incontinence such as stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, mixed urinary incontinence, and the like, sexual dysfunction such as erectile dysfunction syndrome and the like, obesity, and the like.
US09108975B2 Crystal of 6,7-unsaturated-7-carbamoyl morphinan derivative and method for producing the same
Stable crystalline forms of a compound represented by the formula (IA): an acid addition salt, and/or a solvate thereof are provided by the present invention. Said crystalline forms are extremely useful as materials for preparing medicines. Novel processes for preparing 6,7-unsaturated-7-carbamoyl morphinan derivatives are also provided by the present invention.
US09108962B2 Forms of tiotropium bromide and processes for preparation thereof
This invention relates to novel crystalline forms of tiotropium bromide, processes for preparing them, and their use in pharmaceutical formulations.
US09108959B2 Process for the preparation of an orexin receptor antagonist
The present invention is directed to processes for preparing a diazepane compound which is an antagonist of orexin receptors, and which is useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The present invention is further directed to crystalline forms of this diazepane compound and pharmaceutical compositions thereof.
US09108955B2 Heterocyclic inhibitors of necroptosis
The invention features a series of heterocyclic derivatives that inhibit tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) induced necroptosis. The heterocyclic compounds of the invention are described by Formulas (I) and (Ia)-(Ie) and are shown to inhibit TNF-α induced necroptosis in FADD-deficient variant of human Jurkat T cells. The invention further features pharmaceutical compositions featuring the compounds of the invention. The compounds and compositions of the invention may also be used to treat disorders where necroptosis is likely to play a substantial role.
US09108954B2 Synthesis process of dasatinib and intermediate thereof
Synthesis process of dasatinib is disclosed, which includes the step of reacting the compound of formula I with that of formula II to obtain the compound of formula III. Also disclosed is the compound of formula III which is used as an intermediate for synthesizing dasatinib. The substituents of R1, R2, R3 or R4 in formulae I, II or III are defined as in the description.
US09108953B2 Quinoline derivatives as bromodomain inhibitors
This application relates to chemical compounds which may act as inhibitors of, or which may otherwise modulate the activity of, a bromodomain-containing protein, including bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4), and to compositions and formulations containing such compounds, and methods of using and making such compounds. Compounds include compounds of Formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R7, W, X, and Z are as described herein.
US09108950B2 1-pyrazolyl-3-(4-((2-anilinopyrimidin-4-yl)oxy)napththalen-1-yl) ureas as p38 MAP kinase inhibitors
There is provided a compound of formula (I) which is an inhibitor of the family of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase enzymes, and to its use in therapy, including in pharmaceutical combinations, especially in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory diseases of the lung, such as asthma and COPD.
US09108946B2 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.
US09108944B2 Androgen receptor modulators and uses thereof
Described herein are compounds that are androgen receptor modulators. Also described are pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments that include the compounds described herein, as well as methods of using such androgen receptor modulators, alone and in combination with other compounds, for treating diseases or conditions that are mediated or dependent upon androgen receptors.
US09108935B2 Multifunctional composition base 1,3-oxazinan-6-ones with corrosion inhibition and heavy organic compounds inhibition and dispersants and obtaining process
Base compounds including 1,3-oxazinan-6-one derivatives of N-alkyl or N-alkenyl or N-cycloalkyl or N-aryl propionic acids and paraformaldehyde, and their application as corrosion inhibitors with multifunctional properties serving as inhibitory/dispersant of asphaltene in production processes, transportation, refining and storage of crude oil and derivatives. The corrosion inhibitor with inhibitory/dispersant of asphaltenes properties comprises an active substance base of 1,3-oxaninan-6-ones and hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, toluene, mixed xylenes, o-xylene, m-xylene and p -xylene, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, alcohols, aliphatic branched and unbranched alcohols containing from 3 to 10 carbon atoms, such as isopropanol, butanol and pentanol, and mixtures of hydrocarbon solvents with aliphatic branched or unbranched liquid fuels. In addition, a process for obtaining 1,3-oxazinan-6-ones derivatives of N-alkyl or N-alkenyl or N-cycloalkyl or N-aryl propionic acids and paraformaldehyde is described.
US09108929B2 Quinazoline based EGFR inhibitors
The present invention relates to quinazoline containing zinc-binding moiety based derivatives of formula I that have enhanced and unexpected properties as inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR-TK) and their use in the treatment of EGFR-TK related diseases and disorders such as cancer.
US09108925B2 Process for the manufacture of a precursor of vitamin B1
The present invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of Grewe-diamine comprising the following step: hydrolyzing a compound of formula (II), wherein R is hydrogen or straight- or branched chain C1-4 alkyl, with an aqueous alkali or alkaline-earth metal hydroxide solution, characterized in that the hydrolysis is carried out in the presence of an organic solvent.
US09108915B2 Method for producing 3,4-disubstituted pyrrolidine derivative
The present invention provides an inexpensive and industrially advantageous method for producing an optically active form of an anti-(3S,4R)-3-alkylcarbamoyl-4-hydroxypyrrolidine derivative or it's enantiomer, which is a key intermediate for producing a high-quality optically active form of (3R,4S)-3-alkylaminomethyl-4-fluoropyrrolidine or it's enantiomer useful as an intermediate for producing pharmaceuticals.The present invention relates to a method for producing an optically active anti-(3S,4R)-4-hydroxypyrrolidine-3-carboxamide derivative, or it's enantiomer by carrying out asymmetric hydrogenation using an optically active catalyst of a 4-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxamide derivative represented by the general formula (I). [in the formula (I), PG1 represents a protective group for an amino group, and R1 represents hydrogen, a C1 to C6 alkyl group which may be substituted, or a C3 to C8 cycloalkyl group which may be substituted].
US09108914B1 Method to obtain methylene malonate via bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate pathway
Method to obtain methylene malonate and related monomers following a bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate pathway. A bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate intermediary is subsequently reacted (i.e., subjected to thermolysis) to provide a methylene malonate monomer species. A source of formaldehyde (e.g., formalin) is provided in the presence of a basic catalyst (e.g., calcium hydroxide), to which a malonate (e.g., diethyl malonate) is added under suitable reaction conditions to obtain the desired intermediary (e.g., dialkyl bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate). The intermediary is reacted (i.e., subjected to thermolysis) under suitable conditions in the presence of a suitable catalyst (e.g., a zeolite) to obtain a methylene malonate monomer. In an exemplary embodiment, the thermolysis reaction includes the addition of the bis(hydroxymethyl) malonate intermediary onto a heated catalyst. The reaction product is collected and purified. The disclosed methods may be performed in a continuous operation. Discrete steps may be performed by using modular units within a plant.
US09108909B1 Cereal-based charcoal binder
The cereal-based charcoal binder utilizes unrefined non-corn whole grains to replace the conventional cornstarch binder in solid charcoal fuels. The whole grain material is ground up, mixed with water, gelatinized, and then mixed with at least one dry ingredient to produce the solid charcoal fuel product.
US09108906B2 Production of alkane sulfonates
A process for the production of olefin sulfonates is presented. The process comprising generating olefins from normal alkanes through a dehydrogenation unit to produce a mixture of alkanes and alkenes. The mixture is sulfonated to react the olefins and generate olefin sulfonates. The olefin sulfonates are separated from the normal alkanes to produce a product stream, with the normal alkanes recycled to the dehydrogenation unit.
US09108895B2 Promoted ruthenium catalyst for the improved hydrogenation of carboxylic acids to the corresponding alcohols
The invention relates to ruthenium-rhenium-tin and ruthenium-rhenium catalysts effective for the reduction of carboxylic acids to the corresponding alcohols and processes for the reduction of carboxylic acids to the corresponding alcohols using the ruthenium-rhenium-tin and ruthenium-rhenium catalysts.
US09108894B1 Process for using biogenic carbon dioxide derived from non-fossil organic material
The present disclosure provides a process for forming a biogenic carbon-based fuel or a fuel intermediate from biogenic carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The hydrogen is sourced from a process that produces hydrogen and fossil carbon dioxide from a fossil-fuel hydrocarbon and separates the fossil carbon dioxide from the hydrogen. The process may further comprise carrying out or arranging for one or more parties to carry out at least one step that contributes to a reduction in the GHG emissions of the biogenic carbon-based fuel, or a fuel made from the fuel intermediate, of at least 20% relative to a gasoline baseline. In various embodiments this includes (a) introducing the fossil carbon dioxide underground, and/or (b) using a biogenic carbon-based product selected from a chemical and energy product produced from the non-fossil organic material to displace the use or production of a corresponding fossil-based product. Methods of using the present invention to enable fuel credit generation are also described.
US09108890B2 Process for producing non-detonable training aid materials for detecting explosives
A method for manufacturing training aid materials for detecting homemade explosives includes spreading an explosive powder on a porous surface, storing the surface in a container that facilitates sublimation of the explosive powder such that the explosive powder redeposits onto the surface and into the pores over a period of time, and removing the surface from the container after the period of time to yield training aid materials. An additional method includes preparing a dilute solution of an explosive reaction mixture, and depositing the dilute solution on a surface prior to formation of an explosive product by the explosive reaction mixture. The surface is stored in a contain that facilitates formation of the explosive product, and removed after a period of time and cleaned to remove unreacted precursors to yield training aid materials.
US09108888B2 Method for producing nanocrystalline diamond coatings on gemstones and other substrates
A method to apply nano-crystalline diamond onto a selected substrate, including preparing Nanodiamond slurry of nanodiamond particles dispersed in a medium. The medium may include a liquid or a sol-gel. The selected substrate is immersed in the Nanodiamond slurry for a predetermined period of time. Then the substrate is removed from the slurry. The substrate is then dried with a flow of inert gas. The substrate is left coated with a coating of the nanodiamond particles that are highly adherently held by van der Waals forces.
US09108886B2 Material composition for producing a fireproof material and the use thereof, and fireproof molded body and method for the production thereof
A material composition for producing a fireproof material having a fine-grain fraction with grain sizes of less than 100 μm and a coarse-grain fraction with grain sizes of more than 100 μm is provided. The fine-grain fraction includes aluminum oxide having a weight proportion of at least 90% by wt. in relation to the total weight of the fine-grain fraction, zirconium oxide having a weight proportion of up to 5% by wt. in relation to the total weight of the fine-grain fraction, a stabilizer for the zirconium oxide as well as titanium oxide powder having a weight proportion of up to 5% by wt. in relation to the total weight of the fine-grain fractional. The coarse-grain fraction represents a weight fraction of more than 30% by wt. of the material composition.
US09108885B2 Alumina-based ceramic materials and process for the production thereof
The present invention provides a process for producing a ceramic material, which comprises: (a) forming a green compact by compacting a powder comprising alumina and carbon, wherein the powder is substantially free of silicon carbide and wherein the amount of carbon present in the powder does not exceed 0.1% by weight of the powder; and (b) sintering the green compact under non-oxidising conditions to form a ceramic material comprising alumina and carbon, wherein the green compact is sintered at a temperature of less than 1550° C. Ceramic materials obtainable by said process are also provided.
US09108881B2 Glass substrate coated with a high-index layer under an electrode coating, and organic light-emitting device comprising such a substrate
A glass substrate including a first face and a second face opposing the first face, the substrate including, above the second face, an electrode layer which includes at least one electrically conducting layer, wherein the substrate includes, between the second face and the electrode layer, at least one layer of vitreous material having an index in the range from 1.7 to 2.4 and including from 40% to 60% by weight of bismuth oxide Bi2O3 and from 5% to 30% by weight of ZnO.
US09108872B2 Solids separator and method of treatment for biowaste
The invention relates to a device and a method for the separation of solids from a biowaste slurry before heat treatment, and for heat treatment of the separated solids. The device comprises a chamber with a main inlet port for feeding slurry, and outlet ports. A unit for separating solids is adapted to an outlet port so, that liquid leaving the chamber has passed through the separation unit. A second outlet port is provided directly from the chamber to allow removal, following sterilization, of solids collected in the chamber. The sterilization is secured by temperature monitoring at representative locations.
US09108868B1 Treatment of potable water
Methods and systems for treating water for potable use or consumption are described. In an embodiment, a method for treating water for potable may include adding an effective amount of a magnesium compound to supply water to be treated. The method may also include adding an effective amount of a flocculation aiding metal salt to the supply water. The method may further include removing one or more contaminants from the supply water to provide treated water. Other methods and systems are described.
US09108862B2 Method of making rutile titanium dioxide microspheres containing elongated TiO2-nanocrystallites
Rutile TiO2 microspheres and microparticles in a botryoidal morphology which form from ordered acicular aggregates of elongated TiO2 crystallites that resemble nano-sized flower bouquets and/or triangular funnels, and process for their preparation by thermally hydrolyzing a soluble TiO2 precursor compound in aqueous solution in the presence of a morphology controlling agent selected from carboxylic acids and amino acids.
US09108858B2 Nanofilaments of catalytic materials for chemical process improvements
A Haber-Bosch process including the steps of providing a reactor having a substrate with catalyst filaments formed thereon. The catalyst filaments are formed of a metal including iron. A nitrogen compound and hydrogen are injected into the reactor such that at least a portion of the nitrogen compound and hydrogen contact the catalyst filaments. The nitrogen compound and hydrogen are reacted with the catalyst filaments at a temperature of less than about 600° F. and a pressure of less than about 2000 psig.
US09108855B2 Method for producing purified alkali silicate aqueous solution and silica sol
To provide a method for producing an alkali silicate aqueous solution containing a reduced amount of foreign substance of plate-like fine particles and a method for producing a silica sol containing a reduced amount of foreign substance of plate-like fine particles. A method for producing an alkali silicate aqueous solution fulfilling the following condition: the existing amount of plate-like fine particles having a length of one side of 0.2 to 4.0 μm and a thickness of 1 to 100 nm is determined to be 0 to 30%. The method for producing an alkali silicate aqueous solution includes the steps of adjusting a silica concentration of an alkali silicate aqueous solution to 0.5 to 10.0% by mass and filtering the alkali silicate aqueous solution through a filter having a removal rate of particles with a primary particle size of 1.0 μm of 50% or more.
US09108851B2 Highly conductive carbon nanotube having bundle moieties with ultra-low bulk density and its manufacturing method
The present invention relates to a highly conductive carbon nanotube having bundle moieties with ultra low apparent density less than 0.01 g/cc. More specifically, this invention relates to a highly conductive carbon nanotube prepared by following preparation steps of i) preparing the sphere shape of metal catalyst by spray pyrolysis of catalytic metal precursor solution including low molecular weight polymer, ii) synthesizing carbon nanotube using carbon source and obtained metal catalyst according to thermal chemical vapor deposition method; and iii) obtaining a highly conductive carbon nanotube having bundle moieties with ultra-low bulk apparent density.
US09108850B2 Preparing nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes
Apparatus and methods for forming the apparatus include nanoparticles, catalyst nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes generated from catalyst nanoparticles, and methods of fabrication of such nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes.
US09108849B2 Device for forming vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays
A method and device for producing an aligned carbon nanotube array. The arrays of aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may be formed by drying liquid dispersions of CNTs on a nanoporous substrate under an applied electrostatic field. The array may be used in a number of applications including electronics, optics, and filtration, including desalination.
US09108846B2 Method for preparing sulfuric acid by using hydrogen sulfide
Provided is a method for preparing sulfuric acid by using hydrogen sulfide. The method comprises the following steps: (1) performing a reduction-oxidation reaction between an H2S feed gas and oxygen to prepare SO2; (2) cooling the product acquired in step (1) to a temperature between 390° C. and 430° C., then performing a catalyzed oxidation reaction with oxygen; and (3) cooling the product acquired in step (2), then further cooling to a temperature between 60° C. and 120° C., collecting H2SO4 product. Also provided is a heat exchanger, comprising a housing and several glass pipes arranged within the housing along the direction of a long axis of the housing, arching between two lateral walls thereof; the adjacent glass pipes are connected head-to-tail. The method provides great hydrogen sulfide removal efficiency, simple process flow, and allows for economic efficiency of apparatus and reasonable utilization of energy.
US09108843B2 Method and system for preparation of highly porous and preferentially-oriented {100} platinum nanowires and thin films
A method for preparation of highly porous and preferentially-oriented {100} platinum on a substrate by electrodeposition in a deposition bath, comprising using a deposition potential Edep lower than ERHE+150 mV and an acidified platinum salt solution having a Pt salt concentration less than 5.0 mmole L−1 or, in presence of hydrogen, comprising limiting the concentration of Pt salts in the electrolyte to less than 5.0 mmole L−1 and controlling the temperature of the electrolyte. Preferentially-oriented {100} platinum nanowires and thin films, comprising Pt{100} in a range between about 20 and about 60% and having a roughness factor of at least 50 are produced.
US09108841B1 Microelectronic packages having stacked accelerometer and magnetometer die and methods for the production thereof
Methods for fabricating multi-sensor microelectronic packages and multi-sensor microelectronic packages are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a magnetometer wafer comprised of an array of non-singulated magnetometer die over an accelerometer wafer comprised of an array of non-singulated accelerometer die. The magnetometer wafer is bonded to the accelerometer wafer to produce a bonded wafer stack. The bonded wafer stack is then singulated to yield a plurality of multi-sensor microelectronic packages each including a singulated magnetometer die bonded to a singulated accelerometer die.
US09108840B2 MEMS microphone and method for packaging the same
The present invention relates to a MEMS microphone and a method of manufacturing the same, the MEMS microphone comprising: a monolithic silicon chip incorporating an acoustic sensing element and one or more conditioning CMOS integrated circuits; a silicon-based carrier chip having an acoustic cavity; a substrate for surface mounting the assembly of the monolithic chip and the silicon-based carrier chip thereon; a conductive cover attached and electrically connected to the substrate to accommodates the assembly of the monolithic chip and the silicon-based carrier chip; and an acoustic port formed on either the conductive cover or the substrate for an external acoustic wave to reach the acoustic sensing element, wherein the monolithic silicon chip, the silicon-based carrier chip and the acoustic port are configured in such a way that the diaphragm of the acoustic sensing element can be vibrated by the external sound wave from one side thereof.
US09108833B2 Apparatus for screwing a ring nut of a trigger pump on a container
A method for screwing a ring nut of a trigger-shaped (5) pump or trigger (1) on a vessel (6), the pump or trigger being provided with a threaded fixing ring nut (2) by a gripping lever assembly (11). The method includes the steps of: screwing the ring nut on the threaded mouth of the vessel by screwing it to the body until the screwing torque does not reach a preset value; performing a first detachment of elements for tightening the ring nut; rotating the tightening elements (11), by an associated motor, relocating them in their starting configuration, by clearing the trigger by the presence of the levers (11) themselves; lastly, performing a further opening of the tightening elements from the ring nut (2); the driving being necessary for completely opening the gripper and clearing the trigger.
US09108832B2 Cover opener and automatic analyzing device using same
A cover opener for opening a cover 1a that is rotationally removed from and fixed to a reagent container 1 includes: a rotational drive unit 12 and a cover retainer 17 to retain the cover 1a by becoming engaged with a concave portion 1b provided on an upper portion of the cover 1a. A carrier 16 is driven to rotate as the rotational drive unit rotates, as well as to move in a direction of a rotational axis with respect to the rotational drive unit. Springs 19 and 20, one of which is provided between the rotational drive unit and the cover retainer, and the other between the rotational drive unit and the carrier, bias the rotational drive unit and the cover retainer or the carrier in relative fashion to move away from each other. This enables the cover of the reagent container to be reliably opened.
US09108831B2 Order picker
An order picker for preparing orders that includes a motor-driven mobile chassis, a platform, an elevator for elevating the platform relative to the chassis, a load support tray for supporting loads, and a safety guardrail around the periphery of the platform. The tray is secured to a movable portion of the guardrail that moves in translation along a longitudinal axis of the order picker between a first position, in which the movable portion extends to a first greater distance from a front edge of a deck of the platform, and a second position, at a second lesser distance from the front edge and wherein the tray is movable between a first position extending horizontally above the deck when the moving portion is in the first position thereof and a second position, in which the tray is folded into a substantially vertical position when the moving portion is in the second position thereof.
US09108827B2 Lattice mast crane and lattice mast boom
A lattice mast crane having a lattice mast boom which can be luffed up in a vertical luffing plane and which comprises a pivotal connection piece, a plurality of lattice pieces releasably connectable to one another, and a head piece, with the lattice mast boom having a two-strand or multi-strand region, wherein at least one side part is releasably arranged at the pivotal connection piece and the two-strand or multi-strand region is arranged directly or indirectly at the pivotal connection piece and/or directly or indirectly at least one side part.
US09108826B2 Crane control
To facilitate the use of a crane, an angle feedback information on a rope angle (θ) of the crane is received, the angle feedback information being measured by means of a sensor at or adjacent to a trolley; and the angle feedback information is corrected by compensating an error caused by a speed change, and processed to provide movement instructions or other control information relating to the crane on the basis of real-time corrected angle information.
US09108811B1 Variably changing nip feeding speeds to maintain optimal sheet buckle
Various methods and devices maintain a registration nip and a transfer nip at the same sheet feeding speed when the leading edge of a sheet is between them. These methods and devices create a buckle in the sheet by increasing the sheet feeding speed of the registration nip while maintaining the transfer nip at the original sheet feeding speed during a first portion of when the sheet is simultaneously within the registration nip and the transfer nip. Such methods and devices then decrease the sheet feeding speed of the registration nip after creating the amount of buckle in the sheet and maintain the registration nip and the transfer nip at the same sheet feeding speed to maintain that specific amount of buckle in the sheet during the remaining portion of when the sheet is simultaneously within the registration nip and the transfer nip.
