Document	Document Title
US09169951B2	Tubular threaded joint having improved low temperature performance In order to provide a tubular threaded joint constituted by a pin and a box each having threads and an unthreaded metal contact portion with excellent galling resistance and gas tightness even in extremely cold environments at −60° C. to −20° C. and rust preventing properties without using a compound grease, a thermoplastic solid lubricating coating containing low friction copolymer particles made from an acrylic-silicone copolymer and preferably further containing a solid lubricant (e.g., graphite) in a thermoplastic polymer matrix (e.g., selected from polyolefin resins and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins) is formed on the surface of the threads and unthreaded metal contact portion of a pin and/or a box.
US09169940B2	Purge line changing block joint and fluid control apparatus A purge line changing block joint for enabling supply of different types of purge gas between lines without a significant remodeling of a fluid control apparatus and the fluid control apparatus is provided. A purge line changing block joint is connected to an upper side of a three-way valve channel portion in at least one line of the plurality of lines. The purge line changing block joint includes a process gas inlet channel communicating with a process gas inlet channel of the three-way valve channel portion, an outlet channel communicating the process gas inlet channel and an outlet channel of the three-way valve channel portion, a channel terminal not in communication with a purge gas inlet channel of the three-way valve channel portion but terminating the same, and a new purge gas inlet channel communicating with the outlet channel and opening on the top surface.
US09169937B2	Nozzle check valve The disclosed embodiments include check valves capable of improved dynamic performance (e.g., closing and opening times). The check valves may include an annular disc having an opening. The annular disc may be lightweight and present a reduced surface area to the flow, thus increasing the closure speed of the check valve as well as the opening speed of the check valve. Other components, such as a spacer component, may be reconfigured to modify the check valve for increased performance in a variety of applications, including low flow volume, medium flow volume, and high flow volume applications.
US09169933B2	Safety discharge valve A safety discharge valve includes a siphon-type open/close device (1), a valve cover assembly (2), a valve rod (3), a valve body (4), an extensible side-sealing top-pressing assembly (5), side rotary sealing plates (6), a tapered bottom valve plug (7) and a side water inlet emergency plug (10).
US09169929B2	Conformal wear-resistant seal A seal apparatus includes: (a) first and second machine elements defining a sealing interface between two zones subject to different fluid pressures, a boundary of which lies between the two elements; (b) a seal comprising rigid material carried by the first machine element and having an annular lip defining a first contact surface; (c) a second contact surface comprising rigid material, defined by the second machine element; (c) wherein both contact surfaces are wear resistant, and the first and second contact surfaces bear directly against each other, so as to seal against fluid leakage between the first and second zones, while allowing relative sliding motion between the first and second contact surfaces; and (d) wherein the seal is configured to allow the lip to deform elastically and permit the first contact surface to conform in a regular or irregular shape to the second contact surface.
US09169928B2	Apparatus and methods for placing and attaching formed filters into brewing cups A filter setting and sealing apparatus includes a wobble plate mounted to press a filter edge into a plane defined by the top rim of a brew cup. A sealer defined by expandable sealer jaws is moveable into the filter. The jaws are actuated for radial outward expansion to seal the filter to the cup proximate the filter rim and cup edge. A second sealer is used to seal any gaps remaining in the seal after initial sealing. Methods are disclosed.
US09169924B2	Automatic transmission control device A control device for controlling an automatic transmission determines whether a fluid pressure of the operation fluid acting on a friction engagement element that is switched from a released-state to an engaged-state is in a fully-decreased state. If determined that the fluid pressure is not in a fully-decreased state, control of a manual valve is delayed. In such manner, the hydraulic circuit is switched by the manual valve after the full decrease of the fluid pressure of the operation fluid acting on the just-engaged friction engagement element. As a result, an abrupt rise of the fluid pressure is prevented and a shock in the automatic transmission is reduced.
US09169919B2	Assembly of knob and lever An assembly includes a knob, a lever, and a spring clip. The knob includes a substantially cylindrical hollow part having a first inner diameter, and an accommodating groove extending along the hollow part and having a second inner diameter larger than the first diameter. The lever includes a substantially cylindrical body part having a diameter corresponding to the first diameter, and a seating groove formed in the body part at a position of the body part facing the accommodating groove when the knob is assembled to the lever. A spring clip is fitted onto the seating groove of the lever such that the spring clip is disposed in a space formed between the accommodating groove and the seating groove when the knob is assembled to the lever. The spring clip provides a coupling force between the knob and the lever.
US09169918B2	Integrated control shift lever device An integrated control shift lever device according to an exemplary embodiment provides M mode of +/− to feel a dynamic shift manipulation feeling together with automatic mode of P (parking), R (reverse), N (neutral), and D (driving) as a basic function and further provides integrated mode 6 to provide to engine control unit the electrical signal generated by positional change of automatic lever to control the engine, suspension device, or the steering device in addition to the transmission by driver's simple manipulation, thereby significantly improving convenience and in particular, further improving performance, quality, and merchantability of an automobile when the integrated control shift lever device may be applied to a vehicle.
US09169912B2	Drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle A drive device for the road wheels of a vehicle includes a stationary housing in which a rotatably drivable differential housing having an axle differential gear unit is rotatably mounted by differential bearings, at least one driveshaft being rotatably drivable by the differential housing. At least one driving gear wheel is arranged on the at least one driveshaft so as to be fixed with respect to rotation relative to the latter. The at least one driving gear wheel meshingly engage by oppositely directed helical teeth with at least one driven gear wheel for driving road wheels of the vehicle and generating axial forces directed toward the center of the axle differential gear unit. At least one thrust bearing arrangement is supported axially with respect to the at least one driveshaft at a radial supporting surface.
US09169907B2	Spindle drive A spindle drive (1), in particular for a linear actuator, having a spindle (3), a spindle nut (7) which interacts with the spindle (3), and a lubricating channel outlet (20) which opens into an intermediate space between the spindle (3) and the spindle nut (7) for lubricating the spindle (3) and the spindle nut (7), the spindle drive (1) comprising, moreover, a stationary channel system and a rotatable channel system which is connected to the stationary channel system for feeding lubricant to the lubricating channel outlet (20).
US09169905B1	Drive assembly with override mechanism A disclosed drive assembly is suitable for driving an actuatable component in a first direction and a second direction. The drive assembly includes a housing and a drive rod. The drive rod selectively extends and retracts to apply a driving force to the actuatable component in a first and a second direction, respectively. The driving force creates a reactive force on the housing. An override assembly includes a spring in communication with the housing. The housing pushes a first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring when the reactive force exceeds a predetermined limit and the drive rod applies the driving force in the first direction. The housing pulls the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the reactive force exceeds the predetermined limit and the drive rod applies the driving force in the second direction.
US09169897B2	Friction drive belt and automotive accessory drive belt transmission system using the same A friction drive belt (B) includes short fibers (14) and carbon black (18) both scattered so as to be exposed at a surface of at least a contact part (13) of a rubber belt body (10) with a pulley. The short fibers (14) include short, high modulus fibers made of polymers having a main chain which does not contain an aromatic compound and having an initial tensile resistance, measured according to JIS L 1013, of equal to or greater than 100 cN/dtex, and the carbon black (18) contain large-particle-diameter carbon black having an iodine absorption, measured according to JIS K 6217-1, of equal to or less than 40 g/Kg, and/or a specific surface area, measured by nitrogen adsorption according to JIS K 6217-2, of equal to or less than 40 m2/g.
US09169878B2	Torque transmitting assembly and method of producing A torque transmitting assembly is provided. The torque transmitting assembly includes a generally cup shaped outer shell having a closed end and an open end. The closed end has at least one raised portion formed therein. The outer shell includes an outwardly extending lip surrounding the open end of the outer shell. The open end of the outer shell is adapted to be operatively engaged with a first rotating member. A generally disk shaped inner member has a central aperture and a central axis. The inner member includes at least one tab extending axially outwardly therefrom and engages the raised portion of the outer shell to facilitate a transfer of rotation between the outer shell and the inner member. The central aperture is adapted to be operatively engaged with a second rotating member. The inner member is received inside said outer shell.
US09169876B2	Bearing unit for a vehicle wheel A bearing unit for a vehicle wheel is provided having an axis of rotation and a radially outer stationary ring including a tubular axial lug delimited by an outer cylindrical surface, and with a flange transverse to the axis of rotation and axially delimited. A radially inner rotatable ring defines, with the ring, a space. An encoder is fixed to the inner ring and extends outside of the space and in front of the axial lug. A protective cover mounted on the axial lug to protect the encoder and close off the space. The stationary ring includes a shaped annular channel formed across the axial surface and delimited axially by a bottom surface and the side wall with a bent edge arranged axially in abutment against the bottom surface of the annular channel. Sealing means are arranged between the bent edge and the bottom surface to seal the annular channel.
US09169875B2	Linear motion guide system unit A lip portion of an end seal is born against a metallic core to make no interference against an end cap. The metallic core controls deformation of the lip portion to improve the close engagement of the lip portion with a guide rail. The lip portion is composed of an outside lip extending outwards and an inside lip extending inwards of the slider. A root portion where the inside and outside lips are merged together is secured to the metallic core in such a relation that the metallic core bears stress exerted on respective center lines of the outside and the inside lips. The metallic core is composed of a mounting portion having a mounting surface, a bent portion extending widthwise of the slider and biased or deflected more outward of the slider to prevent the lip portion from make any interference with the end cap.
US09169868B2	Movable member for linear slide assembly A movable member of a linear slide assembly includes a slide member having two legs to mount the slide member to a rail. Two covers are respectively connected to two ends of the slide member. A track is formed between the legs of the slide member and the rail. Rolling members are installed in the circulation path of the slide assembly and drive the movable member along the rail back and forth. Two reinforcement plates are respectively connected to outside of the two covers and each reinforcement plate has a side plate and two bent extensions which are fixed to the legs of the slide member. The bent extensions each have an engaging portion which is engaged with the protrusion on the slide member. The engaging portions bear axial force applied to the rolling members to secure the connection between the covers and the slide member.
US09169867B2	Linear motion guide unit A sleeve fits in a through-hole in a carriage to provide a return passage which makes sure of both the flexibility and the stiffness of the sleeve. The sleeve is constituted with fore and aft circular ends, a pair of columns and a pair of flexible columns lying lengthwise between the fore and aft circular ends to guide the roller, lengthwise slits lying between the flexible columns and the columns, and complementary ends made on the terminals of the fore and aft circular ends. The flexible columns have raised lands having curved outer surfaces, and recessions flanked by the raised lands and having rolling wall surfaces or the return passage. The raised lands and the recessions are arranged alternately in the lengthwise direction of the sleeve to give the sleeve the capability of elastic deformation.
US09169864B2	Lock ring and threaded stud A lock ring for securing a threaded stud to a first member, the ring having a first surface defining the ring on the side facing a first axis of symmetry of the ring, and in which a toothed impression is formed when it is forced onto a toothed portion of the threaded stud; and a conical second surface defining the ring on the opposite side to the first axis, and which is forced inside the first member.
US09169861B2	Cassette attachment device and cassette A lock member shifts between a lock position for locking a cassette inserted in a device body and a lock release position for releasing the lock to enable the cassette to be removed from the device body. Further, a push-out member shifts between a push-out position for coming into contact with a catch member provided in the device body and pushing out the cassette in a removing direction and a retracted position. Then, in conjunction with rotation action from a first position to a second position of a lock release member attached to the surface of the cassette to be rotatable, the lock member shifts from the lock position to the release position, and the push-out member shifts from the retracted position to the push-out position.
US09169852B2	Hydraulic pressure transducer and hydraulic system A power station system operable to generate energy and comprising a heat engine system and a hydraulic system connected thereto. The heat engine system comprises n number of energy cells, wherein n is an integer, and n≧2, a heat source connected to the energy cells, and a cooler means connected to the energy cells. Each energy cell is operable to generate a pressurized fluid when a phase change material (PCM), comprised in each energy cell, changes from solid phase to liquid phase, and the energy cells are operable between a first phase, and a second phase. During the first phase, a first n/2 of the energy cells produce pressurized fluid, and a second n/2 of the energy cells are cooling down, and during the second phase, the first n/2 of the energy cells are cooling down, and a second n/2 of the energy cells produce pressurized fluid. The hydraulic system comprises a pressure transducer, and a hydraulic motor connected thereto, and is operable to generate a constant rotation speed.
US09169838B2	Liquid ring vacuum pump with cavitation regulation A method for operating a liquid ring vacuum pump employs taking vibration measurements of the pump and comparing the measurements with a prescribed cavitation threshold. In addition, a measurement representing the liquid content in the gas to be conveyed is taken. This measurement is compared with a prescribed threshold. The rotational speed of the liquid ring vacuum pump is reduced if the prescribed cavitation threshold has been exceeded and the liquid content is less than the prescribed threshold. The rotational speed is increased if the prescribed cavitation threshold has been exceeded and the liquid content is greater than the prescribed threshold. A liquid ring vacuum pump is designed for implementing the method. Due to the regulation depending on the oscillations of the pump, the pump can be operated near the cavitation boundary without any risk of damage.
US09169836B2	Structure of simplified inflation valve A simplified inflation valve includes a base forming centrally a bore. The bore has a bottom to which a PU membrane is attached. The membrane includes at least one aperture in a location outboard the bore. An outer circumference of the membrane is fixed to the base through ultrasonic technique or die pressing. A squeezer is mounted on the base and has elasticity for elastically resuming shape after being pressed and has an interior space forming an air chamber. The air chamber has a top forming at least one through hole. The squeezer has a bottom including an outer circumferential portion forming a sealing rim, which is fixed, through ultrasonic technique or die pressing, to the base so as to form an inflation valve. The inflation valve can be connected to an air bladder, whereby through pressing the inflation valve, the air bladder can be inflated.
US09169833B2	Device for fastening and electrically connecting a circuit board to a motor A fuel pump assembly and method of making the same is disclosed. The fuel pump assembly includes a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor and a circuit board formed as a discrete component from the BLDC motor. The BLDC motor includes a stator with a plurality of windings. A screw, or some other fastener, extends through the circuit board and threadedly engages a portion of the BLDC motor. The screws serve the dual functions of attaching the circuit board to the BLDC motor and electrically connecting the BLDC motor to the circuit board to power the BLDC motor.
US09169829B2	Hydraulic system and wind turbine generator provided therewith There is provided a hydraulic pump startup control device in a hydraulic system, which avoids an overloaded state at startup to enable low-temperature, fast startup and maintaining of the temperature with low-cost means in order to improve low-temperature startability. A bypass path 19 is placed in parallel with a hydraulic main line from a hydraulic tank, and the downstream of the bypass path is made merged with the hydraulic main line. A bypass valve 3 that opens or closes the bypass path is provided in the bypass path, and a pressure sensor is provided in the inlet of a hydraulic unit in the hydraulic main line. Further, a control device 10 to which a pressure detection value in the hydraulic main line is input from the pressure sensor to open the bypass valve based on the pressure detection value upon startup of the hydraulic unit. The control device repeats on-off control to circulate oil in the bypass path while keeping the pump discharge pressure and the flow rate to open the bypass path at startup so that the actuation power of the hydraulic unit will become the maximum in order to rise the hydraulic temperature of the hydraulic main line.
US09169823B2	Magnetostrictive wave energy harvester with heave plate A device for generating electricity includes a buoyant structure, a heave plate, at least one load carrying structure that is mechanically coupled to both the buoyant structure and the heave plate, and at least one magnetostrictive element. The magnetostrictive element is configured to to experienceforce changes applied by the load carrying structure caused by hydrodynamic forces acting on the device.
US09169814B2	Systems, methods, and devices with enhanced lorentz thrust Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for delivery a fluidic substance using Lorentz forces. In one aspect, a method to accelerate particles into a chamber includes distributing a fluidic substance between electrodes configured at a location proximate a chamber, in which electrodes include a low work function material, generating a current of ionized particles by applying an electric field between the electrodes to ionize at least some of the fluidic substance, and producing a Lorentz force to accelerate the ionized particles into the chamber. In some implementations, the method further includes applying an electric potential on an antenna electrode interfaced at the port to induce a corona discharge into the chamber, in which the corona discharge ignites the ionized particles within the chamber.
US09169808B2	Engine exhaust gas purification device In detection of a temperature of fresh air which is supplied to an intake manifold of an engine, by a fresh air temperature sensor, the invention aims at preventing precision of an engine control from dropping due to difference in an attached position of the fresh air temperature sensor. The engine device has an intake pipe for supplying fresh air to the intake manifold, a breather chamber for separating lubricating oil, the breather chamber being arranged within a head cover covering an upper surface side of a cylinder head, and a blow-by gas return pipe. The intake pipe and the breather chamber are connected via the blow-by gas return pipe. The fresh air temperature sensor detecting a temperature of the fresh air introduced into the intake pipe is attached to the intake pipe.
US09169806B2	Propulsion system for flying machine, particularly for a missile A propulsion system including: a booster; a turbojet engine; the booster including a chamber which is fixed to a rear casing of the turbojet engine by being arranged along the longitudinal axis thereof, which chamber includes at a rear a jet pipe and includes at least one charge and a mechanism initiating the charge; and gas bleed tubes connected to the booster and which are configured either for igniting the combustion chamber of the turbojet engine on for starting the turbine of the turbojet.
US09169801B2	Internal combustion engine with oil-cooled cylinder block and method for operating an internal combustion engine of said type Embodiments for selectively filling a cylinder block cooling jacket with oil are provided. In one example, a control unit may be rotated among a plurality of working positions to open up and/or block flow of oil into and out of the cylinder block cooling jacket.
US09169792B2	Engine control system with actuator control An engine control apparatus works to determine target values of a plurality of combustion parameters which represent combustion states of fuel in a combustion engine and are needed to achieve required performances of the combustion engine, calculate a combustion parameter deviation that is a deviation of an actual value of each of the combustion parameters from the target value thereof, select at least one of controlled parameters correlating with the combustion parameters as a function of a degree of a selected one of the combustion parameter deviations for minimizing the selected one of the combustion parameter deviations. The controlled parameters are parameters for controlling operations of actuators working to control the combustion states of the combustion engine. The engine control apparatus controls the one of the controlled parameters, as selected by the controlled parameter selector, to minimize the selected one of the combustion parameter deviations.
US09169786B2	Vehicle engine control device A control device of a vehicle engine comprises: an electric motor rotationally driving an engine to start the engine; a variable valve timing mechanism varying a valve timing of an intake valve of the engine; and an intermediate lock mechanism mechanically locking the valve timing at an intermediate position between a most delayed position and a most advanced position of the valve timing, if an output limitation of the electric motor is predicted at restart of the engine, the valve timing at the time of stop of the engine being locked at the intermediate lock position by the intermediate lock mechanism.
US09169784B2	Processing system and method for calculating pressure decreases due to injection events in a high-pressure fuel system A system and method is provided to analyze an intermediate pressure signal portion between an end of an injection event signal portion and a start of a subsequent injection event signal portion. The analysis is simplified by identifying a plurality of single cycle windows and calculating a single value, such as a mean or a median, for each of the windows. An intermediate portion single value is determined by averaging the single values for each of the windows. The intermediate portion single value may then be used to identify pumping events or leakage errors that occur during the intermediate pressure signal portion that affect further analysis of the intermediate pressure signal portion.
US09169776B2	Cylinder liner used for model engine A cylinder liner capable of oil storage and lubrication used for a model engine is provided. The cylinder liner is disposed in a cylinder of the model engine. A piston is provided in the cylinder liner to reciprocate axially. The inner wall of the cylinder liner is honed to form a plurality of grooves. The inner wall of the cylinder liner is further formed with at least one grooved trough. The grooved trough is adapted to store an oil film to provide a lubrication effect between the piston and the cylinder liner during the reciprocation of the piston. The present invention enhances the protection for the piston and the cylinder liner and lowers the temperature during the running of the model engine. The piston can be reciprocated smoothly for a long time at a high speed so as to enhance the efficiency and service life of the engine.
US09169775B2	Multi-link internal combustion engine A multi-link internal combustion engine generally includes a cylinder block, an oil pan mounted to the undersurface of the cylinder block to define a crank chamber, the oil pan being formed with a shallow bottom portion and a deep bottom portion for storing oil. The multi-link internal combustion engine further includes a multi-link, piston-crank mechanism disposed in the crank chamber, a pivotal link member of the piston-crank mechanism pivotal about a pivotal fulcrum located on the side of oil pan; and an oil guide wall provided on the shallow bottom portion in the crank chamber for guiding the oil displaced due to the movement of the pivotal link member to the side of deep bottom portion.
US09169773B2	Engine reformer systems for lower cost, smaller scale manufacturing of liquid fuels A reformer-liquid fuel manufacturing system that utilizes an engine to generate hydrogen-rich gas is disclosed. The engine operates at very rich conditions, such as 2.5<φ<4.0. In doing so, it creates an exothermic reaction, which results in the production of syngas. In addition, the system utilizes the energy from the exothermic reaction to rotate a shaft and also utilizes the heat in the syngas to heat the reactants. A mechanical power plant is in communication with the rotating shaft and can be used to produce oxygen, provide electricity or operate a compressor, as require. The hydrogen-rich gas is supplied to a chemical reactor, which converts the gas into a liquid fuel, such as methanol.
US09169769B2	Gas-fired engine A gas-fired engine that supplies high-pressure liquefied gas (e.g., LNG) as fuel by a reciprocating pump. A gas fuel supply device includes: a reciprocating pump driven by a hydraulic motor to boost an introduced liquefied gas pressure to a desired pressure and discharge the liquefied gas; a hydraulic oil introduction line that introduces a portion of high-pressure hydraulic oil from a hydraulic oil line and supplies the high-pressure hydraulic oil to the hydraulic motor; a hydraulic oil return line that returns the high-pressure hydraulic oil to the hydraulic oil line; a heating unit that heats and gasifies the boosted liquefied gas; a control section that adjusts a rotational speed of the hydraulic motor to maintain constant a gas fuel outlet pressure of the heating unit; and an engine inlet gas pressure-reducing valve that regulates a gas fuel pressure injected into a combustion chamber.
US09169761B2	Urea-water addition control unit A control portion sets a total injection amount of a urea water injected from an injector to an exhaust gas, and controls to open or close the injector based on the injection amount. An injection-amount correcting portion estimates an injection characteristic of the injector from an injection-amount difference between the total injection amount and a decreased amount of the urea water in a tank, and corrects a command value of a control signal outputted to the injector based on the injection characteristic. Therefore, the injection amount is corrected by considering the individual differences or the age-related deterioration.
US09169751B2	Methods and systems for utilizing waste heat for a hybrid vehicle Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may reduce engine warm-up time and increase an amount of time an engine of a hybrid vehicle is deactivated while the hybrid vehicle is powered by a motor. In one example, a phase change material selectively stores and releases exhaust gas energy from and engine to improve vehicle operation.
US09169750B2	Fluid flow noise mitigation structure and method The structure for the reduction of noise occurring when a fluid flow passes over a surface is disclosed by the present application. The structure comprises a surface with a top face that is roughly parallel to the flow wherein the face has an array of multiple separate and discreet cavities inset into the surface. Each cavity may be tuned to mitigate the noise of a specific frequency of the flow by altering the size, shape, position, angle in relation to the flow and ratios of depth, width, and length of the cavity. The cavities may be divided by partitions into sub-cavities of differing sizes, shapes and positions to mitigate noise as well. The structures may be applied to any application where a flow exists over a surface including, but not limited to, aerospace, automotive, naval and electronics. The structure may be flat, curved, tubular or any other shape subject to fluid flow.
US09169743B2	Metallic annular connection structure for aircraft turbomachine A metallic annular connection structure between two parts for an aircraft turbomachine, with an arbitrary half-section including two primary branches and a base forming a first U opening up in the radial direction from a longitudinal axis, and two secondary branches forming a second U with one of the two primary branches opening up in the longitudinal direction. The primary and secondary branches and the base of the first U are made in a single piece.
US09169742B2	Electronic shaft shear detection conditioning circuit An electrical control system for distinguishing between an electrical fault and a shaft shear condition in a gas turbine engine, the control system including, in one aspect, a detection circuit including: two or more probes, each probe including an associated resistor having a predetermined range of resistance, and each probe being disposed in the engine adjacent a rotary mounted shaft component, where mechanical interference between one or more of the probes and the shaft component renders the associated resistor substantially non-conductive; sensor processor(s) in communication with each probe, determining a probe operational status based on a measured resistance to current conducted through each probe, and generating a fault code when the measured resistance of at least one of the plurality of probes is not within the predetermined range of resistance.
US09169741B2	Turbomachine clearance control configuration using a shape memory alloy or a bimetal A turbomachine which operates at enhanced operating temperatures includes a stationary component. A rotating component includes a clearance to avoid a rubbing contact between the stationary component and the rotating component, the clearance including a first value in a stationary state of the turbomachine and a second value in a steady-state operation of the machine, wherein during a transient operating phase between the stationary state and the steady-state operation, the clearance includes a value which traverses a curve having an extreme value on account of a different time variation of a rotational speed and a thermal expansion of different components. A compensating device includes a non-linear compensation mechanism configured to reduce or compensate the extreme value during the transient operating phase.
US09169738B2	Shaft seal A shaft seal of the rotating wheel shaft of a turbomachine includes a rotating wheel-side seal and a bearing-side seal between the bearing housing and the shaft. An oil outlet chamber is arranged between the rotating wheel-side seal and the bearing-side seal. The oil outlet chamber is delimited by a third seal between the bearing housing and the shaft, and a gas discharge chamber is arranged between the third seal and the rotating wheel-side seal. The construction is actively cooled by means of at least one splash oil bore in the region of the oil drain channel, as a result of which coking of the shaft seal can be prevented. The third seal separates the oil issuing from the oil outlet chamber from the gas issuing from the gas discharge chamber.
US09169737B2	Gas turbine engine rotor seal A rotary seal for sealing a bladed rotor of a gas turbine engine to a stator thereof comprises a sealing element and a sealing element support comprising a radially outer edge portion on which the sealing element is fixed, a radially inner mounting portion adapted to be attached to a supported rotor hub, and a flexible, medial web portion extending between the radially outer edge portion and the radially inner mounting portion.
US09169733B2	Turbine airfoil assembly A turbine airfoil assembly has an airfoil with an inner wall, an outer wall, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The airfoil has one or more chambers extending in a substantially chordwise direction of the airfoil. An insert has a plurality of impingement holes, and the insert is configured to be inserted within one of the chambers. The insert is configured to cool the airfoil via the plurality of impingement holes. A chambering element is attached only to the insert, the chambering element is configured to provide an increased cooling gas pressure inside a boundary area defined by the chambering element relative to an area outside the boundary area. A gap exists between the inner wall of the airfoil and the chambering element, and the gap allows cooling gas to exit the boundary area and enter the area outside the boundary area.
US09169732B1	Composite wind turbine blade and method for manufacturing same A wind turbine blade may include a plurality of longitudinal composite members each having a fiber and resin layer around a predetermined cross-sectional shape and each comprising at least one longitudinal outer surface and at least one longitudinal mounting surface, each of the outer surfaces of the plurality of longitudinal composite members corresponding to a different portion of a desired airfoil shape, the plurality of longitudinal composite members assembled such that the outer surfaces of the composite members form at least a majority of the airfoil shape. An outer skin may be provided. The composite members may be made up of transportable segments. A method of assembly may include transporting the segments to a desired location such as an installation site for assembly of the wind turbine blade at the installation site.
US09169729B2	Gas turbine engine turbine diaphragm with angled holes A gas turbine engine turbine diaphragm (460) includes an inner cylindrical portion (461), a mounting portion (463), and a disk portion (462). The mounting portion (463) is located radially outward from the inner cylindrical portion (461). The disk portion (462) extends radially between the inner cylindrical portion (461) and the mounting portion (463). The disk portion (462) includes a plurality of angled holes (464). Each angled hole (464) follows a vector which is angled in at least one plane. A component of the vector is located on a plane perpendicular to a radial extending from an axis of the diaphragm (460). The component of the vector is angled relative to an axial direction of the diaphragm (460).
US09169728B2	Dynamic load reduction system Bolted together first and second flanges include bolts disposed through first bolt holes in the first flange. The bolts extend at least partially through second holes in the second flange. Bolt include bolt heads, threads, and shanks therebetween. Crushable spacers disposed around the shanks of a first plurality of the bolts and contacting and axially extending between the bolt heads and the first flange. Bushings disposed around a second plurality of the bolts and contacting and axially extending between the bolt heads and the second flange. A shank outer diameter may be smaller than a thread diameter and heat shrink tubing may be disposed around the bolt shanks of at least some of the spacers. First bolt holes may extend into an open annular slot on first flange and second holes may extend partially through a forward extending annular rail of second flange with rail received within slot.
US09169727B2	Scattering detection from downhole optical spectra Obtaining in-situ, at a first time, first optical spectral data associated with a formation fluid flowing through a downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus, and then obtaining in-situ, at a second time after the first time, second optical spectral data associated with the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus. A wavelength-independent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is then determined based on the first and second optical spectral data, and a wavelength-dependent scattering intensity within the formation fluid flowing through the downhole formation fluid sampling apparatus is determined based on the first and second optical spectral data.
US09169715B2	Down hole well tool provided with a piston A down hole well tool (1) comprising a tool unit comprising at least one first fluid conduit (2) and a return fluid conduit (3) in use forming a well annulus between the tool unit and a well bore, and at least one piston (4) dividing the well annulus into well annulus spaces. The piston comprises at least two piston bodies wherein a first piston body (4a) is arranged to rotate with the tool unit and a second piston body (4b) is arranged in a position in between the first piston body and the well bore. The first piston body is arranged to rotate relative the second piston body and first sealing means are arranged in between the first piston body and the second piston body.
US09169713B2	Blowout preventer with locking ram assembly and method of using same A lock assembly of a blowout preventer is provided. The blowout preventer includes a ram assembly slidably positionable in the channel and engageable with a tubular. The ram assembly includes a ram block, a ram cylinder, and a ram shaft. The lock assembly includes a lock cylinder and a lock piston. The lock cylinder is operatively connectable to the ram cylinder. The ram shaft has an end slidably extendable into a lock cavity of the lock cylinder. The lock piston is slidably positionable in the lock cylinder and separates the lock cavity into a lock and a closing chamber. The lock piston has a ram surface engageable with the end when the lock piston is in a locked position, and a ram hole therethrough to receive the end when the lock piston is in an unlocked position whereby the ram block is selectively lockable about the tubular.
US09169704B2	Expandable wedge slip for anchoring downhole tools An expansion apparatus for anchoring a downhole tool in a well is provided. The expansion apparatus has a wedge, an expansion wedge and a slip ring. The wedge and expansion wedge interact so as to radially expand wedge segments of the expansion wedge. The slip ring and expansion wedge interact so as to radially expand the slip ring to grippingly engage the wellbore or casing.
US09169703B2	Rotatable tubing anchor A rotatable tubing anchor for anchoring a tubing string to a casing in a well, wherein a lock pin extending radially inward from a cylindrical drag body interacts with a lazy T portion of a lock slot in a peripheral surface of a mandrel positioned in the cylindrical drag body limits vertical and rotational movement of the mandrel in relation to the cylindrical drag body in a manner that enables retaining, controlling, setting, and releasing anchor slips on the rotatable tubing anchor for lowering a tubing string equipped with the rotatable tubing anchor and a down hole pump into a well, anchoring the tubing string to casing in the well against upward tension on the tubing string while allowing rotation of the tubing string, and releasing the rotatable tubing anchor from the casing to enable pulling the tubing string, rotatable tubing anchor, and pump out of the well.
US09169697B2	Identification emitters for determining mill life of a downhole tool and methods of using same Downhole abrading tools have one or more identification tags disposed in or on the cutting end of the tools, and a housing having a detector and a relay module. The identification tags emit one or more signals that are detected by the detector which is disposed in close proximity to the cutting end. The relay module is operatively associated with the detector. During operation of the tool, the cutting end is worn causing release or destruction of one or more identification tags. The release or destruction of one or more identification tags causes a change in the signal or signals being detected by the detector. The signal change(s) is/are communicated through the relay module to the operator so that the operator can identify in real-time the amount of wear of the cutting end and, in some embodiments, the location of the wear of the cutting end.
US09169694B2	Positionable downhole gear box The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a tool string positionable in a wellbore that includes a spur gear driven by a source of input rotation, a planetary gearbox having an attachment structure to connect to the spur gear. The gearbox includes a central sun gear, a collection of planet gears disposed in a planet gear carrier disposed around the central sun gear, and a ring gear disposed around the planet gears and planet gear carrier. The attachment structure drives a hydraulic pump or electrical generator at a rotational speed different than a rotational speed of the source of input rotation.