US09108807B1 Linear induction motor-driven divert mechanisms
Linear induction motor-driven divert mechanisms may be installed or associated with conveying systems and may cause a change in velocity of one or more objects (i.e., a change in direction and/or a change in speed) to passing through the conveying systems. The divert mechanisms may include one or more spherical rotors including magnetizable slugs, and the spherical rotors may be rotatably positioned above positioned above one or more stator plates. Energizing one or more of the stator plates causes the corresponding spherical rotors to rotate in a given direction. Therefore, the divert mechanism may be used to transport or direct objects within conveying systems by controlling the rotation and angular velocity of one or more of the spherical rotors, which may impart motion to the objects.
US09108800B2 Conveyor belt system and conveyor belt
A conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt extending in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of support roller stations disposed at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction and on which the conveyor belt is supported by support rollers. The conveyor belt is formed from a flexible base material and a plurality of unconnected traction devices which determine the tensile strength or rigidity of the conveyor belt and which extend in the longitudinal direction. As seen in the cross-section of the conveyor belt and with respect to a desired position on a central belt section supported on a support roller of the support roller station, the tensile strength or rigidity relative to the belt width is less than on laterally adjoining belt sections which are not supported in the desired position by a support roller. A conveyor belt is also provided.
US09108796B2 Waste storage device
A waste storage device includes a waste storage cassette receiving chamber for receiving a cassette rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The chamber includes a rotatable portion (602) mounted on a fixed portion (604) of the device, the rotatable portion (602) being rotatable with the cassette. The device further comprises a deformable portion (601) mounted on the fixed portion (604) and moveable between an undeformed position to prevent rotation of the cassette and a deformed position to allow rotation of the cassette.
US09108794B2 Disposable single use beverage package
A disposable single use beverage package includes a frame. The frame includes a continuous rim that defines an opening at a top of the frame, a bottom portion that is closed, and a plurality of spaced apart ribs that extend from the rim to a peripheral edge of the bottom. The bottom portion, plurality of ribs and rim define a plurality of openings that facilitate fluid flow. The basket is tapered to facilitate stacking of multiple baskets. At least one rib includes a ledge positioned in a center region configured to limit an amount by which an upper basket is insertable into a lower basket to thereby define a space between respective bottoms of the upper basket and the lower basket.
US09108785B2 Cigarette lighter pack
A cigarette pack and lighter device is disclosed that provides a way for smokers to always have a lighter on hand. The cigarette pack and lighter device comprises a container for retaining a plurality of cigarettes, and an extended section secured to the container for retaining a lighter. The extended section comprises at least one opening for accessing a thumb spark clicker and/or a vented flame hole of the lighter, so that a user can access the lighter without having to remove the lighter from the extended section. Typically, the openings are covered with a perforated cardstock material that can be torn away by the user to access the thumb spark clicker and/or the vented flame hole of the lighter, such that the user can light the cigarettes with the provided lighter.
US09108783B2 Extraction bag and packaging material sheet
An extraction bag is disclosed that has a body that can be squeezed using hanging threads. A portion of a sheet body is folded back, and point seals are provided in the folded-back area. Two hanging threads are attached with the point seals as supporting points. Then, when the hanging threads are pulled in opposite directions, the direction of the one hanging thread is guided during pulling by the point seals and the end of an edge seal as supporting points, and the direction of the other hanging thread of a tag-attached hanging thread is guided during pulling by the point seals and the end of an edge seal as supporting points. By this means, the point seals are first pulled towards one another and then the base seals of the threads are also pulled towards one another, thereby squeezing the bag body from three dimensional directions.
US09108772B2 Container latching systems for one-handed operation
The present application is directed to devices for a latching system. The latching system may comprise first and second interlocking latching mechanisms. The first latching mechanism may be coupled to a front surface of a container and the second latching mechanism may be coupled to a lid for the container. The second latching mechanism may be biased into an interlocking position with the first latching mechanism when the lid is moved to a closed position on the container.
US09108766B2 Storage container systems
Storage container systems include a plurality of containers and a plurality of lids for sealing the containers. The container systems have a plurality of differently sized containers that are configured in modular sizes such that the containers can be stacked together in compact arrangements. The lids can easily be positioned on the containers to create a tight seals to the containers. When the containers are not sealed with the lids, the containers may be nested together, and the lids may be nested together. When nested together, the containers and lids take up a minimal amount of space.
US09108761B2 Carton with reclosable fitment
A carton includes a chamfered corner, and a dispenser defined in the chamfered corner. A fitment may be mounted to the chamfered corner of the carton, for use in dispensing contents from the interior of the carton by way of the dispenser. The fitment may comprise a base with a rearward receptacle that is in receipt of the chamfered corner of the carton. A passageway extends through the base, from the receptacle to a front opening of the passageway, and the contents from the interior of the carton may be dispensed outwardly through the front opening of the fitment. The fitment may include one or more inwardly protruding mounting members that may engage behind one or more edges of the carton for restricting the fitment from being pulled off of the chamfered corner of the carton.
US09108753B2 Bladder clamp and related methods and apparatus for wrapping loads
A clamp assembly may include a first jaw member which may have a selectively inflatable bladder. In addition, the clamp assembly may further include a second jaw member which may have a belt. The first jaw member and the second jaw member may be configured to clamp material between the selectively inflatable bladder and the belt.
US09108744B2 Airport construction
A major portion, if not the whole, of passenger facilities are located underground to reserve a virtually building-free ground level for the most efficient movements of aircraft. A number of pairs of parked positions of aircraft for loading/unloading are arranged in each of a number of rows. Adjacent aircraft face in opposite directions to facilitate loading/unloading from and to a pair of passenger gates located below each pair of such parked positions and to also facilitate forward movement of aircraft to and from such parked positions. The resulting arrangement is compact and allows efficient movement of aircraft to and from runways while also minimizing the distances passengers travel in moving from a terminal to gates and in moving from one gate to another. Loading/unloading ramps are moveable between inactive positions out of the paths of aircraft and active positions for loading and unloading. Two such ramps can be provided for fore and aft loading of one aircraft.
US09108743B2 Cap, fastening structure using the same, and aircraft including the fastening structure
A cap capable of achieving enhanced safety by inhibiting the occurrence of sparks thereinside even if a lightning current has flowed through a fastener, a fastening structure using the same, and an aircraft including the fastening structure. The cap (27) is attached so as to cover a portion of a fastener (15) that couples an upper skin (3) of an aircraft and a stringer (11) located inside the upper skin. The covered portion projects through the stringer (11). An outer surface (33) of the cap that comes into contact with an interior space of the upper skin (3) is a curved surface, and the cap is made of a conductive material.
US09108735B2 Electro-expulsive de-icing system for aircraft and other applications
An apparatus for removing ice from an object (e.g., in-flight ice removal from the skin of an aircraft) includes an actuator assembly that forms an elongated electrically conductive loop. The actuator is mounted in a position enabling it to impact the object to be de-iced in response to movement of the loop that is produced by electric current pulses flowing in opposite directions in two mechanically independent loop subassemblies. The loop subassemblies include multiple electrically conductive elements interconnected at their ends using elongated flexible connectors in order to introduce a physical discontinuity that reduces any restriction of relative movement of the subassembly ends caused by the connectors.
US09108731B2 Repairable lanyard release connector
A repairable lanyard release connector. The repairable connector includes a replaceable assembly with a housing that has a series of internal nested components, and a communications insert that is configured to nest within the housing. The communications insert includes a first structure for releasably engaging first cooperating structure of a first component of the series of internal nested components so that the communications insert and the first component rotate in concert when one is rotated. The communications insert also includes a second structure for releasably engaging second structure of a first component of the series of internal nested components to limit reciprocating motion of the communications insert in the replaceable assembly.
US09108725B1 Method and apparatus for robust lift generation
A system and method for robust lift generation through flow separation suppression are presented. A fluid flow is ejected over a lifting surface from a fluid ejection orifice, and a flow direction of the fluid flow over the lifting surface is directed using a plurality of vanes configured in the fluid ejection orifice. The flow direction is rotated in a span-wise direction over the lifting surface by swiveling the vanes.
US09108722B2 Aircraft and aircraft control method
An aircraft is provided with a mechanical linkage that mechanically transmits an amount of manipulation of a control stick to a rudder controlling mechanism, an amount-of-manipulation sensor that detects the amount of manipulation, and an FBW control-law computing unit that calculates an FBW control-law command indicating an amount of control for a craft in accordance with the detected amount of manipulation. Also, with the aircraft, a high-pass filter outputs, among the control-stick manipulation amounts detected by the amount-of-manipulation sensor, an amount of change in the control-stick manipulation amounts; by subtracting the amount of change that has passed through the high-pass filter by means of the subtracting portion, the FBW control-law command serves as an SAS command; and the rudder controlling mechanism is driven by adding an amount of movement of an SAS actuator in accordance with the SAS command to the control-stick manipulation amount transmitted by the mechanical linkage.
US09108719B2 Aircraft with AFT split-level multi-deck fusealge
An aircraft capable of carrying passengers and cargo includes a fuselage, having a crown section and a keel, a first passenger cabin, having a first floor, located in a forward portion the fuselage, and a first cargo deck, located below at least a portion of the first passenger cabin. A split level cabin is located in an aft portion of the fuselage, the split level cabin including an upper second cabin having a second floor above the level of the first floor, and a lower third cabin beneath the upper second cabin and having a third floor below the level of the first floor. A second cargo deck is located in the aft portion of the fuselage and beneath at least a portion of the lower third cabin. The crown section has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape fore-to-aft above the first passenger cabin and the split level cabin, and the keel below the second cargo deck is lowered compared to the keel below the first cargo deck. A modified aircraft having a split level aft cabin and lowered keel, and a method for modifying an aircraft in this way are disclosed.
US09108717B2 Aircraft cargo door shield
A cargo door shield system comprising a cargo door cover movable between a shield position below the fully opened cargo door, and a storage position permitting the cargo door to be moved uninhibited by the cover between the closed and fully opened positions. The system including a pair of spaced apart guide tracks movably supporting the cover for movement between the shield and storage positions, and extending below and spaced apart from the cargo door when the cargo door is in the fully opened position and being spaced apart sufficient to permit passage of the cargo door therebetween when the cargo door is moved between the closed and fully opened positions.
US09108706B2 Retractable wake surfing tether
An retractable tether device is used to alert the driver of a fallen athlete and to return the athlete, primarily a wake surfer, back to position behind the watercraft. The tether consists of a coil spring with a storage reel for the line and an audible alert notification. When a wake surfer falls off the surfboard, the tether will pull out from the device. Simultaneously, the boat stops and the coil spring will retract the tether to reposition the wake surfer behind the boat. As the tether is reeled out, an alert such as an audible noise and/or vibratory signal will cue the driver that the wake surfer has fallen. To further ensure safety, each end of the apparatus would have break away clips. The safety break away clips would release in the case where the driver did not stop the boat. The tether could be connected to the tower, pylon or back of the boat's towable hook. As a result of this device, the surfer can efficiently engage in an increased number of wake surfing sessions.
US09108702B2 Mooring assembly for a vessel
In a mooring assembly for a vessel, comprising a moonpool defined in the vessel, a turret is rotatably mounted within the moonpool with an upper main bearing for transmitting horizontal and vertical loads between the vessel and turret and with a lower secondary bearing for substantially transmitting horizontal loads between the vessel and the turret. Mooring lines are attached to the lower region of the turret that comprises a number of circumferentially spaced torsion box like torsion members each extending substantially vertically. The torsion members resist bending in a circumferential direction that is greater than in a radial direction. The lower secondary bearing is defined by outwardly facing bearing members attached to said torsion members and an inwardly facing bearing ring attached to the moonpool. In a situation in which a torsion member is not loaded horizontally by a respective mooring line its bearing member does not engage the ring.
US09108681B2 Sub-frame for vehicle
A vehicle sub-frame includes a hollow body having a hollow part thereinside formed by casting using a core. The hollow body includes a front wall and a rear wall. The front wall has a front bulging section formed to bulge outward at a position corresponding to a parting line. The front bulging section is formed on a part avoiding a top wall and a bottom wall of the hollow body. The rear wall has a rear bulging section formed to bulge outward at a position corresponding to the parting line. The rear wall is formed on a part avoiding the top wall and the bottom wall.
US09108680B2 Automobile chassis frame structure
A first and second pipe materials forming a front side frame are arranged in an up-and-down direction in a first horizontal portion, in a left-and-right direction in a second horizontal portion, and replaced from the up-and-down direction to the left-and-right direction in an inclined portion between the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion, and at least in the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion, the first and second pipe materials are welded to each other by welds, and therefore, it becomes possible to change in the longitudinal direction the cross-sectional shape or bending stiffness of the front side frame formed by joining the first and second pipe materials without changing the cross-sectional shapes thereof in the longitudinal direction, thus providing the front side frame that has a light weight but has excellent impact absorption performance at the time of a collision.
US09108679B2 Frame structure for a motor vehicle, rear frame structure, and vehicle body
A frame structure is provided for a motor vehicle having at least two longitudinal girders, each having a first longitudinal section and a second longitudinal section, which are at an angle to one another, so that in the installed state of the frame structure in a motor vehicle, the first longitudinal section lies essentially horizontally below a floor plate of the vehicle body and the second longitudinal section extends essentially upward and, viewed in the forward travel direction, the first longitudinal section is arranged behind the second longitudinal section. It is provided that beginning in the area of the transition from the second longitudinal section to the first longitudinal section or an area adjacent thereto, the longitudinal girders extend at least partially away from one another in the direction of the first longitudinal section. Furthermore, the invention relates to a rear frame structure and a vehicle body.
US09108678B2 Vehicle support frames with interlocking features for joining members of dissimilar materials
The present disclosure relates to various vehicle frame assemblies and methods of manufacturing the same. The vehicle frame assemblies have rails composed of dissimilar materials.
US09108677B2 End dump trailer
A trailer frame assembly for a fifth wheel trailer frame in which at least a portion of the frame is torsionally stiffened with a rectangular closed section in a transverse cross section. The rectangular closed section is formed by longitudinal, parallel spaced vertical side plates, a top pan extending between top portions of the side plates, and a bottom pan between bottom portions of the side plates. Overlap joints between the side plates and the top and bottom pans allow for connection with threaded or rivet fasteners. An end dump semi trailer is also provided with a double acting lift cylinder on each side of the trailer. Also provided is a latch lift assembly for a dump gate using a linkage assembly to impart vertical upward movement to dump gate to unlatch the dump gate from a cradle catch.
US09108661B2 Transport cart that can be stored in a space-saving manner for equipping an aircraft galley
An equipping system is provided for equipping an aircraft galley. The equipping system includes a box, which is accommodatable in the aircraft galley to be equipped, as well as a transport cart for equipping the aircraft galley. The system includes a base element, which has a bottom surface and a loading surface opposite of the bottom surface, a plurality of wheels fastened to the bottom surface of the base element, a handle attached to the base element, and a securing mechanism adapted to prevent the box from sliding off the transport cart while it is being transported on the transport cart. The handle is shaped and attached in such a position to the base element that the base element of the transport cart, in the unloaded state of the transport cart, is stackable onto a base element of a further transport cart.
US09108658B2 Stroller locking mechanism
A locking device for baby strollers is described which is automatically engaged and disengaged based simply on the presence or absence of a human hand on the stroller handle. If there is no hand on the stroller, the lock is automatically engaged, and if a hand is present on the handle, the lock is automatically disengaged.
US09108645B2 Driving system for railroad vehicle
Provided is a high mobility railroad vehicle system configured to reciprocally carry out a direct drive between a non-electrically driven section and an electrically driven section without installing new facilities such as oil supply equipment and without considering distinction between the non-electrically and electrically driven sections. A railroad vehicle system is provided with an overall control apparatus to respectively control an external electric power supply means, an internal electric power supply means, an electricity storage means, electric power conversion means and a motor driving means. The railroad vehicle system judges or previously notifies as to whether the present driving railroad section is the electrically driven section or non-electrically driven section in accordance with driving position information received from a position information generation means such as a ground facility on a railroad equipped outside of the vehicle and a global positioning system (GPS). The system cuts off from an external electric power source in the non-electrically driven section and carries out a smooth shifting control in order to connect to the external electric power source in the electrically driven section.
US09108643B2 Driving assistant method and system for electric vehicle
A driving assistant method for an electric vehicle is provided with the following steps. When the electric vehicle is started up, a battery energy safe driving region is calculated and displayed. The battery energy safe driving region is updated dynamically according to vehicle information. The vehicle information includes battery information of the electric vehicle.
US09108633B1 Hybrid powertrain and method of controlling same
A hybrid powertrain with an engine, motor/generator, a belt drive train, a starting mechanism and one or more switching devices for one or more energy storage devices has at least one electronic controller that executes a stored algorithm and controls the hybrid powertrain in accordance with the stored algorithm to establish multiple operating modes including an operating mode in which a first switching device establishes an electrical connection between a first energy storage device and the motor/generator. The operating mode established can be dependent upon a parameter of the first energy storage device, a parameter of the control system, a parameter of the motor/generator, and/or a parameter of said at least one actuator. For example, the stored algorithm can control the hybrid powertrain based on a capacity to restart the engine.
US09108630B2 Drive control device for hybrid vehicle
A drive control device for a hybrid vehicle is provided with a differential device including four rotary elements; and an engine, a first electric motor, a second electric motor and an output rotary member which are respectively connected to the four rotary elements. One of the four rotary elements is constituted by a rotary component of a first differential mechanism and a rotary component of a second differential mechanism selectively connected through a clutch, and one of the rotary components is selectively fixed to a stationary member through a brake. The drive control device comprises: a reverse drive control portion configured to operate the first electric motor so as to generate a positive torque and operate the second electric motor so as to generate a negative torque, with the clutch being placed in the engaged state, to run the hybrid vehicle in a reverse direction.
US09108629B2 Driving assistance device
A driving assistance apparatus includes an assistance apparatus that is capable of outputting driving assistance information for assisting driving of the vehicle on the basis of a target travel state quantity of a vehicle, and an assistance control apparatus that controls the assistance apparatus to change a mode of the driving assistance information between a time period from a first assistance timing based on the target travel state quantity to a second assistance timing, which is based on the target travel state quantity and subsequent to the first assistance timing, and a time period from the second assistance timing onwards, hence the driving assistance apparatus is capable of providing suitable driving assistance.
US09108615B2 Multimode clutch for a parallel hybrid vehicle
In a parallel hybrid vehicle having and internal combustion engine and an electric motor operatively connected to a transmission shaft, a multimode mechanical clutch selectively couples an output shaft of the internal combustion engine to the transmission shaft. The multimode clutch has a two-way unlocked mode where the output shaft and transmission shaft can rotate independently in either direction, and a one-way locked, one-way unlocked mode where the shafts are locked to rotate together in one direction and unlocked for independent rotation in the opposite direction. The clutch may also have a two-way locked mode where the shafts rotate together in both directions. Pawls may be provided to engage and disengage as needed to execute the modes of the multimode clutch actuator.
US09108600B2 Method and device for performing closed-loop or open-loop control of the driving stability of a vehicle
The invention relates to a method and a device for performing open-loop or closed-loop control of the driving stability of a vehicle and for avoiding collisions with an object located in the traffic lane. The invention also relates to a closed-loop driving stability controller. The method according to aspects of the invention comprises: determining based on environmental signals whether a critical situation in terms of driving dynamics, in particular an imminent collision, exists, calculating an avoidance path if a critical situation in terms of driving dynamics exists, determining based on a plurality of input variables pressures for individual brakes of the vehicle, and activating preparatory measures of the driving dynamics regulator, in particular dynamic switching over of closed-loop control parameters if the critical situation in terms of driving dynamics exists. The device and the closed-loop driving stability controller are suitable for carrying out the method.
US09108599B2 Method for operating a parking brake having an electromotively driven parking brake mechanism
A method for operating a parking brake with an electromotively driven parking brake mechanism includes applying the parking brake by the electric motor, switching off the electric motor in the state in which the parking brake is applied, switching on the electric motor after a prespecified time and reapplying the parking brake mechanism in the brake application direction. During the brake reapplication operation, an electrical variable of the electric motor is determined and compared with a reference value. The brake reapplication process is continued or terminated depending on whether the electrical variable, or a variable derived therefrom, is smaller or greater than the reference value.
US09108595B2 Windshield wiper connector
A wiper blade connector releasably secures a wiper blade to a wiper arm, thereby forming a windshield wiper blade assembly. The wiper blade connector comprises an elongate body member having opposite facing side walls, a front end, and a rear end. The opposite facing sidewalls include means for receiving and releasably securing to the mounting base on a wiper blade. At the front end of the elongate body member, a first tongue receiving opening is sized to receive the corresponding front tongue of a wiper arm. At the rear end of the elongate body member, a second tongue receiving opening is sized to receive the corresponding rear tongue of a wiper arm. A locking mechanism, such as a slidable cap provided proximate to the front end of the elongate body member, releasably locks the wiper blade member to the wiper arm.
US09108587B2 3-layer “C” shaped side airbag
An airbag assembly may include an airbag with a first fabric panel, a second fabric panel attached to the first fabric panel, and a third fabric panel attached to the second fabric panel. The first and second fabric panels may define a first inflatable cushion and the second and third fabric panels may define a C-shaped second inflatable cushion. Upon deployment, the first inflatable cushion may have a first pressure and the second inflatable cushion may have a second pressure greater than the first pressure. Further, the first inflatable cushion may be positioned directly outboard of the thoracic region and the second inflatable cushion may be positioned directly outboard of the acromial region and the coxal region, but not the thoracic region, to provide gentler cushioning for the thoracic region.
US09108585B2 Ignition lock steering column lock assembly
An ignition lock steering column lock includes a locking unit including a lockbolt selectively engageable with a steering member to prevent its rotation. A driver is operable to rotate about an axis in response to rotation of a key cylinder via a matched key. A solenoid assembly selectively prevents rotation of the driver. An armature of the solenoid assembly is movable toward a core when electric current is conducted through a coiled wire. The armature has a shape generally defining a plane and includes an axial end face configured to selectively interfere with an abutment of the driver such that force on the armature from the abutment in response to attempted rotation of the driver is directed generally along the plane.
US09108578B2 Invisible sliding door trim structure
An invisible sliding door trim structure includes a luggage trim provided at one side of a vehicle body opening part opened or closed by a door and including a reception space extended in a horizontal direction, a sliding trim provided at an inner side of the door and slid along the reception space of the luggage trim according to an opening or closing operation of the door, and a rotating trim provided to be rotatable with respect to the sliding trim according to the opening or closing operation of the door. Therefore, an invisible sliding door trim is capable of improving an appearance and overcoming a design restriction problem of a sliding door according to the prior art.
US09108574B1 Rear-mounted bicycle carrying rack for a vehicle
A rear-mounted bicycle carrying rack for a vehicle is provided, including a base, two supporting racks, two supporting arms, two upper prop racks and a lower prop rack. The two supporting racks and the lower prop rack are pivoted to the base respectively, and the two supporting racks are swingable relative to each other to be V-shaped. The two supporting arms and the two upper prop racks are pivoted to an end of the two supporting racks respectively relative to the base and are behind the two supporting racks. When the two supporting arms swings upward and forward, the upper prop rack is pushed to swing backward, the two supporting arms abut against the two supporting racks to make the two supporting arms and the two upper prop racks extend forward and backward respectively, and the lower prop rack swings backward.
US09108570B2 Motor vehicle coasting caution light
A rearwardly facing vehicle warning system for alerting nearby motorists of a coasting condition on a highway or similar high speed road. The system comprises a light source placed in the rear of a vehicle that illuminates when a motorist is neither applying pressure to the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal. A single light, illuminated in a color other than preexisting vehicle tail light colors, receives communication from an electric circuit or onboard computer that is communicating with a sensor monitoring both the accelerator and brake pedal. When neither is being utilized, the light is illuminated to warn motorists that the vehicle is undergoing a coasting condition and may be decelerating. The system provides notice of vehicle coasting to prevent unnecessary vehicle collisions from the rear due to an un-indicated change in vehicle speed, which may result from failing to maintain speed through constant pressure on the accelerator pedal.
US09108568B2 Light-projecting device, and vehicle headlamp including light-projecting device
A light-projecting device according to the present invention includes a plurality of light source units including (i) a light emitting section that emits light upon receiving a laser beam and (ii) a reflector. Each of the light source units project light to a corresponding one of light-projected spots which is a region to which light is projected in an illuminated region in a partitioning manner, and the illuminated region is formed by combining a plurality of the light-projected spot.
US09108567B2 Method and control unit for adjusting a luminosity of at least one headlight of a vehicle
A method for adjusting a luminosity of at least one headlight of a vehicle is described. The method includes a step of ascertaining an illumination intensity, the illumination intensity representing light that is incident at the vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes a step of determining a setpoint value for the luminosity while using the illumination intensity, the setpoint value being adjusted if the illumination intensity rises. The method also includes a step of providing a control signal for setting the luminosity of the at least one headlight while using the setpoint value.
US09108546B2 Vehicle seat
Provided is a vehicle seat having a high absorbing efficiency of impact energy upon rear end collision. The vehicle seat includes a pair of side frames that are arranged on the side, and lower frames and that connect lower portions of the pair of side frames to each other, in which a narrow portion including: a horizontal portion formed inside the pair of side frames along a longitudinal direction with a flexibility against a load equal to or more than a predetermined impact load, and an inclined portion extending from the horizontal portion via a bent portion inside the pair of side frames is formed on the lower frames.
US09108543B1 Portable child restraint seat
A portable seat assembly for safely securing an occupant such as a child within a vehicle is provided. The portable seat assembly readily converts between an expanded state and a collapsed state. In the expanded state, the portable seat assembly can secure the occupant in the vehicle. In the collapsed state, the portable seat assembly is readily carried and/or stowed by a user.
US09108538B2 Under-frame for a motor vehicle seat
An under-frame apparatus for a motor vehicle seat may include a basic body, a seat frame adjustable with respect to the basic body between an utmost rear and front positions, a pair of front and rear vibration levers joint-connected to the basic body and the seat frame, respectively, an adjustment arm joint-connected one of the front and rear vibration levers and including a saw teeth engagement part on a free end region thereof, an adjustment device rotatably coupled to the seat frame and engaged to the free end region to adjust a position of the seat frame with respect to the basic body, wherein the adjustment device includes a pinion gear engaged to the adjustment arm and driven by an operation unit, and an elastic member attached to the seat frame and applying a restoring force to the seat frame toward a starting position.
US09108536B2 Walk-in apparatus for vehicle seat
A walk-in apparatus for vehicle seats can be constructed of parts required to realize the walk-in operation, thus reducing the production cost and the weight of the apparatus. Moreover, apparatus can reduce the volume of the entire apparatus so that it can be easily applied even to a small-sized seat, for example, that of a small vehicle.
US09108535B2 Longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat
A longitudinally adjustable vehicle seat includes a first rail fixed to the structure, a second rail guided in the first rail and connected to the vehicle seat, a releasable locking device for locking the position of the first rail relative to the second rail, first, second, and third end stops, which limit the movability of the rail pair, wherein one of the end stops can be disabled by a stop surface that can be moved out of the path of travel of the rails. The movable stop surface is arranged on the second rail, and the end stop that can be disabled, on which the movable stop surface is formed, can be actuated together with the locking device in order for an easy-entry position to be assumed.
US09108532B2 Slide rail for an automotive vehicle seat with lateral locking without clearance
A slide rail for an automotive vehicle seat comprising a first profile, a second profile and a lock, in which: the lock is movably mounted between an unlocked position and a locked position, the lock has a first series of teeth and a second series of teeth, remote from one another in an upright direction, the first series of teeth has a first stop surface and a second stop surface, opposing one another, coming into contact with the first profile to immobilize the lock relative to the first profile along a longitudinal direction, and the second series of teeth has a first stop surface and a second stop surface, opposing one another, coming into contact with a second profile to immobilize the lock relative to the second profile along the longitudinal direction.
US09108531B2 Vehicle foot board and pedal assembly
A straddle-type tracked vehicle comprises a frame and a foot board pivotally connected to the frame. A retainer selectively prevents the foot board from pivoting with respect to the frame. An actuator, operatively connected to at least one operative system of the vehicle, has a pedal disposed at least in part vertically above the foot board. In a first state of the retainer, the foot board is fixed in a default position by the retainer. The pedal is movable between a first position and a second position. The second position is vertically below the first position and vertically above the default position of the foot board. In a second state of the retainer, the foot board pivots such that at least a front of the foot board is at a position vertically below the default position. The pedal is movable to a third position vertically below the second position.
US09108529B2 Fuel cell vehicle
An object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption in a storage apparatus that forms a control purpose power supply while making it possible to detect hydrogen, which has been leaked from a fuel cell system during running, even after stopping the vehicle. To accomplish this object, the power supply for a vehicle controller (23) is maintained by allowing a self-holding relay (35) to stay on even after turning off an ignition switch (11). On the other hand, the power supply for the vehicle controller (23) is turned off upon expiry of a predetermined period of time after turning off a propulsion system unless leakage of hydrogen from a fuel cell system (13) is detected.
US09108527B2 Cooling of electric storage units in a vehicle
A vehicle includes a front wheel, a rear wheel, an electric driving motor, which is designed to drive the rear and/or front wheel, and several electric storage units, which are accommodated inside a storage housing. The storage housing has at least one air duct for discharging thermal energy of the storage units. The air duct extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at least in one air inflow region and is arranged such that, in an operating state of the vehicle, ambient air flows into the air duct by way of head wind so as to discharge the thermal energy.
US09108525B2 Telematics control of high energy electrical power storage device
Implementations of the present invention contemplate using the communicative connections between telematics units in vehicles and a telematics service provider (TSP) to facilitate discharging and recharging of high energy electrical power storage devices, e.g. batteries, in vehicles. Specifically, implementations of the present invention contemplate an entity, e.g. a TSP, located remotely from a vehicle, that issues a command to a telematics unit in the vehicle to discharge or recharge an electrical power storage device in the vehicle. In some implementations, the command to discharge the storage device is issued by the TSP or other remote entity in response to a prior transmission sent by the telematics unit in the vehicle to the TSP or other entity. In other implementations, the command to discharge or recharge the storage device issued by the TSP or remote entity is triggered by the determination that a disaster may impact the vehicle.
US09108512B2 Transfer device
A transfer device capable of performing switching between a two-wheel drive mode or a standby four-wheel drive mode and a full-time four-wheel drive mode is provided with: a center differential which comprises a differential mechanism including one side gear coupled to rear wheels and the other side gear capable of transmitting power to a spline piece coupled to front wheels, and a differential case coupled to an engine; a switching sleeve which is movable between a first position at which the differential case and a hub are engaged and a second position at which the hub and the spline piece are engaged; and a control clutch which engages and disengages a rear wheel output shaft coupled to the one side gear and the spline piece.
US09108488B2 Door for air conditioner of vehicles
A door for an air conditioner in a vehicle, in which a thin sheet member is joined to a side of a mesh-type frame in such a way as to protrude more than an end portion of the frame so that the protruding portion of the thin sheet member is in contact with the air-conditioning case to thereby promote sealing of the door for opening and closing a passageway of an air-conditioning case, thereby preventing odors caused by molds and reducing material expenses and manufacturing costs by reducing weight of the door.
US09108487B2 Method and system for controlling power distribution
A control system for controlling power distribution in a vehicle equipped with a work device comprising a first parasitic power request module configured to produce an operational value signal indicative of an operational characteristic of a first parasitic device; and a power distribution module configured to effect a distribution of constant net power to the work device, the power distribution module operable to receive the first operational value signal from the first parasitic power request module and to effect a distribution of power to the first parasitic device suitable for the operational characteristic while maintaining constant net power to the work device, wherein the power distribution module is configured to effect an uncontrolled power distribution to the work device when the first operational value signal of the first parasitic device reaches a predetermined level.
US09108481B2 Method for performing a plausibility check for detecting a loss of load bearing capacity in a suspension system of a vehicle
A computer-implemented method for carrying out a plausibility check for recognizing a loss in load-bearing capacity in at least one suspension strut of a suspension system of a motor vehicle chassis during the operation of the chassis. Target-actual comparisons of measured suspension paths with evaluation parameters having predetermined critical threshold values calculated from the suspension paths are performed. In the event that the predetermined critical threshold values are exceeded or not attained, a recognition signal is set for a possible loss in load-bearing capacity.
US09108476B2 Bypass air maintenance tire and pump assembly
An air maintenance tire and pump assembly includes a pair of inline valves are positioned on respective opposite sides of an in-tire air passageway inlet junction and a pair of outlet valves positioned at a downstream side of a respective inline valve. A bypass valve is further provided extending between the downstream valve sides of the inline valves, the bypass valve operative to open and bypass the flow of inlet air through the outlet valves to the tire cavity in the event that a tire cavity pressure is greater than a preset pressure level and close when a tire cavity pressure is less than the preset pressure level.
US09108474B2 Relief-valve device for an air pressure gauge
A relief-valve device for an air pressure gauge has a casing, a relief-valve assembly, a valve shaft, and a push button. The casing has a connecting member, a pressure detecting member and a discharging member. The relief-valve assembly is mounted in the discharging member and has a valve seat, a first seal ring, a second seal ring and a mounting cover. The valve shaft is mounted axially slidably in the relief-valve assembly and has a shaft member and a valve head. The shaft member has a discharging notch selectively aligning with the second seal ring to allow high pressure air in an inflatable product connecting to the air pressure gauge to be discharged slowly and finely out of the relief-valve device.
US09108473B2 Method for the operation of wheel electronics, wheel electronics, and tire checking system
A method for operating wheel electronics of a tire checking system includes providing wheel electronics having a battery-free power supply encompassing at least one rechargeable power storage medium for supplying power to the wheel electronics. The wheel electronics can be operated in a reduced-power transmission mode and a subsequent normal transmission mode. In the modes, data that relate to tire-specific parameters and are determined by the wheel electronics are transmitted to a vehicle-mounted communication device in the form of modulated transmission signals, with less transmission power being used for the transmission signals in the power-reduced transmission mode than in the normal transmission mode. Wheel electronics and a tire checking system are also provided.
US09108460B2 Support frame for canvas and the like
A novel display surface framing and support apparatus capable of temporarily or permanently securing canvas art and other substrates in a taunt manner without damaging the display surface. Upon assembly, the structural members join in a self-squaring fashion creating a square or rectangular frame. In preferred embodiments, the framing and support apparatus generally comprises four frame members which are substantially three sided in profile, and four corner joiners that are inserted into the ends of each frame member and being secured with a plurality of fastening means. The periphery of the display surface wraps over and around the frame members and is secured into a securement groove that is continuous along each frame member. In some embodiments, a spline element may be used to press the display surface into the securement groove of each frame member to thereby fix the display surface to the apparatus in a taunt fashion.
US09108446B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and ink jet printing method
Even if colors are printed in the same order for each band, time difference unevenness is suppressed which results from a difference in duration from the end of the first scan until the beginning of the second scan. An ink jet printing apparatus completely prints a scan area with a width corresponding to a predetermined length of a nozzle line. The ink jet printing apparatus includes conveying means for moving the print medium, generation means for generating print data in such a manner that in the two scans for completely printing the scan area with the width corresponding to the predetermined length, a print duty for the first scan is higher than a print duty for the second scan, and print control means for carrying out the first scan in an identical direction for all the scan areas completely printed by the two scans.
US09108441B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a recording material applying member configured to apply a recording material to a recording medium; a fixing member configured to fix a recording material to the medium; a first transportation unit configured to transport the medium to the recording material applying member and the fixing member; a discharge unit configured to discharge the medium; a second transportation unit configured to return the medium to the recording material applying unit; a reverse unit configured to reverse front and back surfaces of the recording medium provided in the second transportation unit; a transportation path switching unit configured to transport the medium to the discharge unit or the second transportation unit; and a control device configured to control the transportation path switching unit so as to transport the medium to the discharge unit when a fixing ability of the fixing member is decreased.
US09108424B2 Valve jet printer with inert plunger tip
A valve jet printer includes a solenoid coil and a plunger rod having a magnetically susceptible shank. A first end of the shank and at least a portion of the shank are received within a bore of the solenoid coil. The printer also includes a nozzle including an orifice extending therethrough and a spring biasing a second end of the shank toward the nozzle. The second end of the plunger rod includes a tip formed of perfluoroelastomer (FFKM). The second end of the shank includes a cup-shaped cavity having a convex bottom and a circular side. The tip includes a concave base and an annular flange. In an assembled state, the concave base of the tip contacts the convex bottom of the cup-shaped cavity, and the end of the circular side opposite the convex bottom is rolled over the annular flange thereby securing the tip in the cup-shaped cavity.
US09108423B2 Consumable supply item with fluid sensing for micro-fluid applications
A consumable supply item for an imaging device holds an initial or refillable volume of ink. A housing defines an interior having a pair of opposed electrodes. The electrodes have a capacitance that varies in response to an amount of liquid between them. A controller energizes one electrode and receives an output reading from the other. The controller processes the reading on board the housing and supplies it as a digital data stream to the imaging device during use. A memory stores calibration values for an empty and full housing. The controller writes back to the memory present fluid levels obtained from the output reading of the electrode. An enable output allows operation or not of a fluid pump in the imaging device. Materials, construction, modularity, and fluid communication ports are further embodiments, to name a few.
US09108409B2 Inkjet printing apparatus and method of controlling the same
The invention prevents inconveniences from being caused by ejection failure and unintended mixing of different colors. To this end, the invention performs preliminary ejection of ink after a wiping action to sweep mist adhering to a face of a printing head, in which an ejection opening is formed. Moreover, the amount of ink to be wastefully consumed by the preliminary ejection after the wiping is reduced. To this end, the number of preliminary ejections is regulated. The degree of adherence of mist to the ejection-opening-formed face depends on the amount of printing (the number of printed sheets, the number of ink ejections for printing, or the like). So, at the time of the preliminary ejection after the wiping, the number of ink ejections in the preliminary ejection is regulated in accordance with the amount of printing that has been done since the last wiping action.
US09108407B2 Liquid ejection apparatus
A controller is configured to regularly select one of (i) a moisturization operation with which air moisturized by a moisturization mechanism is moved to an ejection space by a ventilator while a capping mechanism is maintained to be in a capped state and (ii) a liquid discharge operation with which liquid is discharged through ejection openings by a discharger and conduct the selected operation while a recording command is not received. The controller is configured to conduct the liquid discharge operation after the moisturization operation while the recording command is not received.
US09108399B2 Method and apparatus for driving printing press
In a printing press including; a blanket cylinder gear driven by a drive motor of the printing press; a blanket cylinder including a notch, the blanket cylinder being rotationally driven by the blanket cylinder gear; a plate cylinder gear rotationally driven by the drive motor of the printing press through the blanket cylinder gear; and a plate cylinder including a notch at a position corresponding to the notch of the blanket cylinder, the plate cylinder being rotationally driven by the plate cylinder gear, a load motor is provided to the plate cylinder or the plate cylinder gear, and a braking force of the load motor is controlled according to load applied to the drive motor of the printing press.
US09108394B2 Method of making a Z-media having flute closures
A single facer media is provided according to the invention. The single facer media includes a fluted sheet attached to a facing sheet and having a first end and a second end so that when the single facer media is formed into a media pack, the first end or the second end forms a media pack first face, and the other of the first end or the second end forms a media pack second face. Adhesive is provided between the fluted sheet and the facing sheet at the first end or the second end, and wherein the fluted sheet and the facing sheet are pushed together and adhered together at the location of the adhesive to provide a seal between the fluted sheet and the facing sheet. At least 25% of the flutes of the fluted sheet comprise at least one ridge extending along at least 50% of the flute length between adjacent peaks. Filtration media packs, filter elements, and methods for forming a single facer media are provided.
US09108387B2 Electrically conductive structure
An electrically conductive structure includes a plurality of carbon fiber layers and at least one electrically conductive filament three-dimensionally woven among the carbon fiber layers. The plurality of carbon fiber layers and the at least one electrically conductive filament are operable to conduct electrical current throughout the structure.
US09108383B2 Interfolded napkins and method for interfolding napkins
A rectangular stack of interfolded rectangular napkins including a plurality of napkins, each napkin in the stack comprising a first fold in a first direction, and a second fold in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and bisecting the first fold and the napkin in the second direction, the intersecting first and second folds dividing the napkin into four panels with a pair of adjacent panels located on each side of the second fold, wherein each of the napkins within the stack includes at least one pair of panels arranged in the stack at a level between two pairs of adjacent panels of another of the absorbent napkins within the stack.
US09108379B2 Tandem press line
A tandem press line switches from a synchronized high-speed press control to a synchronized low-speed press control when a high-speed, line master control signal is switched to a low-speed line master control signal. For a press having a slide position which has been determined to be within a press region, the synchronized low-speed press control can be switched to a non-synchronized high-speed press control that is based on a non-synchronized high-speed individual press control signal that is not synchronized with the low-speed line master control signal at least during a period in which the slide position is within the press region, and the non-synchronized high-speed press control can be switched to the synchronized low-speed press control on condition that a press resynchronization point has been reached.
US09108373B2 Pneumatic tire and method of manufacturing the same
A pneumatic tire including a resin layer on at least a portion of the tire inside surface, the resin layer being formed from a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer composition in which an elastomer is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin. The pneumatic tire is provided with a fastener including a base material formed from a thermoplastic resin and engaging elements formed on the base material. Additionally, the base material of the fastener is fixed to the resin layer via fusion bonding.
US09108371B2 Injection mould for flexible tube
An injection molding device for injection molding a flexible sleeve body for a squeezable tube, comprises a male mold part and a female mold part, which in combination with the male mold part forms a sleeve body cavity for forming the flexible sleeve body between them. The sleeve body cavity extends from a top end to an opposite bottom end in a longitudinal direction. The molding device further comprises a runner end part, which in combination with the female mold part and the male mold part forms a runner cavity at the top end of the sleeve body cavity. The runner cavity comprises a passage constituted by one or more openings connecting the annular shaped distribution channel with the sleeve body cavity for guiding the molten plastics material from a runner distribution channel into the sleeve body cavity. The one or more openings is/are evenly distributed along the perimeter of the sleeve body cavity and is/are narrow compared to the distribution channel upstream of the passage, such that the passage initially prevents the flow of molten plastics material from entering the sleeve body cavity, which results in a pressure build up in the runner cavity which eventually results in a pressure high enough to force the flow of molten plastics material through the passage into the sleeve body cavity.
US09108367B2 Method for manufacturing contact lenses and contact lenses manufactured therefrom
The invention provides a method for manufacturing contact lenses, including: (a) mixing a siloxane macromer represented by formula (I), a siloxane macromer represented by formula (II), a hydrophilic monomer, a crosslinking agent and an initiator to form a mixture for manufacturing contact lenses, wherein the mixture for manufacturing contact lenses is free of solvent; and (b) injecting the mixture into a mould of contact lenses and conducting a UV irradiating treatment or a thermal treatment to form contact lenses, wherein formula (I) and formula (II) are shown in following: in formula (I), R1, R2 and R3 are C1-C4 alkyl groups and m is an integer of 10-40, and in formula (II), R4, R5 and R6 are C1-C4 alkyl groups or alcohol groups, R7 is a C1-C4 alkyl group, and n is an integer of 10-130. Also provided are the contact lenses manufactured from the method.