US09169691B2	Magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind The present invention discloses a window blind within a multi-pane window. A window blind disposed between first and second panes includes a plurality of slats. Raise/lower and tilt lines are coupled to the slats. A carriage housing is disposed between the panes proximate a side edge thereof. A tilt strip is disposed within the carriage housing and coupled to the tilt lines. An inner carriage disposed within the carriage housing includes an upper portion coupled to the raise/lower lines to actuate raising and lowering the slats, and a lower portion coupled to the tilt strip to actuate tilting the slats. An external carriage is adjacent the exterior surface and aligned with and magnetically coupled to the inner carriage. The external carriage is linearly movable to move the inner carriage. A method of adjusting a window blind within a multi-pane window is also disclosed.
US09169687B2	Insulating glazing with thermal protection insulating panel A sound-damped insulating glazing is described. The glazing has a first pane and a second pane, a peripheral spacer between the first pane and the second pane, an externally encircling seal in a gap between the first pane, the peripheral spacer and the second pane, a vacuum insulating panel between the first pane, the second pane and the peripheral spacer, and at least one acoustic insulating plate is arranged on at least one surface of the vacuum insulating panel.
US09169683B2	Window lifter comprising a holder for fastening a cable between two ends of first and second guide rails A window lifter is provided. The window lifter having: first and second guide rails; first and second sliders for driving a window, the first and second sliders being guided in translation by the first guide rail and the second guide rail, respectively; a cable system for driving the sliders along the first and second guide rails, the cable system comprising a cable extending between the first and second guide rails for connecting to corresponding ends of the first and second guide rails, respectively, the first guide rail comprising a holder for fastening the cable between the two corresponding ends of the first and second guide rails that the cable connects.
US09169677B2	Locking device with door interrogator A locking device is disclosed for a door. In an embodiment, the locking device includes a locking slider which is slidable into at least two positions, wherein in the first position the door is locked and in the second position the door is released for opening; and includes a guide within which the locking slider is slidably arranged. The locking slider includes a door interrogator, wherein the door interrogator can be displaced by the door into at least two door interrogator positions, wherein in the first door interrogator position with the door closed the locking slider can be shifted into one of its at least two positions, and wherein in the second door interrogator position with the door open the locking slider cannot be shifted into the first position for locking the door.
US09169672B1	Hurricane protective system A building opening provides both a burglar protection and egress from the building during emergency such as fire. The system utilizes a protective cover having securable apertures for engaging and releasable securing a protective panel to the outer wall over the building by applying clamp fasteners configured for locking and releasing the securable aperture from the inside of the building. Also included is the method of utilization.
US09169668B2	Mortise lock conversion kit for operation with an American cylinder The present disclosure includes a kit and method for operating or operably connecting an American locking cylinder into a European cylinder type mortise lock with the American locking cylinder functioning with the European cylinder mortise lock in place of the European locking cylinder itself. The present disclosure provides a door cylinder conversion kit that converts the European cylinder mortise lock to be operable with an American cylinder.
US09169667B1	Rekeying tool for a lock A rekeying tool for a lock having a lock body, cylinder, upper and lower tumbler pins and upper springs, includes a cylindrically elongated follower having opposing ends. At least one of the ends is hollow and has a V-shaped or U-shaped groove. A cylindrically elongated solid piston having a corresponding V-shaped or U-shaped groove at an end is resiliently positioned in the hollow end of the follower. The solid piston includes a cut-through channel and a pin. The pin extends a cross-section of the hollow end of the follower and passing though the cut-through channel to guide reciprocating travel of the piston from an inwardmost position to an outwardmost extension. The V-shaped or U-shaped groove of the solid piston is substantially aligned with the corresponding V-shaped or U-shaped groove of the hollow end of the follower when the piston is at the outwardmost extension.
US09169657B1	Modular attic flooring assembly The present invention relates to a modular attic flooring assembly comprising a plurality of coupling panels for providing a surface, wherein each coupling panel of the plurality of coupling panels defined as having opposing ends, wherein each coupling panel comprising a surface extending between the opposing ends; a first end having a first mating member; a second end having a second mating member; at least two support legs symmetrically coupled below the surface; at least one indentation arranged on the lower portion of each support leg; wherein the at least one indentation of each support leg faces the at least one indentation of the other support leg, thereby forming a channel for receiving a joist below the surface; and wherein the first mating member of each coupling panel mating with the second mating member of an adjacent coupling panel.
US09169653B2	Interlocking clips for a wall panel mounting system A clip having a plurality of locking ribs disposed on a front surface for engaging a mounting surface; a mounting channel disposed in a rear surface; the mounting channel adapted to receive a securing member for securing the clip to the mounting surface; a flange extending outwardly from a side surface, wherein the flange includes an engaging surface having a ridge portion and a recess portion; whereby the ridge portion of the flange is received into a complementary recess portion of a flange on a second clip, and the recess portion receives a complementary ridge portion of the flange on the second clip for interlocking engagement between clips.
US09169652B2	System, method and apparatus for manufactured building panel A manufactured panel includes a body having a front, back, top, bottom and side walls, the side walls extend between the front and back, and an interior volume located between the front, back, top, bottom and side walls. An insert having an interior portion is embedded within the interior volume of the body, and an exterior portion extends from the interior portion to an exterior of the body. The exterior portion includes stand-offs protruding from the body, such that at least some of the stand-offs are connected to each other inside the interior volume of the body. At least some of the stand-offs are independent and detached from each other on the exterior of the body.
US09169636B2	System for controlling basement leakage and humidity A system for controlling water leakage and excess humidity in a basement, including a water leakage vacuum apparatus that includes a water vacuuming apparatus to collect a water leakage through a basement wall, an air dehumidifying apparatus, and a perimeter channel system having a plurality of flow channels, disposed along the perimeter of the basement wall. The perimeter channel system includes a water channel for conducting the water leakage away from a basement wall to the water vacuuming apparatus, a humid air channel for communicating humid air from the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement to a dehumidifying apparatus, and a dehumidified air channel for communicating the dehumidified air discharged from the dehumidifying apparatus to the air space proximate to the outer wall of the basement.
US09169625B2	Water-saving management system for sanitary facility and water-saving management method for sanitary facility A water-saving management system for a sanitary facility and a water-saving management method for a sanitary facility are provided. A control device is connected to flush valves corresponding to sanitary facilities of one or more sanitary spaces. The control device outputs flush-associated data to a local server via a transmission network. The local server receives the flush-associated data and transfers mode setting data via the transmission network. The control device sets a flush mode according to the mode setting data, so as to flush the sanitary facilities.
US09169619B2	Wheel loader A wheel loader includes a cab, a ladder provided laterally of the cab, a vehicle body cover rear of the cab, an engine, an air cleaner and a platform disposed laterally of the cab. The engine is disposed inside an engine room defined by the cover. The air cleaner has an exchangeable filter to clean air supplied to the engine. The air cleaner is disposed outside of the cover and above/rear of the ladder. The ladder has a first top step projecting laterally relative to the platform, and steps below projecting laterally relative to the first step. Preferably at least one of the first and second steps has a larger projection amount than the step below. Preferably, a projection amount of a third step positioned at a bottom is smaller than a projection amount of at least one of the first and second steps.
US09169616B2	Spreader component for a dragline excavator A spreader component for use with a dragline excavator. Two dumpblocks are connected to the component in a spaced apart manner. The spreader component may include an in-use upper coupling arrangement for enabling coupling of the component to a hoist link of the dragline, at least first and second spaced apart in-use anterior coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective dump block, and at least first and second spaced apart in-use lateral coupling arrangements each for enabling coupling of the component to a respective lift chain for a bucket of the excavator. An elongate connector may connect each lift chain to a respective lateral coupling arrangement in use.
US09169609B2	Removable lamp for outdoor power equipment An outdoor power equipment device may include a mobility assembly and a mounting receptacle. The mobility assembly may support a device frame of the outdoor power equipment device and enable an operator of the outdoor power equipment device to facilitate movement of the outdoor power equipment device. The mounting receptacle may be coupled to the device frame. The mounting receptacle may include a removable lamp operable to provide light at least when removed from the mounting receptacle.
US09169605B2	System and method for determining a state of compaction A system for determining a state of compaction of a work material includes a compactor and a compaction sensor system. A controller is configured to determine an empirical state of compaction of the work material based upon signals from the compaction sensor system and the characteristics of a machine associated with the compaction sensor system.
US09169600B1	Paper product having unique physical properties A web product having a machine direction and a cross-machine direction orthogonal thereto and having at least one ply is disclosed. The at least one ply has a first plurality of knuckle regions having a first total area in the machine and cross-machine directions and a second plurality of knuckle regions having a second total area in the machine and cross-machine directions, where the first and second total areas have a different value. The said web product has a residual water value, RW, of less than about 0.12 g and a Wet Burst, WB, value greater than about 400 g. Alternatively, the web product has a residual water value, RW, of less than about 0.12 g and a Vertical Full Sheet, VFS, value greater than about 8.74 g/g.
US09169594B1	Indoor fire hydrant and associated method An indoor retractable fire extinguishing apparatus may include a portable fireproof casing adapted to be positioned inside the building structure. A spool may be rotatably situated inside the fireproof casing. A fire hose may be rolled up about the spool. A plurality of stabilizing plates may be statically mounted to the fireproof casing. A handle may be attached to the spool in such a manner that the handle and the spool may rotate in sync and thereby cause the fire hose to wind and unwind from the spool respectively while the stabilizing plates remain stationary exterior of the fireproof casing. The stabilizing plates may further be directly attached to an outer surface of the fireproof casing such that operating forces acting on the handle and the spool are absorbed and distributed along the stabilizing plates thereby maintaining the fireproof casing at a substantially stable position during winding and unwinding operations.
US09169574B2	Installation and industrial operation of an air supply system to dose given air flows to each individual cell of a set of electrolytic cells The invention refers to an air supply system (1) for a group of cells (4) arranged for dosing the individual air demand of each electrolytic cell (2) that must be fed to its electrolyte through a system of controlled air diffusion. It comprises a low pressure blower (5), a central feed pipe (6) and a plurality of feed branches (7); a flow meter (8) and a flow regulator (9) are associated to each feed branch. The assembly is connected to a bent hose (12) arranged on the walls of said electrolytic cell (2) to allow connection with an isobaric ring (3), so that the fed air can be diffused homogeneously and sustainedly in time to the electrolyte through selectively perforated hoses (16). The present invention also refers to the process of installation, calibration and operation of the air supply system.
US09169567B2	Components having tab members A components comprising a plurality of tab members formed thereon are provided. The plurality of tab members include at least one dissimilar metallic layer applied to the component. The plurality of tab members are configured to extend away from or retract toward a surface of the component in response to a temperature change.
US09169565B2	Metallic substrates comprising a deformable glass-type coating Metallic substrates having a deformable vitreous coating, obtainable by applying an alkali metal silicate-containing coating sol to the substrate and thermally densifying the layer thus obtained in a two-stage heat treatment process, the heat treatment being carried out, in the first stage, either (A) in an oxygen-containing atmosphere or (B) in a vacuum at a residual pressure of ≦15 mbar and, in the second stage, in a low-oxygen atmosphere up to full densification with formation of a vitreous layer.
US09169560B2	Apparatus for producing polycrystalline silicon A polycrystalline silicon producing method with preventing meltdown and maintaining a high growing rate and a high yield by increasing temperature of raw material gas before supplying them to a reactor in a high pressure state so as to lower convection heat transfer from a silicon rod, including: supplying electric current to a silicon seed rod in a reactor to make the silicon seed rod to generate heat; and supplying a large amount of preheated raw material gas including chlorosilanes to the silicon seed rod in the reactor in the high pressure state.
US09169554B2	Wafer carrier track Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatuses for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes. In one embodiment, a wafer carrier track for levitating and traversing a wafer carrier within a vapor deposition reactor system is provided which includes upper and lower sections of a track assembly having a gas cavity formed therebetween. A guide path extends along an upper surface of the upper section and between two side surfaces which extend along and above the guide path and parallel to each other. A plurality of gas holes along the guide path extends from the upper surface of the upper section, through the upper section, and into the gas cavity. In some examples, the upper and lower sections of the track assembly may independently contain quartz, and in some examples, may be fused together.
US09169553B2	Semiconductor device producing method A substrate processing device comprises a reaction vessel 11 forming a space receiving a substrate 1 and adapted to have a plurality of reaction gases supplied thereto to perform desired processing of the substrate, an exhaust port 16 formed in the reaction vessel 11 for exhausting the reaction vessel 11, and a gas supply system 70A, 70B for supplying at least a plurality of reaction gases into the reaction vessel 11, the gas supply system 70A, 70B including a cleaning gas supply unit for supplying a cleaning gas to perform desired processing of the substrate 1 to thereby remove adherents in the reaction vessel 11, and a post-processing gas supply unit for supplying a post-processing gas capable of removing the elements contained in the cleaning gas remaining in the reaction vessel 11 after the adherents have been removed by supplying the cleaning gas, the post-processing gas containing all of the reaction gases used in performing desired processing of the substrate.
US09169552B2	Process for depositing ceramic or organoceramic material on a substrate A process for the application of layers composed of ceramic or organoceramic materials on surfaces of metals, semimetals or compounds thereof and also components or assemblies made of these materials by a chemical deposition process from the gas phase at atmospheric pressure or 30% below this and process temperatures during deposition below 500° C. The deposition process is carried out in one operation, wherein the reactive chemical substances and the precursors are homogeneously backmixed in the common gas space, and the average residence time as a ratio of volume of the gas space to gas throughput is matched to the rate-determining step of the catalyzed gas-phase reaction of the coating process so as to achieve a deposition rate of from 10 to 2000 nm per hour.
US09169539B2	Cu-Mg-P-based copper alloy sheet having excellent fatigue resistance characteristic and method of producing the same The fatigue resistance characteristics, particularly, fatigue resistance characteristics after retention at 150° C. for 1000 hours are improved while maintaining the characteristics in the related art. Provided is a copper alloy sheet having a composition containing 0.2% by mass to 1.2% by mass of Mg, and 0.001% by mass to 0.2% by mass of P, the balance being Cu and unavoidable impurities. When X-ray diffraction intensity of a {110} crystal plane is set as I{110}, and X-ray diffraction intensity of {110} crystal plane of a pure copper standard powder is set as I0{110}, a surface crystal orientation of the copper alloy sheet satisfies a relation of 4.0≦I{110}/I0{110}≦6.0.
US09169531B2	Recycling method for aluminum dust collection and aluminum metallic smelting slag The present invention is a recycling method for aluminum dust collection and aluminum metallic smelting slag, where aluminum dross is processed into dross pellets having a particle diameter of larger than 200 meshes and smaller than 400 meshed, with which an aqueous solution of a binder is mixed to form a raw material. The raw material is then pressure molded to form a raw refractory material and sintered under a work temperature of 1050° C.˜1450° C., and reduced in temperature to finally form a refractory material.
US09169526B2	Nodular graphite cast iron A nodular graphite cast iron, a method for fabricating a vane for a rotary compressor using nodular graphite cast iron, and a vane for a rotary compressor using the same are provided. The nodular graphite cast iron includes 3.4 wt % to 3.9 wt % of carbon (C), 2.0 wt % to 3.0 wt % of silicon (Si), 0.3 wt % to 1.0 wt % of manganese (Mn), 0.1 wt % to 1.0 wt % of chromium (Cr), 0.04 wt % to 0.15 wt % of titanium (Ti), less than 0.08 w % of phosphorus (P), less than 0.025 wt % of sulphur (S), 0.03 wt % to 0.05 wt % of magnesium (Mg), 0.02 wt % to 0.04 wt % of rare earth resource, iron (Fe) and impurities as the remnants, and includes a bainite matrix structure, nodular graphite, and 15 vol % to 35 vol % of carbide.
US09169507B2	Modified RNA ligase for efficient 3′ modification of RNA The invention provides a novel truncated mutated T4 RNA ligase 2. In addition, methods are provided for ligating pre-adenlylated donor molecules to the 3′ hydroxyl group of RNA in the absence of ATP using the ligase.
US09169505B2	High solids enzyme reactor mixer with vertical paddle and method A reactor vessel including: a mixing chamber having a vertical length, an upper inlet, and a lower outlet; and a vertically oriented paddle within the mixing chamber and having a cross-sectional shape of a hydrofoil, wherein the paddle moves with respect to the mixing chamber.
US09169503B2	Method for producing indole derivative The present invention provides a method for in vitro producing an indole derivative in a one-pot reaction. The method for producing a rhamnosylated indolocarbazole compound includes the steps of transforming a plasmid carrying a gene encoding N-glycosyltransferase into a bacterial strain; expressing the gene encoding N-glycosyltransferase in the bacterial strain; lysing the bacterial strain to obtain a crude enzyme extract; and adding TDP-glucose, an indolocarbazole aglycone and a metal ion in the crude enzyme extract for performing an enzymatic reaction to form the rhamnosylated indolocarbazole compound. Alternatively, the method for producing an indole-3-carboxaldehyde analog includes the steps of transforming a plasmid carrying a gene encoding NokA of Nocardiopsis sp. K-252 into a bacterial strain; expressing the gene encoding NokA in the bacterial strain; lysing the bacterial strain to obtain a crude enzyme extract; and adding an L-tryptophan analog for performing an enzymatic reaction to form the indole-3-carboxaldehyde analog.
US09169494B2	Restrictive inverted terminal repeats for viral vectors This invention relates to modified parvovirus inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) that do not functionally interact with wild-type large Rep proteins, synthetic Rep proteins that functionally interact with the modified ITRs, and methods of using the same for delivery of nucleic acids to a cell or a subject. The modifications provide a novel Rep-ITR interaction that limits vector mobilization, increasing the safety of viral vectors.
US09169490B2	Methods for reprogramming somatic cells The invention provides methods for reprogramming somatic cells to generate multipotent or pluripotent cells. Such methods are useful for a variety of purposes, including treating or preventing a medical condition in an individual. The invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reprograms somatic cells to a less differentiated state.
US09169487B2	Method for producing a large region duplication of Aspergillus chromosome Disclosed is a technique which is for duplicating across a wide region any large region on a chromosome of a fungus belonging to Aspergillus strain, and which enables the stable and systematic acquisition of a previously un-acquirable fungus belonging to the Aspergillus strain having novel traits. Disclosed is a transformant wherein a transformation marker gene sequence is arranged on the outside of terminals (5′, 3′) of a region so as to sandwich an arbitrary region of a chromosome, and chromosome duplication has taken place by means of homologous recombination after double strand breakage generated in a homologous region inside the gene. Also disclosed is a method for duplicating an arbitrary region of a chromosome of a fungus belonging to Aspergillus strain by culturing said transformant.
US09169485B2	Recombinant ethanologenic bacteria comprising a urease gene The invention provides recombinant ethanologenic bacteria, methods of making the bacteria and methods of producing ethanol using the bacteria.
US09169482B2	Method for synthesizing cDNA A method for synthesizing cDNA characterized by preparing a reaction solution that does not allow an endodeoxyribonuclease to show its activity, without thermal deactivation of the endodeoxyribonuclease or removal of the endodeoxyribonuclease, and carrying out a reverse transcription reaction, wherein the reaction solution contains a treated sample and a reverse transcriptase, the treated sample being formed by treating a sample comprising RNA and DNA with the endodeoxyribonuclease to degrade DNA in the sample. The method and the kit for synthesizing cDNA of the present invention are widely useful in genetic engineering fields.
US09169478B2	Isomerases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them This invention relates generally to enzymes, polynucleotides encoding the enzymes having isomerase activity, e.g., racemase activity, e.g., amino acid racemase activity, alanine racemase activity, and/or epimerase activity, and/or catalyze the re-arrangement of atoms within a molecule, catalyze the conversion of one isomer into another, catalyze the conversion of an optically active substrate into a raceme, which is optically inactive, catalyze the interconversion of substrate enantiomers, catalyze the stereochemical inversion around the asymmetric carbon atom in a substrate having only one center of asymmetry, catalyze the stereochemical inversion of the configuration around an asymmetric carbon atom in a substrate having more than one asymmetric center, and/or catalyze the racemization of amino acids.
US09169475B2	Subtilases The present invention relates to methods for producing variants of a parent TY145 subtilase and of a parent BPN′ subtilase and to TY145 and BPN′ variants having altered properties as compared to the parent TY145/BPN′ subtilase.
US09169474B2	Method for producing a yeast extract The present invention relates to a method for producing a yeast extract using an exogenous protease.
US09169472B2	Endolysin OBPgpLYS The present invention relates to a polypeptide with an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 and fragments or derivatives thereof. The present invention further relates to fusion proteins comprising said polypeptide and an additional peptide stretch fused to said polypeptide at the N- or C-terminus. Moreover, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules encoding said polypeptide or fusion protein, vectors comprising said nucleic acid molecules and host cells comprising either said nucleic acid molecules or said vectors. In addition, the present invention relates to said polypeptide or fusion protein for use as a medicament, in particular for the treatment or prevention of Gram-negative bacterial infections, as diagnostic means, as cosmetic substance or as sanitizing agent. The present invention also relates to the use of said polypeptide or fusion protein for the treatment or prevention of Gram-negative bacterial contamination of foodstuff, of food processing equipment, of food processing plants, of surfaces coming into contact with foodstuff, of medical devices, of surfaces in hospitals and surgeries. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising said polypeptide or fusion protein.
US09169468B2	Pentose fermentation by a recombinant microorganism The present invention provides methods and compositions suitable for use in the conversion of xylose to xylitol and xylulose, including nucleic acid constructs, recombinant fungal host cells, and related materials.
US09169466B2	Perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell induced blood vessel formation Mesenchymal precursors cells have been isolated from perivascular niches from a range of tissues utilizing a perivascular marker. A new mesenchymal precursor cell phenotype is described characterized by the presence of the perivascular marker 3G5, and preferably also alpha smooth muscle actin together with early developmental markers such as STRO-1 and CD146/MUC18. The perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell is shown to induce neovascularization and improvement in cardiac function. Suitable administration of preparations of the mesenchymal precursor cells are useful for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases.
US09169459B2	Fabric treatment compositions comprising target benefit agents The invention provides a composition comprising: a) a benefit agent (preferably perfume) delivery particle comprising a poly-xyloglucan or poly-galactomannan with a ratio of beta-1,4 to 1,6 linkages of 1:1 to 3:1, or a mixture thereof as a delivery aid, b) a mannanase, preferably in combination with one or more of lipase, protease and amylase. Preferably the delivery particle is a core-shell encapsulate.
US09169456B2	Cleaning composition comprising an ethoxylated alcohol blend, having high self-adhesion and providing residual benefits A composition for treating a hard surface. The composition has: (a) at least one adhesion promoter; (b) at least one surfactant selected from the group consisting of: anionic, non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric, zwitterionic, and combinations thereof; (c) mineral oil; (d) a blend of linear primary alcohols, wherein each alcohol of said blend includes a carbon chain containing 9 to 17 carbons or an ethoxylated blend thereof; (e) water; (f) optionally, at least one solvent; and wherein the composition is self-adhering upon application to a surface to be treated, and wherein the composition provides a wet film to said surface when water passes over said composition and surface.
US09169455B2	Process for extracting oil from plants and animal matter A process for extracting fats and oils from plant and animal matter using a normally gaseous solvent in its liquid state. Use is made of gravity flow and pressure differential from one vessel to another to transfer solvent from an upper vessel to a lower vessel. The vessels comprise an outer jacket to allow cooling and heating fluid to flow there-through to achieve better control of the pressure within each vessel.
US09169449B2	Hydroprocessing catalysts and methods for making thereof A method to upgrade heavy oil feedstock using an ebullated bed reactor and a novel catalyst system is provided. The ebullated bed reactor system includes two different catalyst with different characteristics: an expanded catalyst zone containing particulate catalyst having a particle size of greater than 0.65 mm; and a slurry catalyst having an average particle size ranging from 1 to 300 μm. The slurry catalyst is introduced to the ebullated bed system with the heavy oil feedstock, and entrained in the upflowing hydrocarbon liquid passing through the ebullated bed reaction zone. The slurry catalyst reduces the formation of sediment and coke precursors in the ebullating bed reactor system. The slurry catalyst is prepared from at least a water-soluble metal precursor and pre-sulfided prior to being introduced with the heavy oil feedstock to the reactor system, or sulfided in-situ in the ebullated bed reactor in another embodiment.
US09169446B2	Demulsification of emulsified petroleum using carbon dioxide and resin supplement without precipitation of asphaltenes Methods for demulsifying an emulsified petroleum source having a predetermined resin-to-asphaltene ratio without substantial aggregation or precipitation of asphaltenes may include adding a resin supplement to the emulsified petroleum source to form a resin-supplemented emulsion having a resin-to-asphaltene ratio above a predetermined critical value. An acidic-to-basic ratio of acidic functional groups to basic functional groups in the supplemented emulsion may be adjusted to be from about 0.25 to about 4.0. The resin-supplemented emulsion may be contacted with carbon dioxide to form an initial mixture having an emulsified oil phase and an emulsified aqueous phase. The initial mixture may be stabilized to facilitate rupture of the resin-supplemented emulsion, to cause phase separation, and to allow removal of a separated oil phase. The resin-to-asphaltene ratio being above the predetermined critical value in the supplemented emulsion maintains asphaltene suspension during demulsification, such that asphaltene agglomeration and precipitation are avoided.
US09169439B2	Method and apparatus for testing coal coking properties A method of testing the coking qualities of sample quantities of coal in a test container and the structure of the test container are disclosed. A test container which is ideally reusable is adapted to receive one or more samples of coal to be tested and then the test container is inserted into a coking oven along with additional, conventional coal during a conventional coking operation. Following the completion or substantial completion of the coking operation, the test container is recovered and from the conventional converted coke and the sample(s) of coke are removed from the container for testing and evaluation. The container is recharged with one or more additional samples of coke and reused in another conventional coking operation.
US09169427B2	Low GWP heat transfer compositions containing difluoromethane, a fluorinated ethane and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene Heat transfer compositions, methods and use wherein the composition comprising: (a) from about 5 to about 20% by weight of HFC-32; (b) from about 70% to about 90% by weight of HFO-1234ze; and (c) from about 5% to less than about 20% by weight of HFC-152a and/or HFC-134a.
US09169418B2	Thermosetting epoxy resin composition and uses thereof Disclosed is a liquid thermosetting epoxy resin composition including a base resin, a curing agent (D), and curing accelerator (E) or including a base resin and a curing catalyst (D′), each base resin including an alicyclic epoxy compound (A) having at least one alicyclic skeleton and two or more epoxy groups per molecule; a polyester polyol and/or a polycarbonate polyol (B), each polyol having two or more terminal hydroxyl groups; and a phosphorous ester (C). The liquid thermosetting epoxy resin composition exhibits excellent viscosity stability and can give a cured article which is homogeneous even when having a large thickness, does not crack under heat cycle conditions, and is highly thermally stable and satisfactorily optically transparent.
US09169415B2	Ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses and image forming method An ink for ink-jet recording apparatuses containing water and a pigment dispersion is provided in which a penetrating agent containing an alkane diol having 8 or 9 carbon atoms and a surfactant consisting of a compound represented by the following general formula (I) are blended in predetermined amounts.
US09169408B2	Active energy ray-curable inkjet ink, ink container, and inkjet discharging device Provided is an active energy ray-curable inkjet ink containing at least photopolymerizable compounds. The photopolymerizable compounds include: at least one monofunctional monomer selected from the group consisting of a monofunctional monomer of which homopolymer has a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or higher, a monofunctional monomer having a ring structure, and a monofunctional monomer of which homopolymer has a glass transition temperature of 90° C. or higher and that has a ring structure; and urethane (meth)acrylate.
US09169406B2	Coating compositions Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards coating compositions comprising from 50 to 85 percent of an aqueous dispersion based on a total weight of the coating composition, an abrasion reducing composition, a solvent, a basic water composition, and a crosslinker.
US09169396B2	Polymer-bound web as well as method for its production The invention relates to a method for the production of a web composed essentially of a granulate and a polymer. In order for the web to have good suction against the substrate after it has been laid on a floor, the interstices between the granulate particles are not allowed to be filled with the polymer. According to the invention, this is brought about in that the polymer is applied to the top side of the granulate. After the polymer melts, the polymer seeps down through the granulate. By means of targeted control or regulation, this sinking process is influenced before the polymer reaches the underside of the web. The invention also comprises a sensor and the product as such.
US09169394B2	Methods for dispersing carbon nanotubes and compositions used for the methods The present invention refers to a method of dispersing carbon nanotubes in a thermosetting resin. The method comprises: (a) contacting the carbon nanotubes with a dispersant in a solvent to form a dispersion mixture, wherein the dispersant is a graft polymer comprising a polymeric backbone and a side chain grafted to the polymeric backbone; and (b) adding the thermosetting resin to the dispersion solution to form a resin blend. The present invention also refers to a composition used for the method.
US09169387B2	Blends of polyphenylene sulfones and polyphenylene sulfide resins Blends of a polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU); a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS); and, a polyetherimide and epoxy. The polyetherimide and epoxy are present in an amount effective to act as a compatibilizer for the polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Methods of compatibilizing a blend of polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) and polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). The method can include melt mixing a polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) and a polyetherimide; and melt mixing a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and an epoxy.
US09169383B2	Preparation, purification and use of high-X diblock copolymers This invention relates to the preparation and purification of high-X (“chi”) diblock copolymers. Such copolymers contain two segments (“blocks”) of polymers with significantly different interaction parameters and can be used in directed self-assembly applications.
US09169378B2	Polymer composition for blow moulding A polyethylene composition is disclosed which comprises from 45 to 55 wt % of an ethylene polymer (A) having a density of at least 968 kg/m3, and from 55 to 45 wt % of an ethylene polymer (B) having a density of 920 to 955 kg/m3, wherein the composition has a density of 952 to 961 kg/m3, a high load melt index HLMI of 18-28 g/10 min, a ratio of HLMI/ML of 80-150, and a melt elastic modulus G′ (G″=3000) of 1200-1600 Pa, where HLMI and ML2 are measured according to ISO1133 at a temperature of 190° C. under loads of 21.6 kg and 2.16 kg respectively.
US09169367B2	Radiation cured membranes derived from polymers that are co-reactive with azide crosslinking agent(s) The present invention appreciates that compounds comprising nitrogen-containing moieties that are at least divalent (e.g., urea, urethane, amide, etc.) can be reacted with azides using at least radiation energy to initiate the reaction between at least a portion of the compounds and the azides to form membranes that have surprisingly high selectivities for acid gases relative to nonpolar gases such as hydrocarbons. The membranes are also resistant to CO2 plasticization and have high acid gas flux characteristics. The resultant membranes can be extremely thin (e.g., 10 micrometers or less), which promotes high permeability for the acid gas and can translate into high productivity on a scaled-up, industrial level.
US09169364B2	Binder compositions and methods for making and using same Binder compositions and methods for making and using same are provided. The binder composition can include at least one polyamidoamine prepolymer and at least one copolymer. The copolymer can include one or more vinyl aromatic derived units, and one or more unsaturated carboxylic acids, one or more unsaturated carboxylic anhydrides, or a combination thereof. The copolymer can be modified by reaction with one or more base compounds.
US09169363B2	Pseudothermoplastic, self-crosslinking composites In the present process, reversibly crosslinking composites or storage-stable prepregs are produced by means of a hetero Diels-Alder reactions (HDA,) for example of PMMA polymers. At slightly elevated temperature, these prepregs can be reversibly decrosslinked again by a retro hetero Diels-Alder reaction so that they become moldable. The back-reaction to products which are again crosslinked or high molecular weight then takes place at room temperature.
US09169359B2	Functionalized silicones with polyalkylene oxide side chains Novel silicone polymers are provided which possess grafted pendant hydrophilic polyalkylene oxide side chains and, optionally, reactive functional end groups. These features make them well suited for use in chemical, marine, biomedical and industrial applications, particularly those involving surface modifications.
US09169351B2	Methods for making reinforced thermoplastic composites Methods of forming multi-component reinforced composites are described. The methods may include forming a particle-reinforced component and a polymer-containing component where the particle-reinforced component and the polymer-containing component are in contact with one another. The particle reinforced component may be formed by a process that includes providing reactive particles that have a reactive polymerization promoter chemically bonded or coated on the surface of the reactive particles and contacting the reactive particles with a resin solution that includes monomers of a polymer. The polymerization promoter chemically bonded or coated on the surface of the reactive particles may promote the polymerization of the monomers. The resin solution may subsequently be polymerized forming a polymer matrix around the reactive particles.
US09169349B2	Polyester composition for solar battery and method for producing same The present invention provides a polyester composition for a solar battery, which includes a dicarboxylic acid component having terephthalic acid as a main component and a diol component having ethylene glycol as a main component, the polyester composition satisfying the following Formulae (1) to (5): 0.65≦intrinsic viscosity≦0.90 (1); 0.7≦M/P≦1.3 (2); 200 ppm≦P≦600 ppm (3); amount of terminal carboxyl groups≦15 eq/t (4); and amount of terminal methoxy groups≦10 eq/t (5) (in the Formula (2), M represents the number of moles of an alkaline metal element and/or an alkaline earth metal element per 106 g of a polyester; and P represents the number of elemental phosphorus per 106 g of a polyester).