US09108359B2 Method for prevention of porosity in composite material parts
The invention discloses a method for prevention of porosity in composite material parts (1), which is applied when the curing stage of the part (1) is being carried out on a female tool (2). In the curing stage, an adhesive (4) is placed on at least one of the areas of the radii (5) of the composite material part (1), so that the possible subsequent appearance of porosity in said areas of the composite material part (1) is prevented. Thus, the adhesive (4) acquires the fluidization temperature before the resin of the composite material and it is displaced filling the holes generated during the placement of the part (1) on the female tool (2), in the area of the radii (5) of the part (1), during the coupling between the part (1) and the female tool (2).
US09108346B2 Method of forming insulating articles with reduced thickness variation
In one or more embodiment, a method is provided for forming an insulating article from an insulating material having a first thickness, the method including the step of: compressing the insulating material to form a compressed insulating material having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness; and subsequent to the step of compressing, subjecting the compressed insulating material to a vacuum to form the insulating article.
US09108331B2 Cutting of preforms prior to RTM injection by means of a water jet and cryonics
A device for cutting a fibrous preform, for production of a part made of a composite material by injection of resin under vacuum. The device includes a die for receiving the preform, on which a template of outer edges of the part is referenced, a mechanism cutting outer edges of the preform according to the template, and a mechanism for cooling the preform that is suitable for solidifying a liquid forming a substrate for the preform.
US09108325B2 Electric shaver
An electric shaver includes: a main body; an outer blade provided to an end of the main body and having a blade hole defined by a bar; and an inner blade provided inward of the outer blade and configured to reciprocate in a longitudinal direction of the outer blade to cut hair in the blade hole with the outer blade. The bar has a hair raising portion coming in contact with hair upon movement of the outer blade on a skin surface to raise hair up from the skin surface. A contact pressure on the skin surface to be exerted by the outer blade in a first portion of the outer blade is greater than that in a second portion of the outer blade. Hair raising performance in raising hair up from the skin surface in the first portion is smaller than hair raising performance in the second portion.
US09108320B2 Suction structure, robot hand and robot
A suction structure includes a fixing base, a pad fixed to the fixing base and a seal member arranged between the pad and the fixing base. The pad includes a contact portion arranged to make contact with a target object to be sucked, a space surrounded by the contact portion, a suction hole through which the space communicates with a vacuum source via the seal member, and one or more support portions fixing the pad to the fixing base. Each of the support portions is arranged on an axis of tilting movement, and being provided with a twist portion for supporting the contact portion such that the contact portion makes the tilting movement about the axis.
US09108315B2 Robot control system and robot control method
A robot control system according to an aspect of an embodiment includes a plurality of robots, at least one external axis, and converters. The robots perform axis behaviors. The external axes are a movable axis shared by the robots and are mutually connected to the robots. Each of the converters assumes a virtual robot formed by connecting all the external axes to the one robot and converts acquisition values on positions of the robot and the external axes acquired for the virtual robot into conversion values indicating absolute positions in a predetermined normal coordinate system.
US09108314B2 Reconfigurable lithographic structures
A lithographically structured device has an actuation layer and a control layer operatively connected to the actuation layer. The actuation layer includes a stress layer and a neutral layer that is constructed of materials and with a structure such that it stores torsional energy upon being constructed. The control layer is constructed to maintain the actuation layer substantially in a first configuration in a local environmental condition and is responsive to a change in the local environmental condition such that it permits a release of stored torsional energy to cause a change in a structural configuration of the lithographically structured device to a second configuration, the control layer thereby providing a trigger mechanism. The lithographically structured device has a maximum dimension that is less than about 10 mm when it is in the second configuration.
US09108310B2 Fueldraulic actuator installation and removal tool
A fueldraulic actuator installation and removal tool that includes a base, an actuator chassis, and at least one articulating arm. The actuator chassis is able to communicate with a jet fueldraulic actuator located in a jet engine bay such that the actuator can be removed from the jet engine bay. The actuator chassis is connectable to the actuator at three predetermined points on the actuator. The at least one articulating arm, which is attached to the base, communicates with the actuator chassis such that the actuator chassis can be moved forward (frontwards) and backwards and left and right, and oriented at different inclines and adjusted to allow the actuator chassis to align and interface with the jet fueldraulic actuator.
US09108308B2 Switch operation device
A switch operation device is for switching between two or more speed change modes of a speed change mechanism by switching a position of a component for use in speed change included in the speed change mechanism, and includes: a main member that is movable between two positions in the switch operation device in an operating direction; a click spring for stopping the main member at one of the two positions; a switch spring that switches the position of the component in conjunction with movement of the main member; a first holding member provided in the main member, and holds the click spring; and a second holding member provided in the main member, and holds the switch spring, wherein when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the operating direction, the first holding and second holding members at least partially overlap with each other.
US09108305B2 Engageable handle for garbage disposal
A tool employable to install a garbage disposal supported in an elevated position by a mounting ring rotationally engaged to a sink flange extending from a drain. The device provides one or a plurality of handles extending from a supporting member adapted to cradle or engage with projections extending from the mounting ring. With the supporting member engaged to the mounting ring the user may employ two hands to lift the mounting ring and disposal and concurrently twist the mounting ring onto the sink flange.
US09108297B2 Systems for abrasive jet piercing and associated methods
Various embodiments of abrasive jet cutting systems are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an abrasive jet system includes a cutting head configured to receive abrasives and pressurized fluid to form an abrasive jet. The system also includes an abrasive source configured to store abrasives that are supplied to the cutting head, as well as a fluid source configured to store fluid that is supplied to the cutting head. The system further includes a gas source configured to store pressurized gas that is selectively supplied to the cutting head. When supplied to the cutting head, the pressurized gas can advantageously affect, such as by at least partially diffusing, the abrasive jet.
US09108296B2 Substrate processing apparatus and method of operating the same
Provided is a substrate processing apparatus including a first conduit configured to supply a processing solution to a substrate loaded on a supporter, and a second conduit in fluid communication with the first conduit, the second conduit configured to supply a gas to the first conduit to be mixed with the processing solution, wherein the first conduit includes an opening to permit the processing solution mixed with the gas to be injected onto the substrate.
US09108295B2 Blasting metallic implants with titanium oxide
A method of processing a surface of a metallic implant, such as a dental implant, to provide a desirable surface roughness, comprising subjecting the metallic implant to blasting with particles of one or more titanium oxides, including at least one non-stoichiometric titanium oxide, the particles having a compact morphology and a particle size in the range of from 1 to 300 μm. The resulting implant surface showed unexpectedly high retention strength after implantation in bone.
US09108293B2 Method for chemical mechanical polishing layer pretexturing
A method for pretexturing the polishing surface of a chemical mechanical polishing layer, comprising providing a chemical mechanical polishing layer having a polishing surface; providing a belt sanding machine; feeding the chemical mechanical polishing layer through a gap between a transport belt and a calibrating sanding belt of the belt sanding machine; and, wherein the polishing surface comes into contact with the calibrating sanding belt; wherein the thickness of the polishing layer is reduced.
US09108290B2 Multilayer chemical mechanical polishing pad
A multilayer chemical mechanical polishing pad is provided, having: a polishing layer having a polishing surface, a counterbore opening, a polishing layer interfacial region parallel to the polishing surface; a porous subpad layer having a bottom surface and a porous subpad layer interfacial region parallel to the bottom surface; and, a broad spectrum, endpoint detection window block; wherein the polishing layer interfacial region and the porous subpad layer interfacial region form a coextensive region; wherein the multilayer chemical mechanical polishing pad has a through opening that extends from the polishing surface to the bottom surface of the porous subpad layer; wherein the counterbore opening opens on the polishing surface, enlarges the through opening and forms a ledge; and, wherein the broad spectrum, endpoint detection window block is disposed within the counterbore opening.
US09108287B2 Method for grinding the main and rod bearing of a crankshaft by external cylindrical grinding
Crankshaft rod bearings are pre-ground and finish-ground in a first grinding station and the crankshaft main bearings are then pre-ground and finish-ground in a second grinding station. The crankshaft is first mounted centered between the two points of the rotary drive. The chuck has two support members which can be moved in the radial direction and which are then positioned against the main bearing in a self-equalizing manner. In the engaged position, the support members are locked tightly to the chuck by locking pins. A pivoting clamping member is then clamped with the operating end thereof against the main bearing.
US09108286B2 Clamping device for a tool or a workpiece
A clamping device for a tool or a workpiece, comprising at least one chuck and at least one holder for the workpiece or the tool. The holder is provided with a tubular extension.
US09108285B2 Cord clamp current sensor for dust collector
A dust collection system includes a sensor body, a selection circuit, a detection circuit, and a motor control circuit. The sensor body detachably encircles a cord supplying power to a power tool. The cord includes a neutral conductor and a hot conductor. The sensor body houses sensors that, in response to current flow through the cord, generate sensor signals. The selection circuit generates a positive output signal in response to the sensor signals and generates a negative output signal in response to the sensor signals. The detection circuit generates a current detection signal in response to a comparison of the positive and negative output signals with a threshold. The motor control circuit selectively turns on a motor of the dust collection system in response to the current detection signal.
US09108283B2 Guide device
A guide device to guide portable power tools on a constrained guidance unit includes at least one base body unit and at least one guide unit. The base body unit, in at least one operating state, is disposed on a side of a seating unit of a portable power tool that faces away from a housing of the portable power tool. The guide unit is configured to positively connect to the constrained guidance unit. The guide unit is also movably mounted to the base body unit.
US09108282B2 Method of manufacturing heat exchanger cooling passages in aero propulsion structure
Methods and apparatus of an improved cooling structure having cooling passages are provided. A method includes forming pilot holes with an electrical discharge machine (EDM) drill near a heated flow surface. The pilot holes are then shaped with a wire EDM into cooling passages having a desired shape.
US09108281B2 Multi-spindle fastening system
A fastening system includes a housing and a plurality of spindles. The plurality of spindles are not fixedly attached to the housing. The fastening system has a first axis. Each of the plurality of spindles is moveable parallel to the first axis. The fastening system also has a second axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. Each of the plurality of spindles is also moveable parallel to the second axis. A template member is configured to locate the plurality of spindles, and is not permanently fastened to the housing.
US09108276B2 Hardface coating systems and methods for metal alloys and other materials for wear and corrosion resistant applications
The present disclosure relates generally to hardface coating systems and methods for metal alloys and other materials for wear and corrosion resistant applications. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hardface coatings that include a network of titanium monoboride (TiB) needles or whiskers in a matrix, which are formed from titanium (Ti) and titanium diboride (TiB2) precursors by reactions enabled by the inherent energy provided by the process heat associated with coating deposition and, optionally, coating post-heat treatment. These hardface coatings are pyrophoric, thereby generating further reaction energy internally, and may be applied in a functionally graded manner. The hardface coatings may be deposited in the presence of a number of fluxing agents, beta stabilizers, densification aids, diffusional aids, and multimode particle size distributions to further enhance their performance characteristics.
US09108271B2 Oblique laser beam cutting
A method for oblique laser beam cutting of a workpiece and system for performing the same, in which a supersonic flow of cutting gas discharged from a cutting gas nozzle is orientated at an oblique cutting angle with respect to a surface of a workpiece, and in which the workpiece and the laser beam are moved relative to each other during the oblique laser beam cutting operation. The oblique cutting angle extends along a plane that is perpendicular to a direction of advance. During operation, the position of the laser beam on the workpiece surface is adjusted in such a manner that the laser beam strikes the workpiece surface in a high-pressure region formed within the supersonic flow of the cutting gas.
US09108262B1 Disposable apparatus for aligning and dispensing solder columns in an array
A disposable apparatus with a plurality of preloaded pins such as solder columns, micro-coil springs, or other cylindrically shaped metallic parts (solder columns, et al.) in an array pattern is provided for aligning and dispensing onto a column grid array (CGA) substrate. The apparatus is comprised of a carrier plate with a pattern of holes that is covered by a layer of sacrificial adhesive tape with sufficient tackiness to retain, position and hold an array of solder columns, et al. Alignment features on the bottom of the carrier plate plugs into a jig alignment fixture that precisely positions the solder columns, et al. over a CGA substrate. After peeling away the sacrificial adhesive tape from the apparatus, the payload of solder columns, et al. detaches and transfers by gravity onto a pattern of metal pads on the CGA substrate, without the use of vacuum or vibration.
US09108260B2 Manufacturing method of electrode for honeycomb structure forming die
By providing a manufacturing method of an electrode for a honeycomb structure forming die including: preparing a thick plate-like electrode base body made of an electricity discharging material and having two surfaces; making a plurality of holes in the electrode base body at positions corresponding to flow-through cells; inserting processing electrodes into the holes, and discharging electricity from the insides of the holes toward side surfaces of the holes of the electrode base body to process the side surfaces of the holes of the electrode base body into shapes corresponding to the porous partition walls; whereby obtaining an electrode where a plurality of electrode cells partitioned by electrode partition walls appear on at least one of the surfaces thereof.
US09108258B2 Method and tool for manufacturing face gears
A cutter disk having cutting blades oriented on its circumference with the cutting edges of the blades oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cutter disk thereby representing a plane which can be oriented to a work piece (e.g. face gear) under an angle equal to the pressure angle of the mating face gear set's pinion, and, which can be rotated around a virtual pinion axis to generate a tooth flank on the work piece.
US09108255B2 Fast knockdown cutting tool assembly
A cutting tool assembly includes a mandrel member and a cutting tool. The mandrel member has a shaft rod and a slide sleeve fitted around the shaft rod. At least one alignment pin is mounted in the shaft rod and at least one engagement pin is disposed in the slide sleeve. At least one locking member is disposed between the shaft rod and the slide sleeve. The cutting tool has a shank body and a tool bit. At least one alignment sink is disposed on the shank body. When assembled, the shank body is plugged into the shaft rod to align the alignment pin with the alignment sink so as to release the slide sleeve from the engagement of the engagement pin, permitting the slide sleeve to move to a locking position where the locking member is latched with the cutting tool.
US09108254B2 Pin miller inserts and a cutter using same
An indexable hexahedral cutting insert has opposing top and bottom abutting faces, opposing rake faces connecting to opposing side faces, and a central hole passing through the abutting faces. Each rake face is wider in the top-to-bottom direction at a different one of the side faces. Arcuate corner portions with one-directional curvature are formed along intersecting portions between the abutting faces and the side faces. Each abutting face has first and second wedge-shaped inclined planes adjoining and inclining toward corresponding first and second rake faces. Each inclined plane has a base side at a cutting edge formed at the border with one of the rake faces, and a width which gradually increases from one corner portion to the opposite corner portion along the abutting face. Each corner portion has an associated inclined arcuate surface adjacent to the wide end of the wedge-shaped inclined planes.
US09108251B2 Cutting tool having replaceable cutting tip, a replaceable cutting tip therefore and a method of securing a replaceable cutting tip
A rotary cutting tool includes a cutting tip having a cutting portion adapted to perform cutting operations on a workpiece and a threaded aperture defined therein generally opposite the cutting portion. The cutting tool further includes a generally cylindrical tool body disposed about a central longitudinal axis, the tool body having a first end portion adapted to be coupled to a machine tool and an opposite second end portion including an aperture having a coupling mechanism disposed therein. The coupling mechanism includes a first threaded portion cooperatively engaged to the threaded aperture of the cutting tip. The first threaded portion is moveable with respect to the tool body in a manner that selectively couples the cutting tip to the tool body.
US09108244B2 Immersion heater for molten metal
The invention relates to a device for heating molten metal by the use of a heater that can be immersed into the molten metal. This immersion heater includes an outer cover formed of one or more materials resistant to the molten metal in which the immersion heater is to be used, and a heating element inside of the outer cover, where the heating element is protected from contacting the molten metal.
US09108239B2 Sheet material having concave-convex section, and laminated structure and vehicle panel using the same
Within an area of substantially regular hexagons arranged at regular intervals on an imaginary reference plane, a sheet material includes a concave-convex section (20) having a basic pattern in which one first region (A1) is surrounded by six second regions (A2). This basic pattern repeats in regular intervals in lateral and longitudinal directions of the sheet material. The concave-convex section includes first protruding portions (21) and second protruding portion (22), which protrude in opposite directions from each other in the thickness direction in the first regions and the second regions, respectively. The first and second protruding portions may have a hexagonal pyramidal shape or a truncated hexagonal pyramidal shape.
US09108230B2 Method and apparatus for sludge removal from a tank
The present invention is directed to a method and system of processing and removing hydrocarbon sludge from a tank wherein the hydrocarbon sludges are the product of gravity settling in the bottom of the tank to form a sludge consisting of inorganic and organic materials not readily flowable or pumpable for removal in the found state and where a process is used to selectively separate, grind, disperse and suspend these materials with a mechanical classifier system, and where flow agents may be metered to effect a slurry stream directed thru a nozzle system towards the sludge in the tank and by reducing the surface tension and mechanical conditioning of the sludge, create a pumpable slurry that may be removed from the tank with minimal time, cost and environmental impact.
US09108229B2 Method and apparatus for particulate removal from moving paper webs
A method for removing dust-carrying air from a moving paper web is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: providing a moving web, the web having a first side and a second side, the web moving at a sufficient rate to produce a boundary layer of adjacent dust-carrying air; providing a NACA duct, the NACA duct having an intake opening and walls that diverge in increasing cross-sectional area to an exhaust opening having greater cross sectional area than the intake opening; and submerging the intake opening into the boundary layer to scavenge dust-carrying air from the boundary layer.
US09108226B1 Cleaning attachment for handheld rotary tool
A cleaning attachment configured for mounting a conventional household sponge to the chuck of a cordless electric screwdriver. The cleaning attachment relieves a person of the manual labor involved in scrubbing a surface with a sponge by hand. The cleaning attachment also eliminates the need to purchase a specialized sponge that is designed and sold specifically to operate in conjunction with a rotary tool. The sponge can be easily dismounted, flipped over, and reattached for continued use.
US09108222B2 Method and device for fractionating bulk material
The method for fractionating bulk material comprises the step of feeding the bulk material to at least one screen in a device (1) comprising at least one housing (10) with an inner space for receiving the screen. The housing (10) has at least one inlet (13) for feeding the bulk material and at least one outlet for discharging at least one fraction of the bulk material. The housing (10) has a roof (15) and a floor (16), with at least a gyrating mass (17) respectively arranged on the roof and the floor. The device (1) also has at least one mechanical coupling means, wherein the gyrating masses are coupled to one another by the mechanical coupling means (21) arranged outside the inner space and can be driven. The device (1) has a drive means for driving the mechanical coupling means. The method also comprises the step of setting the housing (10) in an oscillating motion by means of driving the gyrating masses. In a further method step, the fractionating of the bulk material is performed by means of the screen. Subsequently, a discharge of at least one of the fractions of the bulk material from the housing takes place through the outlet.
US09108221B2 Dual-frequency ultrasound transducer
A dual-frequency ultrasound transducer, comprising a piezo-electric element bonded to a substrate, has two resonant vibration modes: a low frequency mechanical bending resonance mode and a relatively high frequency thickness resonance mode. The low frequency bending resonance mode occurs when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a low frequency oscillating component. The high frequency thickness resonance mode occurs when the piezo-electric element is excited, in use, by a voltage which includes a relatively high frequency oscillating component. The transducer may include a mounting arrangement, such as a support ring securing the periphery of the substrate to an underlying base layer that enhances the depth of penetration and focus of the ultrasound.
US09108219B2 Method for depositing a layer on the surface of a substrate
A process for depositing a layer on at least part of the surface of a substrate by at least partially submerging the substrate in a solution having a solvent and at least one compound intended to form the layer, then drying the substrate, the drying being at least partially carried out in an atmosphere that is isolated from the solution. The submersion in the solution and the drying of the substrate are carried out in the same controlled-atmosphere enclosure.
US09108210B1 Garden hose nozzle with swivel and lock
An apparatus providing relative rotation between a garden hose and a hand-held nozzle includes a nozzle main body and a fluid connection member that engages the hose. A lower saw gate is mounted within the fluid connection member and rotates with it. An upper saw gate is mounted within the nozzle main body and rotates with it. A spring urges the upper saw gate to bear against the lower saw gate. A plurality of teeth is formed in the lower saw gate and a mating plurality of teeth is formed in the upper saw gate. The spring holds the lower and upper saw teeth in engagement with one another when a user rotates the nozzle main body. The user squeezes a pivotally mounted handle to overcome the bias. The teeth disengage from one another, allowing the inherent bias of the hose to return the hose to its position of repose.
US09108208B2 Mixing and dispensing apparatus
A mixing and dispensing apparatus having first and second containers. The first container has a main body portion which retains a first substance. A separate compartment is located in the first container and an internal passageway is formed between the main body portion and the compartment. The second container is configured to retain a second substance, and is compressible. The second container has a top end and a closed spout, wherein the closed spout is located in the compartment with the spout extending through the internal passageway into the main body portion of said first container. A release mechanism is formed by a plunger extending within the second container. The plunger has a first end in communication with the top end of the second container, and a second end aligned with the closed spout. The second end opens the closed spout when the second container is compressed to release the second substance into the main body portion of the first container.
US09108206B1 Water control system for sprinkler nozzle
A sprinkler. A stationary base includes a turbine to drive an upper housing. A plurality of sprinkler nozzle assemblies mounted on the upper housing include low voltage solenoids that are energized via slip ring contacts, with a power discontinuous slip ring located on the base. When powered, the solenoids open to allow water to be directed from the nozzle in the sprinkler nozzle assembly. the nozzles are sized, shaped, and directed to apportion water as needed to provide average water quantities amongst parts of irregularly shaped parcels.