US09169347B2	Epoxy resin curing agent, epoxy resin composition, and adhesive agent for laminate Provided are an epoxy resin curing agent having excellent properties and high gas barrier capability that epoxy resin has and, in addition thereto, capable of realizing good adhesiveness to polyester and aluminum; an epoxy resin composition containing the curing agent; an adhesive for lamination including the composition as the main ingredient thereof; and a laminate film, a multilayer wrapping material and a wrapping bag using the adhesive. The epoxy resin curing agent comprises a reaction product of the following (A), (B) and (C): (A) meta-xylylenediamine or para-xylylenediamine, (B) a polyfunctional compound having one acyl group and capable of forming an amide group moiety through reaction with a polyamine and forming an oligomer, (C) a metal (meth)acrylate salt with a divalent or more polyvalent metal.
US09169346B2	Epoxy resin varnishes, laminates and printed circuit boards Provided herein are, among other things, epoxy resin varnishes and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, the epoxy resin varnishes comprise at least a filler such as silica. In certain embodiments, the epoxy resin varnishes provided herein are used for making laminates such as copper clad laminates. In farther embodiments, the copper clad laminates provided herein are used for making printed circuit boards (PCBs).
US09169344B2	Reactive solution of polymerizable polymer comprising polymerizable reactive functionalities, process and compositions thereof Disclosed herein a process for the preparation of reactive solution of polymerizable polymers comprising polymerizable reactive functionality and wherein one approach discloses a polymerizable polymer comprising a (i) N-vinyl amide monomer; (ii) dual functional monomer; and (iii) polymerizable monomelic solvent. An additional approach reveals about polymerizable polymer comprising (i) a base polymer made from N-vinyl amide monomer and a co-monomer with the proviso for grafting; (ii) graft functional monomer; and (iii) a polymerizable monomelic solvent to enable a medium for polymerization. Also, discloses about the compositions comprising reactive solution of polymerizable polymer and its various possible applications.
US09169343B2	Long chain branched (LCB), block, or interconnected copolymers of ethylene in combination with one other polymer An ethylenic polymer comprising amyl groups from about 0.1 to about 2.0 units per 1000 carbon atoms as determined by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and both a peak melting temperature, Tm, in ° C., and a heat of fusion, Hf, in J/g, as determined by DSC Crystallinity, where the numerical values of Tm and Hf correspond to the relationship Tm≧(0.2143*Hf)+79.643. An ethylenic polymer comprising at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater using a Preparative Temperature Rising Elution Fractionation method, where at least one preparative TREF fraction that elutes at 95° C. or greater has a gpcBR value greater than 0.05 and less than 5 as determined by gpcBR Branching Index by 3D-GPC, and where at least 5% of the ethylenic polymer elutes at a temperature of 95° C. or greater based upon the total weight of the ethylenic polymer.
US09169338B2	Photocrosslinkable fluoropolymers, UV processes and photocrosslinked polymers This invention relates to certain photocrosslinkable fluoropolymers, processes for crosslinking the fluoropolymers using UV radiation, and the photocrosslinked fluoropolymers produced.
US09169337B2	Polymers with improved ESCR for blow molding applications Disclosed herein are ethylene-based polymers having a higher molecular weight component and a lower molecular weight component, and characterized by a density greater than 0.945 g/cm3, a melt index less than 1.5 g/10 min, and a ratio of high load melt index to melt index ranging from 40 to 175. These polymers have the processability of chromium-based resins, but with improved stiffness and stress crack resistance, and can be used in blow molding and other end-use applications.
US09169332B2	Photopolymerizable and photocleavable resins and low shrink and low stress composite compositions A photopolymerizable and photocleavable (P&P) resin monomer is derived from a reactive photoresponsible moiety via various linkages to form photopolymerizable monomers and/or oligomers.
US09169324B2	Reducer of immunosuppression by tumor cell and antitumor agent using the same The invention features methods for inhibiting enhancement of expression of a FoxP3 gene in a cell, methods for inhibiting induction of differentiation of a cell into a regulatory T cell, methods for reducing immunosuppression, methods for stimulating tumor immunity, and methods for treating a patient with a tumor. The methods of the invention involve suppressing function of an FSTL1 protein in the cell. In the methods of the invention, function of an FSTL1 protein in the cell may be suppressed using an anti-FSTL1 antibody.
US09169322B2	Modified antibody Recombinant antibody-based molecules that trigger both T-cell and B-cell immune responses are disclosed. The recombinant molecules are comprised by at least one targeting unit and at least one antigenic unit connected through a dimerization motif. Also disclosed are nucleic acid molecules encoding the recombinant antibody-based molecule and methods of treating multiple myeloma or lymphoma in a patient using the recombinant antibody-based molecules or the nucleic acid molecules.
US09169320B2	Antibody to N-terminal region of hemoglobin β-chain Provided is a general-purpose technique capable of measuring the HbA1c content, which is comparable to the IFCC reference method. An antibody which reacts with a peptide or a protein having an amino acid sequence of VHLTPE (SEQ ID NO: 1) at the N-terminus in which the N-terminal valine is not modified, but does not react with a peptide or a protein in which the N-terminal valine of the relevant polypeptide or protein is modified.
US09169298B2	Dengue serotype 1 attenuated strain The invention relates to live attenuated VDV1 (VERO-Derived Dengue serotype 1 virus) strains which have been derived from the wild-type dengue-1 strain 16007 by passaging on PDK and sanitization on Vero cells and nucleic acids thereof. The invention further relates to a vaccine composition which comprises a VDV1 strain.
US09169294B2	Anti-angiogenic molecules, nanostructures and uses thereof The disclosure is generally directed toward the design and synthesis of peptide amphiphile (PA) molecules that comprises a peptide configured to inhibit angiogenesis. The peptide amphiphile comprises a hydrophobic tail, peptide sequence capable of beta-sheet formation; and a peptide, wherein the peptide is configured to inhibit angiogenesis. Optionally the PA further comprises a flexible linker between the peptide sequence capable of beta-sheet formation and the peptides. Further this disclosure is directed to nanostructures comprising peptide amphiphiles configured to inhibit angiogenesis.
US09169291B2	Covalent conjugates between endoperoxides and transferrin and lactoferrin receptor-binding agents The invention relates to covalent conjugates between endoperoxides and small peptides and organic compounds that bind to molecular cavities on the transferrin or lactoferrin receptor, and the use of compositions comprising these conjugates to treat cancer, hyperproliferative disorders, inflammatory diseases, and infections.
US09169286B2	Use of N-alkyl imidazole for sulfurization of oligonucleotides with an acetyl disulfide A method and compositions for sulfurizing at least one phosphite or thiophosphite linkage in an oligonucleotide. The addition of N-alkyl imidazole to the acetyldisulfide sulfurization solution enables the use of industrially preferred solvents or solvents that are derived from renewable resources.
US09169277B2	Epoxidation catalysts The present invention generally relates to methods for the synthesis of catalysts, including epoxidation catalysts, and related compounds and catalyst compositions. Embodiments described herein may provide efficient processes for providing catalysts (e.g., epoxidation catalysts) in large quantities and using simplified methods.
US09169275B2	Organopolysiloxane and making method Organopolysiloxanes containing a sulfide-containing organic group, a long-chain alkyl group, and a hydrolyzable group are novel. The organopolysiloxanes are effective for improving the shelf stability of epoxy resin compositions.
US09169268B2	Use of 7-alkoxy fangchinoline compounds in preventing, alleviating and/or treating depression The present invention provides a method of preventing, alleviating and/or treating depression, comprising the step of administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a 7-alkoxy fangchinoline compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof.
US09169267B2	Quaternary ammonium salts, method for preparation and applications thereof The invention relates to a novel class of quaternary ammonium salts containing tetra-hydro[1,3]oxazolo[2,3-b][1,3]oxazol-4-ium moiety in the structure, in particular the new derivatives of 4-methyltetrahydro[1,3]oxazolo[2,3-b][1,3]oxazol-4-ium, 4-(2-oxoethyl)tetrahydro[1,3]oxazolo[2,3-6][1,3]oxazol-4-ium, bis{4-methyltetrahydro[1,3]oxazoio[2,3-6][1,3]oxazol-4-ium}, bis{4-(2-oxoethyl)tetrahydro[1,3]oxazolo[2,3-b][1,3]oxazol-4-ium} and tris{4-methyltetrahydro[1,3]oxazolo[2,3-b][1,3]oxazol-4-ium} salts, process for the preparation of a novel class of quaternary ammonium salts and applications thereof.
US09169249B2	Protein kinase C inhibitors and uses thereof This disclosure concerns compounds which are useful as inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and are thus useful for treating a variety of diseases and disorders that are mediated or sustained through the activity of PKC. This disclosure also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, methods of using these compounds in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, processes for preparing these compounds and intermediates useful in these processes.
US09169246B2	Pyrazoloquinolinone derivatives, preparation thereof and therapeutic use thereof The invention relates to compounds corresponding to formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in Claim 1, and also to the process for preparing them and to their therapeutic use.
US09169243B2	Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase inhibitors The present application relates to compounds having the inhibitory activity to apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (ASK1), thus are thus useful in treating ASK1-mediated conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, diabetic nephropathy, cardio-renal diseases, including kidney disease, fibrotic diseases, respiratory diseases, COPD, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, acute lung injury, acute and chronic liver diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
US09169242B2	Oxazoline and isoxazoline derivatives as CRAC modulators The present invention relates to compounds that are useful for treating, preventing and/or managing the diseases, disorders, syndromes or conditions associated with the modulation of CRAC and to processes for preparing these compounds. The invention further relates to methods of treating, preventing managing and/or lessening the diseases, disorders, syndromes or conditions associated with the modulation of CRAC by these compounds.
US09169240B2	Ketone linked benzothiazole inhibitors of endothelial lipase The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I): as defined in the specification and compositions comprising any of such novel compounds. These compounds are endothelial lipase inhibitors which may be used as medicament.
US09169239B2	Process for preparing ceftaroline fosamil The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing ceftaroline fosamil as well as to intermediates of Formulae (1), (3) or (4) of this process.
US09169226B2	Process and assembly for producing alkylene oxides and glycol ethers There is provided a process for manipulating the amount of alkyl alcohol in a product stream, e.g., such as an alkylene oxide product stream. More particularly, and in contrast to conventional processes wherein substantially all of the alkyl alcohol must be separated and desirably recycled, in the present process, a greater amount of alkyl alcohol may be allowed to remain in a partially refined alkylene oxide product stream. The residual alkyl alcohol is subsequently substantially entirely reacted to form a downstream product, e.g., a glycol ether, which is more easily separated from the alkylene oxide product stream. Indeed, the amount of alkyl alcohol in the partially refined alkylene oxide product stream can be selected based upon the output of glycol ethers, if desired.
US09169225B2	Method for producing hexafluoropropylene oxide The present invention provides a novel method for producing hexafluoropropylene oxide, which can attain a high HFPO selectivity without using a phase transfer catalyst. Hexafluoropropylene (HFP), a water-soluble and aprotic organic solvent, and an aqueous solution of an oxidizing agent are introduced into a small space, thereby bringing into contact with each other and reacting hexafluoropropylene with the oxidizing agent to obtain hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO).
US09169220B2	Oximes for treatment of peripheral and central nervous system exposure to acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors The present invention relates to non-charged oxime compounds which are acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) reactivators of inhibited AChE and which protect against organophosphate poisoning both peripherally and in the central nervous system. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and methods for preparing the reactivator compounds and associated intermediates.
US09169210B2	Bioavailable diacylhydrazine ligands for modulating the expression of exogenous genes via an ecdysone receptor complex The present invention relates to non-steroidal ligands for use in nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system, and a method to modulate exogenous gene expression in which an ecdysone receptor complex comprising: a DNA binding domain; a ligand binding domain; a transactivation domain; and a ligand is contacted with a DNA construct comprising: the exogenous gene and a response element; wherein the exogenous gene is under the control of the response element and binding of the DNA binding domain to the response element in the presence of the ligand results in activation or suppression of the gene.
US09169203B2	Sulfoxide-based surfactants The present invention provides sulfoxide compounds comprising hydrophobic ester or amide moieties such that the compounds have surfactant properties. Also provided are methods for using the sulfoxide compounds or mixtures of the sulfoxide compounds in a variety of applications.
US09169202B2	Surface active agents derived from biodiesel-based alkylated aromatic compounds A surface active agent comprising an arylated methyl ester of a fatty acid, or mixture of fatty acids, derived from biodiesel or a triglyceride source is disclosed. The fatty acid mixture is condensed to methyl esters and alkylated with aromatic substituents under Friedel-Crafts conditions. The alkylated methyl esters may be alkoxylated using a catalyst derived from fatty acids, alkaline earth salts, and strong acids. The resulting nonionic surfactant may also be sulfonated to produce one class of anionic surfactants. The alkylated methyl esters may also be directly sulfonated to produce another class of anionic surfactants.
US09169201B2	Antagonists of the glucagon receptor The present invention provides for novel compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and co-crystals thereof which have glucagon receptor antagonist or inverse agonist activity. The present invention further provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same as well as methods of treating, preventing, delaying the time to onset or reducing the risk for the development or progression of a disease or condition for which one or more glucagon receptor antagonist is indicated, including Type I and II diabetes, insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. The present invention also provides for processes of making the compounds of Formula I, including salts and co-crystals thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.
US09169197B2	Process for making nitriles An improved multi-reaction zone process provides improved nitrile product quality and yield. In a first reaction zone, 1,3-butadiene is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst to produce pentenenitriles comprising 3-pentenenitrile and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile. In a second reaction zone, 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, recovered from the first reaction zone, is isomerized to 3-pentenenitrile. In a third reaction zone, 3-pentenenitrile recovered from the first and second reaction zones is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst and a Lewis acid to produce adiponitrile. Unwanted production and build-up of dinitriles, including methylglutaronitrile, in the first reaction zone for the hydrocyanation of 1,3-butadiene is prevented by limiting the flow of Lewis acid into the first reaction zone.
US09169189B2	Process for oxidizing alkyl aromatic compounds A process and a mixture for oxidizing an alkyl-aromatic compound comprises forming a mixture comprising the alkyl-aromatic compound, a solvent, a bromine source, a catalyst, and ammonium acetate; and contacting the mixture with an oxidizing agent at oxidizing conditions to produce an oxidation product comprising at least one of an aromatic aldehyde, an aromatic alcohol, an aromatic ketone, and an aromatic carboxylic acid. The solvent comprises a carboxylic acid having from 1 to 7 carbon atoms; and the catalyst comprises at least one of cobalt, titanium, manganese, chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, iron, molybdenum, tin, cerium, and zirconium.
US09169183B1	Method for coproducing isobutene and ETBE from tert-Butanol mixture This invention describes a method for co-producing isobutene and ethyl tert-butyl ether from tert-butanol mixture in a catalytic distillation column, wherein catalyzing the tert-butanol mixture with the ethanol undergoes dehydration and etherification. The tert-butanol mixture contains absolute ethanol or aqueous ethanol as the antifreeze agent. The isobutene and the ethyl tert-butyl ether withdrawn from the column top are further separated, thus high purity isobutene and ethyl tert-butyl ether for fuel-additive are obtained.
US09169182B2	Chrysophaentin analogs that inhibit FtsZ protein Embodiments of antimicrobial chrysophaentin compounds, pharmaceutical compositions including the chrysophaentin compounds, methods for using the chrysophaentin compounds, and methods for synthesizing the chrysophaentin compounds are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the chrysophaentin compounds inhibit FtsZ protein, thereby inhibiting the growth of clinically relevant bacteria, including drug-resistant strains.
US09169178B2	Manufacturing of stabilized propargyl bromide This invention provides a process for obtaining propargyl bromide in high yield from propargyl alcohol and phosphorus bromide, in the form of a stable composition with alkylbromide.
US09169172B2	Hydrogenation process The present invention relates to hydrogenation processes including: contacting a first composition with hydrogen under hydrogenation conditions, in the presence of an eggshell hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the first composition has: (i) greater than about 50 wt % of cyclohexylbenzene, the wt % based upon the total weight of the first composition; and (ii) greater than about 0.3 wt % of cyclohexenylbenzene, the wt % based upon the total weight of the first composition; and thereby obtaining a second composition having less cyclohexenylbenzene than the first composition. Other hydrogenation processes are also described.
US09169162B2	Large refractory article and method for making A method of sintering large refractory ceramic articles is disclosed. The method includes supporting a green refractory body on a plurality of support plates, the support plates in turn being supported by a plurality of support members having arcuate upper and lower surfaces. A setter material is disposed between the green refractory body to be sintered and the support plates. As the refractory body is sintered, the density of the article increases. Concurrently, the dimensions of the body decrease, which shrinkage, unless otherwise accommodated, may cause fracture of the body. The support plates and the structure of the support members, move to prevent the development of detrimental stresses in the refractory body as it sinters.
US09169161B2	Ceramic material, method for producing the ceramic material, and resistor component comprising the ceramic material A ceramic material has the following composition: (Ba1-xMnx)O.z(Ti1-yMmy)O2.Dd.Ee. In this composition, (Ba1-xMnx)=A and (Ti1-yMmy)=B, where Mn stands for at least one element selected from: Mg, Ca, Sr, Pb and mixtures thereof; Mm stands for at least one element selected from: Sn, Zr and mixtures thereof; D stands for at least one element having donor properties; E stands for at least one element having acceptor properties. The following applies for the parameters: 0≦x≦0.6; 0≦y≦0.35; 0≦d≦0.02; 0≦e≦0.02; 1
US09169156B2	Optical fiber and method for manufacturing the same The present invention relates to an optical fiber containing a glass fiber and a coating layer in contact with the outer circumference of the glass fiber, and a method for manufacturing the optical fiber, in which the coating layer contains silane coupling agents represented by the following formulae (1) and (2): in the formulae, R1 represents a group capable of reacting with an acryl group or an acryl group, and R2 to R8 are each the same or different and represent an alkyl group.
US09169144B2	High rate chemical softening process A ballasted flocculation system that chemically softens water and causes hardness particles to precipitate from the water and crystallize. In the course of crystallizing, the hardness particles grow and form ballasted floc that are separated from the water in the form of sludge by a clarification unit, producing a clarified effluent. The separated sludge including the hardness crystals is directed to a separator where the sludge is separated into two streams with each stream having hardness crystals contained therein. In one process design, one stream includes relatively small hardness crystals and the other stream includes relatively large hardness crystals. The stream having the relatively small hardness crystals is directed to a first reactor and mixed with the incoming water and a softening reagent. The stream having the relatively large crystals is directed to a second downstream reactor and mixed with water and a flocculant which facilitates the growth of the hardness crystals.
US09169142B2	Method for treating water within a sequential biological reactor including an in-line measurement of the nitrite concentration inside said reactor The invention relates to a method for treating water laden with nitrogen in the form of ammonium by means of nitritation-denitritation, wherein said method includes at least: a first step (i) of supplying at least one sequential biological reactor (10) with said water; an aerated nitration step (ii); an anoxia denitritation step (iii); and a step (iv) of extracting treated water from said reactor. According to the invention, the method also includes the in-line measurement of the nitrite concentration of said water in said reactor, and at least one monitoring step of at least one step of the method, said monitoring step taking into account the results from said in-line measurement of the nitrite concentration.
US09169140B2	Non-precious metal catalysts prepared from precursor comprising cyanamide Catalyst comprising graphitic carbon and methods of making thereof; said graphitic carbon comprising a metal species, a nitrogen-containing species and a sulfur containing species. A catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction for an alkaline fuel cell was prepared by heating a mixture of cyanamide, carbon black, and a salt selected from an iron sulfate salt and an iron acetate salt at a temperature of from about 700° C. to about 1100° C. under an inert atmosphere. Afterward, the mixture was treated with sulfuric acid at elevated temperature to remove acid soluble components, and the resultant mixture was heated again under an inert atmosphere at the same temperature as the first heat treatment step.
US09169137B1	Water filtering system and method A filtering system with electrolytic action and method is disclosed which is adapted for filtering the water in swimming pools, spas, saunas, hot tubs, whirlpools and the like with circulatory flow or single-flow. The filtering system may include a pump for drawing water from a body of water and circulating this water through an electrolytic filter including a layer of electrolytic filter media of dissimilar metal particles or granules and returning this filtered water to the body of water. The filtering system not only removes sand and sediment but also prevents algae and fungus growth, kills bacteria, and eliminates the need for adding chlorine, bromine, and algaecide to the water.
US09169133B2	Water vapor collectors A water vapor collector assembly consists of a transparent cover and a box which will float on a water surface. The transparent cover allows sun rays to evaporate some water in the box which confines and collect the vapor condensates. The condensates will be conveyed away by a tube under the box. A water wave operated shaker, a wind operated knocker, inserts to increase the water condensation surfaces, and various kinds of the box are also introduced.
US09169127B2	Method for preparing an organic-compatible and water-compatible composition of metal nanocrystals, and resulting composition A method for preparing a composition of metal nanocrystals from at least one organometallic precursor in a solvent medium in the presence of a PEG ligand, including a carbon chain, at least one end of which is functionalized by a coordination grouping including at least one hetero atom, and having at least one [OCH2CH2]n grouping, n being an integer higher than 1, so as to be soluble both in the solvent medium and in water. The water-compatible and organic-compatible composition of metal nanocrystals thus obtained is also described.
US09169120B2	Aluminum phosphate or polyphosphate particles for use as pigments in paints and method of making same An aluminum phosphate or polyphosphate-based pigment product is made by a process comprising contacting phosphoric acid with aluminum sulfate and an alkaline solution to produce an aluminum phosphate based product; and optionally calcining the aluminum phosphate based product at an elevated temperature, wherein the process is substantially free of an organic acid. The aluminum phosphate or polyphosphate-based pigment is amorphous. The amorphous aluminum phosphate or polyphosphate characterized by a bulk density of less than 2.30 grams per cubic centimeter and a phosphorus to aluminum mole ratio of greater than 0.8. The composition is useful in paints and as a substitute for titanium dioxide.
US09169118B1	Hydrogen gas separator system having a micro-channel construction with a tubular wire insert for retaining catalyst material A hydrogen purification method that is used to separate hydrogen gas from a source gas. A hydrogen separator is provided that has at least one hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is provided for each hydrogen permeable tube. A support tube is coaxially aligned with the hydrogen permeable tube, wherein a micro-channel exists between the hydrogen permeable tube and the support tube in an area of overlap. A tubular wire structure is placed within the micro-channel. The tubular wire structure is coated with catalyst material. The source gas is introduced into the micro-channel. The source gas spreads thinly past the tubular wire structure in the micro-channel. The restrictions of the micro-channel cause the source gas to embody turbulent flow characteristics as it flows. The turbulent flow causes the hydrogen separator to separate hydrogen from the source gas in a highly efficient manner.
US09169109B2	Stacker crane A stacker crane has an upper frame, which connects upper portions of front and rear support rods standing from both front and rear end portions of a lower frame, respectively, is connected to the front and rear support rods by bolts. The upper frame includes a main part comprising a first plate following along a vertical direction and having front and rear extensions being extended in the front and rear directions of the crane and mast connecting portions being extended downward from both the front and rear ends of the front and rear extensions. The upper frame has a reinforcing part comprising a second plate following along a horizontal direction projecting from the main part in a width direction and being extended in the front and rear directions. The mast connecting portions of the main part are urged against the side surfaces of the front and rear support rods, respectively.
US09169107B2	Method and mounting system for mounting lift components The present disclosure relates to a method for mounting lift components of a lift system in a vertical shaft of a building with the aid of a mounting system which can be moved in the shaft, wherein the lift system has at least one cage which can travel along guide rails in the shaft. In order to develop the method to achieve shorter fitting times and less dependency upon how advanced the construction of the building is, according to the invention a mounting system is positioned in the shaft, having a support platform and a mounting platform, which are disposed one above the other, and having a lifting and pulling device, the support platform and the mounting platform being alternately fixed in position in the shaft and the platform which is not fixed in position at any one time is displaced in the vertical direction by means of the lifting and pulling device relative to the platform fixed in position. In addition, the invention relates to a mounting system for carrying out the method.
US09169103B1	Booster reel A reel apparatus includes an axle having a generally hollow fluid inlet connection and a generally hollow fluid outlet connection. A generally hollow drum is coupled to the axle, the drum having a generally circular-shaped sidewall about an elongate axis and further having a pair of generally open, opposing ends, the drum comprising a tubular element. The fluid outlet connection of the axle extends through an opening in the sidewall of the drum, and the reel apparatus is rotatable upon the axle.
US09169096B2	Roller system A roller system can include: a rear rolling member configured for rolling contact with a surface; a front rolling member rotating in an opposite direction to the rear rolling member and the front rolling member configured to be elevated above the surface during use; and a chassis coupling the rear rolling member to the front rolling member.
US09169095B2	Method and device for winding of fiber webs, especially of paper and board webs A method and apparatus for winding fiber webs, particularly paper and board webs, in which partial web rolls (R1, R2) are wound in a winding device having at least two winding stations (21, 22), where partial webs (W1, W2) are guided to rolls (R1, R2) via a nip between a winding roll(s) (12, 41, 42) and the partial web rolls (R1, R2). The partial webs (W1, W2) are guided on the surface of the winding roll(s) (12, 41, 42) before entering the nips creating a wrap angle (A1, A2) on the winding drum(s) (12, 41, 42). The wrap angles (A1, A2) of the partial webs onto the surface of the winding roll (12, 41, 42) is at least 120° and the wrap angle ratio, i.e. the relation of the larger wrap angle to the smaller wrap angle, is at least 1 and at most 1.25.
US09169093B2	Image forming apparatus An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit, a first guide, a switchback roller, a second guide, and a corrugation member. The corrugation member has a shape for producing a recessed portion and a ridge portion in a sheet. The second guide has a first guide surface and a second guide surface disposed to contact the recessed portion and the ridge portion of the sheet, respectively. As viewed from a downstream side of the switchback roller in a sheet ejection direction along a tangent to the switchback roller at a nip position, a distance between an end of the first guide closest to the switchback roller and an end of the second guide surface closest to the switchback roller is greater than a distance between the end of the first guide closest to the switchback roller and an end of the first guide surface closest to the switchback roller.
US09169084B2	Apparatus for singulating load items Apparatus for singulating load items, with first conveyor means working in a delivery direction and having a first conveying surface for delivering load items, with second conveyor means disposed adjacent to a transfer region of the first conveyor means and having a second conveying surface for receiving the load items delivered by the first conveyor means and for conveying the load items away therefrom. The first conveying surface slopes downwards in the delivery direction and towards the second conveyor means, with a guide means disposed between the transfer region of the first conveyor means and the receiving region of the second conveyor means for the controlled transfer of load items from the first to the second conveyor means. The guide means has a guiding surface running along the transfer region, which projects at a height that declines in the delivery direction above an extension plane of the first conveying surface.
US09169079B2	Conveyance device The conveyance rollers are arranged at a predetermined roller pitch in the conveyance direction and arranged in rows so as to be capable of supporting at least the side ends of an object being conveyed. The conveyance rollers are formed along the conveyance direction by a repetition unit composed of the drive rollers and the free rollers. The roller pitch of the conveyance rollers is set based on the dimension of the object, and the smaller of distances from respective ends in the conveyance direction of the object to the position of the center of gravity of the object. The arrangement ratio of the drive rollers in the conveyance rollers is set based on the smaller of the distances from the respective ends in the conveyance direction of the object to the position of the center of gravity of the object, and the roller pitch.
US09169071B2	Extendable conveyors with lights Extendable conveyors with lights are disclosed herein. An example extendable conveyor disclosed herein includes a base unit and a mechanically extendable section, which is adjustably positionable between a nested position within the base unit and an extended position telescoped forwardly from the base unit. The conveyor includes a conveying surface to convey articles extending at least partially on an upper side of the mechanically extendable section. A light source is positioned at a lower side of the mechanically extendable section to illuminate at least an area below the mechanically extendable section.
US09169064B2	Bag reloading garbage unit A bag reloading garbage unit includes a base with a compartment therein for containing a plurality of separably interconnected garbage bags. The base includes a slot through which the garbage bags can be pulled into position for use. The base includes at least two articulable guide arms with guide channels therein for engaging with a garbage bag being pulled into position. When the garbage bag top arrives at the top of each articulable guide arm, the top of the garbage bag is secured in position within the unit. The guide arms operate to open and close the garbage bag. When the garbage bag is full, it is closed and removed by pulling upward and pulling with it a connected garbage bag into position in the garbage unit.
US09169058B1	Tri-fold egg carton with lid sidewall protrusions Improvements have been made to one or more of a lid, cover, and base of a tri-fold egg carton, the improvements allowing the secure and easy loading and protection of jumbo sized eggs, in cartons that can be processed and packaged with standard equipment and in standard case sizes. Further, in one or more embodiments the improvements provide improved processability with automated labeling equipment. In one or more embodiments, the improvements allow for improved de-nesting of multiple empty cartons, prior to filling.
US09169046B2	Ball display case A ball display case has base and a cover that is securable to the base. The cover and base at least partially enclose a space for holding a ball when the cover is secured to the base. The cover can be moved to a position in which the cover cannot be non-destructively removed from the base without moving the cover relative to the base away from this position. A lock is adapted for selective application to at least one of the base and the cover. The lock prevents non-destructive movement of the cover away from the position. The lock is adapted for selectively and irreversibly converting the display case from an unlocked condition in which the cover is releasably secured to the base to a locked condition in which the cover cannot be non-destructively removed from the base.
US09169044B2	Methods and apparatus for containing hazardous material Methods and apparatus for containing a hazardous material according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a container having two compartments. The first compartment is configured to contain the hazardous material within a non-rigid bladder and the second compartment contains a hazard control material within a two-piece container configured to enclose the first compartment. The container may further comprise a wall separating the first compartment from the second compartment that is configured to open upon occurrence of a trigger event to release the hazard control material.
US09169041B2	Helically stackable container Mating engagement surfaces on the bottom panel and lid on each of two or more containers permit the containers to be helically stacked on an axis. As stacked, a front face of one container is displaced from front faces of adjacent ones of the containers by a predetermined angle preselected to be more than zero but less than ninety degrees.
US09169032B2	Load fill sensor system for grain storage vessels A system for remotely indicating the level of grain being loaded into a grain trailer. Plural vertically oriented sensing strips are affixed to a trailer's hopper(s) sidewall of the trailer's hopper(s) at spaced locations. Signals from transducer elements on the strips are delivered to an electronics module on the trailer's forward wall. The electronics module includes a multiplexer for sampling the state of the strip transducers and a wireless transmitter for relaying the state data to a receiver and microprocessor in the cab of a towing vehicle. The microprocessor presents a visual display of height reached by the grain in a hopper as loading continues. Following system calibration where a pixel count of the load being displayed and a measured net weight of the load are determined using a scale, a calibration factor corresponding to the weight-per-pixel is stored for use in computing the weight and volume of subsequent loads.
US09169023B2	Cabin supply bracket A cabin supply bracket for a cabin supply duct assembly is provided. The cabin supply bracket includes a base plate with a first, second, and third mounting hole distributed in a substantially triangular arrangement. The first mounting hole has a centerline defined therethrough. A coupling socket extends from the base plate. The coupling socket includes a first and second tie rod coupling support having a tie rod coupling hole formed therethrough and a first and second outer edge. The first outer edge is proximate the second mounting hole, and the second outer edge is proximate the third mounting hole. The coupling socket has a socket width defined between a first socket edge proximate the first outer edge and a second socket edge proximate the second outer edge. A ratio of the socket width to a thickness of the base plate is between 6.31 and 7.84.
US09169021B2	Class dividing passenger seat bulkhead A bulkhead for dividing passenger seating classes, and a passenger seating arrangement including a bulkhead, the bulkhead configured for attachment to the back of a first row of premium class passenger seats, wherein a backside of the bulkhead is fitted with amenities that serve an aft positioned second row of economy class seats, wherein the first row of seats includes a lesser number of seats than the second row of seats.
US09169019B2	Fastening system for suspended overhead storage bins A fastening system for overhead storage bins on a supporting structure, having at least one pair of suspension eye lugs attached to a supporting structure or the overhead storage bins. The suspension eye lugs are detachably interconnected by a main pin, with receivers for the main pin being in alignment in a mounting position of the overhead storage bin. The main pin is spring-loaded in a main pin guide toward the other suspension eye lug and has, with the overhead storage bin not yet mounted, an end position in which the main pin is deployed from the main pin guide. A portion of the suspension eye lugs has a sloping ramp that allows the main pin to be deployed in the receiver of the other suspension eye lug by action of preload during upward movement of the overhead storage bin and its suspension eye lug into the mounting position.