US09108194B2 Method and apparatus for fragmenting nucleic acids
Systems and methods include processing devices used to fragment nucleic acids to average nucleic acid sizes ranging from between about 5 kbp and about 20 kbp. A processing device may include an inlet portion and a channel upstream from a shearing region arranged so that a relatively constant pressure is established and maintained (e.g., a pressure that changes by less than about 40%) at an entrance of the shearing region during a majority of sample flow through the shearing region. In some embodiments, after forcing the sample through the shearing region once, the processing device may be taken out of the centrifuge, inverted and placed back into the centrifuge so that the sample is forced through the shearing region again.
US09108193B2 Collection/extraction container for biological material in forensic samples
Relates to a collection/extraction container (1) for collecting solid forensic samples (2) and/or for extracting biological material from these solid forensic samples (2) and its use. The container (1) has a top opening (3) for the insertion of a solid forensic sample (2). The container (1) comprises a basket (7) and an essentially horizontal intermediate floor (8) for the retention of the solid forensic sample (2) during digestion/lysis and extraction, the intermediate floor (8) being permeable to fluids and dividing the inner chamber (5) into an upper sample space (9) and a lower fluid space (10). The container according to the invention is characterized in that is comprises an essentially vertical channel (11), which is accomplished to allow a pipetting needle (12) to be inserted through the sample space (9) and into the fluid space (10) in that the channel (11) has a top orifice (13) that is situated nearby a top opening (3) of the container (1) and in that the channel (11) penetrates the intermediate floor (8) in a bottom orifice (14), wherein the container (1) also comprises a partition wall (15) that at least partially surrounds the channel (11) and that separates the latter from the upper sample space (9).
US09108190B1 Rapid synthesis of beta zeolites
The invention provides methods for rapidly synthesizing heteroatom containing zeolites including Sn-Beta, Si-Beta, Ti-Beta, Zr-Beta and Fe-Beta. The methods for synthesizing heteroatom zeolites include using well-crystalline zeolite crystals as seeds and using a fluoride-free, caustic medium in a seeded dry-gel conversion method. The Beta zeolite catalysts made by the methods of the invention catalyze both isomerization and dehydration reactions.
US09108186B2 Phosphoric acid treatment of carbonaceous material prior to activation
A method of producing an activated carbon, comprising selecting a raw material for direct-activation, applying a solution of at least 50% phosphoric acid by weight at a ratio of from 0.01 pounds to 0.3 pounds of phosphoric acid solution per pound to the raw material selected for direct activation to produce a phosphoric acid treated raw material, and direct-activating the phosphoric acid treated raw material via a gas activation process to produce an activated carbon.
US09108184B2 Catalyst for producing acrylic acids and acrylates
The invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process includes the steps of contacting an alkanoic acid and an alkylenating agent over a catalyst composition under conditions effective to produce the acrylate product. The catalyst composition comprises vanadium, bismuth and titanium. Preferably, the catalyst comprises 0.3 wt % to 30 wt % vanadium, 0.1 wt % to 69 wt % bismuth and 0.1 wt % to 61 wt % tungsten, in an active phase.
US09108181B2 Structurally enhanced cracking catalysts
A cracking catalyst contains a substantially inert core and an active shell, the active shell containing a zeolite catalyst and a matrix. Methods of making and using the cracking catalyst are also described.
US09108176B2 Oxygen scavenging system for a container
A container having a hydrogen generator and catalyst disposed or otherwise incorporated in components of the container. The container further comprises a system for providing at least a portion of the hydrogen generator and/or catalyst in an area defined within the closure of the container for improved performance.
US09108175B2 Device and method for catalytic gas phase reaction and the use thereof
Improved reactors for catalytic, exothermic gas-phase reactions having, viewed in the flow direction of a feed gas, an inlet zone (1), a reaction zone (2) containing at least one catalyst (4), and an outlet zone (3) for the product gas, are described. The reactors are provided in the inlet zone (1) or in the inlet zone (1) and the reaction zone (2) with an insulating liner (6) and/or apparatuses for the transport of cooling media and/or the interior walls of the reactor in the inlet zone (1) or in the inlet zone (1) and the reaction zone (2) consist of inert material. The insulating liner and/or cooling media reduce heat transport from the reaction zone (2) into the inlet zone (1) and thus reduce the risk of preignition of the feed gas mixture used or occurrence of undesirable secondary reactions in the inlet zone (1).
US09108173B2 Droplet-generating method and device
A droplet-generating device is provided. The droplet-generating device comprises a first microchannel and a second microchannel. The first microchannel includes a first fluid inlet and a second fluid inlet. The second microchannel crossing over and communicating with the first microchannel at an intersectional region includes a third fluid inlet, a fourth fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a three-way junction and a side wall. The intersectional region is configured between the third fluid inlet and the three-way junction, and the side wall is disposed between the fourth fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and extended downward. A method of producing a droplet is also provided.
US09108172B2 Method and device for the continuous production of polymers by radical polymerization
The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a polymer by radical polymerization, wherein at least three materials are mixed with microstructures in one or more mixers and are then polymerized in at least one reaction zone.
US09108164B2 Process for the removal of ammonia from an ammonia-containing gas stream
The invention is directed to a process for the removal of ammonia from an ammonia-containing gas stream by treating the ammonia in the ammonia-containing gas stream with an acid, during which treatment an aqueous stream comprising an ammonium salt, wherein the aqueous stream comprising the ammonium salt is treated with electrodialysis, whereby the acid is recovered and an aqueos stream comprising an ammonium hydroxide salt is formed.
US09108162B2 Seawater desalination system and energy exchange chamber
In a seawater desalination system for producing fresh water from seawater by passing the seawater pressurized by a pump through a reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus to separate the seawater into fresh water and concentrated seawater, an energy exchange chamber for utilizing pressure energy of the concentrated seawater discharged from the reverse-osmosis membrane-separation apparatus as energy for pressurizing part of the seawater is provided. The energy exchange chamber includes a concentrated seawater port for introducing and discharging the concentrated seawater, a seawater port for introducing and discharging the seawater, a plurality of flow regulators, and a plurality of partitioned fluid passages provided in the chamber to allow the concentrated seawater port and the seawater port to communicate with each other.
US09108148B2 Apparatus and method for gas separation
Herein disclosed is an apparatus that includes a porous rotor positioned about an axis of rotation and surrounding an interior space, wherein the porous rotor includes sintered metal or ceramic; an outer casing, wherein the outer casing and the porous rotor are separated by an annular space; and a motor configured for rotating the porous rotor about the axis of rotation.
US09108145B2 Purification of air
Process of reducing water, CO2 and N2O in feed air, which: a first adsorbent such as alumina (25-40% volume) and a second adsorbent such as X zeolite (60-75% volume) are used; the online time of the adsorbent is determined by determining the concentration measured by an analyzer for CO2 concentration at a position within the length of the second adsorbent when a maximum level of N2O is simultaneously obtained at the downstream end of the second adsorbent in the feed direction, wherein the online time is the time taken from commencing passing the feed air to the first and second adsorbents to the measurement by the analyzer of the determined concentration of CO2; at least the second adsorbent is regenerated by heated regeneration gas at a temperature of 140° C.-220° C.; and the molar ratio of the regenerating gas to feed air supplied during one iteration of the cycle is 0.08-0.5.
US09108139B2 Granular bed filtration system with gas entrained recycling
The instant disclosure relates to a granular bed filtration system with gas entrained recycling for thermal power plants to filter dust from the exhaust gas. The granular bed filtration system comprises a flow channel, a gas intake, a gas exhaust portion, a granular sieving unit, a vacuum, a cyclone separator and a pneumatic transporting device. The flow channels guide filtering media to filter the inlet gas, and then the filtered gas is exhausted through the gas exhaust outside of the granular bed filtration system. The granular sieving unit separates the filtering media and dust. The vacuum, pneumatic transporting device and cyclone separator repeatedly deliver the filtering media by gas-entrainment recycle.
US09108135B2 Pulse jet air cleaner systems; components; and, methods
Pulse jet air cleaner systems components and methods are described. The features relate to air cleaner housings that include a cartridge receiving section. Features described relate to a possible two-stage construction, a pulse jet accumulator section, pulse jet equipment for cleaning a filter cartridge positioned within the air cleaner; evacuation valve arrangements for projection of dust from the air cleaners; and other example features. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US09108134B2 Catalytic filter system
A catalytic filter system adaptable to the various challenges of a catalytic gas phase reaction is provided, wherein the system comprises a filtration vessel having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a separation wall provided in the interior of the filtration vessel and a plurality of filter candles, the separation wall dividing the interior into a raw gas chamber and a clean gas chamber; the separation wall comprising a plurality of openings designed to sealingly accommodate the plurality of filter candles; the fluid inlet being arranged in fluid communication with the raw gas chamber upstream of the plurality of filter candles; the fluid outlet being arranged in fluid communication with the clean gas chamber downstream of the plurality of filter candles; and the filter system comprising a first catalytic medium accommodated in the clean gas chamber downstream of the filter candles and upstream of the fluid outlet.
US09108133B1 Air-permeable water non-permeable device
An air-permeable water non-permeable device includes a unit including a rubber outer case, a rubber inner case, and an air-permeable water non-permeable sheet sandwiched therebetween; and a housing. The inner case is fitted inside a cylindrical portion of the outer case, the air-permeable water non-permeable sheet being sandwiched between a through-holed base portion of the outer case and a through-holed cylindrical body of the inner case. The through-holed base portion of the outer case faces a mounting through-hole of the housing and the retainer flange portion is externally orientated. The outer case is provided with an insertion guidance small-diameter portion which is not compressed by the retainer inner cylindrical surface and is smaller in diameter than the retainer inner cylindrical surface, and a retainer large-diameter portion which is compressed by the retainer inner cylindrical surface and is larger in diameter than the retainer inner cylindrical surface.
US09108130B2 Filter media construction using PTFE film and carbon web for HEPA efficiency and odor control
Disclosed herein, among other things, is an improved filter media construction that comprises multiple layers for improved odor control that can be used for vacuum cleaner air filtration cartridge applications. The filter media comprises anti-microbial ePTFE HEPA filter media to prevent mold growth. The filter media may also be used for air cleaner filtration, central air filtration for home and industrial buildings (HVAC), cleanrooms, and microelectronic devices. In an embodiment, the improved filter media construction comprises at least a PTFE layer, a bi-component layer, and a base layer. In an embodiment the PTFE layer comprises ePTFE. In an embodiment, the bi-component layer comprises non-woven polyethylene/polyethylene terephthalate (PE/PET). In yet another embodiment, the base layer comprises activated carbon. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
US09108110B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program to allow conversation between a plurality of appliances and a user
There is provided an information processing apparatus including an operation information transmitting unit transmitting operation information for operating respective appliances out of a plurality of appliances connected via a network, a character processing unit carrying out processing relating to characters, which correspond to the respective appliances and have individual personalities, and changes a content represented by the characters in accordance with the operation information for operating the appliances, and a display processing unit carrying out processing that displays the characters on a display unit.
US09108086B1 Exercise system with weighted stackable base elements
An exercise system consisting of an inflatable assembly and stackable weight elements that can be used to support the inflatable assembly at different elevations. The inflatable assembly presents an inflated curved surface for body support. The stackable weight elements each have annular bodies that can be selectively filled with fill material. Each of the stackable weight elements have crenelated sections that intermesh when the stackable weight elements are vertically and concentrically stacked. The intermeshing of the stackable weight elements enables the stackable weight elements to remain highly stable when stacked and used to support the half-ball assembly.
US09108081B2 Exercise apparatus
An exercise apparatus that has: a frame; a curved ramp comprised of a non-articulating, non-pivoting curved member that defines a unitary curved path of travel between a selected forward and selected rearward position; a foot support adapted to travel along the unitary curved path from the selected forward position to the selected rearward position and to travel along the same unitary curved path from the selected rearward position to the selected forward position; and a handle interconnected to the foot support and adapted to move in the same direction, forward or rearward, as the foot support via the interconnection to the foot support.
US09108076B2 Fire hydrant locking sprinkler cap, hydrant valve seals and lubrication access
A method for delivering water through a fire hydrant is described. The method includes unlocking a sprinkler cap control lock on the fire hydrant, removing the sprinkler cap control lock to access the operating nut of the fire hydrant and activating the operating nut to deliver water through the sprinkler ports in at least one cap on the fire hydrant. A fire hydrant with a sprinkler cap having a plurality of sprinkler ports and a sprinkler cap control lock, wherein the sprinkler cap control lock covers and prevents access to the operating nut is also described. Systems and methods for lubricating the operating nut and for improved sealing surfaces in the fire hydrant valves are also described.
US09108075B2 Lineman's pole strap assembly
A pole strap assembly (10) is provided for use in climbing a utility pole (22), and includes an outer strap (12) including opposite end portions (32,34) connected by an intermediate portion (20); and an elongate wear member (30) attached to and extending over at least part of the intermediate portion (20) of the outer strap (12), wherein the wear member (30) does not extend over the end portions (32,34), and the outer strap (12) has a total length LO and the elongate wear member (30) has a length LI, with the length LO being no greater than twice the length LI.
US09108073B2 Data communication and displays for breathing apparatus facepieces and pressure regulators
A respiration system includes a pressure regulator including a housing, an inlet for connection to a pressurized gas comprising oxygen, and a first data communication system, and a respiration facepiece including an interface to which the pressure regulator is removably attachable, at least one seal system to form a sealing engagement with the face of a user to encompass the nose and mouth of a wearer; an inspiration port in fluid connection with the pressure regulator interface and in fluid connection with the interior of the facepiece and at least one display within a volume of sealing engagement with the face of the user that is within the field of view of the user. The pressure regulator interface includes a second data communication system to receive data from the first data communication system to control the at least one display. A sealing attachment may, for example, be formed between the pressure regulator and the interface of the facepiece.
US09108070B2 Active agents and their oligomers and polymers
Conjugates comprising at least two active agents linked by a diglycolic acid or polyglycol diacid linker are disclosed. The invention also concerns oligomers and polymers of these conjugates and their use in therapeutic and industrial applications for localized, immediate or fast release delivery of an active agent, such as an anti-microbial, anti-infective, or antiseptic agent.
US09108069B2 Polymeric depilatory composition with controlled temperature setting of use
The object of the invention is a polymeric depilatory (epilatory) composition including: a. at least one basic compound permitting adherence to the hair, b. at least one wax-based rheology regulating compound, and c. at least one microwave absorber compound.
US09108063B2 Inductively rechargeable external energy source, charger, system and method for a transcutaneous inductive charger for an implantable medical device
A mechanism for transferring energy from an external power source to an implantable medical device is disclosed. A sensor may be used to measure a parameter that correlates to a temperature of the system that occurs during the transcutaneous coupling of energy. For example, the sensor may measure temperature of a surface of an antenna of the external power source. The measured parameter may then be compared to a programmable limit. A control circuit such as may be provided by the external power source may then control the temperature based on the comparison. The programmable limit may be, for example, under software control so that the temperature occurring during transcutaneous coupling of energy may be modified to fit then-current circumstances.
US09108058B2 Transvascular nerve stimulation apparatus and methods
A system for stimulating a left phrenic nerve and a right phrenic nerve of a patient includes a signal generator to produce stimulation signals; a lead structure configured for insertion into a venous system of the patient, the lead structure having a plurality of leads to receive stimulation signals from the signal generator; a plurality of second pairs of electrodes on the lead structure proximate a distal portion of the lead structure and configured to receive stimulation signals from at least one of the plurality of leads; a plurality of first pairs of electrodes on the lead structure proximal of the plurality of second pairs of electrodes and configured to receive stimulation signals from at least one of the plurality of leads; and a control system programmed to (a) select a first stimulation pair of electrodes from the plurality of first pairs of electrodes to stimulate the left phrenic nerve, and (b) select a second stimulation pair of electrodes from the plurality of second pairs of electrodes to stimulate the right phrenic nerve.
US09108056B2 Video processing unit for a visual prosthetic apparatus
A video processing unit configured to convert a video image to stimulation patterns for stimulating neural tissue in a subject's eye and comprising a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered on after a first time interval upon activation of a power button, wherein the video processing unit is configured to be powered off after a second time interval upon activation of a power button.
US09108049B2 Control unit of radiotherapy apparatus and radiotherapy apparatus controlling method
A radiotherapy apparatus controlling method according to the present invention includes controlling an imager driving unit to move an imaging unit to a position, and to image a transmission image by the imaging unit based on a radiation emitted from a first irradiating unit; and controlling the imager driving unit to move the imaging unit to a position, and to image a transmission image based on a radiation emitted from a second irradiating unit. According to such a radiotherapy apparatus controlling method, it is not necessary to separately provide an imaging unit which images the transmission image using a first radiation emitted from the first irradiating unit and an imaging unit which images a transmission image from the radiation emitted from the second irradiating unit, and a radiotherapy apparatus can be manufactured to be cheaper.
US09108047B2 System and method for planning and monitoring multi-dose radiopharmaceutical usage on radiopharmaceutical injectors
A method for planning and monitoring radio pharmaceutical usage during a plurality of radio pharmaceutical injection procedures includes: providing a schedule of the plurality of radio pharmaceutical injection procedures to produce a planned patient schedule; based on the planned patient schedule, calculating a multi-dose container configuration for use during the plurality of radio pharmaceutical injection procedures; transferring the planned patient schedule to a radio pharmaceutical fluid delivery system; loading the multi-dose patient configuration into the radio pharmaceutical fluid delivery system; and conducting the plurality of radio pharmaceutical injection procedures based on the planned patient schedule.
US09108043B2 Bipolar screw-in lead
An implantable active fixation lead includes an outer sheath, a protector member having a peripheral surface extending between its distal and proximal end surfaces with a helical groove formed in the peripheral surface, and a fixation helix integral with the outer sheath. The fixation helix includes a tip end engageable with body tissue and slidably engaged with the helical groove for relative translation and rotation. A longitudinal force on the lead firmly engages the protector member's distal end surface with the body tissue. With the fixation helix initially retracted proximally of the protector member's distal end surface and disengaged from the body tissue, upon application of torque to the outer sheath, the distal end surface of the protector member is moved proximally with respect to the fixation helix which, simultaneously, is extended distally beyond the distal end surface of the protector member to an extended position into engagement with the body tissue.
US09108041B2 Microburst electrical stimulation of cranial nerves for the treatment of medical conditions
Disclosed herein are methods for treating a medical condition in a patient using an implantable medical device by applying an electrical signal characterized by having a number of pulses per microburst, an interpulse interval, a microburst duration, and an interburst period to a portion of a cranial nerve of said patient, wherein at least one of the number of pulses per microburst, the interpulse interval, the microburst duration, or the interburst period is selected to enhance cranial nerve evoked potentials.
US09108039B2 Electrode construction for crevice corrosion protection
An electrode includes an adhesive backing layer including a front surface configured to adhere to skin of a subject and a rear surface, a plate including a rear surface coupled to the front surface of the adhesive backing layer and a front surface comprising a conductive material layer, a conductive hydrogel including a rear surface coupled to a front surface of the conductive material layer, and including a front surface configured to make electrical contact with the skin of the subject, a dielectric film border formed on the front surface of the conductive material layer and defining an area on the front surface of the conductive material layer, and an electrical lead in electrical contact with the area.
US09108036B2 Method and apparatus for fractional skin treatment
An apparatus for cosmetic RF skin treatment where the RF energy supply is isolated from the patient treated, such that in course of treatment no undesired current flows through the subject body.
US09108033B2 Valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation
A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.
US09108021B2 Low drag, high pressure septum
A septum is disclosed that can be utilized in a catheter assembly to selectively seal an opening in the catheter assembly. The septum has a tube portion and a plug portion. The plug portion has a slit extending through it. The septum can transition from a non-collapsed state to a collapsed state. When the septum is in a non-collapsed state, the plug portion is offset from the tube portion such that some of the length of the slit extends outward from the distal end of the tube portion. When the septum transitions to the collapsed state, the plug portion is moved inward into the internal cavity such that some of the length of the slit may or may not extend outward from the distal end of the tube portion.
US09108019B2 Catheter system
A multi-station hydrodynamic catheter includes an outer catheter having a first lumen, the outer catheter having a plurality of orifice stations positioned along a portion of the outer catheter, where each orifice station includes one or more orifices extending from an outer catheter external surface to the first lumen. The multi-station hydrodynamic catheter includes an inner catheter having a second lumen, the inner catheter movable within the first lumen and includes at least one emanator, where the at least one emanator includes one or more fluid delivery ports extending from an inner catheter external surface to the second lumen.
US09108018B2 Methods for fluid flow through body passages
A device includes a first end portion, a second end portion, an intermediate portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a graft material coupled to at least the intermediate portion. The first end portion has a first end diameter. The second end portion has a second end diameter larger than the first end diameter. The intermediate portion tapers between the first end portion and the second end portion. A method of diverting fluid flow from a first passage to a second passage comprising deploying the device in a third passage between the first passage and the second passage, expanding the first end portion against sidewalls of the first passage, and expanding the second end portion against sidewalls of the second passage.
US09108016B2 Breathing apparatus detection and purging
Described are methods for safer nitric oxide delivery, as well as apparatuses for performing these methods. The methods may include detecting the presence or absence of a nasal cannula, and stopping the delivery of nitric oxide or providing an alert if the cannula is disconnected. The methods may also include purging the nasal cannula if it is reconnected after a disconnection or if it is replaced by a new cannula. Other methods pertain to automatic purging of the delivery conduit if the elapsed time between successive deliveries of therapeutic gas exceeds a predetermined period of time.