US09169018B2	Aircraft radio system An aircraft radio system comprising a plurality of radios interconnected by a digital communications network, each radio having a transceiver and a dedicated processor platform, the aircraft radio system being configured to cause the dedicated processor platforms to constitute a virtual processing environment for the aircraft radio system. There is also an aircraft radio system comprising a plurality of discrete radios interconnected by a digital communications network, each radio having a transceiver, a dedicated processor platform and a server configured to support communications over the network using PPPoE, Point to Point Protocol over Ethernet, to provide a common digital interface between an aircraft domain and the radios for plural types of communication.
US09169013B2	Methods and systems for transitioning an aerial vehicle between crosswind flight and hover flight A method involves operating an aerial vehicle to travel along a first closed path on a tether sphere while oriented in a crosswind-flight orientation. A tether is connected to the aerial vehicle on a first end and is connected to a ground station on a second end. Further, the tether sphere has a radius corresponding to a length of the tether. The method further involves while the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight orientation, operating the aerial vehicle to travel along a second closed path on the tether sphere, such that a speed of the aerial vehicle is reduced. And the method involves after or while the speed of the aerial vehicle is reduced, transitioning the aerial vehicle from traveling along the second closed path while in the crosswind-flight orientation to a hover-flight orientation.
US09169012B2	Coaxial counter-rotating rotor system A system and method to tilt coaxial counter-rotating rotor hub assemblies relative to a fuselage. The system includes a first rotor hub assembly and a second rotor hub assembly spaced apart from the first hub assembly and carried by the fuselage. The method includes pivotally attaching the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly to a pivot joint and thereafter tilting the first rotor hub assembly and the second rotor hub assembly about the pivot joint with a driver.
US09169007B2	Method of managing parking braking in a braking system for a vehicle fitted with electric brakes The invention relates to a method of managing parking braking in a braking system for a vehicle fitted with at least one electric brake including at least one electric actuator having a pusher actuated by an electric motor for selectively applying a force against friction elements of the brake, the method comprising the steps of: establishing a series of direct adjustment tables for parking braking, corresponding to braking situations at different energy levels; when applying parking braking, selecting a direct adjustment table corresponding to a braking situation preceding the application of parking braking; and directly adjusting a parking braking force in application with the selected direct adjustment table.
US09169004B2	System for motorizing a wheel connected to a suspension A motorizing system is provided for powering a wheel associated with a suspension of an aircraft, so that the aircraft can be moved around on ground. The motorized system includes a motor unit, a drive member that is structured to be secured to the wheel, and a clutch device that connects an output shaft of the motor unit to the drive member. The motor unit is structured to be secured to a sprung part of a suspension strut. A positive transmission occurs between the motor unit and the drive member.
US09169003B2	Self-orienting aircraft landing gear An aircraft landing gear self-orients so to align itself within a plane parallel to the plane defined by the aircraft's roll and yaw axis. A nose gear of a tricycle landing gear configuration includes the ability to not only caster 360 degrees but also self-orient itself to be aligned parallel with the plane defined by the aircraft's roll and yaw axis once removed from any interaction with the ground. A simple and efficient mechanical design provides the landing gear with a substantially constant centering torque that neither impedes nor impairs ground movement yet returns the nose gear to a proper alignment for retraction and stowage.
US09169001B2	Zonal hydraulic systems and methods The present disclosure relates to isolation and reconfiguration schemes, architectures and methods for use in aircraft hydraulic systems. The main hydraulic system of each hydraulic section of the aircraft hydraulic system can be isolated from one or more consumers in the event of a leak without the use pressure from the backup system. Further, in some embodiments, the main hydraulic system of each hydraulic section of the aircraft hydraulic system can be isolated from one or more consumers in the event of a leak without the use pressure from the backup system and the main system.
US09168981B2	Boat with a stern hatch having two opening options A boat includes a hull having an aft stern hatch located in an inner aft compartment of the aforesaid hull, the hatch having a body with opposing flanks or sides pivoted on the hull, and upper and lower edges. The hatch includes pivot members associated with the flanks or sides in the proximity of the upper edge and in the proximity of the lower edge, the pivot members being movable towards the inside and towards the outside of these flanks so they can protrude from the flanks in combination or alternatively to each other, thereby allowing the hatch to assume, alternatively, a position in which it is closed on to the compartment, a first position of opening to an upper part of the hull, or a second position of opening to a lower part of the hull.
US09168972B2	Control device for the rear shock absorber of a bicycle A control device, for the rear shock absorber of a bicycle, includes a first air chamber, a second air chamber, a third air chamber, an auxiliary air chamber, and a sliding rod. An air piston is arranged inside one of the first, second and third air chambers. However, those air chambers are respectively provided with an air hole communicating with the auxiliary air chamber. The sliding rod is configured with air tight rings, which are arranged top-to-bottom and tightly touch the inner wall of the auxiliary air chamber. Moreover, the sliding rod is provided with grooves between the air tight rings, so that the axially movement of the sliding rod may manage the first, second and third air chambers to be disconnected or to communicate with one other via the grooves to adjust the damping coefficient of the rear shock absorber.
US09168971B2	Accelerator operating device An accelerator operating device for electrically controlling the output of a power unit on the basis of the manipulated variable of a controller, by achieving the generation of a frictional resistance using a simple configuration. An accelerator operating device includes an extended portion turned upon the operation of a throttle grip; a torsion coil spring biasing the extended portion in a returning direction while the extended portion is turned; and a friction generating mechanism adding a frictional resistance to the turning movement. The friction generating mechanism includes a compression coil spring applying a pressing force to the extended portion, and a friction member brought into sliding contact with the extended portion by being pressed by the compression coil spring. The torsion coil spring and the compression coil spring are placed coaxially with the extended portion and overlap each other at least partially along the axial direction of the extended portion.
US09168968B2	Anti-rotation surrogate bicycle top tube A detachable top tube assembly includes inner and outer tube members telescopically received by one another. Each inner and outer tube member includes one or more of an elliptical cross-sectional shape or is arced along a longitudinal axis thereof to prevent rotation of the inner and outer tube members relative to one another. Each of a pair of yoke assemblies is disposed at opposite ends of the inner and outer tube members and include a rotatable gate assembly for opening and closing the yoke assemblies. A pair of spring biased members is provided for engagement with the rotatable gate assemblies to maintain the gate assemblies in a closed position. A pair of button covers is provided for depressably engaging each spring biased member so to allow the gate assemblies to be rotated relative to a respective inner and outer tube member.
US09168959B2	Rear-mounted aerodynamic structure for truck cargo bodies This invention provides a foldable/retractable and unfoldable/deployable, rearwardly tapered aerodynamic assembly for use on the rear trailer bodies and other vehicles that accommodate dual swing-out doors. The aerodynamic assembly includes a right half mounted on the right hand door and a left half mounted on a left hand door. Each half is constructed with a side panel, top panel and bottom panel, which each form half of an overall tapered box when deployed on the rear of the vehicle, the bottom panels and top panels being sealed together at a pair of overlapping weather seals along the centerline. The panels are relatively thin, but durable, and are joined to each other by resilient strip hinges. The top and bottom panels are also hinged to form two sections along diagonal lines to facilitate folding of all panels in a relatively low-profile stacked orientation. This low profile allows the doors to be swung through approximately 270 degrees to be secured to the sides of the body in a manner that does not interfere with adjacent doors or bodies in, for example a multi-bay loading dock. A swing arm assembly and gas spring biases the panels into a deployed position that can be refolded by grasping the side panel and rotating it inward toward the door surface. The top and bottom panels are partly inwardly folded when deployed to define external valleys using a stop assembly. This ensures that the panels fold readily when desired without the two sections of the panels “locking up”.
US09168957B2	Vehicle body rear structure A vehicle body rear structure includes an upper back cross-sectional portion which forms a skeleton frame cross member that is elongated in a vehicle width direction, a bracket package tray which is located on a vehicle rear side of the upper back cross-sectional portion and joined to the upper back cross-sectional portion, a roof side inner which is located on a vehicle top side of a wheel house, a roof side outer which is located outside an extended portion and the roof side inner in a vehicle width direction and which has a front end portion which is joined to the upper back cross-sectional portion and a rear end portion which is joined to a bracket package tray, and a bulk connector which couples the roof side outer and the upper back cross-sectional portion.
US09168952B2	Steering angle sensor for motor vehicles A steering angle sensor for motor vehicles for determining the steering angle of a steering element of a steering wheel assembly, which is rotatable during a steering movement is provided. The steering angle sensor comprises a rotatably mounted drive element which during a rotary movement of the steering element likewise performs a rotary movement, and a rotatably mounted driven element which is in engagement with the drive element and is driven by the same. The steering angle is determined by detecting the rotary movement and/or the angle of rotation of the driven element. The drive element and/or the driven element include elastic means via which the drive element and the driven element are braced against each other.
US09168949B2	Steering system clatter mitigation A steering system clatter mitigation apparatus and method. The clatter mitigation apparatus excites the steering system at a frequency within a range of an existing engine noise. The excitation of the steering system at a different frequency than the clatter sound greatly reduces the clatter sound. The sound produced by the excitation of the steering system is masked by the existing sound of the engine.
US09168947B2	Power steering system A power steering system has: a steering shaft; a pinion shaft; a torque sensor; a rack housing communicating with inside of the sensor housing; a rack shaft provided in the rack housing; a motor housing communicating with inside of the rack housing; an electric motor provided in the motor housing; an ECU housing communicating with inside of the motor housing; a motor control unit housed in the ECU housing; and a respiration valve provided at any of the sensor housing, the rack housing and the motor housing and located at an upper side with respect to an upper end of the ECU housing in vehicle-mounted state. The respiration valve has function by which air passes through each house and between inside and outside of the ECU housing so as to absorb change of expansion/contraction of the air in the ECU housing while suppressing entry of water from the outside.
US09168941B2	Convertible stroller assembly A stroller assembly includes a cushion below the seat fabric connected between the pair of primary rear legs and the pair of lower front legs, the cushion having a pair of straps on an upper side when the stroller assembly is an open configuration. The pair of handle bars are pivotable about the pair of upper hinges to rest against the primary rear legs. The pair of lower front legs are pivotable about the pair of lower hinges to rest against the pair of primary front legs. The cushion is detachable about a pivot axis and configured to be rotated about the pivot axis to such the lower side of the cushion can be rested against lower front legs rested against the pair of primary front legs.
US09168940B1	Device having legs which extend and retract and method of use A device has four legs each leg having a plurality of teeth. The device further includes a body which has four gears wherein each of the four gears meshes with the teeth of a different leg. A first gear is connected to a second gear by a first shaft, and a third gear is connected to a fourth gear by a second shaft. The first gear meshes with the third gear, and the second gear meshes with the fourth gear. The legs can be selectively positioned to a retracted position adjacent to the body or to an extended position projecting away from the body. A biasing mechanism urges the four legs to the extended position. A locking mechanism locks the legs in either the retracted position or the extended position.
US09168939B2	Baby carriage The invention discloses a baby carriage comprising a frame, a seat disposed on the frame, and a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly arranged at the bottom of the frame. The frame comprises a push rod, a front wheel bracket with an upper portion being rotatably connected with the push rod and a lower end being provided with the front wheel assembly, a rear wheel bracket with a lower end being provided with the rear wheel assembly; and a seat rod with a front portion being connected with the front wheel bracket and a rear portion being rotatably connected with the rear wheel bracket. The seat is located above the seat rod. A sliding element is is slidably disposed on the push rod along the push rod, and the sliding element is rotatably connected with the rear wheel bracket. The push rod has a first working position and a second working position, in the first working position, an upper portion of the push rod is located above the seat at it's back side, and in the second working position, the upper portion of the push rod is located above the seat at it's front side. During the conversion of the push rod, the push rod is rotated relative to the front wheel bracket, the sliding element on the push rod is moved under the traction of the rear wheel bracket, and the rear wheel bracket is rotated relative to the seat rod under the traction of the sliding element. The baby carriage of the invention has simple configuration, and the folding of the frame will not be hindered by any parts.
US09168938B2	Folding ball trolley having minimized volume A folding ball trolley having a minimized volume has a frame, a bag and multiple resilient elements. The frame has four stand rods, four top seats, four sliding seats, four wheels, four connecting rod assemblies and four mounting rods. The bag connects to the mounting rods, and the mounting rods pivotally connect to the stand rods. Accordingly, the mounting rods can be rotated relative to the stand rods, such that the mounting rods do not protrude upward to occupy too much space when the ball trolley is folded. Besides, the frame is braced by the resilient elements so a user does not have to stretch his hands between the rods when folding the ball trolley, thereby preventing the hands from being clamped.
US09168931B1	Suspended recreational vehicle A recreational apparatus is provided having an elevated railway system with a vehicle suspended therefrom. The vehicle includes a drive mechanism that is responsive to energy input in order to advance the vehicle along the elevated railway system. The drive mechanism is capable of efficiently motivating the vehicle along straight and curved sections of the elevated railway system with minimal stress on moving parts, and minimal frictional losses.
US09168924B2	System diagnosis in autonomous driving A lane controller system installed on a vehicle may include components for self-diagnosing malfunctions on the vehicle. The system may include a desired path generator for generating a desired path that keeps the vehicle within a road lane; a steering controller for providing steering a steering correction to keep the vehicle within the road lane; a vehicle state estimator for estimating the state of the vehicle; a lane marking detector for detecting position of road lane markings; a path predictor for predicting a path actively followed by the vehicle; a virtual dynamics module for modeling the anticipated path of the vehicle following input of the steering controller; a comparer that compares the results of actual steering corrections applied with those predicted by the virtual dynamics module, and a diagnostic system that determines a root cause of malfunctions, based on the comparison by the comparer.
US09168923B2	System for and method of maintaining a driver intended path A system and method of maintaining a vehicle on a driver intended path is disclosed. The method includes steps of detecting a failure in a power steering system and controlling a braking system to maintain the motor vehicle approximately on a driver intended path. The driver intended path can be a straight path or a curved path.
US09168919B2	Hybrid vehicle A hybrid vehicle includes a combustion engine (2) with a driveshaft (4) for driving the wheels of at least one axle (7), at least one electrical machine (11, 12) for driving the wheels of this axle or at least one other axle (10), with the at least one electrical machine capable of being operated as a generator during a braking process and as a motor during an acceleration process, and a further electrical machine (18) which is coupled to the at least one electrical machine and includes a flywheel store which has a rotor (14) and is chargeable during a braking operation and dischargeable during an acceleration process. The rotor (14) can be mechanically coupled via at least one shiftable clutch (23) to the driveshaft (4) of the at least one axle (7) which can be driven by the combustion engine.
US09168917B2	Controller for hybrid vehicle A cooling system circulates a coolant between an engine, an inverter and a radiator to cool the engine and the inverter. A driving mode of the vehicle can be changed between an EV-mode in which the vehicle is driven only by the motor and an HV-mode in which the vehicle is driven by at least one of the motor and the engine. When a driving mode is EV-mode, a coolant temperature is increased to cool the inverter. In the EV-mode, a vehicle is driven by motor only. When the inverter temperature is increased, the allowable current of the inverter can be increased and an allowable output of a motor can be increased.
US09168915B2	Vehicle and method for controlling vehicle A vehicle includes: a motor generator for generating driving power for traveling thereof; an ECU for controlling the motor generator; and an inclination detecting unit for detecting inclination of a road surface. The ECU performs power changing driving in which the vehicle is traveled while switching the motor generator between a first state (high output state) and a second state (low output state). In the first state (high output state), driving power of a first level is generated. In the second state (low output state), the driving power is made smaller than that in the first state. When it is recognized that the vehicle is traveling on an uphill road based on the inclination detected by the inclination detecting unit, ECU sets the driving power in the first state to be larger than that set when the vehicle is traveling on a flat road.
US09168912B2	Operating process for a fuel cell system A process for operating a fuel cell system (2), which is arranged in a vehicle (1) having a tachograph (6) and an internal combustion engine (3), and used for power supply of at least one electrical component (10) of the vehicle (1) with the internal combustion engine (3) switched off. With the fuel cell system (2) switched off, the control device (4) receives from the tachograph (6) a foreseeable break start time of an operating break following a drive mode, which is legally prescribed and/or planned by the driver of the vehicle (1), at which the internal combustion engine (3) is switched off. The control device (4) determines a start time such that a start procedure of the fuel cell system (2) ends at the break start time and the fuel cell system (2) is ready for operation, when the fuel cell system (2) is started at the start time.
US09168907B2	Method for testing a container warning device of a compensation container, and testing apparatus for testing a container warning device A method for testing a reservoir warning apparatus of a fluid reservoir for a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, with the reservoir warning apparatus comprising a switching unit with at least one reed contact as the switching element. In order to find all possible faults in the reed contact, a dynamic contact resistance and a transient response of the reed contact are measured at the preassembled switching unit.
US09168896B2	Vehicle driving control system and method A vehicle driving control system and method for selecting a driving pattern using a predetermined program (or application) and for operating vehicle driving via a terminal that provides driving information of the selected driving pattern. The vehicle driving control system may include a terminal configured to transmit a selected driving pattern mode and driving pattern control information on the selected driving pattern mode to a vehicle controller when a predetermined vehicle driving pattern control program is executed. A vehicle controller is configured to operate an object of a vehicle related to driving based on the driving pattern mode and the driving pattern control information transmitted by the terminal. A transceiver is configured to transmit and receive signals between the terminal and the vehicle controller.
US09168895B2	Key fob security copy to a mobile phone A vehicle computing system configured to program a mobile device as a key fob. The vehicle computing system includes a processor and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive input from a user. The processor is configured to detect a valid key fob configured to control one or more vehicle control functions. The processor may transmit vehicle security codes for programming a connected mobile device to implement the one or more vehicle control functions based on a request to create a mobile device key fob via the user interface and a detected valid key fob. Once programmed, the mobile device may implement one or more vehicle control functions on the mobile device when the valid key fob is not present.
US09168893B1	System, method, and appartus for remotely disabling or enabling a vehicle A system, method, and apparatus for disabling and/or enabling a vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention can be a method for disabling and/or enabling a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving, with an electronic apparatus, a disable starter command, the electronic apparatus operably coupled to a starter circuit of the vehicle to enable and/or disable the starter circuit; the electronic apparatus disabling the starter circuit of the vehicle in response to the disable starter command; the electronic apparatus sending a test signal via a wireless network to a remote server when the vehicle is in a parked state and the starter circuit is disabled; and upon the electronic apparatus determining that the test signal was not successfully sent to the remote server, the electronic apparatus enabling the starter circuit of the vehicle.
US09168891B2	Retractor for a seat belt, and clutch used in same A retractor for a seat belt is disclosed, including a frame, a spool that is mounted rotatably to the inside of the frame, a webbing that is wound on the spool to be pulled-in constantly to the inside of the frame and pulled-out freely from the inside of the frame to the outside thereof, a controller for recognizing vehicle information and controlling the pulling-in of the webbing, a motor for generating a driving force to rotate the spool in accordance with the control of the controller and a clutch for receiving the driving force from the motor and transmitting the driving force to the spool wherein the clutch includes; a driven gear that receives the driving force from a driving gear provided on a rotation shaft of the motor; a plate that is provided facing to one end of the driven gear and inter-connected with the driven gear; a braking disk that is provided to be engaged with the other face opposing one face of the plate, facing to one end of the driven gear, and is in friction with the plate to stay temporally the plate when the plate is inter-connected with the driven gear; and a locking pole that is mounted pivotably to the plate and pivoted by a rotation of the driven gear when the plate is stayed temporally by the braking disk to be meshed with a pinion gear provided on a rotation shaft of the spool thereby transmitting the driving force transmitted from the driven gear to the spool.
US09168883B1	Rail assembly for a frame of a vehicle A rail assembly for a frame of a vehicle includes a rail defining a cavity. The cavity extends along an axis for receiving an energy absorbing member of a bumper assembly. A brace is fixed to the rail and includes a side wall extending along the axis in the cavity. The brace includes an end wall extending from the side wall in the cavity transversely to the axis adjacent to the energy absorbing member in the cavity. The rail defines a hole and the brace defines a hole aligned with the hole of the rail for receiving a fastener to engage the energy absorbing member.
US09168881B2	Automotive electrical system provided with an alternator electronic control system Automotive electrical system for a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle; the electric vehicle system comprising a series of electric vehicle loads, an electric battery, and an alternator generating a supply voltage of the electric vehicle loads and of the electric battery; the alternator comprising an inductive electric circuit adapted to be crossed by an electric control current; the electric vehicle system comprises an alternator electronic control system configured so as to determine a series of battery parameters (pam_bat) indicating the state of operation of the electric battery; determine at least a first vehicle parameter indicating the acceleration of the motor vehicle; determine the operative state of the internal combustion engine; determine an electric regulation voltage according to the operative engine station, to the vehicle parameter and to the battery parameters; vary an electric control current circulating in the inductive electric circuit of the alternator according to the electric regulation voltage.
US09168878B2	Roof ditch molding retainer assembly A multi-piece molding retainer assembly including a female stud engagement latch which is held in floating snap-fit relation within a molding engagement clip adapted to engage and retain the overlying molding. The stud engagement latch and the molding engagement clip are moveable in relation to one another in both the longitudinal and lateral directions after attachment. The retainer assembly accommodates variations in stud position and height such that the attached molding may be properly positioned despite variations in the studs.
US09168877B2	Airbag unit, fastening structure, and fastening member An airbag unit includes an airbag, a cover part which covers the airbag, a fitting member which is fitted on a front side of the cover part, and a fastening member which fastens the fitting member on a back side of the cover part. The fastening member includes a first fastening part which is inserted from a side into a first locking part provided on the fitting member, in a state in which the first locking part penetrates the cover part to a back side of the cover part, a second fastening part which is inserted from the side into a second locking part provided on the fitting member, in a state in which the second locking part penetrates the cover part to the back side of the cover part, and a connecting part which connects a base end part of the first fastening part and a base end part of the second fastening part, and external shapes of the first fastening part and the second fastening part are mutually different.
US09168869B1	Vehicle with a multi-function auxiliary control system and heads-up display The vehicle with a multi-function auxiliary control system and heads-up display includes a plurality of telematics units integrated into a road vehicle. Telematics units are connected to allow communication with an occupant of the vehicle, communication among the telematics units, and communication to a Smart heads-up display (HUD) positioned on the driver's side to project vehicle and environmental information onto the vehicle's windshield. The HUD projects the display image for heads-up view by the driver using either a reflector lens in back of, or a transparent film applied to, the windshield. Side view cameras and rear-facing radars are combined to alert the driver of blind spots of approaching vehicles from the rear. Forward-looking infra-red cameras are connected to the HUD to assist the driver's forward view under poor visibility conditions. A central controller in the vehicle assists driver input to the multi-function auxiliary control system devices.
US09168858B2	Two or three wind turbine blades as one unit The invention relates to a method for transporting two or three pre-bend wind turbine blades for a wind turbine and to a wind turbine blade transport unit, the wind turbine blades each having a length extending from a first end, e.g. a root end describing a first end plane, to a second end, e.g. a tip end, where the length is at least 35 meters, the wind turbine blades each having a central longitudinal axis extending perpendicular from the first end plane and towards the second end, the wind turbine blade additionally having an aerodynamically shaped body having a pressure side, a suction side, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The wind turbine blades are fixed in specific positions in relation to one or two other wind turbine blades as a single transport unit.
US09168855B2	Composite component A composite component such as a seat back for a vehicle comprises a support portion and at least one reinforcing composite layer. The support portion comprises a thermoplastic material and the reinforcing composite layer comprises a polymeric material impregnating a plurality of fibers. The polymeric material of the reinforcing composite layer is integrated with the thermoplastic of the support portion. A method of forming the composite component includes placing the composite layer into a mold, heating the thermoplastic material to a molten state, and disposing the thermoplastic material in the molten state into contact with the composite layer. The method further includes promoting interaction between the thermoplastic material and the polymeric material to integrate the support portion and the reinforcing composite layer. The thermoplastic material supports the reinforcing composite layer and the reinforcing composite layer reinforces the thermoplastic material to prevent failure when subjected to a load.
US09168854B2	Vehicle seat with protective cloth anchoring flaps, and method of making the same A vehicle seat base is provided with a foam bun that includes a protective cloth that is molded into the foam bun and attached with the seat cover material to the seat frame. A suspension mat is attached to the protective cloth below the foam bun to add support.
US09168851B1	Foldable head restraint assembly A foldable head restraint assembly, including: a bracket assembly adapted for fixed disposition in a seat back; a head restraint support for mounting a bun assembly above the seat back, the head restraint support pivotally mounted to the bracket assembly so as to be pivotally movable relative to the bracket assembly in at least first and second directions between upright and folded positions; at least one biasing element biasing the head restraint support into one of the upright and folded positions; and at least one rotary damper which retards the motion of the head restraint support during at least a portion of the head restraint support's pivotal movement in at least one of the first and second directions.
US09168850B2	Utility seat assembly A vehicle seating assembly is provided which includes a second row center seating unit including a seatback and a seat that includes a front and a rear. A slide assembly is coupled with the rear of the seat, and the seating unit is operable between a first position wherein a seat is proximate the slide assembly and a second position wherein the seat is slid forward and rotated upward such that the seatback is proximate the slide assembly. A support surface extends over the seat and is openable to expose a storage compartment when the seating unit is in the second position. A retaining feature is disposed in the front of the seat in order to secure items extending through the vehicle over the seating unit.
US09168849B2	Child car safety seat A child car safety seat includes: a base having a shell body that defines an inner space therein and that is formed with a viewing window for permitting a user to view therethrough into the inner space; a seat body detachably mountable on and engageable with the base; and an indicator disposed in the inner space in the shell body and having an indication. The indicator is operatively associated with the base and the seat body such that the indication is disposed at the viewing window upon engagement between the seat body and the base so as to permit the user to see the indication through the viewing window and is not disposed at the viewing window upon disengagement between the seat body and the base.
US09168847B2	Horizontal action seat tilt mechanism and bezel A seat tilt mechanism comprising a cam connected to a lever wherein the lever moves horizontally from a first position to a second position to actuate the cam; a latch configured to engage with the at least one detent and disengage with the cam when the lever is in the first position and configured to engage with the cam and disengage with the at least one detent when the lever is in the second position; said detent includes at least two positions which can be selectively engaged by the latch; and a seat rod configured for attachment between a seat frame and the at least one detent such that when the latch is engaged with the selected position, the tilt of the seat is defined.
US09168845B2	Method of controlling operation mode of fuel cell in fuel cell vehicle Disclosed is a method of controlling an operation mode of a fuel cell in a fuel cell vehicle wherein, (a) when a driver-demanded torque is lower than a first torque, and a current state of charge (SOC) in a battery is higher than a first SOC, the operation mode of the fuel cell is converted to a stop mode, and (b) when the driver-demanded torque is higher than a second torque, or the current SOC in the battery is lower than a second SOC, the operation mode is converted to a start mode, wherein the second torque is higher than the first torque and the second SOC is lower than the first SOC.
US09168833B2	Display instrument having a pointer An indicating instrument has a pointer rotatable about a pointer axle. A coupling part, a pointer vane and at least one pointer section are arranged between the pointer and the axle. Between the pointer coupling part and the pointer vane at least one pointer section is held in a base structure.
US09168832B2	System for controlling speed of vehicle on curved road and method thereof Disclosed is a system and method for controlling a speed of a vehicle on a curved road according to the present invention. The system for controlling a speed of a vehicle on a curved road according to the present invention includes: a trace corrector configured to correct a trace of a curved road on which the vehicle is to be driven; a curvature calculator configured to calculate a curvature based on feature points of the corrected driving trace; a proper speed calculator configured to calculate a proper speed for each feature point of the driving trace based on the calculated curvature; and a curved road goal acceleration calculator configured to determine a speed control point for controlling a speed based on the calculated proper speed, and to calculate a curved road goal acceleration of the determined speed control point.
US09168827B2	Variable or stepped louver activation for active grille system An active grille system which is mounted to a fascia, grille, or carrier, or is part of the carrier of an automobile. Two sets of louvers are rotatably mounted to a frame, and a camming mechanism provides selective actuation of both sets of louvers, and an actuator controls the camming mechanism such that the actuator moves the camming mechanism between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the camming mechanism is in the first position, both the first set and second set of louvers are in a closed position, when the camming mechanism is in the second position, the first set of louvers are in an open position and the second set of louvers are in a closed position, and when the camming mechanism is in the third position both the first set and second set of louvers are in an open position.
US09168826B2	Hybrid power train for vehicle A hybrid power train for a vehicle may include an input shaft, an engine side driving gear mounted at the input shaft, an output shaft, an engine side driven gear fixedly mounted at the output shaft and meshed with the engine side driving gear, a motor side driving gear and mounted to rotate by the motor, a motor side driven gear fixedly mounted at the output shaft and meshed with the motor side driving gear, an output gear rotatably mounted at the output shaft, a one way clutch mounted between the output gear and the output shaft, a clutch device mounted on the output shaft, and a planetary gear apparatus engaging between the output shaft and the output gear.
US09168823B2	Transmission system of hybrid electric vehicle A transmission system of a hybrid electric vehicle may include an input shaft connected to an engine, first and second motors/generators disposed on a transmission housing, a planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and having three rotation elements, of which one rotation element is connected to the transmission housing, another rotation element is connected to the input shaft, and the other rotation element is connected to the first motor/generator and operated as an output element, a first output gear disposed on the input shaft without rotational interference therebetween and connected to the second motor/generator, a second output gear disposed on the input shaft without rotational interference therebetween, and a first clutch selectively connecting the second output gear to the input shaft.
US09168814B2	Tunable sound dampening system A sound dampening system having at least two acoustic deflection pads separated by a distance and an actuator operable to alter the distance in response to a stimulus. In some embodiments, the actuator is a shape memory alloy wire. The system is capable of alternating between a compact mode and a superior sound blocking mode. A door of an automotive vehicle incorporating such a system and a method of fabricating such a system.
US09168813B2	Door assembly for vehicle A door assembly (40) for a vehicle, including a vehicle door (12) for opening and closing a door opening in the vehicle body. The door comprises a door body (15), an outer cover member (27) which covers at least a part of the outer surface (53) of the door outer panel (21) of the door body, and a seal member (28). The outer cover member comprises an outer cover body (165) which covers the outer surface of the door outer panel, an extension section (164) which is extended further toward the outside than an edge (163) of the door body, and a closed cross-section section (166) which is formed in a closed cross-sectional shape on the rear surface (177) of the extension section. The seal member is attached to the closed cross-section section.
US09168811B2	Partial recirculation vehicle HVAC system A blower unit for a vehicle heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is disclosed. The blower unit includes a case member that defines at least one exterior air intake aperture and at least one interior air intake aperture. The blower unit also includes a sealing member, a first door, and a second door. The first and second doors can move independent of each other. The first and second doors can be positioned in a mixture position to allow air flow into the blower unit through both the exterior and interior air intake apertures. The first door, in the mixture position, is sealed against the sealing member. As such, the first door and the sealing member cooperate to reduce air flow out of the blower unit through the interior air intake aperture.
US09168808B2	Continuously variable damper device The present invention is related to a damper device (1). More in particular, the present invention is related to a damper device for which the damping force can be varied using a magnetically actuated closing member (33) with which a bypass channel (15) can be closed or opened. According to the present invention, the magnetic reluctance of the magnetic loop for guiding the magnetic field (8) is configured such that a too strong of an upward bending of the magnetic force versus closing member displacement curve is prevented. This prevents the system from obtaining multiple settling points for the closing member for a given current value. Consequently, the damper device is more stable and the damping force offered by it can be controlled more accurately.
US09168795B2	Tyre sensor device A sensor device adapted to be associated with a vehicle wheel includes a package enclosing at least one sensor and an electronic data processing apparatus and at least one antenna arranged on the package for at least one among the wireless transmission of data generated by the electronic apparatus and the wireless reception of data to be provided to the electronic apparatus. The at least one antenna is shaped to adhere to surfaces of the package.
US09168788B2	Pneumatic tire Proposed is a pneumatic tire having excellent durability, handling stability and uneven wear resistance even if weight reduction is achieved by improving a belt.The pneumatic tire according to the present invention having a carcass layer 5 toroidally extending from a tread portion 3 through a side wall portion 2 to a bead portion 1, and a belt layer 6 disposed at the outer side of the carcass layer 5 in the tire radial direction, in which the carcass layer 5 includes one or more carcass plies 5a, the belt layer 6 includes a first belt 7 having a first cord 7a inclined with respect to a tire equator S at an angle in the range of 15° to 75° and a second belt 8 having a second cord 8a extending in parallel to the tire equator S, said first belt 7 having a tensile strength smaller than that of the second belt 8.