US09108014B2 Flexible structure for mask, and method and apparatus for evaluating performance of a mask in use
A respiratory mask includes a frame and a flexible structure provided to the frame and adapted to engage a patient's face. The flexible structure includes a chamber filled with a first gel and a second gel that is relatively harder than the first gel. A ratio of height of the first gel to the second gel in a lip region is in the range of about 0.25 to about 0.6.
US09107998B2 Systems and methods for positioning fluid supply system
Fluid supply systems and methods for therapeutic fluid delivery systems, including those used for negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems and methods.
US09107997B2 Medical functional device, treatment apparatus and method
A medical functional device includes at least one first fluid system for receiving at least one medical fluid, at least one first conveying device for conveying the medical fluid, at least one second fluid system for receiving at least one operating fluid, and at least one second conveying device for operating the at least first conveying device, in which the first conveying device is arranged such as to be actuated by means of the operating fluid. A treatment apparatus and a method are also described.
US09107988B2 Circuitous band needle changing apparatus
An apparatus is disclosed for storing and changing needles for a medicament delivery device having a medicament container, including a fixed mount for connecting the apparatus with the medicament delivery device, a needle holder displaceable along a circuitous path and connecting a plurality of needles displaceably disposed thereon, and a guide member for guiding displacement of the needle holder, the guide member being disposed about the fixed mount. The apparatus also includes a user interface rotatably disposed about the fixed mount and having at least one internal engaging structure for displacing the needle holder along the circuitous path.
US09107982B2 Cultured tissue transplant device
A device for transplanting a graft such as a layer or layers of cultivated, autologous, allogenic or xenogenic cells to cover an accidental or surgical wound. The graft is cultivated and carried on a bed of collagen or other dissolvable or releasable material mounted on a protective substrate molded to conform to the profile of the wounded area and provided with a lateral attachment zone. The device facilitates the graft cultured in vitro to the recipient surface.
US09107975B2 Acidic gases permeated carboxyalkyl starch and alkaline starch extrudates and process for making the same
The present disclosure relates to particles comprising carboxyalkyl starch that are permeated with an acidic gas and their uses as absorbent materials. It was discovered that superabsorbent materials could be obtained from carboxyalkyl starch particles permeated with the acidic gas and heated to a temperature of at least 100° C. until they reach an AUL at 0.7 psi. of at least 14 g/g and a CRC of at least 18 g/g. Moreover, it was discovered that the pH of alkaline starch extrudates can be adjusted by permeating particles of the extrudate with the acidic gas even with treating the particles to temperatures less than 100° C. The carboxyalkyl starch particles obtained by the methods described herein are characterized as having intramolecular ester bonds, which are greater in number at the surface of the particle than in the core, and the particles have a greater concentration of cation of the acidic gas at the surface than a the core.
US09107967B2 Apparatus and method for treating stored crops infected with toxins
A method of reducing toxins in stored crops comprises producing a stream of aqueous or gas ClO2 and exposing the stored crops to the ClO2 wherein the ClO2 kills toxin-producing microorganisms and/or reacts with toxins to reduce the toxins in said stored crops. An apparatus for reducing toxins in stored crops comprises a treatment area for containing the stored crops and a ClO2 generator comprising an inlet for introducing at least one chlorine-containing feed chemical and an outlet for exhausting a stream of aqueous or gas ClO2 from the generator into the treatment area wherein introducing the ClO2 kills toxin-producing microorganisms and/or reacts with toxin molecules to reduce the toxins in the stored crops.
US09107942B2 Methods of diagnosing and treating fibrosis
The present invention is directed to methods of diagnosing and treating a fibrotic condition in a mammalian subject. These methods involve measuring the levels of trimethylation at lysine residue 27 of histone-3 and/or measuring the expression levels of EZH2 or YY-1. Agents useful for treating fibrosis or a fibrotic condition are also disclosed.
US09107939B2 Respiratory syncytial virus with a genomic deficiency complemented in trans
The invention relates to pneumoviral virions comprising a viral genome that has a mutation in a gene coding for a protein that is essential for infectivity of the pneumovirus, whereby the mutation causes a virus produced from only the viral genome to lack infectivity, and whereby the virion comprises the protein in a form and in an amount that is required for infectivity of the virion. The invention also relates to methods for producing the pneumoviral virions and for using the virions in the treatment or prevention of pneumoviral infection and disease. A preferred pneumoviral virion is a virion of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in which preferably the gene for the G attachment protein is inactivated and complemented in trans.
US09107923B2 Heteroaromatic compounds and their use as dopamine D1 ligands
The present invention provides, in part, compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; processes for the preparation of; intermediates used in the preparation of; and compositions containing such compounds or salts, and their uses for treating D1-mediated (or D1-associated) disorders including, e.g., schizophrenia (e.g., its cognitive and negative symptoms), cognitive impairment (e.g., cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia, AD, PD, or pharmacotherapy therapy), age-related cognitive decline, dementia, and Parkinson's disease.
US09107922B2 Pyrimidinecarboxamide derivatives
This disclosure relates to novel HIV integrase inhibitors their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising a compound of this disclosure and the use of such compositions in methods of treating HIV infections.
US09107912B2 Methods for concomitant treatment of theophylline and febuxostat
The present disclosure relates to a method of treating hyperuricemia in a patient that also suffers from a second disease state requiring treatment with theophylline, wherein the patient receives concomitant treatment with a xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor and theophylline without resulting in theophylline toxicity to the patient and without substantial adjustments to the manufacturer's recommended dosage of theophylline.
US09107908B2 FGF modulation of in vivo antibody production and humoral immunity
The invention provides methods for increasing or decreasing antibody production in vivo by inhibiting or promoting the activity of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) respectively.
US09107907B2 Antibodies inhibiting c-Met dimerization, and uses thereof
The present inventions relates to a process for the selection of anti c-Met antibodies capable to inhibit both ligand-dependent and ligand-independent activation of c-Met. More particularly, said process is based on the inhibition of the c-Met dimerization. In another aspect, the present invention concerns such antibodies and compositions comprising such antibodies for the preparation of a medicament to treat cancer. Diagnosis process and kits are also part of the invention.
US09107906B1 Compositions and methods for the treatment of immunodeficiency
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the treatment of immunodeficiency (e.g., primary immunodeficiency disease). In particular, the invention provides human plasma immunoglobulin compositions containing select antibody titers specific for a plurality of respiratory pathogens, methods of identifying human donors and donor samples for use in the compositions, methods of manufacturing the compositions, and methods of utilizing the compositions (e.g., for prophylactic administration and/or therapeutic treatment (e.g., passive immunization (e.g., immune-prophylaxis))).
US09107900B2 Use of dronedarone for the preparation of a medicament for use in the prevention of cardiovascular hospitalization or of morality
Methods of using dronedarone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for use in the prevention of cardiovascular hospitalization or of mortality, articles of manufacture and packages related thereto.
US09107899B2 Metal alloys for medical devices
A medical device that is at least partially formed of a novel metal alloy, which novel metal alloy improves the physical properties of the medical device.
US09107898B2 Methods of using low-dose doxepin for the improvement of sleep
Methods of preventing early awakenings, and improving sleep efficiency in hours 7 and 8 of a period of sleep, by administration of low doses of doxepin (e.g., 1-6 mg).
US09107893B2 Methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in the treatment of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma
The present invention relates to methods, pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in the treatment of Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. More particularly, the present invention relates to a combination of an interferon, an arsenic compound and a reverse transcriptase inhibitor for the treatment of Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
US09107890B2 PKC activators and anticoagulant in regimen for treating stroke
The present disclosure provides a method for treating stroke by administering to a subject an anticoagulant, e.g., recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rTPA), and a protein kinase C (PKC) activator followed by administration of at least one PKC activator for a duration of treatment. The methods disclosed herein may limit the size of infarction and/or reduce mortality, the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and/or the hemorrhagic damage due to ischemic stroke compared with rTPA administration alone; and may also extend the therapeutic time window for administering rTPA after a stroke. Also disclosed are kits comprising rTPA and a PKC activator for treating stroke.
US09107885B2 PRG4 treatment for interstitial cystitis
The present invention relates to a disorder of the lower urinary tract, and in particular, reducing the symptoms (including treatment) of interstitial cystitis in vivo. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention relates to treatment formulations and methods for reducing interstitial cystitis in patients via administration of a therapeutically effective concentration of PRG4.
US09107881B2 Compositions and methods to control angiogenesis with cupredoxins
The present invention relates to compositions comprising cupredoxins, and their use to inhibit angiogenesis in mammalian cells, tissues, and animals, and particularly the angiogenesis that accompanies tumor development and particularly in humans. Specifically, the present invention relates to compositions comprising the cupredoxin(s), and or peptides that are variants, derivatives or structural equivalents of cupredoxins, which retain the ability to inhibit angiogenesis in mammalian cells, tissues or animals. These compositions may be peptides or pharmaceutical compositions, among others. The compositions of the invention may be used to treat any pathological condition that has as a symptom or cause, inappropriate angiogenesis, and particularly inappropriate angiogenesis related to tumor development.
US09107865B2 Methods for producing oocysts
The present invention provides improved methods and compositions for producing oocysts. The oocysts produced according to the invention find use in the manufacture of vaccines. In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides methods and compositions for the production of Eimeria oocysts. Vaccines containing Eimeria oocysts, sporocysts and/or sporozoites produced according to the present invention may be used to immunize birds against coccidiosis either in ovo or post hatch.
US09107856B2 Dental appliance cleanser
This invention relates to a dental appliance cleanser which is a metastable emulsion comprising about 50-99% w/w of an aqueous phase, about 1-50% w/w of a water immiscible oily phase, the oily phase having a combination of a one or more immiscible oils and one or more flavor oils. The dental appliance cleanser is applied to the dental appliance, outside the wearer's mouth, in the form of an aerated foam.
US09107850B2 Color-coded and sized loadable polymeric particles for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications and methods of preparing and using the same
Polymeric particles are provided for use in therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures. The particles include poly[bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and/or a derivatives thereof which may be present throughout the particles or within an outer coating of the particles. The particles may also include a core having a hydrogel formed from an acrylic-based polymer. Such particles may be provided to a user in specific selected sizes to allow for selective embolization of certain sized blood vessels or localized treatment with an active component agent in specific clinical uses. Particles of the present invention may further be provided as color-coded microspheres or nanospheres to allow ready identification of the sized particles in use. Such color-coded microspheres or nanospheres may further be provided in like color-coded delivery or containment devices to enhance user identification and provide visual confirmation of the use of a specifically desired size of microspheres or nanospheres.
US09107849B2 Anti-glycation agent comprising a Garcinia kola extract or fraction
An anti-glycation agent includes a Garcinia kola extract or fraction. The compositions including the extract or the fraction are used to inhibit the glycation of proteins, in particular the glycation of skin proteins involved in cutaneous aging. A method for determining the activity of compounds for inhibiting the glycation of cutaneous proteins, in particular for inhibiting the glycation of collagen is also described.
US09107847B2 Administration of pyridinedicarboxylic acid compounds for stimulating or inducing the growth of human keratinous fibers and/or arresting their loss
The invention relates to the use in a composition for caring for human hair or eyelashes of an effective amount of a pyridinedicarboxylic acid derivative of general formula (I) or of one of its salts, in which R1 and R2 represent, independently of one another, OH, OR′, —NH2, —NHR′ or —NR′R″, and R′ and R″ represent, independently of one another, a saturated or unsaturated and linear or branched C1-C18 alkyl radical or an aryl radical, this alkyl or aryl radical optionally being substituted by at least one OH, alkoxy, acyloxy, amino or alkylamino group, or R′ and R″ together represent a heterocycle, the composition being intended to induce and/or stimulate the growth of human keratinous fibers, such as the hair and eyelashes, and/or slow down their loss; the invention also relates to a cosmetic treatment intended to stimulate the growth of human keratinous fibers, such as the hair and eyelashes, and/or slow down their loss.
US09107840B2 Hormonal contraceptive containing a combination of ethinyloestradiol and chlormadinone acetate
The present invention relates to a hormonal contraceptive including at least 120 hormone-containing daily units, which contain 5 to 50 μg of ethinyloestradiol and 1 to 5 mg of chlormadinone acetate, and optionally 7 to 3 hormone-free daily units for uninterrupted oral administration to women.
US09107839B1 Hair care composition
The present invention relates a hair care composition; the composition comprises a shampoo or cleansing agent derived from Rhassoul clay mixed with water, a conditioning agent and a detangling agent derived from naturally occurring plant material, and a preservative.
US09107836B2 Formulation
The present invention relates to a hygroscopic matrix based formulation, a process for the preparation thereof and its use in the treatment of diseases.
US09107827B2 Nanoparticulate megestrol formulations
The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising megestrol. The megestrol particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.
US09107826B2 Lipophilic drug delivery vehicle and methods of use thereof
The invention provides compositions and methods for delivery of a bioactive agent to an individual. Delivery vehicles are provided that include a bioactive agent in disc shaped particles that include one or more lipid binding polypeptides circumscribing the perimeter of a lipid bilayer in which the bioactive agent is localized. Chimeric lipid binding polypeptides are also provided and may be used to add additional functional properties to the delivery particles.
US09107819B2 Water insoluble polymer: indigestible water-soluble polysaccharide film coatings for colon targeting
A controlled release pharmaceutical dosage form for controlled release of an active ingredient, includes an active ingredient coated by a polymeric mixture of: at least a water insoluble polymer; and at least an indigestible water-soluble oligosaccharide. The use and method of making the same are also described.
US09107816B2 Implantable device for controlled dissolution and diffusion of low solubility drug
Implantable drug delivery devices are provided that are deformable between a relatively straightened shape suitable for deployment and a retention shape suited to retain the device within the bladder or other body cavity. While in the body cavity, the devices release drug from solid drug units housed in the devices. The devices are designed to house the solid drug units in a way that exposes one or more sides of the solid drug units to the fluid at the in vivo site of deployment. Methods for using the devices for administering drug and making the devices also are provided.
US09107813B2 Immunogenic compositions containing anthrax antigen, biodegradable polymer microparticles, and polynucleotide-containing immunological adjuvant
Immunogenic compositions and kits, as well as methods of stimulating immune responses and methods of immunization using the same. The compositions and kits comprise: (a) an antigen derived from Bacillus anthracis; (b) polymer microparticles comprising a biodegradable polymer; and (c) a polynucleotide-containing immunological adjuvant.
US09107809B2 Closed fluid transfer system
A closed fluid transfer system for fluidly interconnecting a syringe to any one of a patient I.V. set, a vial and an I.V. bag, is provided and includes a first adapter defining a lumen and supporting a seal across a first end of its lumen, the first adapter supporting a rear end of a needle within the lumen, wherein the seal is movable relative to the needle such that a tip of the needle penetrates through the seal; and a second adapter defining a lumen and supporting a seal across a first end of its lumen; wherein when the second adapter is coupled to the first adapter, the second adapter seal abuts the first adapter seal and moves the first adapter seal relative to the tip of the needle such that the tip of the needle penetrates through the abutting first adapter seal and second adapter seal.
US09107794B2 Therapeutic device for post-operative knee
The present teachings provide for an exercise device for exercising a joint and a limb. The device includes a controller, an actuation member, a load cell, and a motor. The actuation member is controlled by the controller and is configured to extend and flex the limb. The load cell is mounted to the actuation member and configured to measure force between the limb and the actuation member. The motor is configured to control movement of the actuation member in response to inputs from the controller.
US09107784B2 Bedrail clamp
A quick lock and release clamp mountable onto the bedrail of an operating table, hospital bed, and the like. The clamp includes a body, a foot, and a mouth having at least three sides defined by the body and foot. A biasing member is coupled to at least one of the body and the foot, wherein an actuating member coupled to the biasing member is configured to transmit a force to the mouth via the biasing member. A protrusion extending from the body and towards the foot engages the bedrail, thereby fixing the clamp onto the bedrail, by moving the actuating member in a first direction.
US09107778B2 Disposable wearing article
A disposable wearing includes a crotch chassis having a liquid-impervious sheet. The crotch chassis has a main region and opposite lateral portions lying outboard of the main region in the transverse direction and provided with leg elastic elements extending in the longitudinal direction. The opposite lateral portions respectively have fold lines extending in the longitudinal direction, outer side zones lying outboard of the respective fold lines in the transverse direction and inner side zones lying inboard of the respective fold lines in the transverse direction. The outer side zones of the respective lateral portions are folded inward and fixed to the associated inner side zones via associated bond zones extending in the longitudinal direction to form a pair of elastic lateral portions having folded back regions, respectively.
US09107776B2 Incontinence management system and diaper
An incontinence management system for monitoring wetness in one or more absorbent articles, includes input for receiving one or more sensor signals indicative of a presence of wetness in an absorbent article, processor for processing the one or more sensor signals and for performing an analysis of the signals to characterize wetness events occurring in an absorbent article and user interface for communicating with a user of the system. A mathematical model is used to characterize wetness events, receiving as inputs variables derived from sensor signals and optionally, patient and demographic data. The mathematical model can be configured and/or re-configured utilizing observation data obtained while monitoring a patient for wetness. A diaper for use with such as system is also disclosed.
US09107773B2 Conformable therapeutic shield for vision and pain
A conformable covering comprises an outer portion with rigidity to resist movement on the cornea and an inner portion to contact the cornea and provide an environment for epithelial regeneration. The inner portion of the covering can be configured in many ways so as to conform at least partially to an ablated stromal surface so as to correct vision. The conformable inner portion may have at least some rigidity so as to smooth the epithelium such that the epithelium regenerates rapidly and is guided with the covering so as to form a smooth layer for vision. The inner portion may comprise an amount of rigidity within a range from about 1×10-4 Pa*m3 to about 5×10-4 Pa*m3 so as to deflect and conform at least partially to the ablated cornea and smooth an inner portion of the ablation with an amount of pressure when deflected.
US09107765B2 Medical implants with increased hydrophilicity
Devices such as orthopedic implants are composed of a thermoplastic resin such as polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK), and include a ceramic species, such as a zeolite, to enhance its hydrophilic properties. The ceramic species can be a surface coating, can be incorporated or embedded into the thermoplastic resin, or can be both a surface coating and incorporated or embedded into the resin. In certain embodiments, the ceramic species is zeolite that is incorporated into the device, especially at the exposed surface of the device, and is devoid of antimicrobial metal ions. The device is introduced into the body surgically.
US09107762B2 Intervertebral prosthetic disc with metallic core
A prosthetic disc for insertion between adjacent vertebrae includes a core having upper and lower curved surfaces and upper and lower plates. At least one of the curved surfaces of the core is metallic, and in some embodiments the entire core is metallic. Each plate has an outer surface which engages a vertebra and a metallic inner curved surface which is shaped to slide over one of the curved surfaces of the core. In some embodiments, the center of rotation of the core is free to move relative to the upper and lower metallic plates. In some embodiments, one or more channels extend across one or both of the curved surfaces of the core for allowing passage of bodily fluid to promote lubrication between the core and at least one of the plates.
US09107756B2 Tibial baseplates for special patient populations
A family of tibial baseplates can comprise a plurality of tibial baseplates. Each of the plurality of tibial baseplates can define a common nominal baseplate size and a unique, non-congruent tibial baseplate periphery as compared to the other tibial baseplates of the family of tibial baseplates.
US09107751B2 Injectable and moldable bone substitute materials
An osteoimplant composite comprising a plurality of particles of an inorganic material, a bone substitute material, a bone-derived material, or any combination thereof; and a polymer material with which the particles are combined. The composite is either naturally moldable or flowable, or it can be made moldable or settable. After implantation, the composite may be set to provide mechanical strength to the implant. The inventive composite have the advantage of being able to fill irregularly shape implantation site while at the same time being settable to provide the mechanical strength required for most orthopedic applications. The invention also provides methods of using and preparing the moldable and flowable composites.
US09107749B2 Methods for treating a heart
Devices and related methods of use are provided for improving heart function. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device includes a ring-like structure configured to be secured to a heart valve; at least one elongate member extending from the ring-like structure, wherein an end of the elongate member is configured to be secured to heart geometry other than a heart valve; and an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously altering a dimension of the ring-like structure and a length of the elongate member.
US09107744B2 Stented vascular graft
A vascular graft incorporating a stent into a portion of its length. While various materials may be used for the vascular graft, the graft is preferably an ePTFE graft. The stent is preferably a self-expanding stent, although it may alternatively be a balloon expandable stent. The vascular graft preferably has a continuous inner tubular liner that extends between the opposing ends of the graft and provides a continuous luminal surface for blood contact that is uninterrupted by seams or joints. The length portion of the graft that does not include the stent has a greater wall thickness than does the portion including the stent.
US09107736B2 Highly trackable balloon catheter system and method for collapsing an expanded medical device
A balloon catheter having a pre-mounted recovery sheath for recovering an expanded device, such as an embolic protection device, in a patient's body lumen, and a method of using a balloon catheter system of the invention to recover the expanded device.
US09107733B2 Removable blood conduit filter
The present invention relates to a non-evertable blood filter that divides the transverse cross sectional area of a venous vessel into three annular regions or zones. The inner zone, the region immediately surrounding the longitudinal axis of the vessel, is maintained in a relatively open state with only minimal interference from the members making up the filter device so that blood flow can be maintained at a relatively normal rate. Concentrically surrounding the inner zone is the intermediate zone, to which captured emboli are directed out of the bloodstream passing primarily through the inner zone. Finally, concentrically surrounding the intermediate zone is the outer zone adjacent to the vessel wall. This is also intended to be kept free of emboli, so that emboli in the bloodstream immediately adjacent the vessel wall are directed away from the wall by the filter design and into the intermediate zone, thereby avoiding the accumulation of emboli adjacent the vessel wall that might otherwise result in stenosis. The blood filter is intended primarily for use as an inferior vena cava filter, although it can be made in a range of sizes allowing its use in blood vessels and particularly venous vessels of differing diameters. The filter is preferably removable.