US09168787B2	Steel cord for reinforcing rubber article, and pneumatic tire using same Provided is a steel cord for reinforcing rubber articles which has both rubber penetration and productivity and which allows to reduce the weight of a tire without compromising the strength of the tire when applied to a tire, and a pneumatic tire using the same.The steel cord for reinforcing rubber articles of the present invention is a steel cord for reinforcing rubber articles comprising a core formed by arranging two core filaments in parallel without twisting the filaments together, and six sheath filaments twisted around the core. Letting the diameter of the core filament dc (mm), the diameter of the sheath filament ds (mm) and sheath filament twist pitch p (mm), an average sheath filament interval D represented by the following Formula (I): D=[L−6ds{1+(L/p)2}1/2]/6 (I), (where L=(π+2)dc+πds) is from 25 to 80 μm.
US09168783B2	Pivot hanger assembly secured to a tubular support location associated with a vertically actuating vehicle lift A pivot hanger assembly adapted to being mounted to a structural supporting location associated with a vehicle lift. A clamp subassembly includes a plurality of assembleable and inter-adjustable brackets adapted to being affixed around a rectangular tubular perimeter corresponding to the structural supporting location of the vehicle lift. A selected one of the brackets exhibits at least a first hinge collar support extending along a vertically extending edge, with an elongated arm exhibiting at least a second hinge collar support along a proximal end which aligns with the first collar support in order to define a continuous channel. A hinge pin inserts through the continuous channel and in order to hingedly mount the arm to the clamp subassembly in a load bearing permitting fashion.
US09168779B2	Magnetically supported clipboard having dry-erasable writing surface A clipboard is defined by a planar support having a back surface that retains at least one magnet, thereby permitting releasable attachment of the clipboard to a metallic supporting surface. A dry-erasable steel surface is secured to the front of the support and a hinge clip attached enables at least one paper to be secured to the front side of the clipboard as well as at least one magnet.
US09168777B2	Cliche for off-set printing and product manufactured using the same The present invention relates to a cliche for offset printing for forming a mesh pattern, and more specifically, to a cliche for offset printing comprising a mash pattern with a plurality of intersection units, wherein the plurality of intersection units are formed in a curved shape with a radius of curvature 0.6 to 4 times that of a mesh line width.When the cliche for offset printing of the present invention is used, line width reductions generated around the intersection units during mesh pattern printing may be reduced. As a result, when a final product is manufactured by using the cliche for printing of the present invention, the surface resistance properties of the product may be improved.
US09168773B2	Printing method and printing apparatus for printing maintenance images on a continuous sheet using a duplex printer A printing apparatus sequentially prints a plurality of images on a first surface of a sheet, and then sequentially prints a plurality of images on a second surface that is a back surface of the first surface. When a state of a printing unit is determined not to be normal when printing on the first surface, the printing apparatus executes processing for maintenance by using a sheet different from the sheet used for printing on the first surface.
US09168771B2	Printer This disclosure discloses a printer comprises a roll storage part, a platen roller, a printing head, a separation plate, a first discharging exit, a pinch roller, a second discharging exit, and a first rib member. The platen roller contacts and feeds a print-receiving tape. The printing head is provided above the platen roller. The separation plate is provided on the other side than the platen roller and loops back a separation material layer toward a downward side and peel the print-receiving layer and the adhesive layer from the separation material layer. The first rib member is provided to a first section of a feeding path of the print-receiving tape and contacts the print-receiving tape from above, the first section being between a sandwiching position by the platen roller and the printing head and a support position of an end part of the separation plate.
US09168769B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes a first accommodating section, a transporting mechanism configured to transport the recording medium in order of a first path to a fourth path and which includes a separating mechanism, and a recording section. The separating mechanism includes a feeding roller and a separating member. The first accommodating section, the second path, and the fourth path are arranged to overlap with each other in a vertical direction.
US09168767B2	Printing of game tickets In a row of lottery tickets each ticket has variable image printing game data printed onto a base layer on a substrate and a series of covering layers including at least one sealing layer and at least one scratch-off layer. Simultaneously game information is printed as a multi-color digital image for each ticket using a variable image printing system. The game information graphics can indicate different values for different ones of the tickets. The tickets in the row can be of different series for sale to different retailers. The printing system automatically correlates the game data and game information to ensure no registration errors thus allowing much improved variability and allowing the game to take into account both game data and game information in determining a winning ticket.
US09168764B2	Liquid ejecting apparatus and liquid ejecting method A liquid ejecting apparatus includes (A) a carriage that moves a nozzle ejecting a liquid which is cured by irradiation of an electromagnetic wave in a moving direction, (B) a first irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on dots formed by landing the liquid which is ejected from the moving nozzle, on a medium, and (C) a second irradiation section that is installed on the carriage and irradiates electromagnetic waves on the dots which are irradiated by the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section, in which an irradiance level of the electromagnetic waves from the second irradiation section is different from that of the electromagnetic waves from the first irradiation section.
US09168763B2	Recording apparatus A recording apparatus includes: a holding unit that holds a liquid receptacle containing a liquid; a recording head that ejects, onto a recording medium, the liquid supplied from the liquid receptacle held by the holding unit; a heating unit that heats the recording medium; and a suction unit that includes a suction port for sucking air to the heating unit. Here, the suction port is disposed in a location that enables the atmosphere around the liquid receptacle to be sucked.
US09168759B2	Method and apparatus for printhead control A method, apparatus, and computer program product are described herein for controlling a printing device. In an example embodiment, a print line is divided into frames and frame dot states are determined based on neighboring frame dot states. Maximum motor speeds of the printing device may be adjusted so that actual motor speeds change gradually during printing. The print engine may detect a printhead type by sending a signal to the printhead and receiving a response.
US09168757B2	Image processing apparatus and image processing method Color separation processing is performed on the input image data to generate material amount data representing the recording amount of each recording material. Halftone processing of generating binary data for each recording scan in an image recording apparatus is performed based on the material amount data. A discharge of a colored material in a first recording scan of recording the colored material and a discharge of a high transmissivity material in a second recording scan of recording the high transmissivity material are represented by the binary data for each recording scan. The high transmissivity material is recorded at a predetermined thickness on a recording layer of the colored material after the first recording scan.
US09168754B2	Liquid ejection apparatus A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejection unit including a nozzle formation surface in which an opening of a nozzle for ejecting liquid is formed; a wiper disposed so that the wiper can come in contact with the nozzle formation surface; and a liquid collection portion, which is capable of collecting liquid adhered to the wiper, disposed on an end side of the nozzle formation surface of the liquid ejection unit so as to be spaced apart from the nozzle formation surface in a wiping direction. The liquid collection portion includes a scraper having a scraping surface that scrapes off the liquid adhered to the wiper by coming in contact with the wiper, and a liquid absorbing material disposed at a position that does not come in contact with the wiper and at a position that comes in contact with an end portion of the scraping surface.
US09168753B2	Maintenance device for a fluid ejection head, a fluid ejection device, and a printer A maintenance device for a fluid ejection head has a small, compact switching mechanism that can appropriately switch drive force from a drive source and drive a suction pump and a wiper.A maintenance device 40 has caps 64 (1) to 65 (4) and wipers 75 (1) to 75 (4), a suction pump 94 that suctions waste ink from the caps 64 (1) to 65 (4), a cap drive transfer mechanism 80 that moves the caps 64 (1) to 65 (4) in a cap movement direction V, a wiper-pump drive transfer mechanism 90 that moves the wipers and drives the suction pump 94, and a drive switching mechanism 100 that switches driving by the wiper-pump drive transfer mechanism 90 to drive the suction pump 94 or move the wipers according to the position of cap movement.
US09168744B2	Electromechanical transducer element, method of manufacturing the same, liquid droplet discharge head, and liquid droplet discharge device An electromechanical transducer element includes a substrate; a first electrode formed on the substrate as a common electrode; an electromechanical transducer membrane formed on the first electrode; a second electrode formed on the electromechanical transducer membrane as an individual electrode; a first insulation protection membrane formed on the first and the second electrode; a third electrode electrically connected to the first electrode; a fourth electrode electrically connected to the second electrode; a second insulation protection membrane including a common electrode pad formed on the third electrode and plural individual electrode pads formed on the fourth electrode; and a fifth electrode formed so as to surround a vicinity of at least one of the individual electrode pads disposed at end parts.Further, the fifth electrode is formed on the first insulation protection membrane and is electrically connected to the first electrode.
US09168737B1	System and method for ejecting adjustable amounts of ink A method for controlling an inkjet printing system including calculating a pigment concentration of ink ejected by the inkjet printhead relative to an initial pigment concentration of the ink based on a determined height of ink in an ink reservoir and a determined period of time since a last printhead activation. A firing pattern for the inkjet printhead is determined based on the determined height, the determined period of time and the calculated relative pigment concentration to account for settling of ink stored in the ink reservoir.
US09168716B2	Metallic sandwich structure having small bend radius An acoustic-attenuating wall panel for a nacelle of a turbine engine may include a radiused portion. The radiused portion may include an airflow surface having a concave configuration and which may be exposed to an airflow passing through the nacelle. The radiused portion may include an acoustic attenuating section.
US09168714B2	Methods for making paperboard blanks and paperboard products therefrom Methods for making paperboard blanks and paperboard products therefrom are provided. In one aspect, a method for making a paperboard blank can include burning a paperboard substrate to form at least one aperture therethrough. The method can also include securing a film onto a first side of the paperboard substrate to produce a paperboard blank.
US09168712B2	Pelletizing press for producing pellets A pelletizing press for producing pellets from material to be pressed, preferably from biomass, for use as fuel in fire places, wherein the biomass consists of cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic fibers, chips or shreds. In the pelletizing press, a dispersion chamber is formed by at least one die having a plurality of bores for pressing the biomass and at least by a lateral wall, and at least one roller rolling on a rolling surface of the die is arranged in the dispersion chamber. A pelletizing press of this method for producing pellets enables the formation of a dispersion chamber that, by means of at least one lateral wall, is as compact and sealed as possible relative to the prior art. At least two lateral wall parts are arranged to form a lateral wall; at least the first lateral wall part is arranged to be movable in relation to the second lateral wall part for carrying out a relative movement.
US09168711B2	Production method and production device of long fiber reinforced plastic strand A long fiber reinforced plastic strand production device is provided with: a rotary type haul-off machine which forms a long fiber reinforced plastic strand by drawing out a reinforcing fiber bundle which has been impregnated with a plastic from an impregnation head while rotating the reinforcing fiber bundle around the axis thereof to apply twists in the reinforcing fiber bundle, and draws in the formed long fiber reinforced plastic strand; and a rotary type winding-up machine which introduces the long fiber reinforced plastic strand drawn from the rotary type haul-off machine to a winding bobbin while rotating the long fiber reinforced plastic strand around the axis of the strand in the same direction as the rotation direction of the reinforcing fiber bundle rotated by the rotary type haul-off machine, and winds the rotated long fiber reinforced plastic strand around the winding bobbin. The rotary type winding-up machine is constituted to be capable of rotating the long fiber reinforced plastic strand at a number of rotation smaller than the number of rotation of the reinforcing fiber bundle by the rotary type haul-off machine.
US09168709B2	Process and apparatus for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels Building a carcass structure of a tire for vehicle wheels includes associating, at each end edge of a carcass ply laying on a forming support, at least one respective annular reinforcing structure obtained by depositing at least one respective reinforcing element. The deposition process includes feeding a continuous reinforced band-like element at a cutting unit, cutting to size at least one first reinforcing element from the continuous reinforced band-like element, moving the first reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a first end edge of the carcass ply, positioning the first reinforcing element on the first end edge, cutting to size at least one second reinforcing element from the continuous reinforced band-like element, moving the second reinforcing element from the cutting unit toward a second end edge of the carcass ply opposite said first end edge, and positioning the second reinforcing element on the other end edge.
US09168708B2	Method of forming a light weight thermoplastic flex foam and hybrid duct system A method of forming a closed cell thermoplastic foam duct and a method of forming a duct and attaching it to an aircraft environmental control system. The environmental control system includes a duct made of closed cell thermoplastic foam, such as polyvinylidene fluoride foam.
US09168702B2	Composite structural member A method of manufacturing a composite structural member (1), comprising the step of laying up a stack of fiber reinforced laminate plies (12), wherein at least one of the plies is laid up as discrete first (13) and second ply (14) portions, and the fibers of the second portion (14) have a different characteristic from those of the first portion (13). Also, a composite structural member (1) manufactured according to the method.
US09168693B2	Laminate material A self supporting curved laminate product resulting from curving of a planar precursor, wherein the planar precursor is a self supporting laminate of two sheets of an acrylic thermoplastic, or of sheets including an acrylic thermoplastic, spaced by, but attaching to, an interposed thermoset polyester system, and wherein curving has involved heating of the laminate sufficient to allow its curving without any substantial degradation of the lamination or its component layers.
US09168692B2	Cover sheet supply apparatus having variable clamp for thermoforming machine Disclosed herein is a cover sheet supply apparatus having variable clamps for a thermoforming machine. The apparatus includes a support frame (100); longitudinal guides (200) which are disposed in the support frame and each of which includes a longitudinal rail (210) and a longitudinal fixed unit (220); lateral guides (300) which are disposed in the support frame on opposite sides of the longitudinal guides, and each of which includes a lateral rail (310) and a lateral fixed unit (320); longitudinal movable clamps (230) which are installed on each longitudinal rail and are connected to each other by a longitudinal link (400); lateral movable clamps (330) which are installed on each lateral rail and are connected to each other by a lateral link (500); a lateral moving means (600) which moves the longitudinal guides in the lateral direction; and a longitudinal moving means (700) which moves the lateral guides in the longitudinal direction.
US09168688B2	Injection molding device, injection molding method and housing There is provided an injection molding device in which the film cutoff and the injection molding can be conducted in one process without fine positional adjustment of the stopper and the shape of the edge surface of the member is not limited to the shape of the cutting blade.Resin is injected between a film (8) arranged on a cavity (1) as a metallic mold including a depression-shaped portion and a core (2) as a metallic mold including a projection-shaped portion to be inserted in the depression-shaped portion of the cavity (1), to thereby form a member; the cavity (1) includes a cutting blade (7) in an outer edge of the depression-shaped portion to cut off the film (8) arranged to project toward an outside plane of the depression-shaped portion; the core (2) includes an edge (3) in an outer edge of the projection-shaped portion to form an edge surface of the member; and when the core (2) is inserted in the cavity (1), the film (8) nipped by the cutting blade (7) and the edge (3) is cut off.
US09168664B2	Low stress hard coatings and applications thereof In one aspect, coated cutting tools are described herein. In some embodiments, a coated cutting tool comprises a substrate and a refractory layer deposited by PVD adhered to the substrate, the refractory layer comprising M1−xAlxN wherein x≧0.4 and M is titanium, chromium or zirconium, the refractory layer having a thickness greater than 5 μm, hardness of at least 25 GPa and residual compressive stress less than 2.5 GPa.
US09168657B2	Parallel link robot with additional actuator arranged at driven links A parallel link robot (10) includes an additional actuator (13d) which is arranged between two driven links (22b, 23b) in parallel with these driven links, a power transmission shaft part (39) which extends coaxially from the additional actuator and transfers the rotational drive force of the additional actuator to a posture changing mechanism part (15), a universal joint (38) which links the shaft part (14) which extends from the posture changing mechanism part and a power transmission shaft part, and a linking/reinforcing part (61) which bypasses the universal joint and links together and reinforces the two ends of the cutaway part of the casing of the moving part (12).
US09168654B2	Coordinate measuring machines with dual layer arm A portable articulated arm coordinate measuring machine (AACMM) is provided including a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends. The arm includes multiple connected arm segments. Each arm segment has a longitudinal axis. Each arm segment includes a generally tubular core, an outer sleeve surrounding at least a portion of a length of the core, and at least one position transducer for producing a position signal. The outer sleeve is a cylindrical tube having a first portion at a first end and a second portion that extends from the first portion to an opposite end. The first portion is coupled to an end of the core. The first portion is shorter than the second portion and the second portion is configured to move relative to the core.
US09168651B2	Hand-held machine tool with a torque clutch A hand-held machine tool includes a gear unit and a torque clutch that has a torque-limiting coupling allocated to the gear unit and that is assigned at least one spring element which is clamped between a limit-transfer element and a spring-holding element, and which is designed to apply a predefined spring force to the limit-transfer element axially in the direction of the torque-limiting coupling. The spring-holding element includes at least one opening, through which the at least one spring element reaches, at least sectionally.
US09168648B2	Vibration dampened hammer A hammer that includes a handle and a head is provided. The head disposed on an upper end of the handle. The handle includes a core member; a rigid material layer molded on the core member; and a grip member molded on at least a portion of the rigid material layer. The grip member includes a first elastomeric material layer molded on the rigid material layer and a second elastomeric material molded on the first elastomeric material layer. The head has an eye portion extending through the head. The handle has at least a portion of its upper end extending into the eye portion. An epoxy resin material is positioned within the eye portion and is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head to secure the handle to the head. An elastomeric portion is at least partially disposed between the handle and the head.
US09168647B2	Automobile rim hammer Methods and apparatus for removing a dent from an automobile rim are described herein. A hammer having a hammer head containing lead, antimony and aluminum is applied to pound an automobile rim. The dent is removed from the rim without breaking the rim. Different compounds of lead for the hammer head are provided. In one embodiment the hammer weighs between 10 and 12 pounds. In another embodiment the hammer head has a cylindrical shape. The hammer head may chip away during hitting the rim.
US09168644B2	Fastening and loosening device for stud bolts and nuts of a reactor vessel A fastening and loosening device is provided with a device main body (101) having an upper portion supported along an arrangement direction of stud bolts (65) in a freely movable manner by a conveyance device (73), a bolt tensioner (102) freely ascendable/descendable with respect to the stud bolts (65) together with the device main body (101) by a lift device (74), a guide device (103) coupled with the device main body (101) in a freely relatively movable manner via a cylinder (121) and having right and left guide members (123 and 124) contactable with an outer periphery of a nut (66) from both the right and left sides of a moving direction of the device main body (101), and a guide position adjustment device (105) capable of moving an inner guide member (123) in a horizontal direction intersecting with the moving direction of the device main body (101).
US09168639B2	Flexible sander A flexible sanding apparatus includes a thin, relatively flat spring member and one or more coil spring members coupled to a first side of the flat spring member along a length of the flat spring member. A sanding surface may be coupled to a second side of the flat spring member. The flat spring member and the coil spring members may be elongated members coupled together lengthwise. The coil spring member may be a closed coil spring member that allows concave flexing of the sanding surface and inhibits convex flexing of the sanding surface.
US09168637B2	Vitrified super-abrasive-grain grindstone A vitrified superabrasive grain grinding stone includes superabrasive grains including a CBN abrasive grain as a main abrasive grain and a diamond abrasive grain as an auxiliary abrasive grain bonded together by use of a vitrified bond. The auxiliary abrasive grain has an average grain diameter equal to ½ to 1/10 of that of the main abrasive grain, and the auxiliary abrasive grain has a toughness value of 0.4 to 1 when that of the main abrasive grain is given as 1.
US09168626B2	Cutting tool sharpener A tool sharpening assembly suitable for sharpening cutting tools. In accordance with some embodiments, the apparatus has a rotatable abrasive surface, and a tool support structure which contactingly supports a body portion of a tool while a cutting surface of the tool is presented against the abrasive surface during a sharpening operation. A cooling mechanism operates to reduce a temperature of the tool.
US09168604B2	Device and method for thermally treating workpieces in particular by convective heat transfer The present invention relates to a device for thermally treating workpieces that are equipped with electrical and electronic components, including at least one process chamber in which at least one heating or cooling zone is formed or disposed, wherein a temperature-controlled gaseous fluid can be introduced into said heating or cooling zone, wherein the workpieces pass through the heating or cooling zone and heat is transferred in a convective manner between the workpieces and the temperature-controlled fluid, and including at least one temperature measuring element disposed in the process chamber, wherein at least one sensor element that has a defined mass is disposed in the process chamber, such that heat is convectively transferred between the sensor element and the fluid, and an apparatus is provided for cooling and/or heating the sensor element, wherein the temperature of the sensor element can be measured by the temperature measuring element.
US09168602B2	Gear grinding machine and gear grinding method The actual axial center position of a helical gear relative to the axial center position of a rotary table is calculated on the basis of input gear dimensions and information from a touch probe. Correction values for the positions and motions of the rotary table and a grindstone are calculated on the basis of the actual axial center position of the helical gear.Operation values for the rotary table, a column, a saddle, and a grindstone head are calculated by adding the correction values to reference values for the positions and motions of the rotary table and the grindstone. Motors are controlled in such a way that operation is carried out at the operation values to thereby carry out form grinding.
US09168601B2	Multi-flute reamer and cutting insert therefor A multi-flute reamer includes a cutting portion having a forward end and a rearward end, and a chip flute with a chip gash opening, and a cutting insert mounted on the cutting portion. A leading edge is formed at an intersection between a top surface and a radially-outward side surface, and a front edge is formed at an intersection between the top surface and a forward side surface. The cutting insert includes a rounded lead cutting edge formed at the intersection between the leading edge and the front edge, and the top surface includes a chip breaker having a bottom surface formed with a radius, R.
US09168591B2	Core drilling machine Disclosed is a core drilling machine, comprising a stand part for fixing the core drilling machine to a component, and comprising, on the stand part, a guide along which a core drilling unit is carried in a movable manner, the stand part having a stand housing, on an outside face of which the guide is carried, and the core drilling unit having an elongate machine housing, which is carried so as to be movable along the guide by means of a slide, and comprising a cable, which, together with a protective sleeve, is routed from the stand part to the core drilling unit, the cable being routed from the stand housing to the core drilling unit via a flexible protective sleeve and being carried on the core drilling unit by means of a swivelling rotary joint.
US09168587B2	Fine coated copper particles and method for producing same Provided are fine coated copper particles, which are fine with a narrow particle size distribution and superior storability, and which can be sintered at low temperatures. Specifically provided is a method for producing fine coated copper particles which is characterized by including: a step of mixing a copper-containing compound and a reducing compound to form a composite compound that is capable of thermal decomposition to generate copper in an alkylamine; and a step of heating the composite compound in the alkylamine to produce fine copper particles coated with the alkylamine.
US09168580B2	System and method for accumulative double sided incremental forming A forming system includes first and second tools, moving assemblies, and a control unit. The moving assemblies move the first tool and the second tool relative to the sheet. The control unit is configured to control movement of the first tool and the second tool by the one or more moving assemblies by moving at least one of the first tool or the second tool in a first deformation direction to deform the sheet, then moving the first and second tools laterally relative to the sheet to a subsequent location while engaging the sheet, then moving at least one of the first tool or the second tool in the first deformation direction or an opposite second deformation direction to deform the sheet, and then continue moving the first and second tools to deform the sheet in order to create a three-dimensional component from the sheet.
US09168578B2	Hot stamping mold A hot stamping mold apparatus may include a bottom part equipped on a bolster and a top part equipped on a slider, wherein the bottom part and the top part each include a cooling mold including a plurality of coolant chambers formed therein, a heating mold installed at a side of the cooling mold to form a formed surface together with the cooling mold and provided with a heating cartridge installed at a side of the heating mold, and a plurality of insert blocks interposed between the cooling mold and the heating mold.
US09168576B2	Tower production method A tower (C) production method is developed with the present invention, comprising a first production stage including the steps of unrolling and bringing into a planar state a sheet metal (B) wound around a coil (A); bending the planar sheet metal (B) at the lateral direction at varying bending radii (d); and winding the bent sheet metal (B′) into a conical coil (A′), as well as a final production stage yielding the tower and including the steps of feeding the sheet metal (B′) unwound from the conical coil (A′) to at least one winding machine (8), and bending and winding the bent sheet metal (B′) in the winding machine around a central bending axis (T) parallel to one surface (B1) thereof so that a defined initial winding radius and the angle between a longer edge (B3) thereof and the axis (T) are kept constant and the longer edge (B3) of the sheet metal is joined over itself.
US09168575B2	No-slit hot rolling of railroad rails A method of recycling a one-piece rail having a base portion and a head portion spaced from each other by a substantially flat web portion. The steps include: heating the rail to a plastic state; feeding the heated rail through a first reduction pass to reduce a cross section of the rail without slitting the rail; feeding the bar through a second reduction pass in which the cross section of the bar is further modified; feeding the bar through a third reduction pass in which the cross section of the bar is further modified and then slitting the bar along the web portion into two bar pieces, one containing the former head portion and one containing the former base portion, as the bar leaves the third reduction pass; and rolling the two bar pieces through a series of reduction passes to produce a desired final cross section of the pieces.
US09168573B2	Products made from biomass and method of making the same A product comprises a combination of a plurality of recovered materials, and at least one precursor material, an interaction between biomass and at least one fluid providing the plurality of recovered materials, the biomass being of animal or human origin, the at least one fluid in interaction with the biomass provides at least one of degradation of a plurality of organic molecules comprised by the biomass, and breakage of a plurality of protein bonds comprised by the biomass, and the combination of the plurality of recovered materials and the at least one precursor material forms the product into a solid object.
US09168565B2	Method of reducing dust with self-assembly composites Well treatment particulates are coated with polyionic material and a composite is formed comprising multiple layers of polyelectrolyte, each layer composed of polyionic material counter to the polyionic material of the polyelectrolyte layer to which it is adjacent.
US09168562B2	Syringe-assist device and method for utilizing the same A syringe-assist device including a housing portion, an actuator portion, and a syringe-supporting member. The housing portion includes body defining an axial passage. The actuator portion is connected to and is partially disposed within the axial passage of the body. The syringe-supporting member is movably-disposed within the axial passage. The syringe-supporting member fluidly separates the axial passage into a first, proximal passage portion and a second, distal passage portion. The actuator portion is movably-disposed within the second, distal passage portion of the axial passage. The syringe-supporting member defines a fluid-flow passage that fluidly-connects the first, proximal passage portion of the axial passage to the second, distal passage portion of the axial passage. A method is also disclosed.
US09168560B2	Feeding mold A feeding mold including a runner and a gate structure is provided. The runner is adapted to be filled with a liquid-like material. The gate structure includes a storage cavity, a running passage and a filling cavity. The storage cavity communicates with the runner and is adapted to store the liquid-like material filled by the runner. The running passage communicates with the storage cavity. The running passage is adapted to carry the liquid-like material from the storage cavity so as to evenly distribute the liquid-like material. The running passage has a protruding buffering cavity which is located between the storage cavity and the filling cavity and is adapted to change the velocity of the liquid-like material in the running passage, and lower the temperature of the liquid-like material flowed onto a surface of a workpiece.
US09168557B2	Coating apparatus Certain embodiments provided a coating apparatus includes an applicator, material supply unit, and first, second, and third moving mechanisms. The applicator includes a meniscus pillar forming portion configured to form a meniscus pillar of the material in conjunction with a surface to be coated of the object to be coated and a recess. The material supply unit supplies the material to the applicator. The first moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface along the surface. The second moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relative to the surface so that the meniscus pillar between the surface and the recess. The third moving mechanism moves the position of the applicator relatively toward and away from the surface.
US09168551B2	Discharging apparatus for media Discharging apparatus for liquid, pasty or pulverulent media having a housing, a discharging opening, a reservoir for storing the medium prior to being discharged, and a handle which causes medium to be delivered from the reservoir to the discharging opening, wherein the discharging apparatus has an electric load and a converter for converting the mechanical energy introduced at the handle into electrical energy for supplying the electric load.Mechanical energy introduced at the handle is fed to the converter by a transmission unit. The linear movement of the handle or of a stressing member of a spring energy store, which can be subjected to stressing by means of the handle, is converted into a non-rotary oscillating movement of a pendulum member, wherein the converter is designed for converting the mechanical energy of the oscillating pendulum member into electrical energy.
US09168546B2	Cold gas dynamic spray apparatus, system and method A system for cold gas dynamic spraying of particulate material has a de Laval nozzle and two or more radial particle inlets located between the throat and the outlet of the nozzle, the two or more particle inlets arranged symmetrically around a linear flow path of the nozzle. Blocking of the inlets is reduced by controlling pressure of particle carrier gas to provide a stable particulate material injection pressure before and during introduction of working gas into the nozzle, and/or by clearing the particle inlets of residual particles after a spraying process. Such a system and associated method combines benefits of both downstream and upstream cold gas spray systems. Further, a nozzle for spraying particulate material having a cross-sectional shape that is narrower in a middle section compared to edge sections provides coatings with superior cross-sectional profiles.
US09168544B2	Fluid jet system A fluid jet system providing a hydraulic induction manifold for at least two valves. The manifold is positioned “upstream” of an abrasives holding tank, so that no abrasive material flows through the valves and the manifold. The valves and the manifold provide pressurized fluid for at least two different flows: (1) a primary fluid flow and (2) an abrasive material flow through the abrasives holding tank. The two flows are merged again at a junction to provide a fluid flow having a predetermined abrasive-to-fluid mixture ratio. The manifold balances the pressure of the two different flows using a preset geometric relationship between the two different output flow paths associated with the valves.
US09168542B2	Water-ejection-angle adjustable shower head A water-ejection-angle adjustable shower head includes a main body, and a swing rod, a water dispenser disk, an upper plate, and a lower plate built in the main body from top to bottom. An upper end of the lower plate passes through the upper plate and is hinged onto the water dispenser disk. A center of the swing rod is hinged onto a center of the water dispenser disk. The water-ejection-angle adjustable shower head can be operate to make the water outage holes on a lower surface of the lower plate to swing to various different directions, to form the dispersion water ejections or converging and merging water ejections. As such, the form and intensity of water ejections can be varied, to meet the demands of various customers.
US09168540B2	Outlet mechanism with pulsatile splash An outlet mechanism with pulsatile splash has a main waterway comprising an inlet waterway, two branch waterways and two back-flow waterways; the two branch waterways communicate with the outlet end of the inlet waterway and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the inlet waterway. The outlet directions of the outlet ends of the two branch waterways intersect; the two back-flow waterways are arranged symmetrically with respect to the inlet waterway, and one end of the back-flow waterway communicates with the branch waterway. Another end of that communicates with the inlet end of the inlet waterway. Part of water in the branch waterway is returned to the inlet end of the inlet waterway by the back-flow waterway. The remain water in the two branch waterways intersect when water comes out of the outlet, so that the left-and-right-swing outlet effect, and then the pulsatile splash outlet effect are generated.
US09168536B2	Vertical vortex generating sluice/slurry separator A sluice box separator apparatus having a curved partition wall to shape the water flow into a horizontal vortex, inducing lighter material to exit the vortex with the water, and the denser materials to settle into a well located beneath the location of the induced vortex, including a selectively openable gate between the well and a valuable material recovery chamber.
US09168530B2	Methods and systems for fast PCR heating A microplate for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) comprises a substrate having a metallic material for heating PCR samples, and a barrier layer disposed adjacent to the substrate. In some cases, the barrier layer is formed of a first polymeric material. The microplate includes one or more wells for containing PCR samples. The one or more wells are formed of a second polymeric material sealed to the barrier layer. In some cases, the substrate can provide a PCR ramp rate of at least about 5° C./second.
US09168523B2	Systems and methods for detecting the presence of a selected volume of material in a sample processing device Systems and methods for processing sample processing devices. The system can include a sample processing device comprising a detection chamber, a motor configured to rotate the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and an optical module operatively positioned relative to the sample processing device and configured to determine whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber of the sample processing device. The method can include rotating the sample processing device about an axis of rotation, and determining whether a selected volume of material is present in the detection chamber, while rotating the sample processing device. In some embodiments, determining whether a selected volume of material is present can be performed by optically interrogating the detection chamber for an optical property of the material.
US09168519B2	Hydroconversion multi-metallic catalyst and method for making thereof In a process for forming a bulk hydroprocessing catalyst by sulfiding a catalyst precursor made in a co-precipitation reaction, up to 60% of the metal precursor feeds do not react to form catalyst precursor and end up in the supernatant as metal residuals. In the present disclosure, the metals can be recovered in a chemical precipitation step, wherein the supernatant is mixed with at least one of an acid, a sulfide-containing compound, a base, and combinations thereof to precipitate at least 50% of metal ions in at least one of the metal residuals, wherein the precipitation is carried out at a pre-select pH. The precipitate is isolated and recovered, yielding an effluent stream. The precipitate and/or the effluent stream can be further treated to form at least a metal precursor feed which can be used in the co-precipitation reaction. The process generates an effluent to waste treatment containing less than 50 ppm metals.
US09168515B2	High-selectivity catalyst for production of high-quality gasoline fractions from syngas and its preparation method The invention relates to a catalyst for selective synthesis of high-quality gasoline fractions from syngas and the preparation method of the catalyst. This catalyst consists of cobalt, a promoter and molecular sieve, wherein cobalt is presented in an amount of 1-30%, the promoter is represented in an amount of 0.01-5% and the balance is molecular sieve based on the weight of the catalyst. This catalyst provides superior selectivity for C5-C11 isoparaffins and relatively lower selectivity for wax-type hydrocarbons with more than 20 carbon atoms. Thereof, this catalyst can be used for the synthesis of high-quality gasoline and is good at preventing catalyst coking. Besides, the invention provides a preparation method of the catalyst.
US09168511B2	Catalyst for hydrogen production The invention provides a catalyst for the production of hydrogen by steam reforming. The catalyst is a porous catalyst which is based on at least aluminum oxide and preferably magnesium oxide, and further comprises boron and nickel. The porous catalyst comprises pores having an average pore size in the range of 0.1-50 nm. The activity of the catalyst may be further enhanced by addition of a noble metal such as Rh, Ru, Pd, Ir or Pt. The catalyst can be broadly used in hydrogen production processes, and is especially suitable for reforming using a membrane which is selective for a predetermined reaction product. Such process can be operated at relatively low temperatures of about 450-700° C.
US09168510B2	Nickel catalysts for reforming hydrocarbons A catalyst for reforming hydrocarbons may include a catalytically active amount of nickel or nickel oxide dispersed on a metal oxide support. The metal oxide support may be of a single-metal oxide of a first metal or a complex-metal oxide of the first metal and a second metal. A co-catalyst of magnesium oxide (MgO) may anchor the nickel or nickel oxide onto the metal oxide support.
US09168503B2	Reaction system and process for preparing polymethoxy dimethyl ether The invention relates to a reaction system and process for continuously preparing polymethoxy dimethyl ether (DMM3-8) by a continuous acetalization reaction between an aqueous formaldehyde solution or paraformaldehyde and methanol in the presence of a functionalized acidic ionic liquid as a catalyst. The reaction system of the invention preferably comprises a formaldehyde-concentrating unit, a vacuum-drying unit, an acetalization reaction unit, a product-separating unit and a catalyst-regenerating unit. The process of the invention uses aqueous formaldehyde solution as an initial raw material, which is concentrated in the formaldehyde-concentrating unit to a concentrated formaldehyde of 50˜80 wt. %, and vacuum-dried to paraformaldehyde, or uses paraformaldehyde as raw material directly, then obtains DMM3-8 by an acetalization reaction. The raw materials of the reaction used in the invention are cheap and available easily, and the utilization rate of formaldehyde is high; an efficient separation between the catalyst and product, as well as the reuse of the catalyst and raw materials, are realized by a separation mode of combining extraction and rectification together.
US09168479B2	Plugged honeycomb structure A plugged honeycomb structure includes a honeycomb structure section having porous partition walls, the plurality of cells including large cells and small cells having different open areas in a cross section perpendicular to an extending direction of the cells; inflow side plugged portions arranged in inflow side end portions of the predetermined cells including the large cells and the small cells among the plurality of cells; and outflow side plugged portions arranged in outflow side end portions of the remaining cells including the large cells and the small cells among the plurality of cells. The predetermined cells are outflow cells having the plugged inflow side end portions and the open outflow side end portions in the honeycomb structure section, and the remaining cells are inflow cells having the plugged outflow side end portions and the open inflow side end portions in the honeycomb structure section.
US09168476B2	Air filter comprising a microperforated film, and method of using Filter media including a microperforated film with tapered microperforations, and a nonwoven web positioned upstream of the microperforated film. Framed air filters incorporating such filter media, and methods of using such filter media.
US09168469B2	Method and system for production of a chemical commodity using a fiber conduit reactor A fiber reaction process whereby reactive components contained in immiscible streams are brought into contact to effect chemical reactions and separations. The conduit reactor utilized contains wettable fibers onto which one stream is substantially constrained and a second stream is flowed over to continuously create a new interface there between to efficiently bring about contact of the reactive species and thus promote reactions thereof or extractions thereby. Co-solvents and phase transfer catalysts may be employed to facilitate the process.
US09168468B2	System and method for recycling high-boiling-point waste photoresist stripper In a system for recycling a high-boiling-point waste photoresist stripper generated in processes of manufacturing LCDs or semiconductor devices, wherein an expensive high-boiling-point stripper solvent can be easily recycled at high yield and high-purity electronic grade. This system includes a first distillation device for removing low-boiling-point impurities, a second distillation device for recycling a stripper solvent composition while removing high-boiling-point impurities, a third distillation device for removing trace water, thus recovering the stripper solvent composition, a fourth distillation device for additionally recycling a stripper solvent, thus additionally recovering a high-boiling-point stripper solvent, and a fifth distillation device for sequentially and separately recovering the stripper solvent composition recovered by the second distillation device and the high-boiling-point stripper solvent additionally recovered by the fourth distillation device.
US09168463B2	Toy track set A toy track set includes a vehicle path defined by a track and a gap disposed between a first gap end and a second gap end. The toy track also includes a carriage assembly configured to carry a toy vehicle across the gap such that the toy vehicle travels from the first gap end to the second gap end on the carriage assembly, the carriage assembly being moved from the first gap end to the second gap end by an assembly having an arm rotatable about an axis of rotation and that rotates through an angle equal to or greater than 360 degrees as it carries the toy vehicle from the first gap end to the second gap end.
US09168453B2	Puzzle and its manufacturing process A puzzle having a plurality of jigsaw puzzle elements; the jigsaw puzzle element having a first pressure cutting member, a second pressure cutting member, and a fracturing member which is arranged between the first and second pressure cutting members and the first and second pressure cutting members being mounted to opposing face of the fracturing member.
US09168451B2	Game-piece launching toy This game-piece launching toy, which is a toy used while playing games in which game-pieces such as marbles are launched, includes a toy body; a flipping member installed on the toy body; a pushing member configured to move a game-piece placed on the toy body toward a tip of the flipping member; and a restriction member installed on the toy body to be movable with respect to the toy body and operated by a user to restrict the flipping member. The game-piece loaded into the toy body is launched from the toy body using a restriction force acting on the flipping member.
US09168437B2	Progressive set of golf club heads A set of progressive golf clubs with an elliptical pad construction on the back of the striking face that corresponds to a location, shape and size of a predetermined golfer's impact pattern for the lofts and lengths of each of the golf clubs in the set. The elliptical pad progressively changes in location, shape and size from the long irons, to the mid irons, to the short irons, and to the wedges, based on the location, shape and size of a predetermined golfer's impact pattern for each of the long irons, mid irons, short irons, and wedges.
US09168436B2	Golf club having a reinforced ball striking plate A ball striking device includes a ball striking plate having a front surface configured to strike a ball and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The ball striking plate has a desired-contact region and a perimeter. One or more spoke-like reinforcement ribs may be located on the rear surface and may radiate away from the desired-contact region toward the perimeter. At least one of the spoke-like reinforcement ribs may be located in an upper-toe quadrant or in an upper-heel quadrant of the rear surface. One or more encircling reinforcement ribs may be located on the rear surface. The one or more encircling reinforcement ribs may be at least partially encircling the desired-contact region. A thickened portion of the ball striking plate may be positioned behind the desired-contact region of the ball striking plate. The ball striking device may be a golf club head.
US09168431B2	Fairway wood golf club head A fairway wood golf club characterized by a long blade length, a small club moment arm, and a large transfer distance thereby producing a relatively small CG angle and a relatively high face closing moment of inertia, and all the benefits afforded therefrom.
US09168426B2	Golf clubs with hosel inserts and methods of manufacturing golf clubs with hosel inserts Embodiments of golf club heads with hosel inserts are presented herein. Other embodiments can be described and claimed.
US09168408B2	Surfactant composition from polyfluoroalkylsulfonamido alkyl amines The present invention relates to aminosulfonate and aminocarboxylate compositions derived from a mixture of polyfluoroalkylsulfonamido alkyl amines including at least one polyfluoroalkylsulfonamido alkyl amine and its analog, a di(polyfluoroalkylsulfonamido alkyl) amine. The aminosulfonate and aminocarboxylate compositions are useful for many purposes including amphoteric surface-active agents and aqueous film forming foams in fire fighting applications.
US09168398B2	Skin treatment compositions Arbutin-containing compositions are useful for topical application to provide enhanced luminosity, brightening or lightening to the skin of a user and are at least 85% as efficacious (with regard to skin lightening, when used alone or in a system as measured by Chromameter® b* parameter values) as substantially corresponding compositions containing hydroquinone in an amount from about the same molar amount to about 1.5 times the molar amount of arbutin.
US09168370B2	Concurrent treatment of oral and systemic maladies using direct current electricity A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing direct current electricity. Electrodes are used to deliver a direct current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.
US09168358B1	Device that holds an intraosseous infusion system in place on an individual's leg The invention protects an intraosseous infusion system from being bumped or displaced. The device is a strap and an implement that holds the intraosseous infusion system. The implement is comprised of two pieces. A U shaped piece that has an opening that holds the intraosseous infusion device. The second piece when snapped into place encircles the intraosseous infusion device to securely hold the intraosseous infusion device in place. To use the invention, the invention is place over the intraosseous infusion device placed in the patient's leg and the strap is tightened around the patient's leg. Then the second piece is pushed around the intraosseous infusion device to hold it securely in place.
US09168357B2	Linear object manipulation assisting device A linear object manipulation assisting device is provided which allows easy manipulation of a linear object. A wire manipulation assisting device as a linear object manipulation assisting device assists manipulation of a delivery wire penetrating through a Y connector. The Y connector includes a main branch through which the delivery wire penetrates, and a side port that branches off from the main branch. A microcatheter having the delivery wire inserted therein is connected to one end of the main branch. The wire manipulation assisting device includes a fixing portion for fixing the Y connector and a placement portion attached to the fixing portion. A portion of the delivery wire that protrudes from the other end of the main branch can be manipulated with at least the first and second fingers of the right hand with the carpal portion of the right hand being placed on the placement portion.
US09168353B2	Catheter with flexible tip and shape retention An improved apparatus and method to catheterize passages is disclosed. The present disclosure provides a catheter having a soft flexible pre-formed distal tip, that when used in combination with commercially available guidewires of variable stiffness, results in the ability to control the direction and angle of wire advancement allowing cannulation of body passages, including those that arise at acute angles. The catheter can have a longitudinal axis, a proximal section and a distal section having a soft flexible pre-formed tip having a curvature of ninety degrees or greater and shape retention. The catheter can have an inner wall that defines a lumen that runs along said longitudinal axis forming a single continuous tube, a reinforcement braid disposed over the inner wall, and an outside covering disposed over the reinforcement braid. A spacer can be added between said wall liner and said reinforcement braid in the proximal end.
US09168352B2	Dual lumen cannula A dual lumen coaxial cannula assembly includes a first infusion tube having a first elongate body defining a first lumen therethrough and a second drainage tube co-axially aligned with the first infusion tube and having a second elongate body with a second lumen defined by a space between the first infusion tube and second drainage tube. A connector is removably attached to the first infusion tube and the second drainage tube for coupling the dual lumen coaxial cannula to an extracorporeal blood circuit. The first infusion tube and the second drainage tube include a plurality of infusion and drainage apertures, respectively, provided at the distal end and extending through the sidewall of the first infusion tube and the drainage tube, respectively.
US09168349B2	Headgear assembly for a respiratory mask assembly A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.
US09168346B2	Nasal continuous positive airway pressure device A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) device having a hollow body with a proximal wall, a distal wall, and an exhaust port extending through the distal wall. A proximal tubular member extends through the proximal wall of the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the proximal tubular member will exit the proximal tubular member in a first direction and then enter the exhaust port. A nozzle extends through the body and is arranged such that a stream of gas entering the body through the nozzle will exit the nozzle and then enter the proximal tubular member in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
US09168342B2	Medicament blister The present invention relates to medicament blisters for powder inhalers. The blisters according to the invention contain an inhalable powder comprising a medicament. The blisters are characterized by a reduced permeability for water vapor, which is achieved by decreasing the height of the sealing lacquer layer.
US09168340B2	System and method for pain reduction during skin puncture and breakable tip therefor An instrument, article and method are provided for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic. The instrument has a forward end. A rod or lightpipe mounted freely for vibration projects out of the forward end. The article, a single use tip, is composed of a tip sleeve removably mounted on the forward end of the instrument and a tip member removably mounted on the projecting rod or lightpipe to vibrate a preselected injection site on a human or animal. The tip sleeve and tip member are covered by an elastic overmold that enables the tip member to vibrate freely with respect to the tip sleeve and light from the lightpipe to illuminate the injection site. The overmold of the single use tip is torn during removal of the single use tip from the instrument.
US09168334B2	Pumping system and method for assisting a patient's heart A cannula for a patient includes an elongate body having a length of at least 70 cm and a channel extending through the body defining a wall. The cannula includes a wire embodied within at least a portion of the wall. The body has a proximal end, a distal end having a tip opening through which the channel extends and a plurality of side holes through the wall in proximity to the tip for unimpeded flow of blood at the distal end. The cannula includes a barbed fitting at the proximal end. The cannula includes a suture wing for securing the elongated body to the patient. A system for assisting a patient's heart. A method for assisting a patient's heart.
US09168329B2	Beta-peptides with antifungal activity The present invention is directed to the design, synthesis and use of various β-peptides exhibiting antifungal activity. The β-peptides are relatively short in length, adopt globally amphiphilic conformations, and cause little lysis of human red blood cells at concentrations that kill Candida albicans, a common human fungal pathogen.
US09168323B2	Hydroxyl generator Superior hydroxyls are provided which have effects on organic and inorganic compounds and/or pollutants over substantial periods of time and/or at substantial distances from where the superior hydroxyls are generated. Also provided is a hydroxyl generator, in which UV lamps are positioned such that the coronas which they produce when emitting UV radiation fill substantially all the interior space of the hydroxyl generator. The coronas overlap each other by a maximum amount of between 5% and 25% of the radius of each corona.
US09168321B2	Toroidal-shaped treatment device for disinfecting a fluid such as air or water There is provided a treatment device for disinfecting a fluid being configured as a conduit for conveying a flow of fluid to be treated, said device being toroidal-shaped with an inner concave parabolic surface, wherein the device is provided with apertures extending from the outer to the inner surface of the toroidal-shaped device; one or more UV LED(s) provided in the apertures thereby enabling emitted light to be transmitted through the apertures into the interior part of the device for disinfecting said fluid; a power source for powering the UV LEDs, wherein the inner surface is made from a light reflecting material, and the apertures are sealed in the ends extending into the interior part of the device by a UV-transparent material.
US09168317B2	In vivo imaging method of mood disorders The present invention provides a method useful in the diagnosis and/or monitoring of mood disorders wherein there is an abnormal expression of PBR. The method of the invention is useful in the differential diagnosis of said mood disorders and other conditions where there is no abnormal expression of PBR but where the symptoms may be similar to those of said mood disorder.
US09168316B2	Methods for treating obesity The present invention provides methods to reduce or inhibit weight gain by administering inhibitors of the SirT1 protein to a subject. Methods to identify such inhibitors are also disclosed.
US09168311B2	Oligomer-dantrolene conjugates and related compounds The invention relates to (among other things) oligomer-dantrolene conjugates and related compounds. A conjugate of the invention, when administered by any of a number of administration routes, exhibits advantages over previously administered compounds.
US09168304B2	Diclofenac topical formulation The present invention provides a gel formulation comprising diclofenac sodium which has superior transdermal flux properties, which may be used for the topical treatment of pain, such as in osteoarthritis.
US09168302B2	Reduction of side effects from aromatase inhibitors used for treating breast cancer The present invention is directed generally to pharmaceutical compositions, methods, and kits for improving side effects associated with aromatase inhibitor treatment in a subject diagnosed with breast cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising an aromatase inhibitor and an androgenic agent.
US09168301B2	Use of boric acid in boron neutron capture therapy for liver cancer The present invention provides a boron drug for boron neutron capture therapy for liver cancer, which is an aqueous solution of boric acid.
US09168289B2	Method of treatment of small for gestational age infants under two years of age The invention provides a method and a composition for the treatment of infants age less than 2.5 years old defined as small for gestational age (SGA), including the use of hGH or any compound that increases blood levels of hGH or of IGF-I. Early use of the composition prevents the irreversible neurological and psychological damage of the children.
US09168282B2	Method for treating neuronal damage and neurological diseases Disclosed is a method of treating pain. The method includes administering a lecithin as an active ingredient to a mammal to treat the pain, wherein the pain is caused by at least one of herpes zoster, post-herpetic neuralgia, and diabetic neuropathic pain. The method further includes administering at least one selected from the group consisting of vegetable gel, a vegetable resin, and a synthetic resin, wherein the vegetable gel, vegetable resin, and synthetic resin is selected from the group consisting of aloe gel; a seaweed extract selected from the group consisting of kelp extract, agar extract, and Fucoidan; and a mixture thereof.
US09168275B2	Method of treating gastrointestinal diseases associated with species of genus Clostridium The invention includes a method of treating gastrointestinal diseases associated with species of genus Clostridium such as clostridium deficit in human patients with gastrointestinal disorders having an etiological component such as a microbial agent producing a toxin where treated with an antimicrobial composition an amount effective to inhibit or eliminate the microbial agent. The antimicrobial composition in a form of probiotic mixture can be administrated alone or in combination with an antimicrobial agent, such as a bacteriophage which is specific for a bacterium producing toxin or antibiotics which are then used to eliminate or inhibit the clostridial species overgrown in a patient's gastrointestinal tract. Disorders that can be treated by the method of the invention include diarrhea or inflammatory bowel diseases such as colitis or Crohn's disease.
US09168271B2	Delivery of active agents using a chocolate vehicle This invention provides edible compositions comprising pharmaceutically or nutraceutically active agents in particulate form homogeneously dispersed in a fat matrix, such as chocolate or chocolate compound coating.
US09168268B1	Saponins and chromans derivatives mixture compositions against leishmaniasis, Trypanosomiasis americana, malaria, Trypanosomiasis africana and Fasciola hepatica SAPONINS AND CHROMANS DERIVATIVES MIXTURE COMPOSITIONS AGAINST LEISHMANIASIS, TRYPANOSOMIASIS AMERICANA, MALARIA, TRYPANOSOMIASIS AFRICANA AND FASCIOLA HEPATICA, is a composition of saponins and chromans derivatives. The saponins are triterpene types and chromans are hydrazones derivatives. This composition is a therapeutic agent against tropical diseases.
US09168262B2	Estriol therapy for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases The present invention discloses administering steroid hormones to mammals to treat autoimmune related diseases, more particularly, Th1-mediated (cell-mediated) autoimmune diseases including: multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), autoimmune thyroiditis and uveitis. Most preferably the invention is used to treat a patient with a therapeutically effective amount of estriol of 8 milligrams once daily via oral administration to treat the symptoms or prevent the onset of multiple sclerosis.
US09168250B2	Pharmaceutical composition for treating and/or preventing a pathology associated with an obsessional behavior or with obesity This invention relates to the use of a ligand of the 5-HT4 receptor or of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of this ligand and to a nucleic acid coding for a 5-HT4 receptor or of a functionally equivalent receptor for a drug for treating and/or preventing a pathology associated with an obsessional behavior such as anorexia, bulimia and the addiction to drugs of abuse or obesity. The invention also relates to a method for identifying a compound that is biologically active in the treatment and/or the prevention of a pathology associated with an obsessional conduct or obesity including: a) placing the 5-HT4 receptor or a functionally equivalent receptor in contact with this biologically active compound, and b) the determination of whether this biologically active compound is capable of modulating the basal activity of the 5-HT4 receptor or of a functionally equivalent receptor.
US09168249B2	Substituted dihydropyrazolones for treating cardiovascular and hematological diseases The present application relates to novel substituted dihydropyrazolone derivatives, processes for their preparation, their use for treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and their use for the preparation of medicaments for treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular cardiovascular and hematological diseases and kidney diseases, and for promoting wound healing.
US09168234B2	Bupropion as a modulator of drug activity This disclosure relates to methods administering bupropion or a prodrug thereof in conjunction with dextromethorphan to a human being. Dosage forms, drug delivery systems, and methods related to dextromethorphan or dextrorphan and bupropion or a prodrug of bupropion are also disclosed.
US09168221B2	Functionalised triblock copolymers and compositions containing such polymers Amphiphilic triblock copolymers B-A-B, wherein A is a linear poly(ethylene glycol) block, having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of between 900 and 3000 Daltons, determined with size exclusion chromatography; wherein B are hydrophobic blocks with at least two cyclic monomers selected from the group consisting of glycolide, lactide, 1,3-dioxan-2-one, 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxan-2-one, 1,4-dioxan-2-one, 1,4-dioxepan-2-one, 1,5-dioxepan-2-one, each B-block having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of between 400 and 2000 Daltons, determined with size exclusion chromatography; and wherein 25% to 100% of the polymer hydroxyl end-groups are covalently modified with at least one derivative of a C2-C20 fatty acid. The invention also relates to compositions with such polymers and the use thereof.
US09168217B2	Gentle oxidative hair treatment with oxidizing agent and special starch derivative The present specification provides for an oxidative hair treatment agent. The agent includes, in a cosmetic carrier, a combination of at least one oxidizing agent and at least one modified starch. The modified starch is modified by propylene oxide, has an average molecular weight between 50 and 2500 kiloDaltons (kDa), and has a propylene oxide content between 0.1 and 20.0 weight percent (wt %) based on the weight of the modified starch.
US09168210B2	Hair cosmetic A problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a hair cosmetic which can be easily applied to the hair uniformly, and at the same time, does not drip from the hair, does not spatter when applied to the hair, and does not dirty the surrounding, clothing, the skin or the like. The present invention relates to a hair cosmetic comprising (A) a cationic surfactant, (B) a nonionic surfactant, (C) a higher alcohol, (D) an oil having an IOB value of 0.1 or lower, and (E) water, which is used after being mixed with a gas to be thickened.
US09168208B2	Ultraviolet-shielding composite particles, method for manufacturing the same, ultraviolet-shielding composite particle-containing dispersion liquid, aqueous dispersion element, oil-based dispersion element and cosmetic material Ultraviolet-shielding composite particles of the invention are ultraviolet-shielding composite particles which include a resin containing an organic ultraviolet absorbent and metal oxide particles having an ultraviolet-shielding function, and have an average particle diameter of 0.05 μm or more and 5 μm or less, in which the metal oxide particles are particles which include one or two or more selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, cerium oxide and iron oxide and have an average particle diameter of 0.003 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less, a content of the organic ultraviolet absorbent in the ultraviolet-shielding composite particles is 0.1% by mass or more 80% by mass or less, a content of the metal oxide particles is 1% by mass or more 80% by mass or less, and the metal oxide particles are dispersed in the ultraviolet-shielding composite particles.
US09168205B2	Gastrointestinal feeding and aspiration catheter A gastrointestinal catheter having feeding and suction channels in close proximity. The gastrointestinal catheters may have a controlled leak via a recirculation feature.
US09168198B2	Skin-stimulation unit and skin-massage apparatus having same Provided are a skin-stimulation unit and a skin-massage apparatus having same. The skin-stimulation unit includes a striking member for applying an impact to the skin; a cap part into which the striking member is slidably inserted; and a connecting rod having a front end connected to the striking member and a rear end connected to an external source of motive power. The connecting rod linearly reciprocates the striking member.
US09168195B2	Motion-assist system of wearable motion-assist device, wearable motion-assist device, and motion-assist method of wearable motion-assist device A motion state of a wearable motion-assist device of a doctor is sent to the wearable motion-assist device of a patient via a network. Then, this motion state is applied to the wearable motion-assist device of the patient, so that rehabilitation is conducted for the patient. Furthermore, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device of the patient is sent from the wearable motion-assist device to the wearable motion-assist device. Then, the motion state of the wearable motion-assist device is applied to the wearable motion-assist device. Accordingly, the doctor can objectively sense the state of the patient.
US09168194B2	Incubator and method thereof An incubator to maintain environmental conditions suitable for an infant is provided. The incubator comprises a vertical support structure with a plurality of horizontal columns connected to a bottom end of the vertical support structure to form a base portion. A crib is mounted on to the vertical support structure above the base portion for supporting the infant. The crib comprises a base plate and a plurality of plates arranged in a predetermined manner to form side walls of the crib. At least one dispenser nozzle is provided in the side walls for supplying water vapors to the crib. A humidification system, attachable at least to the base portion of the incubator, is fluidly connected to the inlets of the dispenser nozzles for supplying the water vapors. A radiant warmer is mounted on a top end of the vertical support structure for supplying radiant heat energy to the crib.
US09168191B1	Adjustable wheelchair foot bracket An adjustable wheelchair foot bracket that is releasably attachable to the footplate of a wheelchair between an attached position and an unattached position. The foot bracket includes an attachment member having a first plate and a second plate disposed in parallel to superimpose upon either side of a wheelchair footplate and frictionally engage the footplate therebetween. A rubberlike foot guard is disposed arcuately normal the attachment member, and curves to shield the foot of a user riding in the wheelchair, around said user's toes to terminate in a position proximal the tarsus of said user's foot. Impacts of the foot guard with objects externally situated relative the wheelchair act to compress the foot bracket directionally toward the attached position, whereby the attached position in maintained during use.
US09168179B2	Reduced-pressure dressings employing tissue-fixation elements A reduced-pressure system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a distribution manifold that adheres to a tissue site to allow retention without external support. The distribution manifold includes a porous member and a tissue-fixation element. The tissue-fixation element maintains the porous member substantially adjacent to the tissue site while a sealing member is applied. In one instance, the tissue-fixation element is a soluble adhesive that partially covers either the tissue-facing side of the porous member or a tissue-facing side of a fluid-permeable substrate layer that is on the tissue-facing side of the porous member. Other systems, distributions manifolds, and methods are presented.
US09168175B2	Method for laser cutting a corneal pocket A method for using a laser to create a pocket in a patient's cornea is provided. The pocket is created using a femtosecond or a nanosecond laser. The laser ablates tissue within the cornea in a specific shape. The shape of the pocket can be determined by software to custom program a three-dimensional path of the laser. A variety of corneal pocket configurations or computer programmed shapes can be used accommodate various corneal lens shapes and sizes. An intracorneal lens can then be inserted into the pocket, in order to correct the patient's vision.
US09168172B1	Process for treating glaucoma A process for treating glaucoma whereby the treatment can be accomplished by the use of medication or by surgery, or both, in order to control or prevent the occurrence of glaucoma. The optic nerve is aligned within and between two distinct pressurized spaces and within the dural sheath, the intraocular space and the intracranial space having an intraocular pressure (IOP) and an intracranial pressure (ICP), respectively. Medicine can be administered to raise the intracranial pressure in order to reach a desirable lower translaminar pressure difference across these two pressurized spaces which are separated by the lamina cribrosa in order to treat glaucoma. An alternate closely related mode of the treatment process is the implanting of a shunt substantially between the intraocular space and the intracranial space in order to beneficially equalize pressure differentials across the intraocular space and the intracranial space.
US09168167B2	Posture improvement device and method of use Provided is a device for improving the posture of a patient comprising a garment and a pair of tension straps. The garment is configured to tightly envelope the patient's torso and the patient's upper arms. The garment has an inner surface, a front side and a back side. The front side includes a chest portion. The back side includes a back portion. The garment defines opposing shoulder portions and a waist portion. The tension straps are releaseably securable to the back portion in diagonal relation to one another. Each one of the tension straps has opposed free ends that extend upwardly from the back portion to the chest portion and downwardly to the waist portion. The device includes pads releaseably mounted on the inner surface of the garment generally opposite the free ends and are configured to restrict movement of the free ends relative to the patient's skin.
US09168159B2	Surface textured implants Devices and methods for controlling the flaking of coating fragments from medical implants and improving the delivery of therapeutic agents from such coatings are described.
US09168151B2	Spinal fixation system A spinal fixation system includes a pedicle screw having a longitudinal axis. A fixation element is configured to connect the pedicle screw to at least one additional pedicle screw. A coupling mechanism includes a pedicle screw securing device adapted to secure the coupling mechanism to the pedicle screw and a fixation element securing device configured to secure the coupling mechanism to the fixation element. A fastening mechanism is configured to fasten both the pedicle screw securing device and the fixation element securing device. The fastening mechanism is located along the longitudinal axis of the pedicle screw.
US09168148B2	Articulating disc implant An intervertebral disc implant for use in the spine including a first part (10) and a second part (20), wherein the first part and second part are configured as a joint prosthesis for the spine. The first part includes one of a concave or convex articulating surface (16) and the second part includes one of the other concave or convex articulating surface (26). One of the concave or convex articulating surfaces is preferably elliptically shaped in at least one direction and does not match and is different than one of the other concave or convex articulating surfaces.
US09168139B2	Vertical bone augmentation using endothelial progenitor cells A method of facilitating augmentation of osseous tissue on a surface of a bone is disclosed. The method includes combining a scaffolding, an enclosure substantially enclosing the scaffolding relatively to the surface of the bone and a cell culture seeded onto the scaffolding.
US09168135B2	Device for collapsing and loading a heart valve into a minimally invasive delivery system A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.
US09168133B2	Prosthetic heart valve and method A prosthetic heart valve comprises a radially crimpable and radially expandable, net-like, annular support frame and a valve assembly disposed therein, the valve assembly comprising a conduit tapering from an inlet towards an outlet thereof. Some embodiments or the support frame comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion, a diameter of the proximal portion smaller than a diameter of the distal portion. The proximal portion is dimensioned for deployment in an annulus of a native aortic valve and a distal portion for deployment in an ascending aorta. Some embodiments of the conduit comprise a support construction with a three-cusp, crown-shaped cut line, the support construction sutured to the support frame around a bottom portion thereof and around the cut line. A method for using the prosthetic heart valve to replace a defective native aortic valve uses a minimally invasive procedure.
US09168125B2	Artificial dermis and method of preparation Artificial dermis (1) obtained from plasma with platelets (2) and human fibroblasts. The plasma with platelets (2) is obtained from the fractionating of total blood (4) from the patient (8) by light centrifugation, and the human fibroblasts (3) from a skin biopsy, (5). Clotting is obtained by adding calcium. This artificial dermis (1) permits rapid growth of the keratinocytes (6) seeded on its surface to build an artificial skin (7) which can easily be transplanted. Large areas of artificial dermis (1) are obtained from small amounts of starting materials and can be enriched with cytokines and platelet growth factors, to strengthen proliferation of the cells seeded. The artificial skin (7) obtained can be used to treat major burn treatments, chronic skin ulcers, etc., or be used, by employing genetically altered cells, as a vehicle for gene therapy.
US09168123B2	Endovascular graft having a cannulation pocket A stent graft for placement in a lumen of a patient is disclosed. The stent graft comprises: a main tubular body of a biocompatible graft material having a main lumen, the main tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end; a side arm extending from the main tubular body, the side arm having a side arm lumen, the side arm lumen being in fluid communication with the main lumen through a side arm opening in the main tubular body; and a cannulation pocket. The pocket comprises: an exit aperture positioned opposite the side arm opening; an entry aperture longitudinally spaced from the entry aperture in a direction toward the distal end of the main tubular body; and a wall, the wall laterally spaced from the main lumen so as to provide a guide surface for a cannula fed through the entry aperture.
US09168107B2	System and method for preventing wrong-site surgeries A container holds at least one surgical implement, has a lock mechanism, and has a signature label that impedes access to the surgical implement until the correct surgical site is confirmed. A method of using the container includes the steps of confirming the correct surgical site, signing the label and removing it from the container, placing the label in the medical record, unlocking the container, removing the implement, and beginning the surgery, wherein the surgical team is forced to pause to confirm the correct surgical site before starting the surgery. Preferably, the container top may be removed and placed between the surgeon and surgical technician to define a no-hands “neutral zone” to avoid being stuck by the sharps. Also, the container preferably includes compartments for storing used sharps and/or a local anesthetic-loaded syringe, and the top may be replaced and secured for safely disposing of the sharps after the surgery.
US09168104B2	Intra-operative system for identifying and tracking surgical sharp objects, instruments, and sponges Intra-operative systems for identifying surgical sharp objects are provided. Aspects of the systems include an intra-operative imaging device for obtaining intra-operative surgical sharp object image data; and a surgical sharp object automated shape recognition module configured to identify a surgical sharp object from intra-operative surgical sharp object image data. Systems of the invention may further include additional components, such as surgical instrument and/or sponge identification and tracking devices. Systems of the invention find use in a variety of methods and applications, including tracking of surgical items during a surgical procedure.
US09168099B2	Lithotripsy apparatus using a flexible endoscope An apparatus is presented comprising an endoscope including a flexible shaft which has an active deflection section at a distal tip, a handle connected to a proximal end of the flexible shaft, a platform mounted to a top portion of the handle and oriented substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the proximal end of a straight portion of the flexible shaft to provide a substantially straight entry into a working channel of the flexible shaft for an output accessory, a stone retrieval device insertable into the proximal end of the working channel of the endoscope, a lithotripsy shaft including one or more guide features at a distal end of the lithotripsy shaft to facilitate passage of wires or filaments of the stone retrieval device there through, and a lithotripsy shaft driver attached to the platform for driving the lithotripsy shaft under power.
US09168096B2	System and method for tissue treatment using non-symmetric radio-frequency energy waveform A method for soft tissue destruction comprises applying high voltage pulses causing irreversible electroporation alternating with low amplitude pulses of opposite polarity balanced to provide negligible average current and minimize risk of electrical shock. The method may be accompanied by tissue heating to reduce the electroporation threshold and negative pressure for skin shaping and optimal voltage distribution.