US09107723B2 System and method for the design, creation and installation of implant-supported dental prostheses
An improved system and method for the design, creation and installation of implant-supported dental prostheses is provided. A network accessible portal facilitates communication among a dental professional, a scanning center, a manufacturing center and others in the design and production of a dental drill guide and prosthesis, utilizing cone beam imaging, a rotatable 3-dimension representation of a patient's jaw, virtual placement of one or more implants and virtual testing prior to manufacture. Dental professionals may access the portal on a subscription or non-subscription basis.
US09107721B2 Universal bone screw screwdriver
The instant invention is directed to a universal bone screw screwdriver and in particular to a universal screwdriver that permits the removal of screws from bone plates that are manufactured by different manufacturers having distinct characteristics. The universal bone screw screwdriver is adapted to replaceably receive tool bits corresponding to the screw heads of different manufacturers and comprises a torque limiting spring to secure the tool bit to the driver shaft and inhibit over-tightening of the bone screw into the bone or bone plate as the case may be.
US09107716B2 Flexible maxillo-mandibular fixation device
A system for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation includes a bone fixation device including a bone fixation body formed from a plurality of links. The links define corresponding crests and valleys so as to impart flexibility into the bone fixation body. Thus, the bone fixation body can be aligned with the dental arch of the mandible and maxilla as necessary, and subsequently fastened to the underlying bone. Each bone fixation device includes at least one securement location on the fixation body that can attach to a securement device, such that the securement device fixes or stabilizes the mandible and the maxilla with respect to each other.
US09107714B2 Multifunctional plate for neurological cranial surgeries
A plate used in neurological cranial surgeries having a set of grooves and holes providing it with multiple functions: radial groove with semicircular end sufficient to receive a drain or catheter; central round hole, sufficient to receive a second drain or catheter; three curved oblong holes around the central circular hole and the borders with ends adjacent to the semicircular end of the radial groove. The plate provides a useful area, on which the following are disposed: the semicircular end of the radial groove, the central round hole and the curved oblong.
US09107711B2 Screw thread with flattened peaks
A bone fastener for use in orthopedic surgery for fixing an implant to bone has a threaded or unthreaded shaft configured to engage bone and a head having a thread on an outer surface to engage the implant. The thread on the head of the fastener has a profile in cross section that includes arcuate peaks with a flat on the outer surface of the peak.
US09107708B2 Laminoplasty system
A laminoplasty plate for securing a separated lamina portion of a desired cervical vertebra in a relief position and a method of using the same to perform a laminoplasty. In one aspect, a lamina setting tool is presented for positioning the lamina portion of the desired cervical vertebra in the relief position. In one aspect, the tool has a first sidewall section that slides in longitudinal relation to a second sidewall section.
US09107704B2 Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods and devices
Anterior cervical instrumentation systems, methods, and devices are disclosed. Systems may facilitate immobilizing or providing support for the cervical portion of the vertebral column of a patient. A device may comprise a plate having two channels located in a proximal to distal direction, and may further comprise at least one aperture. The device may further comprise attachment elements such as attachment cross-links and spacer cross-links, and fasteners. The plate and the attachment elements may be secured to the vertebrae by passing fasteners through apertures and channels. The length of the plate, position and number of the attachment cross-links, position and number of spacer cross-links and degree of movement may be intraoperatively selected by the surgeon to provide an optimal application and procedural outcome. Uniform components of the devices and systems allow for a more streamlined and simplified method of treating spinal conditions.
US09107692B2 Switchable sterilizing cutting system
Sectioning tools that emit self-sterilizing radiation. In one approach, the radiation is ultraviolet and/or plasmonic.
US09107691B2 Apparatus for rotating medical devices, systems including the apparatus, and associated methods
A rooter includes a rotatable element, an actuator for causing the rotatable element to rotate, and a coupling feature for rotatably coupling an elongated medical instrument to the rotatable element. The rotatable element may be at least partially contained within the interior of a housing or another element that remains substantially stationary as the actuator causes the rotatable element to rotate. The rooter may be used with a variety of elongated medical instruments, such as needles, drill bits, trocars, wires, catheters, tubes, and other elongated instruments that are used to enable or effect medical procedures within the body of a subject. The rooter may be used for a variety of purposes, including, without limitation, the introduction of an elongated medical instrument into the body of a subject or its removal from the subject's body; removing, breaking up, or eliminating obstructions (e.g., blood clots, plaques, etc.) from the body of a subject; and obtaining samples from a subject's body.
US09107690B2 Battery-powered hand-held ultrasonic surgical cautery cutting device
A battery assembly for use with a surgical device having a battery terminal and operational parameters includes a housing having a shape formed to removably connect with the terminal. The housing contains a modular battery operable to supply power to the device at the terminal and has a control circuit with a microprocessor, a memory, and a real-time clock. The control circuit is communicatively coupled to the battery and is operable to detect an identity of the surgical device, to determine at least one piece of information pertaining to at least one of the operational parameters of the surgical device based upon the detected identity, to record the piece of information at least in the memory, and to selectively allow or prevent the battery from supplying power to the surgical device dependent upon the piece of information.
US09107684B2 System and method for transferring power to intrabody instruments
A system and method for transferring power includes a power transmitting unit for transmitting power and a power receiving unit for receiving power from the power transmitting unit. The power transmitting unit may be positioned outside a human body and the power receiving unit is located on an intrabody instrument adapted to be movable from the outside of the human body to inside the human body. The intrabody instrument may be a medical instrument connected to or incorporated within a robotic arm. The power transmitting unit may wirelessly transfer power to the power receiving unit in a continuous, non-interrupted manner.
US09107682B2 Steerable laser probe
A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation lever, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may have a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. An actuation of the actuation lever about a pivot pin of the handle may gradually curve the optic fiber. An actuation of the actuation lever about the pivot pin of the handle may gradually straighten the optic fiber.
US09107679B2 Patient selectable joint arthroplasty devices and surgical tools
Disclosed herein are methods, compositions and tools for repairing articular surfaces repair materials and for repairing an articular surface. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable by patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. The surgical tools are designed to be customizable or highly selectable by patient to increase the speed, accuracy and simplicity of performing total or partial arthroplasty.
US09107676B2 Latarjet instrumentation and method
Instrumentation for an open or arthroscopic Latarjet procedure that allows more control graft handling during the formation of the hole and proper positioning parallel to the articulating bone surface. The surgical instrumentation of the present invention includes an osteotome with a plurality of markings and a depth stop, a drill guide with jaws configured to securely engage an outer surface of the graft, and an offset guide to position the graft to the bone.
US09107671B2 Compressive hemostatic device
The invention relates to a device capable of stopping the bleeding caused by the withdrawal of an introducer stuck into an introduction area of a patient. The device comprises: a base; a supporting means capable of temporarily attaching the base to the patient; an applicator supported by the base and provided with a transparent pad; and a screw-and-nut adjustment means capable of moving the applicator toward the introduction area so that the applicator moves to a position where the pad exerts pressure on the introduction area. The screw-and-nut system is located completely outside the diameter of the transparent pad. The invention can be used for angiography and angioplasty operations.
US09107668B2 Embolic particle mixing syringe
A syringe device for agitating and delivering a liquid medication to a patient is provided. The device includes an injecting member, a first syringe, a second syringe and an accumulator. The first syringe is configured to provide the liquid medication to the device. The second syringe is configured to receive the liquid medication from the first syringe. The accumulator is biased to an empty position and cooperates with the second syringe to agitate the liquid medication back and forth between the second syringe and the accumulator. The second syringe is configured to move the liquid medication to the injecting member for patient delivery.
US09107665B2 Surgical instrument buttress attachment
A surgical stapler instrument has surgical stapler jaws, at least one staple line reinforcement material, and a fastener including a hook and a loop. The hook can be disposed on one of the surgical stapler jaws and the loop can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material. Alternatively, the hook can be disposed on the staple line reinforcement material and the look on one of the surgical stapler jaws.
US09107655B2 External suture securement devices and methods
Described are devices, methods and systems for securing sutures external to the body. In certain aspects, a suture securement device includes a base paddle defining a slot and a suture aperture in communication with the slot, and a rotating paddle having an extension arm with a suture aperture. In such embodiments, the extension arm can rotate within the slot to frictionally crimp a suture, such that the suture is substantially prevented from moving with the apertures.
US09107645B2 Apparatus and methods for sealing a puncture in tissue
An occlusion device for sealing a puncture through tissue includes a tubular wire member having a proximal end, a distal end sized for insertion into the puncture, a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, a port adjacent the proximal end communicating with the lumen, and a balloon on the distal end. A source of fluid is connectable to the wire member for delivering fluid via the port into the lumen for expanding the balloon. A piston is movable axially within the wire member to allow fluid to be delivered into the lumen, to isolate the lumen, and to deliver fluid within the lumen into the balloon to expand the balloon.
US09107641B2 Heartbeat synchronized cardiac imaging
This disclosure presents systems and methods that synchronize an x-ray imaging system with the heartbeat of a patient. A patient's heartbeat is sensed with a cardiac monitoring unit, and a processing unit generates x-ray pulses that are synchronized with the patient's heartbeat. Based on the real-time heartbeat information, an x-ray imaging device can be operated to obtain x-ray images at various states of the cardiac cycle. The x-ray images taken over several cardiac cycles can be combined based on the relative state of the cardiac cycle in which the images were obtained to achieve high temporal resolution of a cardiac cycle. Additionally, x-ray images obtained at common relative states of the cardiac cycle can be combined to provide higher quality cardiac image or images.
US09107634B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and method of displaying ultrasonic image
To provide an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus capable of producing a three-dimensional image of an object for an organ region within a range of elasticity values desired by an operator and allowing the operator to recognize the region easily, elasticity value data included in a desired elasticity value range among elasticity value data constituting a volume data are selected and rendered. Whereby, a three-dimensional elasticity image in the set elasticity value range is produced. An area corresponding to the elasticity value range is displayed on at least one of a two-dimensional elasticity image and a section image.
US09107628B2 Video laryngoscope with disposable blade
An intubation instrument for intubating a patient's trachea including an imager module having a base unit with a finger loop and a longitudinal member attached to the distal end of the base unit, as well as a blade having a handle that is hollow and mates with the outer surface of the longitudinal member forming a male-female connection, the distal end of the blade projecting laterally therefrom, the distal end of the blade being insertable into a human during intubation.
US09107627B2 Method for assessing and optimizing muscular performance including a muscleprint protocol
A muscle assessment protocol can include: attaching one or more surface electromyometry (sEMG) sensors to the skin of a subject to be operably coupled with one or more muscles; operably coupling the one or more sEMG sensors to a computing system; performing the predetermined muscle activity of a muscle assessment protocol that includes one or more of a muscleprint protocol, stride rate tuning protocol, controlled activity training protocol, or frequency-based, or amplitude-adjusted root mean square protocol; monitoring/recording sEMG data of the one or more muscles during the predetermined muscle activity; and providing the sEMG data to the subject such that the subject can improve muscle performance for the predetermined muscle activity by using the sEMG data. The muscle activity includes static or dynamic muscle use. The predetermined muscle activity can be provided to the subject by the computing system.
US09107619B2 Optical-image pickup apparatus and method for controlling the same
The present invention relates to an optical-image pickup apparatus including a setting unit configured to set the effective region or the resolution of a correction unit configured to correct the aberration of a subject; an aberration measuring unit configured to measure an aberration generated at the subject; and a control unit configured to control the correction unit on the basis of the measured aberration and the set effective region or the measured aberration and the set resolution.
US09107616B2 Method corrective secondary saccades analysis with video oculography system for objective diagnostic of traumatic brain injury, internuclear opthalmopligia, ocular lateral pulsion and progressive supernuclear palsy and glissades
A video oculography system for calculation and display of Corrective Secondary Saccades Analysis is disclosed. A method for Objective Diagnostics of at least one of traumatic brain injury, Internuclear Opthalmopligia, Ocular Lateral Pulsion, Progressive Supernuclear Palsy And Glissades comprises the steps of using a VOG system to calculate corrective saccades. The video oculography based system for the subject is configured to collect eye images of the patient in excess of 60 hz and configured to resolve eye movements smaller than at least 3 degrees of motion. The video oculography based system collects eye movement data wherein at least one fixation target is presented to the subject in a defined position configured to yield a voluntary saccadic eye response from at least one eye of the patient. The latency, amplitude, accuracy and velocity of each respective corrective saccade and totals latency and accuracy is calculated.
US09107609B2 Inter-frame complex OCT data analysis techniques
Techniques for collecting and processing complex OCT data to detect localized motion contrast information with enhanced accuracy and sensitivity are presented. In a preferred embodiment, vector differences between complex OCT signals taken at the same location on the sample are used to detect blood flow in the retina. Additional embodiments involving non-linear intensity weighting of the motion contrast information, normalization of the vector difference amplitudes, and calculating the absolute value of the standard deviation of Doppler signal are described. Image processing techniques to enhance the images resulting from these motion contrast techniques are also presented.
US09107600B2 System and method for reconstructing cardiac activation information
An example method of representing cardiac information associated with a heart rhythm disorder is disclosed. The method includes accessing a plurality of neighboring cardiac signals obtained from a patient. The method also includes eliminating far-field activations from the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals using one or more divergence criteria that define local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals, the divergence criteria being associated with divergence among the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals. The method further includes constructing a clinical representation of local activations in the plurality of neighboring cardiac signals.
US09107597B2 Apparatus, device and method for obtaining electrocardiogram
Embodiments of the present invention provides an apparatus containing a device communicably coupled to two electrodes that may be positioned on a body of a subject for obtaining 12 leads or 18 leads electrocardiogram. The two electrodes may obtain signal parameters such as arm leads (I, II, III, AVR AVL and AVF) and left chest leads (V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6) and right chest leads (V1R, V2R, V3R, V4R, V5R, V6R). The signal parameters may be detected and collected by the device for processing thereof and thus obtain 12 leads or 18 leads electrocardiogram that may be transmitted to a health care provider for seeking health assistance based on the transmitted electrocardiogram. Further, a method for obtaining the electrocardiogram using two electrodes is also provided.
US09107592B2 Flexible and scalable sensor arrays for recording and modulating physiologic activity
An implantable sensor array incorporates active electronic elements to greatly increase the number of sensors and their density that can be simultaneously recorded and activated. The sensors can be of various configurations and types, for example: optical, chemical, temperature, pressure or other sensors including effectors for applying signals to surrounding tissues. The sensors/effectors are arranged on a flexible and stretchable substrate with incorporated active components that allow the effective size, configuration, number and pattern of sensors/effectors to be dynamically changed, as needed, through a wired or wireless means of communication. Active processing allows many channels to be combined either through analog or digital means such that the number of wires exiting the array can be substantially reduced compared to the number of sensors/effectors on the array.
US09107590B2 Method and apparatus for detecting vascular conditions with a catheter
A method for treating an occlusion comprises positioning a catheter at a treatment site in a patient's vasculature. A blockage is located at the treatment site. The method further comprises performing a medical treatment at the treatment site. The medical treatment is configured to reduce the blockage. The method further comprises making a plurality of measurements at the treatment site.
US09107588B2 Continuous positioning apparatus and methods
Improved apparatus and methods for non-invasively assessing one or more parameters associated with systems such as fluidic circulating systems (e.g., the circulatory system of a living organism). In a first aspect, an improved method of continuously measuring pressure from a compressible vessel is disclosed, wherein a substantially optimal level of compression for the vessel is achieved and maintained using dynamically applied dither perturbations (e.g., modulation) on the various axes associated with the vessel. In a second aspect, an improved apparatus and method are provided for monitoring hemodynamic parameters, such as blood pressure, in a continuous and non-invasive manner while operating under a single unifying scheme. One variant of this scheme using a simulated annealing (SA) type approach to determining and maintaining an optimal operating state.
US09107583B2 Optical measurement probe
A probe includes a plurality of optical fibers that includes an irradiation fiber and a light-receiving fiber; and an optical member of which a base end face is arranged to abut on leading end faces of the optical fibers, and a leading end face is exposed to an outer side. The leading end face of the optical member is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the probe. Light emitted from the irradiation fiber passes through a path inclined with respect to a perpendicular line of the leading end face.
US09107567B2 Spectral imaging with a color wheel
A spectral imaging apparatus includes an image sensor positioned to capture images of a target, a rotating color wheel aligned with the image sensor, and a projector positioned to project overlay images onto the target. The color wheel can include one or more filter segments, each allowing light of a different range of wavelengths to pass. The color wheel can further include a blocking or opaque segment. A set of captured images of the different wavelengths can be processed to generate a false-color overlay image for projection onto the target. Processing of overlay images can be performed when the blocking or opaque segment is in front of the image sensor. The spectral imaging apparatus may be a multi-spectral imaging apparatus and made be used in the medical fields, such as for determining and indicating tissue oxygenation. Video rates can be achieved.
US09107566B2 Measuring device and magnetic resonance device comprising a measuring device
A measuring device is provided. The measuring device has at least one sensor unit for capturing a cardiac signal, a postprocessing unit and a signal transfer unit for signal transfer between the at least one sensor unit and the postprocessing unit. The at least one sensor unit has at least one acoustic sensor element.
US09107565B2 Identifying an event occurrence from sensor data streams
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for identifying the occurrence of an event from sensor data streams may be provided. The method may include accessing a plurality of sensor data streams generated by a plurality of sensor sets. Each sensor set may comprise one or more sensors. A sensor data stream may be associated with a user. The user may be co-located with a sensor set that generates the sensor data stream. A relationship between two or more sensor data streams of the plurality of sensor data streams may be identified. The method may further include determining, according to the relationship, that the plurality of sensor data streams corresponds to an event. A notification of an occurrence of the event may be sent.
US09107564B2 Ultrasonic synthetic transmit focusing with motion compensation
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system produces an image with an extended focal range by transmitting a plurality of beams spaced along an array for multiline reception. The receive multilines of a plurality of transmit beams are spatially aligned and are combined with phase adjustment between the respective receive multilines to prevent undesired phase cancellation. The combined multilines produce the effect of an extended transmit focus so that an image produced using the combined multilines exhibits an extended focal range. To prevent motion artifacts the multiline order is adjustable as a function of image motion.
US09107558B2 Lift off deep cleaner
An extraction cleaner for a floor surface comprises a portable extractor and a base adapted to be moved to perform a cleaning operation on the floor surface when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base, wherein the portable extractor can be used as a standalone extractor when detached from the base. The portable extractor includes a suction hose for manually suctioning fluid from the floor surface, a recovery tank interconnected to the suction hose for receiving recovered fluid from the floor surface, and a fluid delivery system for dispensing a cleaning fluid onto the floor surface. One or more connections are made between the base and components of the portable extractor when the portable extractor is operably mounted to the base.
US09107552B2 Collapsible drying rack
A collapsible drying rack having a flexible base capable of being folded along at least one fold line or axis, and a substantially rigid drying support secured to a portion of the flexible base. The drying support has one or more tines configured to have a first folded position and a second upright operable position. A locking mechanism secures the tines in their upright operable position. The flexible base can be folded over the drying support (when the tines are folded down) and secured in the folded position for storage.
US09107543B2 Multipurpose tool for mixologists
A multipurpose tool includes a handle with a plurality of tool arms connected with the handle. In one embodiment, one tool arm includes a muddler/reamer that includes an end portion that is rounded with a fluted outer periphery and that tapers in transverse cross-sectional dimension in a direction toward a distal end. In another embodiment, one tool arm includes at least one jigger including a cup configured to receive and retain a volume of liquid. In still another embodiment, the muddler/reamer is pivotally connected with the handle so as to extend between two jiggers when in a storage position and to be pivotally moved away from the two jiggers and from the space in relation to the handle when deployed in an operational position.
US09107540B2 Handheld electric mixer
A handheld electric mixer has a rotational output spindle for holding mixer work pieces, first and second gears located on the rotational output spindle, and a motor. The first gear is rotationally coupled to the motor output shaft. The mixer includes a two-speed gear-box receiving torque from the motor, and transmitting the torque to the output spindle. The two-speed gear-box includes a rotational lay shaft axially parallel to the rotational output spindle, third and fourth gears located on the lay shaft, the third gear meshing with the first gear and the fourth gear meshing with the second gear. A selector mechanism selects between a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio and includes a clutch disk on the spindle, and moveable axially for alternatively engaging and rotatably locking the one of the third or fourth gears that is engaged with the clutch disk.
US09107538B2 Cold plasma sanitation for a dispensing machine
An apparatus comprises a dispensing system and a sanitizing system. The apparatus has a dispensing mode and sanitizing mode. The dispensing system may comprise a first valve and at least one component, the at least one component having an inner surface. The first valve is opened to send a free-flowing material to the at least one component when the apparatus is in the dispensing mode. The first valve is closed when the apparatus is in the sanitizing mode. The sanitizing system comprises a processing unit having a discharge cell configured to initiate a cold plasma discharge in an air flow. A tank may be configured to receive the air flow from the discharge cell of the processing unit and expose water in the tank to the air flow for a time sufficient to provide dissolution of ozone from the air flow into the water and form ozone-containing water.
US09107536B1 Self-cleaning grill
The invention is a self-cleaning outdoor gas grill that employs a second set of gas nozzles within the grill cavity. An operator switches gas flow from the cooking nozzles to the cleaning nozzles, which elevates the grill cavity temperature to burn food residue as the cleaning nozzles allow for much greater gas flow than the cleaning nozzles.
US09107526B2 Adjustable accessory hook and method of use
The invention could be an adjustable accessory hook comprising a first L-shaped attachment member comprising a hook, a first rectangular plate connected by a first common end to a second rectangular plate in a perpendicular orientation, the second rectangular plate further having a lengthwise channel, a hook for supporting container-based carry means that projects outward and away from the first L-shape attachment member; a second L-shaped attachment member having a first rectangular sheet connected to a second rectangular sheet by a second common end in an non-planar manner; a locking mechanism that passes through the lengthwise channel to adjustably attach the second L-shaped attachment member to the first L-shaped attachment to adjustably form a C-shaped opening into which a portion of an edge of a horizontal support surface can be removably received and secured.
US09107525B1 Utility tray
A tray includes a base panel having an upper surface, a lower surface, a front edge, a rear edge and two opposing side edges. Extending from the rear edge are a pair of U-shaped hooks that fasten to grommets on a front section of an adjustable belt. Suspenders are securable to eyelets on a rear section of the belt and to opposing side edges of the base panel. A sliding retaining wall secures smaller items that would otherwise shift when being transported on the base panel. Accordingly, the base panel is firmly supported in a horizontal position, adjacent to the user's waist, allowing various items to be conveniently transported thereon.
US09107501B2 Earthquake-activated shelf security system
An earthquake-activated shelf security system has two guide rails attached to both sides of a shelf or pallet rack. At least one retainer is moveably constrained to move along the guide rails by a rotating loop located on each end of the retainer. The guide rail has a retainer rest portion and allows the retainer to rest in a prepared configuration without moving down the rail unless acted upon by a shaking event such as an earthquake. A movable backstop is located along a back portion of the retainer rest portion. The position of the rest stop can be adjusted to adjust the sensitivity of the system to earthquakes. The guide rails have retainer stops located at selected positions to keep the retainer from moving past. In one embodiment two retainers are provided and in another embodiment, a mesh is provided to contain items that would otherwise fall through.
US09107498B1 Weapon support assembly
A weapon support assembly holds a weapon such as a rifle, shotgun or bow in a temporary hunting structure while not actively hunting. The assembly includes a shaft having a first end and a second end. Legs are coupled to and extend from the shaft to support the shaft in an upright position on a supporting surface. Each of the legs is positioned proximate the first end of the shaft. A foot plate is coupled to and extends from the shaft. A weapon support is coupled to and extends from the shaft proximate the second end of the shaft. A handle is coupled to and extends from the shaft proximate the second end of the shaft. A holding member is also coupled to the shaft for holding an item such as a beverage container.
US09107497B1 Automatic book-end system for shelves
The automatic book-end system for shelves includes a shelf, a book-end housing that is movably connected to the shelf, and a limit switch connected to the book-end housing. The housing includes a rechargeable battery, an electric circuit, electric motors, and a pair of chain sprockets. The shelf includes a pair of roller chains that engage the chain sprockets. The electric motors, chain sprockets, and roller chains work in conjunction to achieve linear motion of the housing along the shelf bottom. The book-end housing can support the books in an upright, side by side arrangement on the shelf. Once a book is removed from the shelf, the housing is automatically repositioned to push the remaining books together and close any resulting gaps between the remaining books.
US09107496B2 Adjustable pole caddy
An adjustable pole caddy includes an elongated pole, a shelf including a generally planar surface for supporting at least one object thereon, a clamp having a first aperture and a second aperture, and a fastener extending through the first aperture of the clamp. The second aperture extends around at least a portion of an outer periphery of the pole. In a locked position of the fastener and clamp, an end portion of the fastener engages the pole and at least a portion of the shelf removably engages at least a portion of the clamp. The clamp is secured to the pole and the shelf is secured to the clamp. In a released position of the fastener and clamp, the end portion of the fastener does not engage the pole.
US09107489B1 Carry-all handle
A system for manipulating and transporting items of various sizes and shapes comprising a carry-all handle having affixed thereto at least two hook and hook-loop fastened strips of length A, and a plurality of additional hook and loop fastener strips of various lengths which can be connected to the strips of length A so that the carry-all handle can be attached to and manipulate items of various sizes and shapes.
US09107488B1 Holder for tablet device
A holder for a tablet device. An exemplary embodiment of the holder includes a base plate structure formed with cleats on opposed sides of the base plate and a stop surface extending from a top surface of the base plate structure. The cleats on the opposed sides are spaced apart by a distance wider than a width dimension of the tablet device with the cleat underside spaced above the top surface by a second distance which is larger than a height dimension of the tablet device. A mounting system is configured to mount the tablet device to the base plate structure, the system including the cleats, the stop surface and a shim or spacer.
US09107480B2 Shoe having securely printed tab
Provided is, among other things, a shoe having a sole that includes multiple layers and an upper attached to and extending above the sole. In addition, the shoe includes a tab having: (1) a first portion, located between adjacent layers of the sole and thus hidden from view, that is imprinted with identification information pertaining to the shoe and (2) a second portion that is visible during ordinary use of the shoe.
US09107468B1 Temperature controlled electric shoe
A temperature controlled electric shoe that includes a generator configured to convert the kinetic energy of ambulation into electrical energy by means of a compressible heel section moving between a compressed position and a decompressed position, wherein a crank gear rotationally engages a spindle gear to rotate a circular magnet about a copper coil, whereby electrical energy is storable by means of a battery, said electrical energy therefore usable to heat a toe cap disposed within the shoe and power extant electronic accoutrements interconnected to the shoe by means of a plug connect, and wherein the compressible heel section further forces airflow selectively into the shoe interior, as desired, and alternately vents said airflow exteriorly to the shoe when a switch-valve is moved between a first valve position and a second valve position and a person wearing the shoe perambulates.
US09107449B2 Method for customizing a beverage's carbonation level
The present invention recognizes the need for an apparatus and method for creating carbonated beverages having a customizable carbonation level. The invention uses a CPU to control an inlet valve which connects a tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to a vessel containing the beverage to be carbonized. The tube connecting the tank of pressurized carbon dioxide to the vessel contains an orifice for reducing the carbon dioxide's flow rate, thereby increasing control over the amount of carbon dioxide introduced to the vessel. A motor agitates the vessel, causing the carbon dioxide to become absorbed in the beverage. During the pressurization process, the pressure inside the vessel is monitored by the CPU to determine whether more CO2 should be added to the vessel. An outlet valve causes excess pressure to drain from the vessel. An outlet orifice causes the pressure to release gradually, thus preventing the beverage from foaming.
US09107443B2 Liquid nisin compositions
The present invention relates to liquid nisin compositions having a high anti-microbial activity. The invention further relates to a method for preparing the liquid nisin compositions as well as their use as a preservative in food products.
US09107441B2 Composition for reducing absorption of dietary fat
This invention relates to compositions for reducing the absorption or bioavailability of lipids in the gastrointestinal tract, and to methods for the preparation and use of these compositions. The compositions comprise a source of dietary fiber together with a cyclodextrin. The compositions of the invention are suitable for use in the prevention and treatment of obesity or hyperlipidaemia.
US09107436B2 Glucosylated steviol glycoside as a flavor modifier
A taste and flavor profile modifying composition is described. The composition includes a blend of glucosylated steviol glycosides and residual steviol glycosides which can modify the intensity of a taste and/or flavor in a food or beverage product.
US09107434B2 Method and apparatus for plasma assisted laser cooking of food products
A method and apparatus are disclosed for applying laser energy to a food product to effect cooking thereof. The energy can be applied with a laser emitter in proximity to the food product. The application of the energy can be controlled according to a profile so as to generate a plasma in and around the food product during a cooking period. The application of energy can be adjusted based on feedback associated with the controlled application of the energy to the food product.
US09107430B2 Process for producing red or purple cocoa-derived material
The invention relates to acidified cocoa nibs, wherein the nibs comprise at least 20 mg/g of polyphenols, preferably more than 30 mg/g of polyphenols, most preferably from 40 to 60 mg/g of polyphenols, cocoa refiner or expeller flakes, liquor, cakes, and cocoa powder obtainable from the nibs and a process for producing cocoa-derived material, comprising the steps of: (i) treating cocoa nibs obtained from beans or seeds which have a higher polyphenol content than fermented cocoa beans with an acid; and (ii) optionally drying the nibs.
US09107426B2 Separation chambers for deboning machines
Separation chambers, deboning machines, and methods of operating the same are provided. In one aspect, a separation chamber for a compression-type deboning machine includes a body defining an internal cavity therein having a frusto-conical shape. A central longitudinal axis of the body extends from a first opening of the cavity near a first end of the body to a second opening of the cavity near a second end of the body. The first opening is larger than the second opening. The separation chamber also includes a plurality of perforations defined through the body from an inner surface of the body to an outer surface of the body. Each perforation includes a perforation axis extending longitudinally through a center of the perforation. The perforation axes of the plurality of perforations are transverse to a radial axis extending perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the body.
US09107425B2 Sausage suspension member and method and apparatus for suspending sausage on suspension members from stick
A sausage suspension member undergoes primary pivoting whereby an opening portion with an inner link of a sausage placed thereon is moved about a pivot axis laterally inwardly, and after the primary pivoting the sausage suspension member undergoes secondary pivoting whereby the opening portion with the inner link placed thereon is moved about the pivot axis laterally inwardly so as to move the opening portion with the inner link placed thereon laterally inwardly away from a stick in a state of being inserted between the inner link and an outer link.
US09107424B2 Machine and method for high speed cutting and portioning of extruded products
An input conveyor, output conveyor, and knife assembly with a blade between the input and output conveyors all reciprocate back and forth as a blade moves perpendicular to the conveyors to cut portioned sized of product, such as ground meat. The cut cycle allows the product feed to keep moving in a continuous manner on conveyors. For ground meat, this system can allow production rates of 150 pieces or more per minute per conveyor line and can improve the accuracy of portioning. The blade is actuated by a profiled cam set that pulls the blade down, and then returns it with a spring to an upper position. The knife assembly can accelerate just after cutting to reduce the potential for sticking to the cut product.
US09107421B2 Baking pan system
The baking pan disclosed herein creates a single, or double, bite sized baked product that has a crispy outer edge and a chewy interior. The ratio between the side of the interior insert of the pan and the exterior side of the pan is critical to form the desired product. The pan can range in size from about a 5 inch exterior diameter to a 16 inch exterior diameter with the interior insert increasing accordingly.
US09107419B2 Compositions and methods for treatment or prevention of Staphylococcus aureus infections and for the eradication or reduction of Staphylococcus aureus on surfaces
Compositions and methods for treating or preventing S. aureus infections are provided. The compositions can be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions or as disinfectants, sanitizers, detergents or antiseptics, and can be used to eradicate or reduce S. aureus populations and thereby treat or prevent infection by S. aureus. The compositions include one or more digestive enzymes, e.g., one or more protease, lipases, and amylases. Methods of use of the compositions are also provided.
US09107411B2 Indolecarboxamides and benzimidazolecarboxamides as insecticides and acaricides
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) in which R1 to R6, A, Y, X, G, n and m are each as defined in the description—and to a process for preparation thereof and to the use thereof as insecticides and acaricides.
US09107410B2 Pesticidal compositions and processes related thereto
This document discloses pesticidal compostions comprising molecules having the following formulas: and processes related thereto.
US09107408B2 Plant disease controlling composition and method for controlling plant disease
The present invention provides a composition having an excellent controlling activity on plant disease. The composition comprising the compound represented by the formula (1) and one or more azole fungicidal compound selected from the group (A) shows an excellent controlling activity on a plant disease. group (A): a group consisting of triadimenol, bitertanol, oxpoconazole fumarate, tebuconazole, cyazofamid, pefurazoate, triflumizole, hymexazol, and etridiazole.
US09107403B2 Agrochemical auxiliary compositions
Suggested are agrochemical auxiliary compositions, comprising (a) alkoxylated polyol esters, (b) optionally alkoxylated alk(en)yl oligoglycosides, and (c) fatty acids or their salts.
US09107401B1 Apparatus and method to attract animals
An apparatus to attract predatory animals is described. The apparatus includes an end-effector that includes an elastic member with non-homogenous elastic properties. The apparatus further includes a fixture attached to a proximal end of the elastic member. In addition, the apparatus includes an actuator attached to the fixture generates a transversal wave excitation. The transversal wave excitation propagates from the proximal end of the elastic member to a distal end of the elastic member.
US09107395B2 Control device, and method, for controlling the location of an animal
A control device and method controls an animal's location. A GPS receiver and a processor determine the position, velocity and heading direction of the animal relative to a target. A stimulus unit selectively applies a stimulus to the animal. If the position of the animal relative to the target is less than a predetermined distance and the animal's velocity relative to the target is within a predetermined range and the heading direction of the animal is within a predetermined orientation relative to the target, then a non-aversive stimulus is applied to the animal, and removal of a non-aversive stimulus is selectively effected when the animal's velocity relative to the target is outside of the predetermined range, or the heading direction of the animal changes by more than a predetermined amount, otherwise the non-aversive stimulus is first removed followed by application of an aversive stimulus to the animal.
US09107390B1 Pet toy juicer and food dispenser
A pet toy is configured for receiving a food item. The pet toy comprises a durable and resilient outer wall, an interior chamber, and at least one opening for inserting and/or retrieving the food item. The outer wall can comprise one or more regions of greater rigidity and one or more regions of less rigidity. The pet toy is further configured to selectively retain the food item during a pet's play with the pet toy. After repeated or sufficient compression of the pet toy, the food item can be dislodged, in either a single piece or in multiple smaller pieces, from the pet toy as the pet's reward.
US09107384B2 Small animal litter container
A small animal litter container is provided with an enclosed design that keeps animal elimination products contained within the litter material and/or the container without leakage and avoids spillage of these materials beyond the container. Cylindrical telescoping interior and exterior housing sections engage to form a covered elimination area within the container. A corresponding keyhole-type of opening in each housing section aligns when the housing sections are engaged to form an animal access door with a unique angled shape that guides an animal to the inside elimination area. A base housing section is formed with a circular cross-section unitary wall with a height that effectively captures and contains all products of elimination without leakage or spillage beyond the container. The present small animal litter container may be used effectively by all kinds of pets, including cats and dogs, whether they exhibit typical or atypical elimination behaviors or habits.
US09107371B2 Soybean variety 01046959
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 01046959. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 01046959. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 01046959 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 01046959 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US09107366B2 Soybean cultivar AR1011118
The present invention is in the field of soybean variety AR1011118 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety AR1011118 and its progeny, and methods of making AR1011118.
US09107358B1 Soybean variety XBP17004
A novel soybean variety, designated XBP17004 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP17004, cells from soybean variety XBP17004, plants of soybean XBP17004, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP17004. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP17004 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP17004, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP17004, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP17004. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP17004 are further provided.
US09107355B2 Real-time process for targeting trait phenotyping of plant breeding experiments
A method for targeting trait phenotyping of a plant breeding experiment includes collecting soil data for at least one location, applying the soil data to a crop model, performing environmental monitoring at the at least one location to generate environmental data, updating the crop model with the environmental data, and using the crop model to provide predicted crop conditions. The method further includes determining environmental conditions for each of the plant breeding experiments, determining a likelihood of trait phenotype variations for each experiment using the environmental conditions and the predicted crop conditions, selecting a subset of the plant breeding experiments for collecting trait phenotype measurements based on the likelihood of trait phenotypic variation, and collecting trait phenotype measurements from the subset of the plant breeding experiments.
US09107349B2 System and method for controlling the spreading of crop residue expelled from an agricultural combine
A system for controlling the spreading of crop residue expelled from an agricultural combine is disclosed. The system may include a spreader configured to expel crop residue from the combine. The spreader may include at least one spreader disc configured to be rotated about an axis. In addition, the system may include a windrow door having an inner surface defining a flow path for directing the crop residue into the spreader. At least a portion of the windrow door may be configured to be moved relative to the spreader so as to adjust a location at which the crop residue is introduced onto the at least one spreader disc.
US09107339B2 Seed-covering agent and seed covered with seed-covering agent
A seed-covering agent, which covers a seed surface and contains an iron powder and a binder, is specified such that, in the above-described iron powder, the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of 63 μm or less to a total mass of the iron powder is 0% or more and 75% or less, the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of more than 63 μm and 150 μm or less to the total mass of the iron powder is 25% or more and 100% or less, and the mass ratio of an iron powder having a particle size of more than 150 μm to a total mass of the iron powder is 0% or more and 50% or less, and the average particle size of the above-described binder is 1 to 150 μm.
US09107337B2 Agricultural apparatus for sensing and providing feedback of soil property changes in real time
A planting row unit is attachable to a towing frame and is movable in a forward direction on a field having soil of varying hardness conditions. The planting row unit includes an opener device forward of the towing frame for preparing the soil for receiving at least one of the fertilizer and the seeds. The opener device includes a soil-hardness sensor for detecting changes in soil-hardness conditions and an opener blade for maintaining, in response to the changes, a constant soil-penetration depth Z in the soil independent of the varying hardness conditions. A modular actuator is mounted to the opener device for applying pressure to the opener blade, the modular actuator being mountable to at least one other component of the planting row unit for applying pressure.
US09113585B2 Method of forming external terminals of a package and apparatus for performing the same
A method of forming external terminals of a package is provided in which a package substrate may be fixed, an edge portion of the package substrate may be supported to prevent the edge portion of the package substrate from being upwardly bent, a mask having openings may be arranged on the package substrate, and the external terminals may be supplied to the package substrate through the openings of the mask. The supporting portion may downwardly press the edge portion of the package substrate so that the edge portion of the package substrate may not be upwardly bent. As a result, the external terminals on the package substrate may have a uniform thickness.
US09113582B2 Air conditioning control apparatus and air conditioning control method
An air conditioning control apparatus for controlling an air conditioner in a room which accommodates a computer, includes obtaining repetitively a detected value of a total power consumption of the computer and the air conditioner and a detected value of a air temperature at the air inlet, storing the obtained values into a memory, determining an approximate expression representing a relation between the total power consumption and the air temperature on the basis of the values stored into the memory, determining a value of the air temperature corresponding to the lowest value of the total power consumption, by using the calculated approximate expression, and controlling the air conditioner so that the air temperature become equal the calculated air temperature.
US09113581B2 Valve controlled, node-level vapor condensation for two-phase heat sink(s)
Apparatuses are provided for cooling an electronic component(s), which include a heat sink coupled to the electronic component(s), and having a coolant-carrying channel for a first coolant. The first coolant provides two-phase cooling to the electronic component(s), and is discharged from the heat sink as coolant exhaust, which includes coolant vapor. The apparatus further includes a node-level condensation module coupled to the heat sink to receive the coolant exhaust. The condensation module is cooled via a second coolant, and facilitates condensing the coolant vapor in the coolant exhaust. A controller automatically controls the liquid-cooling of the heat sink and/or the liquid-cooling of the node-level condensation module. A control valve adjusts a flow rate of the second coolant of the node-level condensation module, with the valve being automatically controlled by the controller based on a characterization of the coolant vapor in the coolant exhaust.
US09113567B2 Dynamic mounting system
A dynamic mounting system couples a first object to a second object by the attachment of a threaded member to a threaded receiving member on the second object to a predetermined depth to cause a biased compression member to exert a predetermined clamping force holding the first object to the second. The first object may be a heat sink in communication with a heat-generating component such as a processor mounted on the second object such as a circuit board. The predetermined depth is reached by advancing the threaded member until its threads pass beyond threads on the receiving member. The predetermined depth of threaded member biases the compression member to maintain a clamping force between the first and second objects within a desired range of temperature.
US09113564B2 Circuit board
There is provided a circuit board including a land provided on a mounting surface for joining a distal end portion of a connection terminal of a lead component by a solder, wherein the land is formed to extend in a predetermined direction such that the predetermined direction is a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction is a width direction, wherein the land includes a terminal-facing portion facing the distal end portion of the connection terminal and a distal end side continuous portion continuously extending from the terminal-facing portion in the distal end portion of the connection terminal, and wherein the land includes a narrow portion having a width smaller than a width of the distal end side continuous portion in the terminal-facing portion.
US09113563B2 Flexible printed circuit film and display device using the same
Disclosed is a flexible printed circuit film (FPC film) and display device using the same, the FPC film comprising a body extending along a side of a substrate; and a connector protruding from the body and detachably combined with a PCB wherein the connector comprises: a flexible polymer film including pad region and line region, wherein a plurality of first via holes are formed in the pad region; a plurality of pads overlapped with the first via hole in the pad region on one surface of the flexible polymer film; and a plurality of lines electrically connected with the plurality of pads through the first via hole, wherein the plurality of pads are formed of pad sets of plural rows including a pad set of a first row and a pad set of a second row.
US09113559B2 Pressure reconfigured electromagnetic devices
A reconfigurable electromagnetic device includes a first and second planar layer having facing surfaces. One of the surfaces includes one or more micro-trenches. The area between the two surfaces is filled with an electro-fluid, such as a liquid metal and a second immiscible fluid, such as an inert gas. When pressure is applied, forcing the two surfaces together, Laplace pressure causes the electro-fluid to flow into the trench as the inert fluid is evacuated from the area between the two surfaces, forming an electromagnetic device. The shape of the trenches defines the reconfigurable device, such as circuitry, switch, antenna or the like. When the inert fluid is reintroduced into the area between the two surfaces, the electro-fluid withdraws from the trench, which is the off position, in which the device does not function.
US09113556B2 Flexible board and electronic device
A flexible board includes a flexible body and a linear conductor. The flexible body includes a first main surface and a second main surface. The linear conductor is provided at the flexible body so as to be located closer to the first main surface than to the second main surface. The flexible body is valley-folded along a line crossing the linear conductor such that the first main surface is located inside of the fold, and is mountain-folded along a line crossing the linear conductor such that the first main surface is outside of the fold. An average radius of curvature in an area where the flexible body is mountain-folded is greater than an average radius of curvature in an area where the flexible body is valley-folded.