US09168095B2	High-frequency treatment device A high-frequency treatment device includes a tubular body having a front end portion and a rear end portion; an operating handle having a high-frequency port and a main push rod extending through the body, the operating handle slidably fitted to the body; a front tube having a rear end portion connected to the front end portion of the body; an auxiliary push rod rotatably connected to the main push rod, the auxiliary push rod extending into the front tube; a wire fixed to the auxiliary push rod, the wire extending through the front tube; a rotary knob rotatably attached to the body, the rotary knob configured to rotate together with the auxiliary push rod and the wire; and an arc-shaped knife fixed to the wire and connected to the high-frequency port of the operating handle via the wire, the auxiliary push rod and the main push rod.
US09168094B2	Catheter device including flow sensing Devices and methods are provided for performing an ablation procedure on tissue with flow monitoring using flow sensors. The devices include a catheter, and at least one flow sensor disposed on the catheter, and a component for applying the ablation procedure. An assessment module provides an indication of the efficacy of the ablation procedure based on the flow measurement from the flow sensor.
US09168090B2	Electrosurgical instrument with restricted trigger An apparatus for operating on tissue includes an end effector, a first actuator, and a second actuator. The end effector includes a first jaw pivotable relative to a second jaw to a closed position. The first actuator is movable from a first position to a second position to pivot the first jaw to the closed position. The first actuator engages the second actuator in the second position to selectively provide RF energy to the end effector.
US09168082B2	Fine dissection electrosurgical device An electrosurgical wand. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are electrosurgical wands including an elongate shaft that defines a handle end and a distal end, a first discharge aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft, a first active electrode of conductive material disposed on the distal end of the elongate shaft, the first active electrode has an edge feature, a first return electrode of conductive material disposed a substantially constant distance from the first active electrode, and an aspiration aperture on the distal end of the elongate shaft fluidly coupled to a second fluid conduit.
US09168071B2	Growth modulation system A spinal management system includes a stabilizing member adapted to extend substantially longitudinally along a target region of a spine tending to exhibit a defective curvature and a set of stabilizing anchors adapted for fixation to vertebrae and to receive the stabilizing member to secure the stabilizing member against substantial transverse translation relative to the vertebrae. The system also includes a first correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, a second correction anchor adapted for fixation to a vertebra, and a connection between the stabilizing member and the first correction anchor and between the first and second correction anchors adapted such that when the connection is tensioned a compressive force is selectively exerted between the first and second correction anchors.
US09168056B2	Liquid ejection device and medical instrument including liquid ejection device Fluid is pressurized and supplied to a fluid chamber with a fluid pressurizing and supplying unit. The pressurized fluid within the fluid chamber is ejected through an injection nozzle by reduction of the volume of the fluid chamber caused by applying a driving voltage to a volume varying unit. In applying the driving voltage to the volume varying unit, the effect imposed on fluid injection by pressure fluctuations of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber is compensated by changing the voltage waveform of the driving voltage. When the pressure of the supply flow amount is decreased to a pressure lower than a predetermined pressure, the time intervals of the driving waveform are corrected. The maneuverability of a fluid injection device does not deteriorate even when the pressure of the fluid pressurized and supplied to the fluid chamber fluctuates.
US09168055B2	Ultrasonic surgical shears and method for sealing a blood vessel using same An ultrasonic surgical shears includes an ultrasonic surgical blade, a clamping arm operable to open and close toward the blade, and a tissue pad attached to the clamping arm. A method for sealing a blood vessel of a patient includes obtaining an ultrasonic surgical shears and positioning the blood vessel between the blade and the tissue pad. The clamping arm is operated to exert an average coaptation pressure on the blood vessel between and including 60 psi and 210 psi. The blade is ultrasonically vibrated to transect and seal the blood vessel.
US09168044B2	Multi-use cleat A cord assembly including an elongate cord extending between a first end in the form of at least one loop and an opposite free second end and a cleat fixedly attached to the looped end of the elongate cord. The cleat includes at least two recesses for receiving and securing the second end of the elongate cord during use, for example, as a tourniquet or to secure some other item. In use, the free end is passed through the loop so that the cord extends around the limb or other item to which it is being applied, and then the free end of the cord is locked into the cleat using the recesses.
US09168043B2	Method for left atrial appendage occlusion Disclosed is a method of preventing atrial appendage thrombus from entering the blood stream in which an occlusion device placed within the left atrial appendage inhibits compression of the left atrial appendage and facilitates tissue in-growth onto the occlusion member. The occlusion device includes an occlusion member, a plurality of supports and a plurality of barbs associated with the plurality of supports.
US09168039B1	Surgical stapler with staples of different sizes One example of a surgical apparatus may include a staple holder; at least one feeder belt fixed to the staple holder; and staples integral with and frangibly separable from the feeder belt; where at least one of the staples is sized differently from at least one other staple.
US09168038B2	Staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
US09168035B2	Adjustable implant An implantable support member having at least one adjusting portion operable for adjusting a length or tension of the support member after placement of support member anchors. The support member is operable to provide mid-urethral support for treating urinary incontinence.
US09168032B2	Ligament balancer and drill guide A ligament balancer for a knee is disclosed that includes a first guide portion having a first guide hole extending there through, and a second guide portion having a second guide hole extending there through, the first and second guide portions being moveable with respect to each other along a movement axis, the balancer being adapted such that, in use, the movement axis is substantially parallel to the anterior/posterior axis of a distal femoral surface. Also disclosed is a kit of parts that includes the ligament balancer and a drill guide for a knee, the drill guide includes first and second connected arms, each arm comprising at least two guide openings extending there through, the guide openings being spaced longitudinally along each arm, longitudinal axes of the first and second arms intersecting at a predetermined angle. Also disclosed is a method of attaching a cutting block to a distal femoral surface as part of a knee replacement procedure.
US09168022B2	Abdominal sonar system and apparatus An abdominal sonar includes an ultrasound transducer array with a plurality of ultrasound transducers. The abdominal sonar further includes at least one additional ultrasound transducer. A digital signal processor is communicatively connected to the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the at least one additional ultrasound transducer. The digital signal processor individually operates the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the at least one additional ultrasound transducer. The digital signal processor receives reflected ultrasound signals back from each of the plurality of ultrasound transducers and the at least one additional ultrasound transducer and converts the received reflected ultrasound signals into an audio signal. A system for monitoring a pregnancy includes an ultrasound transducer array and at least one additional ultrasound transducer. A digital signal processor is communicatively connected to the ultrasound transducer array and the at least one ultrasound transducer. The digital signal processor converts received raw fetal heart and uterine activity waveforms into an audio signal. A wireless transmitter broadcasts the received audio signal. A wireless receiver receives the broadcast audio signal. A patient monitor extracts the raw fetal heart and uterine activity waveforms from the audio signal and processes the waveforms to obtain an indication of fetal heart rate and an indication of uterine activity.
US09168021B2	Method and apparatus for measuring heart contractility A Method for measuring heart contractility of a patient, in which a mechanical shear wave is propagated through the heart and observation of the propagation leads to determine a shear wave propagation parameter representative of the elasticity of the heart is disclosed. The value of the propagation parameter at the end of a systole is sampled, which leads to a parameter representative of the end systolic elastance.
US09168020B2	Frequency domain analysis transform of renal blood flow doppler signal to determine stress levels A method of determining stress based on renal blood flow. The method includes receiving data indicating renal blood flow of a subject. The method also includes calculating a power spectrum of a signal derived from the data. The power spectrum indicates a stress level of the subject.
US09168012B2	Method and system for providing information from a patient-specific model of blood flow Embodiments include a system for providing blood flow information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system including a touchscreen. The at least one computer system may be configured to display, on the touchscreen, a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of an anatomical structure of the patient based on patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may also be configured to receive a first input relating to a first location on the touchscreen indicated by at least one pointing object controlled by a user, and the first location on the touchscreen may indicate a first location on the displayed three-dimensional model. The at least one computer system may be further configured to display first information on the touchscreen, and the first information may indicate a blood flow characteristic at the first location.
US09168002B2	Device and method for measuring radiation exposure Garments and methods for monitoring radiation exposure and cumulative radiation exposure in individuals undergoing repeated exposure to ionizing radiation are disclosed.
US09167987B2	Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus collects raw data about a subject in a synchronized manner with an electrocardiographic signal of the subject. An Electrocardiogram (ECG) gating unit detects an irregular synchronization interval with respect to the electrocardiographic signal. When the ECG gating unit detects an irregular synchronization interval, a real-time sequencer controls a gradient magnetic-field power source, a transmitting unit, and the like so as to reacquire raw data that is acquired during the irregular synchronization interval.
US09167978B2	Systems, methods and devices for a skull/brain interface Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.
US09167974B2	Method and system for patient-specific modeling of blood flow Embodiments include a system for determining cardiovascular information for a patient. The system may include at least one computer system configured to receive patient-specific data regarding a geometry of the patient's heart, and create a three-dimensional model representing at least a portion of the patient's heart based on the patient-specific data. The at least one computer system may be further configured to create a physics-based model relating to a blood flow characteristic of the patient's heart and determine a fractional flow reserve within the patient's heart based on the three-dimensional model and the physics-based model.
US09167972B2	Systems and methods for non-contact biometric sensing A non-contact biometric sensing device is described. The device includes a processing device, a user interface communicatively coupled to the processing device, a display communicatively coupled to the processing device, a laser doppler vibrometer sensor communicatively coupled to the processing device, and an infrared camera communicatively coupled to the processing device. The processing device is programmed to utilize mechanical motion data received from the laser doppler vibrometer sensor and thermal distributions data from the infrared camera to calculate biometric data, when signals originating from the laser doppler vibrometer sensor and the infrared camera are reflected back towards the device from a target.
US09167971B2	Heart murmur extraction and heart impairments identification using fuzzy controller A method and device for heart murmur extraction and classification is disclosed. Data corresponding to a heart sound/signal is acquired from a patient through a data acquirer. The heart sound data is processed to isolate systole and diastole periods. Features to discriminate between the defects types associated with different heart murmurs are extracted, and the heart murmurs are detected and identified based on the extracted features using a fuzzy controller.
US09167965B2	Instrument for rapid measurement of the optical properties of the eye in the entire field of vision An instrument measuring optical properties of an eye in an entire field of vision, including refraction and aberrations, including: a frame mounted on an ophthalmologic table that can be oriented in three perpendicular directions X, Y, Z; a support surface for a head of the subject; a hot mirror; a long mirror; an illumination sub-assembly including a fiber optic head; a lens; a diaphragm; a beam splitter; and a measurement sub-assembly with two lens and two mirrors; a camera including a matrix of micro-lenses on the inlet of camera, the camera being placed on the focal plane of the micro-lenses; the frame including a motor, a shaft of which rotates in the Y direction, to which an arm is attached that can rotate on the shaft; components of the illumination sub-assembly, components of a measurement sub-assembly, and the camera with the matrix of micro-lenses being mounted on the arm.
US09167960B2	Endoscope system, processor device thereof, and image producing method First and second white light is generated by excitations of phosphors with first and second laser beams having center wavelengths of 473 nm and 445 nm, respectively. The first and second white light is applied, in respective frames, sequentially to a region of interest in a subject. A color image sensor images the region of interest in the each frame. Based on a shift amount, calculated from green signals of first and second frames, between images, an image of a blue signal of the first frame is moved to be aligned with an image of a green signal and an image of a red signal of the second frame. After the alignment, an oxygen saturation image representing an oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin in blood is produced from the blue signal of the first frame and green and red signals of the second frame.
US09167957B2	Probe A probe which is inserted into a lumen of inside of a body, irradiates an observation object part of a physiological tissue with excitation light, and detects fluorescence resulting from the excitation light, wherein the probe including: a plus lens arranged facing toward a tip side of the probe; and a plurality of optical fibers receiving the fluorescence at tip surfaces through the plus lens, wherein the tip surface are directed toward the plus lens and arranged in positions offset from an optical axis of the plus lens, wherein positions of the tip surface of at least optical fibers of which an amount of offset from the optical axis of the plus lens differ mutually among plurality of optical fibers are shifted mutually along the optical axis of the plus lens.
US09167952B2	Dishwasher detergent dispenser A dispenser for a dishwasher having a wash tub includes a fluid reservoir to hold a treating chemistry, a lid operatively mounted to the fluid reservoir, and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a hydraulic actuator fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to initiate movement of the lid between its closed and the open positions in response to fluid pressure applied to the actuator by the fluid source.
US09167930B2	Dry fryer with stirring function and heating cover thereof A roaster (1) and heating cover (20) thereof are disclosed. The roaster (1) includes a pot (10) and a heating cover (20) covered correspondingly thereon. An inner space of a cover body is separated into an installing chamber (2110) and a hot air chamber (2111). A first motor (22) and a second motor (24) are fixed in the installing chamber (2110). The hot air supply module (23) is disposed in the hot air chamber (2111), and a group of the reduction gears (25) is driven by the second motor (24). A stirring component (26) connecting the group of the reduction gears (25) is disposed in the hot air chamber (2111). Thus an inner space of the roaster (1) will be maintained for flipping the ingredients.
US09167929B1	Boot doffing assistance device A boot removal assistance device uses a base plate and a removal plate joined by a post. The removal plate has a bottom leg and an arcuate shaped top leg joined by a pair of opposing side members defining a central opening that is wider side to side relative to the top to bottom distance. A user places a boot into the central opening while standing on the base plate with the other leg. The heel of the boot is braced against the inside edge of the bottom leg while the toe portion of the boot is braced underneath the top leg. The boot is now braced and the user pulls his or her leg out of the boot.
US09167914B2	Illuminated merchandise dispenser A merchandise dispenser is provided and has a product display tray with a bottom portion for supporting and guiding a rank of product items. The merchandise dispenser also has a spring assembly for advancing the product items forward on the bottom portion. The spring assembly includes a pre-stressed spiral tape having a top surface extending from a mounting end portion thereof and a plurality of light emitting diodes carried in spaced relation on a predetermined length of the top surface of the tape for upwardly illuminating product items when disposed in the product display tray.
US09167907B2	Tiered inline loveseat and method of use thereof A tiered inline loveseat includes a first chair and a second chair where the second chair is positioned inline and below the first chair. The first chair includes a first seat, and a first seat back. The first seat has a front end, a back end, a first side and a second side. The first seat back is coupled to the back end of the first seat. The second chair has a second seat and a second seat back with a bottom edge and a top edge. Wherein, the top edge of the second seat back is coupled to the front end of the first seat.
US09167893B2	Folding table The invention relates to a folding table including: two tabletop members that are coupled to each other pivotably with one edges of the tabletop members serving as an axis, and are able to be folded; leg members that are disposed on a lower surface of a tabletop formed by unfolding the two tabletop members; a separation biasing unit that causes two leg members to move away from each other; and a movably coupling unit that couples the leg members to the tabletop members in such a manner as to be moveable from the one edge side to the other edge side. When the tabletop members are pivoted to unfold the tabletop, the separation biasing unit and the movably coupling unit cause the leg members to be unfolded along the lower surface of the tabletop.
US09167887B2	Oral care implement An oral care implement, such as a toothbrush (100), comprises a handle (110) and a head (120). A plurality of tooth cleaning elements (130) may be provided on a front surface (121) of the head (120). The head (120) is formed by a plurality of spaced-apart segments (140-145) made of a rigid material. The segments (140-145) are isolated from one another by channels (157-159B) containing an elastomeric material (146) that flexibly connects the segments (140-145) together. The oral care implement further comprises an elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) located on a rear surface (122) of the head (120) opposite the front surface (121) of the head (120). Each of the segments (140-145) comprises a protuberance (163-169) made of the rigid material that extends through the elastomeric soft tissue cleaner (200) and is exposed therethrough.
US09167884B2	Attachment system for hand-held tools An attachment system for tools includes a housing, a rotating member having a sloping surface and a catch surface disposed in an open central region of the housing, and a clip member having a clip protrusion with a head and neck portions where the neck portion is sized to be slidably receive in one of a first and second slot of the housing where each slot extends through a wall of the housing to the open central region. The clip protrusion engages the sloping surface causing the rotating member to rotate about a central longitudinal axis to a point as the neck portion moves distally along one of the slots where a catch surface aligns with the clip protrusion and where a channel aligns with a clip protrusion of a second clip member retained in the second slot, thereby retaining the first clip member and releasing the second clip member.
US09167872B2	Ornament The second ring 31 and the fourth ring 33 are fixed to the ouch 5 so that the table surface 7a (front, of the ornament unit) has a position that is directed upward by an angle alpha of about 5° to 45° with respect to the gravity direction. When it is in use condition. For example, it is achieved by twisting the first joint 61 and the second joint 63 by an angle corresponding to the angle alpha.
US09167861B2	Safety helmet with anti-dazzle visor Disclosed is a safety helmet having an outer shell, having a front opening, coupled with an inner shell made of shock absorption material, an anti-dazzle visor constrained to the outer shell and movable between a position of engagement and a position of disengagement with the front opening, and an operating portion of the anti-dazzle visor, integral with this latter, and controlled, through a motion transmission cable, by a control slider coupled to a related guide fastened to the outer shell. The control slider is translatable manually between an inactive position and an active position in which the anti-dazzle visor is arranged in a position of engagement. Advantageously, the motion transmission cable has one end integral with the outer she and the other end integral with the control slider, and engages with a drive constrained to the operating portion of the anti-dazzle visor, for movement of this latter.
US09167853B2	USB charger for electronic cigarettes A USB charger for electronic cigarettes, comprising a USB interface configured for connecting with a power supply and a load end configured for connecting with a load, wherein, the USB charger for electronic cigarettes further comprises a voltage comparison unit, a benchmark circuit, a sampling circuit, a current detecting element, a state indicating unit, and a low voltage difference linear regulator connected between the USB interface and the load end; the benchmark circuit is connected between an output end of the low voltage difference linear regulator and an input end of the voltage comparison unit; and the state indicating unit is connected with an output end of the voltage comparison unit; the USB charger for electronic cigarettes of the present invention achieves advantages effects of being safer and improving users' experiences.
US09167850B2	Electronic cigarette case This present invention relates to an electronic cigarette case comprising a cigarette case body (1). The cigarette case body (1) includes an accommodation structure (2). A first accommodation region configured for holding an electronic cigarette (100) is formed in the accommodation structure (2). A second accommodation region is formed between the outer surface of the accommodation structure (2) and the inner surface of the cigarette case body (1) and the second accommodation region is configured for receiving paper documents, especially an electronic cigarette operating instruction. The instruction can be taken out and inserted into the electronic cigarette case easily, and it is convenient for users to use. Furthermore, in assembly, the instruction can be directly inserted into the electronic cigarette case, which brings great convenience for the production and improves the production efficiency.
US09167841B2	Tangerine peel extract and its preparation and application This invention disclosed is a tangerine peel extract with the effect of weight gain. This extract uses tangerine peel as the raw ingredient and is obtained through extraction processes using supercritical CO2, water, or organic solvents. The resulting extraction component contains a large quantity of flavonoids and terpenoids, which can effectively regulate the function of the spleen and stomach leading to desired weight gain. This invention also declares the preparation methods of the above mentioned tangerine peel extraction, which is simple in technique and highly effective in extraction. This invention also further declares the application of the above mentioned tangerine peel extraction in preparing healthcare food with the function of gaining weight.
US09167837B2	Peptides imparting umami, salt, dairy and bitter flavor The invention relates to compositions and methods of using the flavor active peptides, Lys-Ile-His-Pro-Phe (SEQ ID NO:1), Gly-Pro-Phe-Pro-Ile (SEQ ID NO:2), and Lys-Lys-Tyr-Lys-Val-Pro-Gln (SEQ ID NO:3), to impart a bitter, salt, dairy or umami flavor to food or pharmaceutical products. In particular embodiments, the Lys-Lys-Tyr-Lys-Val-Pro-Gln (SEQ ID NO:3) peptide further imparts a vegetable, brothy, or bready flavor.
US09167831B2	Solid, edible, chewable laxative composition An edible, solid composition comprising a laxative and one or more bulking agents in aqueous media wherein the laxative is polyethylene glycol and the composition is prepared by dissolving the polyethylene glycol in aqueous media together with one or more bulking agents and subjecting the mixture to heat up to at least about 100° C.
US09167830B2	Substituted cellulose acetates and uses thereof The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a drilling fluid having a base fluid and a viscosifier having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that comprises an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine; where the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate.
US09167826B1	Process for making high-protein dairy product A dairy-based yogurt product having a protein level above 15%, sometimes more than 25%, with a smooth and rich texture and no grittiness. The yogurt product includes a particular selection of dairy proteins and other ingredients to raise the gelation temperature of the dairy proteins and avoid causing gelation or precipitation during pasteurization. Additionally, pasteurization temperatures, times and methods are selected to avoid gelation. Starting dairy proteins generally have relatively higher pH levels and low total acidity (TA) levels to help reduce gelation during pasteurization. Ingredients such as buffering agents and sequestering agents may be utilized to help raise the gelation temperature, as well as higher sugar levels which can control hydration of the proteins.
US09167820B2	Anti-biofilm compounds The present invention provides non-peptide compounds of formula (I) wherein: X is —(C1-C8)allcyl-, aryl or -aryl(C1-C8)alkyl-; Y is —(C1-C8)alkyl- or absent; W is heteroaryl, (C3-C7)carbocycle or aryl, wherein any heteroaryl, (C3-C7)carbocycle or, aryl of W is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) Z1 groups; R1 is (C1-C8)alkyl, (C2-C8)alkenyl, (C2-C8)alkynyl or aryl, wherein aryl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) groups selected from (C1-C8)alkyl, (C2-C8)alkenyl, (C2-C8)alkynyl, (C3-C7)carbocycle, halo(C1-C3)alkyl, —CN, NO2, halogen, —ORa, —SRa, —S(O)2NRbRc, —NRbRc, —NRaCORd, —C(O)Ra, —C(O)ORa, and —C(O)NRbRc; R2 is (C1-C8)alkyl, (C2-C8)alkenyl, (C2-C8)Jalkynyl or aryl, wherein aryl is optionally substituted with one or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5) groups selected from (C1-C8)alkyl, (C2-C8)alkenyl, (C2-C8)alkynyl, (C3-C7)carbocycle, halo(C1-C3)alkyl, —CN, NO2, halogen, —ORe, —SRe, —S(O)2NRfRg, —NRfRg—NReCORh, —C(O)Re, —C(O)ORe and —C(O)NRfRg; I that mimic the streptococcal; SspB Adherence Region (BAR) and function as inhibitors of P. gingivalis adherence to streptococci. The invention also provides methods of making and using the inhibitors.
US09167813B2	Non surfactant hydro-alcoholic foamable compositions, breakable foams and their uses A substantially surface active agent-free foamable composition which includes short-chain alcohol, water, polymer, fatty alcohol or fatty acid or a combination of fatty alcohol and fatty acid and propellant. A substantially surface active agent-free foamable composition which includes, water, polymer, fatty alcohol or fatty acid and propellant. A method of treatment using a substantially surface active agent-free foamable compositions.
US09167806B2	Ice fishing alarm The ice fishing alarm is constructed of a tripod that is placed over top of an ice fishing hole, and which positions a fishing spool there above. The fishing spool includes a knob for manually spooling fishing line. The fishing spool includes a magnet on an opposing side of the fishing spool with respect to the knob. The magnet is aligned adjacent to a spring-loaded alarm, and upon pulling of the fishing line, shall release the spring-loaded alarm. The spring-loaded alarm is in wired connection with an alarm member comprising of a speaker and/or light, which are turned on upon release of the spring-loaded alarm.
US09167786B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV688253 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV688253. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV688253, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV688253 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV688253 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV688253.
US09167782B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV730854 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV730854. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV730854, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV730854 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV730854 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV730854.
US09167775B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH068929 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH068929. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH068929, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH068929 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH068929.
US09167770B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH413124 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH413124. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH413124, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH413124 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH413124.
US09167769B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV068285 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV068285. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV068285, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV068285 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV068285 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV068285.
US09167763B2	Bean variety EX 08081813 The invention provides seed and plants of the bean line designated EX 08081813. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of bean line EX 08081813, and to methods for producing a bean plant produced by crossing a plant of bean line EX 08081813 with itself or with another bean plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of bean line EX 08081813, including the pods and gametes of such plants.
US09167762B2	Tomato hybrid EX15567631 The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid EX15567631 and the parent lines thereof. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid EX15567631 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants.
US09167753B2	Plant support assembly A base component and a plurality of plant support components interconnect in various combinations to form an organically configured, size adjustable plant support structure for a growing plant. The base component with spaced root-like stakes planted in the soil supports multiple components each having a central vertical trunk-like structure and extending limb-like and branch-like supports forming a tree-like configuration. Ties of various length soft fabric strips attach a growing plant to a molded exterior configured and colored to resemble tree bark for high friction to securely support the plant and plant produce.
US09167749B2	Cleaning apparatus effectiveness measuring system for a combine harvester The airflow through a harvesting machine is adjusted by calculating a G-factor at a first point on an upper chaffer to determine if it is greater than 1+n, where n represents a desired factor. A blower is adjusted to reduce an airstream if the G-factor is greater than 1+n. A MOG factor is calculated if the G-factor is less than 1+n. The blower is adjusted to increase the airstream if the MOG-factor is less than 1+x, where x represents a desired factor. A MOG-factor is calculated at a second point if the MOG-factor at the point is greater than 1+x and the blower is adjusted to reduce the airstream if the MOG-factor at the second point is greater than 1+y, where y represents a desired factor or adjusted to increase the airstream if the MOG-factor at the second point is less than 1+y.
US09167746B2	Carted wheel rake windrow adjustment apparatus A rake includes a frame and at least one arm assembly attached to the frame via an arm member. The arm assembly includes a main beam coupled to the arm member. The main beam includes a first member pivotally attached to a second member, and the angle between the first and second members is adjustable. The arm assembly further includes a first rake wheel unit connected to the first member and a second rake wheel unit connected to the second member. The arm assembly attaches to the frame such that in a work position, the first and second rake wheel units are disposed substantially horizontally extended with respect to frame, and in a transport position, the first and second rake wheel units are disposed substantially vertically above the frame.
US09167743B2	Greening roll A greening roll includes water-temperature-light controlling part, root growing part, water/root regulating part and seed-stacking part which is located in the water-temperature-light controlling part. The water-temperature-light controlling part is located on the top surface of the greening roll, the water/root regulating part is located on the lower surface of the greening roll, the root growing part is located in the cavity composed by the water-temperature-light controlling part and the water/root regulating part, and the seed-stacking part is located in the cavity of the water-temperature-light controlling part. The water-temperature-light controlling part further includes top-located irradiation reflecting part, temperature-water regulating part, light-preventing part and seed-stacking cavity. The present invention is suitable for the engineering protection and greening of engineering slopes, spoil and slag yards, embankments and the like, the water and soil conservation and greening of sandy lands, abandoned lands, borrow pits, slurry pond, mining fields, industrial and mining abandoned lands and the like, and the engineering thermal insulation and greening of building roofs and the like.
US09167739B2	Quick safety connection for coupling a tool to an operating machine A quick connection that allows fastening a tool to the lifter arm of an operating machine and includes first and second joining devices associated respectively to the lifter arm and the tool aimed at being reciprocally engaged. The first joining device includes a swivel head that swivels between a raised position and a lowered one and a first gudgeon; the second joining device includes a shaped body that defines a calibrated inlet opening and support structure. The swivel head, in raised position, enters the shaped body through the opening, then it rotates to its lowered position, thus bringing the first gudgeon in engagement with the support structure. The shaped body includes a stop aimed at striking a winglet of the swivel head and at preventing the swivel head from going out in any succession of movements which are not inversely equal to those carried out for the introduction.
US09173331B2	Variable thickness EMI shield with variable cooling channel size An EMI shield for an electronic system enclosure is disclosed. The EMI shield may include an electrically conductive panel with a plurality of air ventilation channels, which has an upstream airflow side and a downstream airflow side. The EMI shield may also include a first air ventilation channel with a first cross-sectional shape having a first cross-sectional area and a first depth. The EMI shield may further include a second air ventilation channel with a second cross-sectional shape, having a cross-sectional area greater than the first cross-sectional area, and a second depth larger than the first depth.
US09173327B2	Cooling servers in a data center using prevailing winds A data center includes a wind collecting structure that directs prevailing winds external to the data center into an interior of the wind collecting structure. The wind collecting structure includes vents around its perimeter configured to selectively open on a side of the wind collecting structure receiving prevailing wind, pressurizing the intake air. The pressurized air flows from the wind collecting structure through a compartment of the data center including computing assets. The air is directed across the computing assets to extract heat from the computing assets during operation.
US09173325B2	Heat exchanger for back to back electronic displays Exemplary embodiments include an electronic display assembly for back to back electronic image assemblies. A first closed gaseous loop may encircle the first electronic image assembly while a second closed gaseous loop may encircle the second electronic image assembly. A heat exchanger is preferably positioned within the path of the first and second closed gaseous loop along with an open loop of ambient air. A circulating fan(s) may be used to force circulating gas around the closed gaseous loops. An open loop fan may be used to force ambient air through the heat exchanger and through an optional channel behind each electronic image assembly.
US09173324B2	Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method for an electronics rack Dehumidifying cooling apparatus and method are provided for an electronics rack. The apparatus includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger disposed at an air inlet or outlet side of the rack, wherein air flows through the rack from the air inlet to the air outlet side. The heat exchanger is positioned for air passing through the electronics rack to pass across the heat exchanger, and is in fluid communication with a coolant loop for passing coolant therethrough at a temperature below a dew point temperature of the air passing across the heat exchanger so that air passing across the heat exchanger is dehumidified and cooled. A condensate collector, disposed below the heat exchanger, collects liquid condensate from the dehumidifying of air passing through the electronics rack, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plurality of sloped surfaces configured to facilitate drainage of liquid condensate from the heat exchanger to the condensate collector.
US09173323B2	Heat dissipation assembly with bidirectional airflow A heat dissipation assembly is configured in an enclosure of a network device. The enclosure defines an air flue. The heat dissipating assembly includes a fan module received in the air flue, and a damper module secured in one end of the air flue adjacent to the inside of the enclosure. The fan module includes a first bracket and a plurality of fans fixed with the first bracket. The damper module includes a frame and a plurality of vanes located in the frame. When a direction of airflow of the plurality of fans changes, the plurality of fans in the air flue is reversed, and the first bracket supports the plurality of vanes of the damper module to keep the air flue open.
US09173322B2	Constricted convection cooling system for an electronic display Preferred embodiments provide a cooling system for an electronic display. A constricted convection plate is used to force cooling air against a posterior surface of the electronic display. Fans may be used to propel or pull air between the constricted convection plate and the rear surface of an electronic display. A refrigeration unit or thermoelectric module may be employed to cool or heat the air traveling through the constricted convection channel. Some embodiments include a closed loop which extracts heat (or adds heat) to the front display surface.
US09173321B2	Electronic device with airflow control structure An electronic device includes a chassis, an air-guiding housing mounted in the chassis, and an airflow control member. The chassis includes a base panel with a plurality of ventilation holes. The air-guiding housing comprises an airflow passage aligned with the plurality of ventilation holes. The airflow control member includes a shielding plate attached on the base panel. The airflow control member is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the shielding plate is located beside the air-guiding housing, and the airflow passage is communicated with the plurality of ventilation holes for allowing air flowing to an outside of the chassis via the plurality of ventilation holes. In the second position, the shielding plate is located between the air-guiding housing and the base panel for closing the plurality of ventilation holes and preventing air flowing to the outside of the chassis.
US09173308B2	Mounting structure of flexible printed circuit board and sliding-type electronic device A mounting structure of a flexible printed circuit board and a sliding-type electronic device is provided by which a too large increase in thickness of devices can be avoided and a pair of housings can be slid relatively in a bending and slanting direction. In the mounting structure, an upper housing 12 and a lower housing 22 coupled in a freely slidable manner are electrically connected to each other by a flexible printed circuit board folded back to be routed between slide facing surfaces 12b and 22a of both the housings and the height of a side wall surface 12c and 22c of the upper housing and lower housing changes in a bending manner along the direction of freely sliding and, in the slide facing surfaces of the upper housing and lower housing, concave space portions 15 and 25 to accommodate the change in curvature and in position of a folding-back portion 31a caused by sliding motion between the upper housing and lower housing are disposed.
US09173306B2	Mobile device A mobile terminal includes first and second bodies rotatably coupled to each other, first and second display units formed on the first and second bodies, respectively, and a moving unit configured to allow the first and second bodies to rotate relative to each other between a folded configuration that one surfaces of the first and second bodies are overlaid by each other and an unfolded configuration that the first and second bodies are unfolded from each other, wherein the first and second display units are disposed on the other surfaces of the first and second bodies, respectively, to be externally exposed in the folded configuration, and wherein at least one of the first and second bodies relatively rotates with a rotation center thereof being moved by the moving unit such that the first and second display units form an obtuse angle with each other in the unfolded configuration.
US09173299B2	Collective printed circuit board There is provided a collective printed circuit board including a plurality of printed circuit boards each having a mounting unit on which a semiconductor element is mounted at an upper-surface central portion, and a frame having a plurality of through holes having sizes to surround the mounting portion. Upper-surface peripheral edge portions of the printed circuit boards and a through-hole peripheral portion of the frame are bonded to each other such that the mounting units are exposed from the through holes.
US09173295B2	Support apparatus A design support apparatus includes: an area identifying unit configured to identify a target area where a via is to be added in a printed circuit board; a determining unit configured to determine a starting point for starting a search for a location of the via in the target area; and a searching unit configured to move a search point along a path in an intersecting direction that intersects a radial direction around the starting point while moving the search point in the radial direction and to determine whether the via is to be added at a moved search point.
US09173292B1	Edge launch transition for a printed circuit board An edge launch and fabrication method wherein spaced elongated slots are formed through a circuit board. The slots are plated at least along one side thereof connecting ground planes of the circuit board thus forming spaced edge plated regions. Circuit modules are produced by singulating the circuit board along a cut line offset outwardly from the plated slot sides to form an edge launch outwardly extending from and between the spaced edge plated regions.
US09173290B2	Wiring board having an engineered metallization layer The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a printed wiring board (PWB) of the type depicted in FIG. 1, and to the resulting PWB. Such a PWB comprises a first substrate and alternating layers of a second substrate and a metal layer. The layer 2 metallization of the PWB is a thick layer of a composite engineered metal material having a configurable coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to provide CTE matching with respect to radio frequency (RF) components mounted on the PWB, and having substantial heat dissipation properties to dissipate heat generated by the RF components. This composite metal layer also provides a ground plane for the RF components.
US09173289B2	Multilayer substrate A multilayer substrate that retains a curved state without causing fluctuations in electrical characteristics includes a main body including a plurality of insulating sheets to be stacked and made of a flexible material. A signal wire extends in the main body. A ground conductor is provided at a positive-direction side in a z-axis direction relative to the signal wire in the main body, and overlaps the signal line in a plan view seen from the z-axis direction. A ground conductor is provided on a negative-direction side in the z-axis direction relative to the signal wire in the main body, and overlaps the signal line in a plan view seen from the z-axis direction. The state in which the main body is curved so that the signal wire defines an arc is retained by plastic deformation of the ground conductors.
US09173288B1	Foldable display apparatus Disclosed is a foldable display apparatus which can maintain a bending part of an unfolded flexible display in a plane state. The foldable display apparatus includes a display panel arranged in a folded or unfolded position with respect to a bending part which is defined in a display area displaying an image, a first panel supporting part configured to support a first side of the display panel, a second panel supporting part configured to support a second side of the display panel, and a connection housing configured to overlap the bending part, and movably support a second side of each of the first and second panel supporting parts.
US09173287B1	Foldable display apparatus Disclosed is a foldable display apparatus which can stably maintain a bending curvature of a folded flexible display, and can maintain a bending area of an unfolded flexible display in a plane state. The foldable display apparatus includes a link assembly connected between first and second housings to support a bending area of a display panel, and configured to guide bending of the bending area. The link assembly includes a plurality of bending guide members configured to support the bending area, a plurality of link parts connected to both ends of each of the plurality of bending guide members, and a plurality of link connecting members respectively provided between the plurality of link parts, and configured to connect two adjacent link parts.
US09173281B2	Methods of fabricating electrode sensor Provide are an electrode sensor and a method of fabricating the same. the method may include providing a substrate with a first electrode, forming a resist layer on the substrate to cover the first electrode, patterning the resist layer to expose a portion of the first electrode, forming an insulating layer on the substrate, removing the insulating layer on the resist layer and the resist layer to form a well in the insulating layer, and forming a second electrode in the well to be electrically connected to the first electrode. According to the method, it is possible to prevent the first electrode from being damaged. In addition, the second electrode may be configured have an increased surface area, and thus, the electrode can have low impedance.
US09173276B2	Light source luminaire system light element control Disclosed is a light source having a plurality of light elements and a control system for controlling the light elements. The control system includes a plurality of light element controllers, each connected to a respective light element, and arranged to obtain light element data; and a bus interface, which is connected to the light element controllers via a light source bus. The bus interface provides the light element controllers with a general command, and the light element controllers generate light element drive signals on basis of the general command and the light element data.
US09173267B2	Modular centralized lighting control system for buildings A lighting control system for controlling lights of buildings includes a computer server communicating with programmable master interfaces through an Ethernet communication link. The server is programmed to establish control commands responsive to environment status information. The master interfaces communicate through a primary communication link with programmable input devices which include input interfaces and smart switches, and with programmable output devices. The output devices communicate with a master interface through its primary communication link and also communicate with programmable relay/dimmer devices through a secondary communication link. The relay/dimmer devices control building lights responsive to control commands. The input interfaces communicate with a master interface through its primary communication link and also communicate with ambient light/occupancy sensor devices through a secondary communication link. The ambient light/occupancy sensor devices monitor building zones and establish environment status information. The smart switches include a touch screen LCD used by building occupants for also establishing environment status information. The environment status information and control commands are communicated through the interfaces for thereby controlling the building lights. Each of the interfaces and devices are identified with a unique ID established and maintained by the server. Each unique ID is linked to a virtual graphical representation by the server and displayed on a monitor.
US09173264B2	LED control device for phase-cut dimming system and control method thereof An LED control device for configuring a phase-cut dimming system includes an LED and a switch. The LED control device configures the conduction status of the switch so as to supply power to the LED according to an input signal. The LED control device further detects whether the input signal is phase-cut. When the input signal is phase-cut, the LED control device stores the signal values of the internal circuits. Afterward, when the input signal is not phase-cut, the LED control device restores the stored signal values so that the internal circuits may resume to the previous operation status rapidly.
US09173263B2	Light module with linear LED serial group drive device A light module with linear LED serial group drive device comprises an AC input rectifier unit having an input end coupled to an AC Power to convert an AC half-wave voltage signal into a DC full-wave voltage signal for output, and an intelligent control having a protection unit. when the input voltage is higher than the set start voltage of the LED serial group, the corresponding constant current control drive circuit switch is turned on immediately by the intelligent control to control the power, luminous flux, and power factor of the LED serial light module for achieving stable power output of LED light source. Moreover, the present invention without transformers, inductors and other magnetic components has thin thickness and small volume to improve the conventional problems.
US09173260B2	PWM signal generating circuit for DC-DC converter using dimming signal and LED driver circuit using the same in digital PWM method having fixed phase mode A PWM signal generating circuit and method, and an LED driver circuit using same, is disclosed. The PWM signal generating circuit generates a PWM signal for a DC-DC converter using a dimming signal, and includes an oscillator which generates a first clock signal having a predetermined frequency, a synchronizing unit which synchronizes the dimming signal to the first clock signal, and a PWM signal generating unit which generates the PWM signal in response to the first clock signal having a falling edge while the synchronized dimming signal is on.
US09173257B2	Low voltage LED dimmer with integrated universal switch mode power supply A low voltage dimmer for LED lamps incorporates an AC-DC power supply along with a Pulse Width Modulator (PWM) to modify the power delivered to an LED load is configured to fit inside the form factor of a standard single gang electrical to control the intensity of the light emitted by the LED. The PWM portion of the dimmer circuit incorporates a microprocessor configured to produce a train of output pulses and controlled by a variable input voltage to modulate the output duty cycle of these pulses to drive one or more LED lamps to switch between “on” and “off” conditions. Variation of the duty cycle of the pulses regulates the total amount of time in each cycle that the lamp is illuminated, with the aggregate “on” time determining the apparent brightness of the lamp.
US09173251B2	Induction heating apparatus and induction heating method A semiconductor substrate thermal treatment apparatus enables excellent heating control in suppressing influence of mutual induction between induction heating coils even when the induction heating coils are arranged in the vertical direction while providing horizontal magnetic flux to susceptors. The apparatus indirectly heats wafers mounted on horizontally-arranged susceptors including induction heating coils to form alternate-current magnetic flux in a direction parallel to a mount face of the susceptor. The wafer are arranged at an outer circumferential side of the susceptor. The induction heating coils are structured with at least one main heating coil and subordinate heating coils electromagnetically coupled with the main heating coil. Inverse coupling coils inversely-coupled to the subordinate heating coils are provided to the main heating coil, and zone control means separately controls a power ratio while synchronizing frequencies and current waveforms of current to the main heating coil and adjacent subordinate heating coils.
US09173233B2	Communication efficiency There is provided a method, comprising: detecting, by a node of a first wireless network, that at least one overlapping second wireless network is configured to apply contention periods and contention-free periods for communicating with different subsets of devices; detecting that a contention period timing applied by the at least one overlapping second wireless network is not aligned with a contention period timing applied by the node of the first wireless network; and causing a modification of the contention period timing in at least one of the wireless networks in order to have the contention periods to take place at least partly at the same time in each overlapping wireless network.
US09173231B2	Method for transmitting/receiving data in wireless access system, and base station and user equipment for same The present invention discloses a method for transmitting/receiving data in a wireless access system supporting carrier aggregation/multiple cells, and a base station and a user equipment for same. More particularly, the method comprises the following steps: transmitting downlink control information through a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for scheduling downlink data from a first subframe; and transmitting the downlink data, which is scheduled by the downlink control information from a second subframe, through a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), wherein the downlink control information includes a field indicating the second subframe from which the downlink data is transmitted.
US09173229B2	QoS based buffering while TTI bundling is enabled QoS based uplink data buffering while TTI bundling is enabled by a wireless user equipment (UE) device. The UE may establish a packet-switched connection with a network via a wireless link. The UE may receive, at a media access control (MAC) layer, an indication to enable TTI bundling. The UE may selectively buffer uplink data at an application layer based on the indication to enable TTI bundling. The uplink data may be buffered selectively based on Quality of Service (QoS) considerations. Uplink transmissions may subsequently be performed using TTI bundling.
US09173227B2	System compatibility method and apparatus A system compatibility method and apparatus are disclosed. The system compatibility method includes sending, according to a downlink resource configured in a new frame structure of a first system, information of a downlink resource carrier. The information of the downlink resource carrier includes information of a downlink resource carrier compatible with a second system. Information of an uplink resource carrier is received according to an uplink resource configured in the new frame structure of the first system. The information of the uplink resource carrier includes information of an uplink resource carrier compatible with the second system.
US09173224B2	System and methods for differentiated association service provisioning in WiFi networks A system and methods are provided to enable differentiated association of stations (STAs) in a WiFi system and provide differentiated quality of service (QoS) based association. The embodiments include categorizing STAs that share a channel of the WiFi network into different association priority classes, wherein the STAs with higher association priority classes wait for shorter times before starting association with an access point (AP) over the shared channel. The association priority classes are assigned by the AP or the WiFi network and signaled to the STAs. Alternatively, the association priority classes are assigned by the STAs and indicated to the AP or the WiFi network. The association priority class is determined for a STA according to traffic type, device type, subscriber type, or a random number generator.
US09173219B2	Method, apparatus and system for improving data transmission performance A method, an apparatus and a system can be used for improving data transmission performance. Specific steps may include determining whether a transmission rate for transmitting data is lower than a reference transmission rate that the data is actually required. If it is lower than the reference transmission rate, a reference working frequency is obtained by querying part of or an entire working frequency band. The reference working frequency corresponds to a transmission rate that is higher than or equal to the reference transmission rate from the working frequency band. Frequency modification indication information is sent to a network access device and a working frequency for communication is modified to the reference working frequency.
US09173218B2	Protocols for enabling mode 1 and mode 2 devices in TV white space networks Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide techniques and apparatus for operating in a television white space (TVWS) network. One example method generally includes receiving, at an apparatus, a message with a field indicating a current version of an unused frequency spectrum map (e.g., a white space map (WSM)), the unused frequency spectrum map indicating channels usable for wireless communications; determining whether the current version of the unused frequency spectrum map is different than a previous version of the unused frequency spectrum map; and using a channel for wireless communications based on the determination. Another example method generally includes accessing a database of available channels for a current location of an apparatus via a neighboring portable or fixed enabling apparatus and enabling one or more portable dependent apparatuses for the wireless communications via one or more of the available channels.
US09173210B2	Method for uplink transmission of radio link control layer and evolved node B A method for RLC layer uplink transmission and an ENB are provided. The method comprises: step A, after a terminal initiated RLC layer transmission of service or uplink signaling in uplink acknowledged mode, the ENB stores identifier of the terminal and information of RLC layer segment. The information of the RLC layer segment comprises size of the RLC layer segment. Step B, the ENB detects scheduling request message sent by terminal, and when the terminal determined that the ENB does not correctly receive the uplink signaling or the service initiated by terminal, the scheduling request message is configured to trigger an RLC layer retransmission of the uplink signaling or the service. Step C, according to size of the RLC layer segment stored, the ENB performs uplink authorization to the terminal, determines radio resource to be allocated for the terminal, and transmits information of the allocated radio resource to the terminal.
US09173205B2	Method and base station for transmitting downlink signal and method and equipment for receiving downlink signal A base station of the present invention configures resources in which a downlink signal is to be transmitted with zero power using resource sets defined for a specific number of antenna ports, regardless of the number of antenna ports actually configured in the base station, and transmits resource information indicating the configured resources to a user equipment. The user equipment of the present invention receives a downlink transmission from the base station, assuming that transmission power of resources corresponding to a resource set indicated by the resource information is zero.
US09173199B2	Radio module as web-controllable remote sensor The present invention provides for network control of a radio module having a plurality of input/output (I/O) ports capable of communication with one or more sensing devices across a network, where the radio module may be controlled remotely to obtain information from one or more networked remote sensing devices.
US09173197B2	Method and apparatus for signaling to a mobile device which set of training sequence codes to use for a communication link The present patent application improves DARP by allowing multiple users on one time slot (MUROS). It comprises means and instructions for signaling training sequence set information to a remote station, comprising receiving signaling from a remote station indicating if a new set of training sequences is supported, and using a channel description to signal the training sequence set to be used by the remote station for a communication channel being established.
US09173195B2	Method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving control information in broadcast communication system Methods and apparatuses for transmitting/receiving control information in a system in which multiple frequencies are used to carry multiple services by means of transmission frames, which are constituted of time resources and/or time-frequency resources. Control information regarding frame configuration information is not transmitted over a separate control channel but over a data channel. The service traffic for each non-primary service traffic may include control information for a primary service. Thus, even when a receiver changes the current service to a target service, control information necessary to detect the location of the target service in a frame and demodulate the target service can be acquired, and thus a service change can be made without reading a separate control channel.
US09173194B2	Method and system for transmitting MBMS control information in multicarrier aggregation system A method and system for transmitting Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) control information in a multicarrier aggregation system are disclosed in embodiments of the disclosure. The method includes that: when an MBMS needs to be sent, a network side determines an MBMS-including Component Carrier (CC) and a non-MBMS-including CC, and sends service control information and service data of the MBMS in the MBMS-including CC. The method further includes that: the network side sends, in the non-MBMS-including CC, related control information of the MBMS in the MBMS-including CC. With technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the disclosure, a UE operating or residing in a non-MBMS-including CC can find out timely and accurately the initiation of a session for a UE-interested MBMS in an MBMS-including CC, so as to avoid premature blind gathering of UEs in the MBMS-including CC, thus effectively decreasing duration of impact on uplink random access by the MBMS-including CC.
US09173187B2	Determining the position of a mobile device using the characteristics of received signals and a reference database Some embodiments use scanning devices to characterize radio signals received at a number of locations within a geographical area of interest. The signal characteristics along with the location information associated with the characteristics are stored in a centralized reference database. A mobile device characterizes signals it receives at a certain location and compares the characteristics with the signal characteristics stored in the reference database to obtain accurate location information of the certain location.
US09173182B2	Transmission method in a wireless network and corresponding reception method The invention relates to a method for transmission in a wireless network comprising a plurality of base stations and at least one mobile terminal, a mobile terminal (MT) transmitting a same signal (704) intended for the plurality of base stations (BS1,BS2, BS3). In order to optimise the synchronisation of the mobile terminal with the plurality of base stations, the method comprises a step of transmission of an item of information representative of a first temporal offset intended for the mobile terminal, the first offset being according to at least one reception time (740, 750, 760) of the first signal by at least one base station (BS1,BS2,BS3).
US09173180B2	Syncronizing wireless devices A method of synchronising the reference clock of a first wireless device with a master reference clock of a second wireless device via a wireless network. The method involves transmitting, from the second wireless device to the first wireless device, a dedicated synchronisation frame via a dedicated synchronisation channel; receiving the dedicated synchronisation frame at the first wireless device; and synchronising the reference clock of the first wireless device with the master reference clock of the second wireless device based on the received dedicated synchronisation frame.
US09173174B2	Resource block indication and allocation for in-device coexistence interference avoidance A method is provided for reducing radio frequency interference between a first device and a second device co-located on a UE. The method comprises transmitting, by the UE, to a network element, responsive to the UE detecting IDC interference between the first device and the second device, an output power level of the first device, an amount of de-sense experienced by the second device, and information regarding a plurality of RBs on which the UE requests to perform an uplink transmission.
US09173173B2	Method and device for controlling power of cognitive radio system The disclosure provides a method and a device for controlling power of a cognitive radio system. The method comprises: measuring a system parameter of a cognitive radio system and a system parameter of a TV system located in an adjacent channel of the cognitive radio system; determining a maximum transmission power of the cognitive radio system according to the system parameter of the cognitive radio system and the system parameter of the TV system; controlling an actual transmission power of the cognitive radio system to be less than the maximum transmission power. In the disclosure, interference to the TV system can be reduced maximally, so that the sensitivity of a receiver inside the TV system is guaranteed.
US09173167B2	System level information for discontinuous reception, cell reselection and rach A wireless transmit/receive unit is configured to receive system level information, including discontinuous reception (DRX) information, cell selection information, and RACH information. The system level information is received as defined parameters assigned to system information blocks or signaled through dedicated RRC signaling.
US09173152B2	Handover method and apparatus A method and a server are described for supporting handover by a network node in a mobile communication system. A message related to a handover, including a first parameter indicating a cause for the handover, is received. A handover command message is transmitted to a first base station for a terminal to perform a handover to a second base station, when the network node determines that handover is needed based on the cause. A status report message including a second parameter indicating whether or not the cause for handover is solved is received. A reverse handover request message is transmitted to the second base station for the terminal to perform reverse handover to a target base station, when the network node determines that a reverse handover is needed. The network node determines whether the handover or the reverse handover is needed.
US09173151B2	User mobility control for heterogeneous wireless networks In a wireless network including a first cell and a second cell, it is determined whether a measure of mobility of a user device meets a mobility criterion, and it is determined whether a size of the second cell meets a cell size criterion. When it is determined that (i) the measure of mobility of the user device meets the mobility criterion and (ii) the size of the second cell meets the cell size criterion, the user device is prevented from being switched from the first cell to the second cell, or at least one of (i) a handover parameter or (ii) a cell reselection parameter is adjusted in order to change a probability that the user device will switch from the first cell to the second cell.
US09173147B2	Communicating data using a local wireless access network node A local wireless access network node receives a request to offload at least a portion of data traffic for a user equipment from a macro wireless access network node to the local wireless access network node, where the user equipment is to maintain a wireless connection to the macro wireless access network node after the offload. The local wireless access network node sends a response to indicate whether the local wireless access node has accepted or denied the request.
US09173130B2	Channel status information feedback method and apparatus in multi-node system Provided is a channel status information feedback method and apparatus of a terminal in a multi-node system, including a plurality of nodes and a base station which is connected to and can control each of the plurality of nodes. The method comprises the steps of: obtaining one precoding matrix index (PMI) for each cooperative node with respect to the entire target frequency band; obtaining a phase correction value to be applied to the PMI for said each cooperative node in each subband within the target frequency band; and feeding the calculated PMI and phase correction value back to the serving node.
US09173123B2	Base station apparatus, mobile terminal apparatus and communication control method The present invention provides a base station apparatus, a mobile terminal apparatus and a communication control method which can improve the accuracy of channel quality estimation. A communication control method includes the steps of: arranging a CSI-RS, which is a reference signal for downlink channel estimation, in resources of subframes for CSI-RS transmission; setting, in the subframes for CSI-RS transmission, resources to which the CSI-RS is allocated in neighboring areas, to be muting resources; and reporting transmission interval information, which indicates a transmission interval of subframes that are set at the same timing in a transmission cycle of a subframe for CSI-RS transmission in a subject area and in a transmission cycle of a subframe for CSI-RS transmission in the neighboring areas, to a mobile terminal apparatus.
US09173116B2	Method, apparatus and system for controlling access points Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method, an apparatus and a system for controlling access points. The method includes: receiving load information on working APs in a coverage area; judging a current overall capacity of the coverage area according to the load information; and controlling APs in the coverage area according to a judgment result. A network management server includes a first receiving module, a first judgment module, and a first control module. The system includes the network management server, working APs, and non-working APs. The embodiments of the present invention also provide another method for controlling APs, a primary working AP, and a system for controlling APs. In the embodiments of the present invention, APs in the same coverage area are automatically controlled to turn on or off according to the service traffic; resources are utilized rationally; labor costs are saved; and the work efficiency is improved.
US09173113B2	Mobile communication terminal A mobile communication terminal includes an interference rejection combining processor for obtaining a received signal vector with regard to each of multiple resource elements and for calculating receiving weights so as to suppress influence to a desired beam of electric wave sent from the desired base station by other beams, on the basis of the received signal vectors; a non-interference-rejection receiving weight calculator for calculating receiving weights so as not to suppress influence to the desired beam by other beams; a signal separator for separating a signal destined for the mobile communication terminal from signals destined for other mobile communication terminals; and an interference rejection combining determiner for determining whether the receiving weights to suppress influence by other beams or the receiving weights calculated by the non-interference-rejection receiving weight calculator should be used for signal separation by the signal separator, on the basis of an index representing a relationship between reception quality of a desired downlink transmission signal and reception quality of an interfering signal.
US09173099B2	Method of subscription control in a mobile communication system A method of subscription control for a first network control node in a mobile communication environment is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a trigger request message for triggering a mobile communication device from a machine-type communication (MTC) server, determining whether the trigger request message is valid according to whether one or more MTC features required by an application indicated in the trigger request message is subscribed or activated by the mobile communication device and is supported by a network control node of the mobile communication system, and accepting the trigger request message and forwarding the trigger request message to the network control node when the trigger request message is determined to be valid.
US09173097B2	Techniques for auto-authentication Techniques to automatically authenticate may include determining that a mobile device is on a wireless local area network. An network access identification for the wireless local area network may be determined. The mobile device may be automatically authenticated on the wireless local area network based on information associated with the network access identification. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US09173092B1	Base station data embedded for transmission within information provided to a user device Systems and methods are described herein for collecting data from a base station. Data may be collected at a base station. The data may be embedding into a URL. The URL may then be wirelessly transferring to a mobile device. The mobile device may transmit the URL to a front-end sever. Upon receiving the URL at a front-end server from the mobile device, the URL may be stripped of the embedded data. The stripped URL can be passed from the front-end server to a web server for content delivery to the user device. The front-end server may decode the data stripped from the URL to be stored as collected base station data.
US09173091B2	Lawful interception of unauthorized subscribers and equipments The present invention relates to methods and arrangements in a telecommunication system to override current access rights. The telecommunication system comprises an Access Point IAP; MSC, SGSN associated with a Configuration Unit ICU. The method comprises receiving to the Access Point IAP; MSC, SGSN from the Configuration Unit ICU, a request to monitor a system member MS, SIM. The method further comprises receiving to the Access Point from the Configuration Unit, a request to override deprived access rights for the system member MS, SIM. The method further comprises overriding in the Access Point IAP; MSC, SGSN, the deprived access rights for the member.
US09173088B1	Vehicular mobile device alarm sensor The presence of an RF signal in an expected location emanating from a mobile device within the expected location is detected by first antenna positioned in the expected location. False alarm discrimination is achieved by the square ratio of the operator's cellphone signal close to the antenna(s) versus the blocked external signals from much greater distance. A comparator compares the RF signal emanating from the mobile device in the expected location with a threshold signal and determines whether the mobile device is operating, and, if so, an alarm responsive to the comparator is triggered.
US09173086B2	Method and apparatus for preventing screen off during automatic response system service in electronic device A method of avoiding screen off during an Automatic Response System (ARS) service is provided. The method includes enabling a proximity sensor in a call connection, detecting one of a first gesture and a second gesture during a call, and upon detecting the first gesture, disabling the proximity sensor.
US09173076B2	Authentication method, authentication system and authentication program A data server to authenticate a passenger anonymously and allow an outside service to provide a service on the basis of this authentication. A passenger in an automobile uses a portable terminal with an acceleration sensor to send the acceleration sensor log in the portable terminal to a data server. The data server calculates the degree of similarity between the acceleration sensor log and time-series data related to acceleration obtained from probe data acquired from the automobile, and verifies that the portable terminal is indeed inside the automobile by confirming that there is a sufficiently high correlation between the log and the time-series data. The data server provides an access permission code to the portable terminal in response to successful acceleration authentication. The portable terminal provides the access permission code to an outside service, and the outside service accesses probe data in the data server using the access permission code.
US09173072B2	Methods and systems for verification in account registration Techniques to confirm account registration. In one embodiment, an MSISDN associated with a mobile device is received. It is determined whether to confirm registration of an account with a social networking system based at least in part on the MSISDN. Receipt of the MSISDN may include receipt of an HTTP request. The HTTP request may include an HTTP header with the MSISDN and a phone number associated with the mobile device. The MSISDN and the phone number may be compared. Registration may be confirmed based on a match between the MSISDN and the phone number.
US09173069B2	Navigating using an indoor map representation A method and system for providing an indoor map representation are provided herein. Aspects of this disclosure provide a representation of an indoor map environment whereby navigable areas are represented by a series of convex polygons in adjacency relationships with one another. Image analysis may be performed on a floor plan image to identify navigable areas and to determine the boundaries of the polygons, such as by assigning one or more colors to navigable space and one or more colors to non-navigable space. Route-finding operations may be performed using the adjacency relationships to find a path from a source area to a destination area.
US09173067B2	Method and apparatus for performing a passive indoor localization of a mobile endpoint device A method, computer readable storage device and an apparatus for locating a mobile endpoint device in an indoor environment are disclosed. For example, the method generates a location map having a predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map, receives a signal strength associated with the mobile endpoint device within the indoor environment, compares the signal strength to the location map having the predicted signal strength for each respective location on the location map and locates the mobile endpoint device as being at a particular location within the indoor environment.
US09173064B1	Estimating proximity to a mobile station by manipulating an interfering signal A technique for providing a location estimate of a mobile station, with increased accuracy. An unenhanced estimate of the location of a target mobile station is first obtained. A portable transmitter is then situated in an initial geographic area of interest defined by the unenhanced estimate. The portable transmitter is then tuned to transmit on a particular neighbor base station frequency being reported by the mobile station. When the portable transmitter is moved close enough to the target mobile station, the mobile station stops reporting the neighbor to the mobile's wireless telecommunications network, on account of the interference introduced by the portable transmitter being on that frequency. The estimated distance from the portable transmitter to the target mobile station depends on the transmit signal strength used by the portable transmitter. By considering these details, an enhanced estimate of the location of the mobile station can then be deduced.
US09173060B2	System and method for mobile location by dynamic clustering A system and method for determining the location of a mobile device in a communications network. A set of network measurement reports (NMR) may be provided for a region in the network. NMRs in the first set may be clustered as a function of observed measurement information in the NMRs. A candidate NMR for a mobile device may be received, and the candidate NMR may then be associated with a selected cluster of NMRs. The candidate NMR and a second set of NMRs may then be clustered, and a location of the mobile device determined as a function of the clustered candidate NMR and second set of NMRs, where the NMRs in the second set are associated with the selected cluster.
US09173059B2	Mobile internet protocol (IP) location A mobile IP location server that retrieves the location of a mobile device based on the public IP address that a mobile device is using. A mobile IP location server comprises a mobile location protocol interface, an identifier resolver, and a location manager. The mobile location protocol interface interacts with location applications and receives and responds to location requests. The identifier resolver converts a device's public IP address to a real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN) and performs address conversion by either interacting with an HTTP proxy server or querying a network address translation (NAT) table. The location manager retrieves the location of a mobile device given the device's real mobile identifier (e.g. MSISDN). A web application requests mobile IP location services by transmitting an IP request to the mobile IP location server. An IP location request contains a mobile device's public IP address, port number, and any application specific information.
US09173051B2	Apparatus and method for supporting time-controlled service in machine-to-machine communication system Methods and apparatuses are provided for operating a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Subscriber Station (SS) for a time-controlled service in an M2M communication system. The M2M SS registers the time-controlled service. The M2M SS establishes a service flow with an M2M Base Station (BS), after registering the time-controlled service. Data is transferred, from the M2M SS, to the M2M BS, through the service flow during an access admission time period. Transmission of the data to the M2M BS is ceased during an access restriction time period.
US09173049B2	Method, apparatus, and system for data transmission The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a system for data transmission. The method includes: receiving processed first microwave data information that is received through a microwave antenna; performing multiplexing through a preset rule on the first microwave data information and processed first radio frequency data information that is received through a base station antenna, and sending multiplexed information to a baseband unit, so that the baseband unit sends the first microwave data information to a microwave indoor unit. In the method, the apparatus and the system for data transmission, microwave data information and radio frequency data information are multiplexed, and then multiplexed information is transmitted together. The microwave data information can be transmitted through a transmission medium between base station devices, such as a fiber, thereby saving connection cables between microwave transmission devices and reducing a device cost and an installation cost of the microwave transmission devices.
US09173046B2	Microphone and method for modelling microphone characteristics A method of modelling microphone characteristics of a target microphone is provided. An impulse response of target microphones is measured over different angles. A signal conditioning on the measurement data is performed. The spatial response based on a spatial response matching algorithm is matched and filter parameters and/or model parameters are determined.
US09173044B2	Method and system for delivering announcements in a cabin A method for delivering announcements via a cabin communication facility comprising at least one cabin loudspeaker and via an on-board entertainment system comprising at least one headset output comprises the steps of delivering an announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker, beginning at a first instant, and delivering the announcement via the at least one headset output, beginning at a second instant, which differs from the first instant, the delivering of the announcement via the at least one cabin loudspeaker and the delivering of the announcement via the at least one headset output being initiated at differing instants.
US09173039B2	Optical microphone An optical microphone for detecting an acoustic wave propagating through an environmental fluid by using a light wave, includes: an acoustic wave receiving section having a propagation medium portion through which an acoustic wave propagate and a first support portion for supporting the propagation medium portion; a light source for outputting a light wave so that the light wave passes through the propagation medium portion across the acoustic wave propagating through the propagation medium portion; a light-blocking portion having an edge line for splitting the light wave having passed through the propagation medium portion into a blocked portion and a non-blocked portion; and a photoelectric conversion section for receiving a portion of the light wave having passed through the propagation medium portion which has not been blocked by the light-blocking portion to output an electric signal.
US09173033B1	Composite vibration diaphragm and its fabrication method A composite vibration diaphragm fabrication method includes the steps of: (a) mixing a reinforcing material with a hot melt adhesive to form a first mixture and to let the reinforcing material be wrapped in the hot melt adhesive uniformly, (b) mixing the first mixture with a thermosetting adhesive to form a second mixture, (c) coating the second mixture on a vibration diaphragm material and then heating the second mixture coated vibration diaphragm material, and (d) cooling down the coated vibration diaphragm material in which the second mixture is cured and bonded to the vibration diaphragm material. Thus, when baking the second mixture, the internal hot melt adhesive will be melted and integrated with the thermosetting adhesive, and the thermosetting adhesive will also be cured, enabling the reinforcing material to be uniformly bonded to the vibration diaphragm to reinforce the strength and rigidity of the composite vibration diaphragm.
US09173027B2	Systems and methods for protecting a speaker In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods may include a controller configured to be coupled to an audio speaker, wherein the controller receives one or more signals indicative of one or more operating characteristics of the audio speaker and compares the one or more operating characteristics to one or more speaker protection thresholds, and based on the comparison, processes an audio input signal to generate an audio output signal communicated from the controller to the audio speaker, further wherein the one or more speaker protection thresholds are based on offline reliability testing of one or more audio speakers similar to the audio speaker and the controller generates one or more modeled parameters for the audio speaker and modifies the one or more speaker protection thresholds based on the one or more modeled parameters.
US09173021B2	Method and device for adjusting an audio beam orientation based on device location A method is performed in an electronic device for orienting an audio beam generated by the device. The method includes: detecting that the device is coupled to a docking station; and determining a geographic location of the device. The method further includes determining, based on the geographic location of the device, an orientation for an audio beam relative from the docking station; and generating the audio beam by the device.

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